I can remember the first time I saw her on my doorstep alone. It wasn't raining, like some cliche movie. It was a warm night, yet she was still trembling. With sobs, or shivers, I'll never know. Her blonde hair was down, trying to hide the brusies, but you could see the bruise forming on her fine cheekbone. Her skin was like china, so pale and clear. Except for the purple bruise. Her blue eyes were glassy and full of fear, as I stepped aside to let her inside my home. She knew she was always welcome here. She came in, her arms wrapped around her small frame. I could see her shifting nervously, and I instantly knew that she was beginning to regret coming here. I tried to make her as comfortable as possible before I started in on the questions.

~*~*~*

Somewhere there's a stolen halo
I use to watch her wear it well
Everything would shine wherever she would go
But looking at her now you'd never tell

~*~*~*

The first thing that flew out of her mouth, as she sat curled up on my couch, my blanket draped over her, was a request for me not to tell anyone. I paused, then I reassured her that I wouldn't tell anyone. She tried to cover her sigh, but I heard it. She curled up closer to the armrest of the couch, and rested her head down. I bent down, and asked her to tell me what happened.

Her eyes glanced down at the hot chocolate I gave her to feel better. She never onced look up at me, most likely because she felt ashamed. I felt the rage pump through my veins like a sickness. She told me, in her small, fragile voice that he had hit her. He'd gotten angry at her for talking to her friends instead of him, pinned her to the wall, and hit her. Why anyone would do that to this beautiful woman is beyond me. No one should be treated like this. I pushed past her hair, and tucked it behind her ear. She smiled weakly at me, almost in defeat. She held the mug with hands, and blew on it before sipping it. I ran my fingers over the bruise, and she flinched back. I understood fully, but she still apologized. I told her not to, but she doesn't take no for an answer.

~*~*~*

Someone ran away with her innocence
A memory she can't get out of her head
I can only imagine what she's feeling
When she's praying
Kneeling at the edge of her bed

~*~*~*

She fell asleep saying a silent prayer that she thought I wouldn't hear. I was behind her, watching over her protectively. I kissed her gently on the forehead, and listened to her soft breathing become regular. She looked like an angel with a broken wing. She didn't deserve this. I sighed, and walked over to the phone. I promised her, but she would forgive me in time. She needed this, I didn't know what was going through her mind. I dialled a familiar number, and listened to the phone ring.

"Hello?" The worried voice told me they had little sleep.

"Catherine?" I replied.

"Gil! Lindsey isn't home yet what if something's hap-"

"She's with me Cath."

There was pause. I was hoping she wouldn't yell at me, and she didn't. I believe she was more greatful than anything.

"What? Why?"

"Just come over, okay?" I tried. That was not a discussion to be talked about over the phone. She needed to see for herself.

~*~*~*

And she says take me away
And take me farther
Surround me now
And hold, hold, hold me like holy water
Holy water

~*~*~*

I waited for less than 15 minutes, as Catherine was most likely breaking 12 traffic laws to get here. She burst through the door, and I managed to clamp my hand over her mouth before she started in. I motioned for her to me quiet by placing my finger on my lips. She nodded in understanding, and took off her coat while I shut the door behind her. I pointed over into my living room, and she followed me silently. I moved aside, so she could get a full view of her daughter. I watched, as her hand flew to her mouth to cover up the small cry. The tears rolled down her cheeks freely, as she gently got down on her knees, and ran her hand through Lindsey's hair. Lindsey's eyes fluttered open, and she saw her mother's eyes first thing. She glanced at me, but not for long, and then focused on Catherine.

~*~*~*

She wants someone to call her angel
Someone to put the light back in her eyes
She's looking through the faces
The unfamiliar places
She needs someone to hear her when she cries

~*~*~*

Catherine wrapped her arms around her, and Lindsey moved over to make room. They sat there for a few moments, in each other's arms, crying. I decided it was my time to leave, and I leaned over and kissed both of their foreheads. Before I left the room, I looked back, seeing them move to fall asleep on the couch together. Catherine met my gaze, and gave me a greatful smile. I smiled back, with what was hopefully letting her know that I was always there for both of them.

~*~*~*

And she says take me away
And take me farther
Surround me now
And hold, hold, hold me like holy water
Holy water

She just needs a little help
To wash away the pain she's felt
She wants to feel the healing hands
Of someone who understands

And she says take me away
And take me farther
Surround me now
And hold, hold, hold me
And she says take me away
And take me farther
Surround me now
And hold, hold, hold me like holy water
Holy water

~*~*~*