Running Scared

Chapter 16: Not So Bad After All

The sound of beeping brought Charlotte out of her sleep. She looked at white walls and white tiled ceiling. The smell of antiseptic filled her nose, and looking at the machines beeping on her right she realized she was at the hospital. She tried to sit up, wincing at the pain in her side.

"Hey take it easy" Jack came in helping her sit up. He had a cut on his forehead and a large bruise on his jaw but otherwise looked okay.

"What happened? Where's Theo?"

"He's fine, he's out in the hall with my mom." He took a seat in the chair that was next to the bed, "How are you feeling?"

"Sore, my side is killing me"

"Doc said you had a few broken ribs but nothing too major."

"What-what happened Jack?" She wanted to just put the whole thing behind her, but she couldn't without knowing it was all over for good.

Jack intertwined his hand with hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Peter's dead. After he knocked you out we went at it. He managed to throw me off, and for a moment he came close to killing you." Jack paused looking at her with tired eyes, he must have been up all night worrying about her, "You don't have to worry anymore. You and Theo are safe now."

Tears filled her eyes, she couldn't believe the man next to her. He put his life on the line to not only save her but her son's life as well. "I love you, Jack" She ran a hand across his cheek gently touching the bruise.

"I love you too, Char" He leaned in giving her a deep longing kiss that gave her butterflies in her stomach.

"Momma!" Theo came running into the room, an older woman following behind him.

"Sorry, I was trying to give you two sometime alone but he really wanted to see you."

"It's alright" Jack lifted him up onto the bed next to Charlotte. His little arms quick to wrap around her.

"I missed you Momma"

"I missed you too Teddy. Are you alright?" She kissed the top of his head as he snuggled in next to her.

He nodded "I've been staying with Grandma!"

Charlotte turned to look at the woman; her light brown hair was pulled away from her face, her green eyes sparkling at Theo's words. "Thank you for watching him."

"I would do it again in heart beat, hopefully under better circumstances of course." She gave her a warm smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you Charlotte."

"And you Mrs. Haines."

"Please call me Bethany. Jack why don't you and Theo go grab something to eat."

"Come on Teddy"

"I'm assuming he hasn't eaten since I was admitted." Charlotte said once the boys left the room.

"Hasn't slept either, I don't think I've ever seen that boy so panicked before."

"I'm sorry to put your son through all that."

"Honey there's no need to be sorry. Jack wouldn't have done all he did if he didn't care about you. And from what I've heard, he truly loves you and your son. I don't think I've seen him this happy in his entire life, and it's all because of you. You're good for him." Bethany squeezed her hand lovingly.

"And just know that I'm here whenever you need me. If you need me watch Theo or you just want to talk I'll be here for you. You're like a daughter to me now."

Tears once more filled Charlotte's eyes. It had been so long since she had a motherly figure to comfort her.

"Doc said you should be able to leave in a few hours" Jack said when he came back from lunch with Theo an hour later, his mother leaving to check on her tomorrow.

"Are you coming home with Daddy and me, Momma?"

"You bet Teddy" She gavehim a big kiss on the cheek and hugged him close. This was not how she thoughther life would end up. She had big plans in her future, but as Charlotte lookedthe man next her, who she loved more than anything and who loved her, and herson who she would do anything for she smiled at the thought that maybe thingsweren't just so bad after all.