When the Clock Strikes Midnight

8:15 a.m

A.N: I'm so sorry that I haven't written in a while. I have just been really busy. But I am going to try and get chapters out more quickly. Thank you all for reading this story! It really means a lot. 

 I wake up, groaning in exhaustion. I stir and feel someone in my arms so I stiffen, looking down. I see Elizabeth laying in my arms, still fast asleep. My memories come back to me and I relax, letting Elizabeth stay comfortable in my arms. I take a deep breath, exhaling shakily. Elizabeth stirs and looks up at me, her eyes unfocused. She lifts up her hands and rubs her eyes, sniffling softly. Her eyes focus on me and she smiles softly, shifting her gaze between my eyes. I shift my arm from behind her and let her rest completely on the pillow while I sit up. Elizabeth also sits up, starting to rub her eyes again. I yawn, lifting my arms above my head in a stretch. Elizabeth clears her throat and I look down at her, smiling softly.

"Peach? Why was he choking you last night? I know you told me not to worry about it but it seemed like something I should be worried about." I slump a little bit, not completely wanting to tell her.

"Well, Micheal and I had a bit of a misunderstanding and he got mad. But you don't need to worry about it sweetie. Last night I told you that I would protect you, and I wasn't lying. I would do anything to keep you safe. So don't worry about me. You just need to worry about growing up into a big strong girl. Ok?" She nods, looking down at her hands. I touch her hand, making her flinch and look up at me.

"Sweetie, what's wrong? Why do you look so upset?" A tear slides down her face and she looks up at me, starting to cry.

"Why is he so horrible? Why does he do what he does? Isn't God supposed to make it so that all the bad guys get punished?" I pull her into my arms, starting to stroke her hair.

"Well, I'm not much of a Christain, but I do know that God does punish bad people. Sometimes it just takes time. But I promise you that Micheal is going to get what he deserves. I promise." She nods against my chest, sniffling softly. I hear footsteps down the hall and I gently lay Elizabeth down on the pillow, looking down at her.

"Micheal is coming. Pretend to be asleep. Ok?" She nods, closing her eyes and wiping her tears away. I go and sit down on a beanbag, looking towards the door. The door opens and Micheal walks in, looking around the room. His eyes meet mine and he closes the door softly, walking towards me. He sits down on a beanbag across from me, locking eyes with me.

"I wanted to apologize about last night. I shouldn't have done that to you. Especially around my daughter. So I apologize." I look at him in mild shock, not wanting to believe that he actually apologized to me.

"W-Well, thank you." He nods, grabbing my hand from my lap.

"I followed through with our agreement. Last night I got the room for Veronica and Theo ready. I haven't brought them up to the room yet. But I think it would be better if you brought them to the room. If it wasn't obvious, they are all pretty scared of me. So you are going to get them to go to their room." I freeze, my heart skipping a beat. Micheal stands up, pulling me up with him.

"You are also going to prepare breakfast for everyone. So you will do that before you head down there. Now I have to get ready for work. I am going to lock you in the kitchen while I get ready. Any questions?" I look over at Elizabeth, who is staring at us. Micheal follows my line of sight and smiles, seeing that Elizabeth is awake. He lets go of my hand and walks over to Elizabeth, sitting on the edge of the bed. She sits up, rubbing her eyes before looking at him.

"Good morning sweetheart. How did you sleep?"

"I slept fine Daddy." He nods, grabbing her hand.

"Has Peach been bothering you? Been doing anything bad?" Elizabeth shakes her head frantically, pasting a smile on her face.