9-1-1: The Family We Chose

S3 E6 - Monsters

I sobbed in the shower, ripping at my skin with the sponge, needing to feel clean. But no matter how hard I scrubbed, I knew I would never feel clean again.

And I know it may look like it from the outside, but I was never really doing any better. I just didn't want everyone to worry.

When I get out of the shower, I dry my body with the towel and feel the fabric brush against my raw skin.

I shudder at the feeling, and attempt to throw on some clothes. I put a bra on, and start putting Jack's hoodie on.

The hoodies drags across my arms, making me feel like I'm burning. The same thing happens with the sweatpants.

When I walk out the bathroom, the rest of his apartment is dark. I make my way to his room, and find him half asleep on the bed.

I look at him wearing a tank top and shorts, and I'm here wearing full on winter clothes.

I slowly climb into bed, trying not to wake Jack. Unfortunately, that didn't work. He turns around to face me, blinking his eyes.

"Hey, sorry I woke you." I whisper.

"What are you talking about? I was never asleep." He chuckles groggily.

"Sure."

I go to cover myself with the blankets, but he stops me.

"Are you not hot?" He asks.

"No." I lie.

"Lia, come on. You have got to be sweating in that. You've been wearing hoodies and sweats these last few days." He says.

"Okay, and?"

"You're always sweating when you're asleep and waking up." He tells me.

I sigh in defeat, and slowly pull off the hoodie. As the fabric drags across it, the burn comes back.

"Oh, Lia.." He mutters.

My skin is red, and looks irritated. I feel the cold air blow on it, and it makes me itch.

"I can't feel clean. No matter how hard I scrub." I sob.

"Shh, come here."

He scoots over, wrapping his arms around me, and holds me tight.

I sob from all the pain. The pain of the burn from his shirt, the pain in my head, and the pain that Luke caused me.

After I calmed down a little, Jack pulls away from me and takes his top off. He motions for me to lay on him. I lay on his chest, feeling his heat warm up my body.

As I start to drift to sleep, I feel Jack kiss my head and brush hair out of my face.

*

"Jack, I'm going, okay? I'm gonna be fine."

The station was hosting its Halloween "party", and I was insisting that I go and help.

Jack had to say otherwise.

"Can you at least eat first? Please?" He asks.

"I'm not hungry." I say as I throw a sweater on.

I cringe as I feel the material drag against my skin, making it burn, all over again.

"It seems like you never are these days." He says.

"Why would I be." I mutter.

"Lia, come on. Just stay home and relax." He tries again, following me out of the room.