Chapter 1

"I'm so sorry, Kay. It won't happen again. I swear." Kay Bennett lied on the ground. Her head was throbbing and she could feel the bruises forming. She looked up at her boyfriend, Alex, and tried to hold back the tears. This wasn't the first time that he had hit her and it probably wouldn't be the last.

"It's okay, Alex. It was my fault. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. I'll never do it again." Alex helped her off the ground and he gave her a hug.

"Good. You really need to watch how you speak to me. I would never have to punish you if you did. Anyways, I have to go. I have baseball practice before school. I'll see you later, Kay." Alex kissed her and then headed for the door. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She struggled to get the words out, afraid of what he might do to her if she didn't respond. After he left her bedroom, she went into the bathroom and washed her face. She got out her makeup and began to conceal her wounds. Over the past couple months, she had become an expert at it. She met Alex at school. He and his family moved there about two months ago and he asked Kay out immediately. Since she was sick and tired of Charity this and Charity that, she said yes. Deep in her heart, she still loved Miguel. He was still completely consumed with Charity and hardly talked to her anymore. As for Grace, she didn't even acknowledge her existence. Charity was her new daughter and Kay was just cast aside. Kay knew that her father still loved her. He was the only one who cared about her. They developed a stronger bond after she discovered his past relationship with Ivy Crane. Even though he denied it, Kay knew he still loved Ivy, but she kept quiet. She was, however, rooting for them to get together. She knew that Ivy would treat her more like a daughter than her own mother would. Since Alex came into the picture, Simone and Kay drifted. Simone was now best friends with Charity. Kay thought about ending her relationship with Alex all the time, but she was afraid. She didn't really have anyone left that she could really trust and she knew she couldn't get away from him alone. So she did what she had to do. She kept quiet.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*At School*

"Hi Kay." Charity said as she and Simone walked up to her locker.

"Hi." She said as she lowered her head prayed that they didn't notice the bruise that was forming on the lower right side of her jaw.

"What's the matter, Kay?"

"Nothing, Charity. I'm just tired."

"Are you and Alex going to the dance this weekend?" Simone asked.

"I don't really want to go, but Alex does. So we're going. Anyways, I have to get to class." Kay shut her locker and then pushed past them.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*At the Bennett's House Before the Dance*

"Kay, you look beautiful." Alex said as she walked down the stairs. She was wearing a long sleeve (to hide the bruises) red dress that went down to about her knees. She had her hair up in a french twist and wore dangly earings and a diamond solitaire necklace. Miguel was also there, picking up Charity, as well as Simone and Jessica. Grace was taking pictures of her favorite niece and Sam was sitting on the couch.

"Thank you, Alex." Kay kissed him on the cheek as she approached him. After Grace was finished taking pictures of Charity and Miguel, everyone prepared to leave for the dance. Kay and Alex were almost outside when she realized that she left her jacket inside. "I'll be right back." She went back inside and almost bumped into Jessica, who was headed for the door. "Sorry, Jess. I was just getting my jacket."

"I'm glad you mentioned that. I almost forgot mine." The two sisters went to the coat closet. As Kay was getting her jacket, she dropped it on the ground. She leaned over to pick it up and Jessica was horrified by what she saw. Kay didn't realize that the back of her dress was a bit low cut and when she bent down, Jessica saw two huge bruises on her back. Kay stands back up and Jessica pretends that she didn't see anything. They get their jackets and head to the dance.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*At the Dance*

Kay and Alex are dancing closely together. Simone, Charity, and Miguel were sitting at a table when Jessica came up to them.

"Can I talk to you guys for a minute?"

"Of course, Jess. What is it?" Miguel asked her as she sat down.

"It's about Kay. When I was inside with her earlier, she bent over and I saw two huge bruises on her back."

"Well that doesn't mean anything. It could be from anything. What are you trying to say?" Simone asked.

"I don't know, I just found it odd."

"I'm sure Kay is just fine." Charity added.

"You're all probably right."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Alex went to go get punch for him and Kay when Reese approached her. He asked her to dance and she decided to say yes. Alex came back and was not happy. He dropped the drinks on the ground and then went up to Kay and grabbed her arm.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"Alex, I was just dancing with Reese." Everyone at the dance was watching them.

"You little slut! You're two timing me?!"

"No, Alex, I--"

"Shut up! You're coming with me!" He pulled her by the arm and led her outside. "Why do you have to make a fool out of me like that?!" Miguel, Charity, Simone, Jessica, Reese, and other onlookers followed them outside to make sure Kay was alright. "I do everything for you. Why isn't that enough?"

"It is, Alex. I'm sorry that I was so horrible. Can you forgive me?" Kay was holding back her tears. She just wanted to go in her room and hide.

"Of course, Kay. You know I love you." He pulled her into a hug, which caused the onlookers to think she was alright and they went inside. But Kay's 'friends' stayed out there.

"Can you take me home now? I'm not feeling too well." She asked as she pulled out of his embrace.

"Of course." Alex helped Kay into his car and drove her home. She went straight to her room and collapsed on the floor in tears. She cried and cried for what seemed like hours. All of the sudden, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She looked up and saw Jessica staring down at her with tears in her eyes.

"Ok, Kay! I'm so sorry!" Jessica knelt down by her sister and wrapped her arms around her.

Chapter 2

Kay hugged Jessica back. She felt a lot better knowing that she had someone to lean on. Jessica p

ulled away for a minute to look at her.

"Kay, why don't you tell someone? He has no right to hit you."

"I can't, Jess. Who would believe me? Mom and Miguel don't give a damn about me and Charity wouldn't know what to do. As for Simone, she would think it was a lie or scheme to get Miguel. She's Charity's friend now, not mine. Dad's a cop and if I told him, he's probably kill Alex." Kay said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You can't keep letting him get away with this."

"He doesn't hit me that often, Jessica." She lied.

"I know you're not telling the truth. I saw the bruises on your back." Jessica said as Kay looked down at the floor.

"Please don't tell anyone about this. I beg you. Don't you see that I love him?" Kay was lying again. She cared about him, but it wasn't love. She loved Miguel. She was only staying with Alex because she was afraid of what he might do. He had once threatened her that if she tried to leave him, he would make Jessica pay. She couldn't let him hurt her little sister. It was her job to protect her.

"Okay. I won't tell anyone, for now. But if he hits you again, I'm telling Dad." She warned her as she stood up. "If you need anything, just let me know." Jessica left the room and then shortly after Kay went to bed.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*Monday Morning*

Kay got up for school and performed her usual routine of getting ready. After she put on her makeup, she grabbed her books and waited for Alex to come pick her up. After about 5 minutes, he honked his horn and Kay left with him. They didn't say much in the car. Alex had a feeling she was still angry at him for the fight they had at the dance. He didn't want to bring it up now because he knew what an arguement would lead to. He decided to wait until after school when Kay would have time to cool down. They arrived at school and then he walked her inside. He kissed her on the cheek and then went the opposite way to go to baseball practice. Kay went to her locker and saw Charity, Miguel, and Simone standing in front of it.

"Hey Kay." Simone said. Kay avoided making eye contact.

"Hi guys."

"Are you feeling okay?" Miguel asked her.

"Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be okay, Miguel?" She asked defensively as she pushed her way to her locker and opened it.

"Well, after that scene at the dance, we were all kind of worried about you."

"Well I'm fine. And since when have any of you worried about me in the past couple months? You don't worry about anything but yourselves!" She slammed her locker shut and then stormed off. She didn't know what had gotten into herself. It was probably just the months of anger that she had been holding back. She went through the rest of the day avoiding them as best as she could. She also tried to avoid Alex, as well, but he always managed to find her. After school was over, she was so upset that she forgot that she was supposed to meet him. She went straight home and went into her room. She layed down on her bed and soon fell asleep.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Kay opened her eyes as she felt someone grabbing her arms.

"Alex?! What are you doing?" She asked as she tried to sit up.

"You didn't wait for me. Did you go meet your other boyfriend!?"

"Of course not. I'm sorry I didn't meet you, Alex. I forgot."

"Forgot? Maybe you need a lesson on what happens when you forget." All of the sudden, he brought his hand back and slapped her across the face. Tears sprang from her eyes and she just stared at him in horror.

"Please, Alex. I swear to you. I just forgot." This just made him angrier. He hit her again, this time with more force. And then he hit her again and again. She cried louder and then he dragged her by the arm from the bed and then hit her again. She landed on the floor and she tried to hold back her tears, but she couldn't. "Shut up!" When she didn't stop crying, he kicked her as hard as he could over and over again in her stomach. "I don't have time for this. I have to go meet my parents. When I come back later, you better be ready to behave yourself." Alex left Kay's bedroom and she just lied on the ground sobbing. After she heard his car drive away, she gained enough strength to get up off the ground. She walked over to the window and noticed that her parents' cars weren't at home. Her Mother was probably at her shop, her Dad at work, Charity at Miguel's, and Jessica was staying the night at her friends. She was glad that no one was home. She was in so much pain. Her whole body ached and tingled and she was afraid of the bruises that might form. She knew that she couldn't let Jessica find out or she would tell her Father. She walked towards the bathroom and then fell on the ground before she made it there. She managed to crawl back into her room and she pulled herself back onto her bed. She pulled her comforter up to her chin and then fell back asleep.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*The Next Morning*

Sam went into his daughter's bedroom to wake her up.

"Kay, sweetheart, wake up. You're going to be late for school." Kay opened her eyes. She still felt a shooting pain throughout her body.

"Dad? I don't feel so good. I really don't want to go to school." Sam walked towards her bed and felt her head.

"You're burning up. You go back to sleep. I'll call the doctor's and see if I can get you in." He said as he walked towards the door. "By the way, Alex stopped by last night but I told him that you were sleeping. I told him I'd let you know."

"Thanks, Dad." He left her room and Kay tried to sit up in her bed. She felt sharp pains in her stomach that felt as if someone was digging needles inside of her. She managed to get out of bed and actually made it to the bathroom this time. She looked in the mirror and sighed with relief that she didn't have any visible bruises on her face. However, she rolled up her sleeves and saw them covering her arms. She could feel them on her stomach and back, as well. She didn't know how much more of this she could take. She splashed water on her face and then went back in her room and went to sleep.

Chapter 3

Hey Charity. Where's Kay?" Jessica asked as she appraoched her, Miguel, and Simone at the lockers.

"Your Dad said she was sick or something. She stayed home today."

"Oh." Jessica put her head down and frowned. She had a feeling that something wasn't right but she pushed the horrible thought out of her mind.

"Jess, are you okay?" Miguel asked as he noticed her expression.

"Hmm? Yeah, I'm fine. I just hope Kay's alright."

"She's just sick. She'll be fine." Simone said. Jessica just nodded and then walked away.

"What was that all about?" Miguel asked.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Sam went back into Kay's room later to check on her. She was still sound asleep so he quietly went over to her bed and felt her head. She was burning up even more than she was before. He decided that he should take her to the hospital and have Eve check her out.

"Kay? Honey, wake up." He said as he sat on her bed and gently shook her. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"Dad? What are you doing?" She asked groggily.

"Sweetheart, I'm going to take you to the hospital. You're burning up."

"No Dad, I'm fine." She knew that she wasn't fine. Her stomach hurt even more than it did before. She was afraid to go to the hospital because someone would discover her bruises.

"Kay, you are going to the hospital and that is final. Come on, get up." She knew she couldn't argue with him. She would just have to make up something for the bruises. She nodded her head and then struggled to sit up, which caught Sam's attention. "Don't try, Honey. Come here." He said as he procceeded to pick her up. He carried her downstairs and then saw Grace sitting on the couch.

"Sam? Where are you going?" She asked.

"Kay's burning up. I'm taking her to the hospital. Can you help me take her?" He asked her as he walked towards the door.

"Sure. I'll get the door." She said as she walked up to the door and opened it. Sam put Kay in the back seat and buckled her up and then drove her to the hospital.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*At the Hospital*

Sam carried Kay inside the hospital and then Eve spotted them. They had already called her from the car to let her know that they were bringing her in.

"Okay, Sam, right this way." She said as she came up to them. She led them into one of the examining rooms and Sam layed Kay down on the bed. Eve had Sam and Grace leave while she checked out Kay. "Okay, I need you to tell me where it hurts, okay?"

"My stomach hurts."

"What does it feel like?"

"Like needles." She managed to get out. Kay described the pain to Eve and she didn't like what she was hearing.

"Kay, I think we should do some tests and possibly x-rays." Kay couldn't argue, so she just nodded.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Sam and Grace sat in the waiting room. Sam was pacing and Grace was sitting there calmly.

"Sam, it's getting late. I need to get back to my shop." She said as she looked at her watch.

"How can you say that? Our daughter could be very sick."

"Kay has always been a bit dramatic. She's fine, Sam." Sam was appauled by her behavior.

"You can leave if you want but I'm staying. I know what's important to me." Grace was about to leave when Eve finally came out of the examining room, without Kay.

"Is she okay, Eve?" Sam asked as he went up to her.

"I think you should sit down." She suggested.

"No, I don't need to sit down. What is wrong with my daughter?!"

"We ran some tests and x-rays. She has two broken ribs and some internal dammage to her appendix."

"How would she get that?"

"There's more. She also has bruises covering her body." Sam was filled with rage.

"Where the hell did she get the bruises?"

"I don't know, Sam. She won't tell me."

"Can I see her?"

"Yes, but I don't want you upsetting her. She is very scared right now and in a lot of pain. We're going to have to remove her appendix."

"Ok." Sam and Grace followed Eve into their daughter's room. Grace stood closer to the door and Sam sat down in the chair next to her bed. "Hi, honey." Kay smiled up at him weakly.

"Hi, Dad."

"How are you feeling?"

"Not so good."

"Sweetie, can you tell me what happened?" Kay closed her eyes and then looked back up at him.

"I can't talk to you about it."

"Do you want to talk to your Mom or Eve?"

"No!"

"You need to talk to someone. Would you rather talk to one of your friends?" She shook her head no. "Do you want to talk to a woman?" She nodded. "Did you have anyone in mind?"

"No. If I have to talk to someone, I want it to be a woman, though."

"Okay. I'll find someone, sweetie. You rest your head." He kissed her on the forehead and then left her room.

"Who are you going to get to talk to her?" Grace asked him as they sat on the couch. She was a bit hurt that her daughter didn't want to talk to her about it.

"I don't know."

"What about Ivy Crane?" She suggested.

"Honey, that's probably not a good idea."

"Why not? She's a woman. A Crane woman at that. She's probably seen it all." He tried to say no again, but he didn't think it was such a bad idea. Maybe she could help her.

"Ok, Grace. I'll give her a call." He said as he walked towards the phone. He dialed Ivy's number and explained the situation to her. Ivy immediately agreed and then procceeded to come to the hospital

Chapter 4

Ivy arrived at the hospital and then went up to Sam and Grace.

"Thanks for coming, Ivy." Sam said.

"No problem. Where's her room?" She asked. Grace volunteered to show her and Ivy followed her. She opened the door and went inside by herself. She saw that Kay was awake and staring off to the side. She gently approached her and said her name. Kay looked up and stared at her.

"I knew my Dad would call you."

"How?"

"I don't know. I just did."

"I know that you don't know me very well at all, but your Mom and Dad explained the situation to me and that you needed to talk to someone. I'd like you to trust me. I can be here for you and just listen or give you advice. Whatever you need. Do you think you can open up to me?" Ivy asked as she sat down in the chair next to Kay's bed.

"I think I can, it's just hard." She began as tears started to form in her eyes. "I have a boyfriend and his name is Alex. Sometimes he---No! I can't!"

"Okay, you don't have to. But, sweetie, you can't keep this inside forever. I can see that it's destroying you. I think I know what you were going to say."

"I know I can't, but I'm scared. What do you think I was going to say?"

"That he sometimes hits you." Kay put her head down and started to cry harder. Ivy put her arms around her and tried to calm her down. "You poor thing. Listen to me, Kay. You don't deserve this."

"Maybe I do. Maybe if I were a little nicer to him and always did what he said it never would have gotten this far."

"Don't talk like that. It is NOT your fault. He needs help, honey. Look what he did to you. You're in a hospital with two broken ribs and you have to get your appendix removed. That's no way to treat someone you love."

"But I am so scared of what he'll do if I break up with him. He threatened to hurt Jessica and I can't put her life in jeopardy because of me."

"But your Dad is the Chief of Police. If anyone can stop your boyfriend, he can. I think you should tell him and you Mother."

"I can't. They'll hate me."

"They will not hate you. They love you very much and they want what's best for you. They need to know, Kay." Kay sat there and took in everything that Ivy was saying. She knew it would be hard, but she had to tell her parents. Maybe it was better to do it now before things got really out of hand.

"Ok, you're right. I need to tell my parents."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"Who do you think did this to her?" Grace asked Sam as they sat on the couch in the hospital waiting room.

"I think it was Alex. I'm not going to make any accusations until I know for sure. But if he did do this to her, I'll kill him." Just then, the door to Kay's room opened and Ivy came out. She went up to them as they stood up.

"How is she Ivy? Did she tell you what happened?" Sam asked her.

"She's still upset and very scared. She did tell me what happened."

"Well? Are you going to tell us?"

"No. Kay needs to tell you herself. She's ready for you to go in there now." Sam and Grace headed for the door and then Sam turned around.

"Ivy?"

"Yes, Sam."

"Thank you." He said before turning back around and going into his daughter's room. Sam and Grace both went up to her bedside and Sam held Kay's hand. "Hi sweetie."

"Hi Dad. I'm ready to tell you both what happened." She began as the tears were resurfacing. "Last night when you guys were gone, Alex came over. He was angry at me for not waiting for him after school, so he slapped me. When I started to cry, he hit me again and again and then he pulled me off the bed and hit me again. When I wouldn't shut up, he kicked me repeatedly. This isn't the first time he's hit me. I just don't know how to make him stop!" She was now sobbing and Sam and Grace were both pissed off. Sam felt nothing but rage and hate for Alex. He couldn't believe that someone was hurting his little girl in his own house and he wasn't there to stop him. He felt like a failure. He pulled Kay into his arms and gently rocked her. After a few minutes, Grace hugged her and then Eve came in. She told them that Kay needed her rest and they left the room.

"I'll kill him!" Sam said as he picked up a magazine and threw it across the floor.

"Sam, calm down. If you do anything, you won't be able to arrest him. You need to play it safe. Do it by the book." He nodded and tried to calm down a little bit. "I'm going to head home and be there for the kids. They're probably wondering where everyone went and I don't want them to worry."

"Okay, Grace. I'll see you later. Don't forget that they're removing Kay's appendix tonight."

"I won't. I'll be back." Grace left and headed for home.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Miguel, Charity, Simone, and Jessica were sitting in the Bennett family room after they got home from school. Miguel was teaching Charity a new video game and Simone was helping Jessica study for her geometry test.

"I wonder where everyone is. I thought you said Kay was sick, Charity." Jessica said as she took a break from her studying.

"She is, Jess. I'm not sure where she is. Maybe your Mom or Dad took her to the doctor."

"Yeah, maybe." Jessica still had the same uneasy feeling that she's had all day. All of the sudden, the door opened and Grace walked in.

"Hi, kids."

"Hi Mom. Where's Dad and Kay?" Jessica asked. Grace walked a little closer to her.

"They're at the hospital." This caught Miguel, Charity, and Simone's attention. They looked up from their activities and listened.

"What for? Is everything alright?" Simone asked.

"No, everything isn't alright. Why doesn't everyone sit down." The all gathered on the couch and waited for Grace to continue. "Kay isn't doing too well. She, ah.....I don't know how to say this."

"What is it Mrs. Bennett? What's wrong with Kay?" Miguel asked. He was really starting to get worried. He knew that things between him and Kay haven't been very good in te past few months, and that made him feel bad. He just wanted to talk to her like he used to.

"Alex hits her. Last night, he gave her a pretty bad beating. He broke two of her ribs and caused internal damage to her appendix and they have to remove it."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Alex sat outside of the hospital hidden in a bush. He heard that Chief Bennett had put an APB out on him. He knew that Kay had opened her mouth about him hitting her and he wasn't happy.

"Damn you, Kay! Why'd you have to tell? If you think it's over, you're dead wrong. You're never going to leave me. NEVER!"

Chapter 5

Everyone sat in the room in silence. They were shocked a what Grace had just said. Jessica finally broke the silence when she burst into tears.

"Jess, honey, what's wrong?" Grace asked as she put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"I should have told someone." She said as she sobbed louder.

"Told someone what? Did you know about Kay?" Miguel asked. He was angry, to say the least. His best friend was getting the crap beaten out of her and he didn't even notice all the signs that were there.

"Yes. I found out after the dance. I knew something wasn't right and I caught her crying in her room that night. She was so scared and she made me promise not to tell anyone. I shouldn't have agreed. This is all my fault!" Jessica said as she ran out of the room and upstairs to her room.

"I'm going to go talk to her." Miguel said as he followed Jessica. He went up to her door and knocked. After she didn't answer, he opened the door and saw her crying on her bed. He went up to her and put his hand on her back. "Jess, it's not your fault. If anyone's to blame, it's me." Jessica sat up in her bed and faced him.

"Miguel, you had nothing to do with this."

"Yes I did. If I would have been a better friend to her, maybe this wouldn't have happened."

"Will you two stop arguing over who's fault it is?" Simone asked as she came into the room. "What's important now is being here for Kay. Mrs. Bennett said that she's getting her appendix removed tonight. Maybe we should go see her and show her how much we care about her."

"You're right, Simone. Let's go."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Sam sat at his daughter's bedside watching her sleep. He used to do that when she was a baby because it helped to calm him. But this time he was watching her because he was afraid that if he left her side he'd lose her forever. He loved her with all his heart and couldn't believe that anyone would ever want to hurt her. He was deep in thought when a nurse came in carrying flowers.

"Where are these from?" He asked as he left Kay's bedside.

"I don't know. A young man came and dropped them off. Here's the note." She handed him the note and he unfolded it. It read: My Darling Kay, I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and I'm sorry things turned out this way. When you are feeling better we will go out and celebrate your recovery. I will see you soon. Love, Alex After finishing the last line, Sam ran out of the room and out of the hospital. He looked all around outside but didn't see anything. He was about to go back inside when he saw Grace, Miguel, Charity, Jessica, and Simone walking towards the door.

"Hey, Sam. What are you looking for?" Grace asked as she went up to him.

"Alex was here. He sent Kay roses and a card. The nurse said that a young man dropped them off."

"How is she, Chief Bennett?" Miguel asked with a deeply concerned look on his face.

"She's sleeping right now. Why don't we go inside and you can go see her." They all nodded and walked back inside the hospital. They sat down in the waiting room.

"Chief Bennett, can I go see Kay now?" Miguel asked. He had to see what that bastard did to her so he could do the same thing back to him.

"Sure, Miguel." Miguel walked towards Kay's room and opened the door. He went inside and sat by her bed.

"Kay?" He said as he tried to wake her. He couldn't believe how pale and fragile she looked. It was unusual to see her look so helpless. She was always the one that had the courage. Maybe that's why she stayed with Alex. Finally, Kay began to move and her eyes opened.

"Miguel? What are you doing here?" She asked.

"I had to see you. Your Mom told me what Alex did. I'm so sorry Kay."

"It's not your fault, Miguel. It's my fault. I should have just been a better girlfriend to him." Miguel couldn't believe what she was saying. This wasn't the Kay Bennett that he knew. She had been brainwashed. Seeing her change this much made him even angrier at Alex. 'The next time I see that bastard, I'm going to kill him!' He thought to himself.

"Don't you dare say that. No one deserves to be treated like this. I know that if you were my girlfriend, I would never treat you like that." He couldn't believe he just said that. He didn't know what it was, but he had been thinking a lot about Kay lately. Before they could finish their conversation, the door opened and Eve came inside.

"Kay, I hate to interrupt, but it's time to get you ready for surgery."

"Okay." She said as she turned back to Miguel. "Thank you for what you said and for trying to make me feel better. That means a lot to me and that's what I'll be thinking about when I go in for my surgery." More nurses came in and prepared to take Kay away. Miguel didn't leave her side once. When they were finally ready, Kay stopped them for a moment. "One more thing, Miguel. I love you." With that, she was wheeled away and taken to the O.R. Miguel just stood there, unsure of how to take what she just said.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"Scalpel--" Dr. Russell requested as she put her hand out.

"Scalpel." The nurse handed it to her. The surgery was going good so far.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Sam and Miguel were both pacing the hospital waiting room. Charity and Grace were sitting in silence and Simone was comforting Jessica.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"Oh no."

"What is it, Dr. Russell?"

"I'm afraid we have a serious problem."

Chapter 6

ATTENTION: I am NOT a medical expert. I don't really know much about medicine, etc. This is purely a work of fiction and some of the medical things I state will not be accurate. Just bare with me. Thanks.

Sam sat on the couch in the waiting room with Jessica sleeping with her head in his lap. Grace and Charity were down at the cafeteria getting something to eat and Simone and Miguel were talking. They had been waiting for news on Kay's surgery for the past 2 hours and they were all growing impatient. At last, Eve came out of the room with a worried expression on her face.

"Eve, what is it?" Sam asked as he gently laid Jessica on the couch and stood up.

"In the middle of her surgery we discovered a serious problem." She said as Miguel and Simone walked over and Grace and Charity came back from the cafeteria.

"What kind of a problem?" Grace asked.

"She slipped into a coma after we found that there is severe damage to both of her kidneys. If she doesn't get a transplant within the next 24 hours, I'm afraid that she won't make it. She needs at least one kidney to survive." Miguel felt that his whole world was crumbling around him. Ever since Kay told him that she loved him before her surgery, he hasn't been able to think about anything else. Now the thought of losing her forever seemed too much to bear. She has been there for him through everything and he didn't think he could make it through life without her.

"Oh, God." Sam said as he sat on the couch and put his head in his hands. He couldn't believe that he might lose his daughter because of Alex.

"Is there any way we can find someone, Mom?" Simone asked as tears were flowing down her cheeks. She hasn't been much of a friend to Kay in the last few months and she felt bad. If Kay died, she would never get to tell her how much she cared about her and how much she valued their friendship.

"I don't know, Simone. I have several nurses checking into it to see if they can find a doner, but I'm afraid that the odds don't look good. Finding a doner is hard enough, but doing it in a day is nearly impossible. The body tissues have to be compatible."

"I'll be the doner." Miguel volunteered.

"Miguel? No!" Charity yelled.

"I want to do it. I can't let Kay die. Please, Dr. Russell, test my body tissue to see if it's compatible."

"Miguel, I know you want to help, but I don't think your Mother and Luis will like that very much."

"They'll understand. I'll call them right now and have them come down here. I have to do this for her."

"I can't believe you would do this for my daughter." Sam said as he stood up.

"I would do anything for her."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Miguel called Pilar and Luis and told them to get down to the hospital as soon as possible. They arrived there in about 15 minutes.

"Miguel, what's going on?" Pilar asked as she came into the waiting room with Luis. Neither of them had heard anything about Kay yet.

"Mama, it's Kay. She's in a coma and she needs a kidney transplant in the next 24 hours or she'll die." Miguel blurted out as he had tears in his eyes.

"Whoa, Miguel, slow down. How did this happen?" Luis said as he tried to calm Miguel down.

"Kay's boyfriend, Alex, beat her up. They had to do surgery on her to remove her appendix and then they discovered that there was trouble with both her kidneys and she needs a transplant. I want to be the doner, Mama."

"I don't know, Miguel. That's a serious operation. What if something happens and you die?"

"That doesn't matter. If Kay dies, then I have no reason to live. If I donate my kidney to her, she at least has a chance. Please, Mama." He begged her. Pilar and Luis looked at each other. They were both concerned for Miguel but they knew that this was something he had to do.

"Okay, Miguel. You can do it."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Pilar, Miguel, and Luis walked over to where Sam and Grace were talking with Eve.

"My Mother said I could do it."

"Thank you, Pilar." Sam said.

"Okay, Miguel. We need to run some tests on your body tissue to see if it's compatible with Kay's. If it is, we'll have your Mother fill out some forms and then prep you for surgery."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Grace, Sam, Pilar, Luis, Charity, Jessica, and Simone sat in the waiting room as they waited to find out if Miguel can be Kay's doner.

"How are you feeling, Jessica?" Sam asked his daughter.

"I'm terrified, Dad. What if Miguel can't be Kay's doner or what if he can but she doesn't make it? I never got to tell Kay how much I love her."

"That's a lot of what ifs. I'm sure that Kay knows how much you love her. You need to think positive." They waited for a few more minutes and then Eve finally came out of Miguel's room.

"Good news. Miguel's tissue is compatible with Kay's."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

After Pilar signed the papers to allow Miguel to donate his kidney to Kay, Eve prepped him for surgery. They also got Kay ready and then took them in for surgery.

Chapter 7

How are you holding up, Sam?" Luis asked as he came up to Sam in the waiting room.

"I've never been so terrified in my life. If Kay dies....I don't know what I'll do."

"Think positive, Sam. Kay's a tough kid. She'll pull through."

"Thank you for everything, Luis. By the way, are there any new leads on Alex?"

"No. He hasn't been home since this happened. But don't worry. We'll find him and he won't get away with what he did."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

After about 3 hours, Eve finally came out of the O.R. went and into the waiting room.

"Eve, how are Kay and Miguel?" Pilar asked as she appraoched her.

"They both made it through surgery okay. Miguel is awake, but Kay isn't yet."

"She is going to wake up, isn't she Eve?" Sam asked.

"I wish I could tell you for sure, but I can't. She suffered a lot of injuries and her body is still in shock over it. She needs all the support she can get."

"Can we go see her?"

"Sure. Pilar, Luis, you can go see Miguel. He was asking for you."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"How are you feeling, Miguel?" Pilar asked as she walked up to his bedside.

"Tired. Is Kay alright?"

"She still isn't awake, but she made it out of surgery okay."

"She has to be okay. I know she will be."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Sam and Jessica walked up to Kay's bedside while Simone waited by the door. Grace and Charity stayed outside in the waiting room.

"She's getting back some of the color in her face." Jessica observed.

"Yes, she is. Kay, honey, it's Dad. We're all here for you now and we promise not to let Alex come near you again." Just then, the door opened and Miguel, who was being helped by Luis, came in.

"Hi, Chief Bennett, Jessica." He said as he came towards the bed.

"Miguel, it's great to see you. You saved my daughter's life and I will never forget that as long as I live. You are a hero."

"Thank you. Can I talk to her?"

"Sure. Jess, Simone, why don't we leave them alone for awhile."

"Ok, Dad." Jessica said as she, Simone, and Sam left the room. Luis helped Miguel to Kay's bedside and sat him down at the chair then left the room. Miguel took Kay's hand in his and held it tightly.

"Kay...you have to wake up for me. I can't live without you. I have been so stupid and so blind. I didn't see what was right in front of my face...true love. If you wake up, we can start our new lives together and I promise you that I will never let anyone hurt you. Just please wake up...I love you." All of the sudden, Kay's hand started to move and her eyelids started to open. At last her eyes opened all the way and she stared straight into Miguel's eyes.

"Do you mean that, Miguel? Do you really love me?"

"More than anything."

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

*1 Week Later*

"You ready to go home, Kay?" Eve asked as she helped her out of bed and put her in a wheelchair.

"Yes I am. I just want this whole thing to be over with." Miguel pushed the wheelchair out the door and met Grace in the waiting room just as Sam was coming through the door, with Alex in tow.

"Look who I found outside lurking in the bushes by Kay's room." Sam said.

"Kay, don't let him do this. I love you and you love me. Tell them." Alex said as he pleaded with her. With Miguel's help, Kay stood up and looked into his eyes.

"I don't love you and I never have. You almost cost me my life and I will never forgive you for that. I will do whatever it takes to make sure my Father locks you up for a very long time. Don't you ever come near me again!" Sam had Luis take Alex to jail and then Miguel helped Kay sit back down and wheeled her away in the other direction. ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

THE END