Unexpected

Time to think

Melly POV
After they closed the door I walk further into the room. I let my hands roam over the comforter on the bed... it's so soft to the touch. Sam left the bathroom door open so I take a look. It's all sparkling clean and the towels look so soft, too. I am little hesitant to use all the stuff.
Moving back to my bag near the bed I sit down on the floor and go trough my things. Most of the stuff is already used so I take the baggy green long sleeve shirt and pair of sporty leggings that don't have stains out. I even found a pair of fresh underwear actually my last one, so I really have to do laundry before tomorrow since I don't want to make a bad impression. I take my outfit to the bathroom and get started on the shower. There is really everything you can ask for not only shampoo and body wash but conditioner and lotion and perfume and always for men and women... wow I feel like in a luxury hotel room. Standing under the warm water it hits me hard... tears pool in my eyes and mix with the water. Never had I such nice things not even during the good times with mum and my stepdad. I don't even know what will happen to me. I miss my mom and I feel so lost and alone. Can I really stay here? Is it safe to stay? Do Julian and Sam really want me to stay or am I just a charity case? My legs give way and with heavy sobs I sit on the shower floor trying to control my breathing. My ribs still hurt and all this crying just makes it worse. There a probably a few different colors in the bruises around my torso. I turn the water off when I have no more tears left. Before I can wrap a towel around me I take a look in the mirror. I am almost a week on the run and the bruises are just slowly fading I don't even have to touch them to know they are still sore. I used up all my Tylenol this morning before I came here and now I am regretting not getting more beforehand. After putting on my clothes I look through all the cabinets but painkillers aren't anywhere to be found. Damn! I check my bag one more time but come up empty. Maybe a short nap will take the edge off. I am intended to lock the door to feel more secure but I am not sure why I don't want to do it maybe since I am guest and it seems rude... I pull down the comforter and get in the bed. I curl up under the sheets... Maybe I can stay a few days. Recharge and form a plan where I can run to next... after this decision sleep takes over rather quickly.

Julian PoV
"Sam... I am so sorry. I ... I don't know what to say really... I just feel like I have to apologize to you! If this is not okay for you... I will figure something out..." Sam puts a hand on my back. She sits down next to me and pries my hands from my face. "Jules look at me. There is nothing you have to apologize for you. You didn't know. It's okay. I know it's not ideal and wow ... I am at loss for words too. But there are two girls now upstairs that need us both. I don't know where to start but..." I really look at my wife and she has tears in her eyes. I take her in my arms. I realize I have to be strong for my girls, all three of them. Sam sniffs a little and then starts talking in my ear. "Jules, I have seen a lot during my days as a nurse. And I can tell that Melanie has been abused. She might need to see a doctor. She has been through so much... I can tell from the little she told us and from what happened the past few hours... My heart breaks for her. We have to take care of her. Please let us make sure that she is not going anywhere anytime soon!" I take a deep breath. Sam is definitely right. The panic attack and her jumpy behavior are clearly signs of abuse. Just to what extend. I take Sam's face in my hands and wipe away her tears. "I will try my best to protect her and make sure she has a better life from now on. I love you Sam. Together we can do it." I take her back in my arms and we stay like this for a while till a little voice comes through the baby monitor on the counter. "Mr. Bunny hop hop hop..." We both laugh and I get up. "I will get her down and the three of us can play outside for little while." Sam pulls herself up. "Sounds like a plan. I will cut some fruit as a snack for later." I climb the stairs and before I open the door to Lily's room I hear the shower running from the guest room and I hope that's a good sign.