The rest of the day, Scarlette just laid in bed as Marshall atteded to her every need, usually being rewarded with a kiss. Scarlette was recovering nicely, so was Marshall. No one ever really bothered them, except for that nosy doctor they met when they first got to the hospital. Everything was great up until Scarlette's parents showed up.

"Scarlette, dear, are you alright? What happened?!" Her mother asked, feigning concern. "You could've died!"

"Why wasn't Marshall protecting you?" Her father asked, glaring daggers at Marshall.

"D-dad, Marshall..." She stuttered. "He was fighting them off while I was hiding... They started beating up Marshall and I was stupid enough to get out and try to stop them."

"Why in the hell would you do that?! You could've died! I get that you're nice, but that was a stupid move! What if you died? What would happen to Reeves Exporting?! Jesus-" Her father was interrupted by the door opening.

"Mr. Reeves, your daughter is now doing great. She can go home now to complete her recovery, but I suggest that she take it easy for a few days."

"Yes, yes, thank you, now please get her into some clothes and where do I sign the discharge?" Her father said, clearly rushed and irritated.

The doctor led him out to the reception area as her mother threw her some clothes and scurried out after him. Scarlette shook her head. She gently raised her arms up for Marshall to gently pull her to her feet. He unstrung her hospital gown and she pulled it off, leaving her in her bra and panties.

He stared at her. Not in lust, but in... Appreciation. The scars running up and down her thighs, some reaching her pale stomach were in all honesty, hideous. But he loved each and every one. They showed each war, each battle she fought with her inner demons. She has lost almost all the battles, but he knew she was going to win the war. There was no way he would let her lose. Not when he loved her like this. Like there was no tomorrow.

He then, instead of helping her dress, closed the gap between them and enclosed her with a hug. He held her tight, never wanting to let go. She rested her chin on his shoulder, clutching him as tears made their way down her face. She was exhausted. She's been fighting for a long time, but she couldn't shake off that one thouh in ther mind.

Part of her didn't want to accept it, but she knew that even with Marshall by her side, she could never escape her parents, and that her life will forever be pre-determined by her parents.

Marshall on the other hand, had something else in store for her. He didn't exactly know what it was yet, but he was sure that he was going to make her happy.

They pulled away from each other reluctantly, and Marshall gently wiped away her tears, and kissed the tear stains away.

"I love you." He gently whispered into her ear.

She then leapt up, hanging by his neck.

"I love you too." She rasped quietly, kissing his cheek over and over again. He nuzzled the crook of her neck gently, tears pooling in his own eyes, realizing how much he meant to her, and vice versa. He put her down gently.

"C'mon babygirl, let's get you dressed."

She sat patiently on her designated bed as he pulled down her shirt over her head. Once her head popped back out again, she pecked his nose, giving him a small smile. He, naturally, smiled back, even if the smile was forced. He knew she hated it, but he couldn't help but pity his young girlfriend. Normally, she would be so full of life, and her hazel eyes would be like tiny embers, lighting up the entire room. But as soon as her parents were in close proximity to her, she shrinks and becomes the quiet and broken girl he met just over a month ago...

Marshall never wanted Scarlette to turn into that girl ever again. He planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Up, babygirl." He asked softly, lifting her up with one lean arm. She giggled as she was set on her feet. He then bent down to pull up her jeans. As he did, he planted a chasté kiss on her outer thigh.

"Babygirl." He whispered into her thigh. "You're my babygirl." He looked up at her, eyes pooling with tears, then pressing his forehead to her thigh. She tilted his head up, and kissed him slowly. He returned the kiss, but then pulled away.

"Baby," he mumbled, standing up. "We need to go home, babygirl... I think they'll be looking for us soon."

She pouted, but then nodded. "Can I have a hug first??"

He happily obliged, encasing her into a hug. He then started to sing softly to her.

"If I could be with you tonight,

I would sing you to sleep

Never let them take the life behind your eyes..."

He pulled away, placing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Never let them take the light behind your eyes, babygirl." He said gently as Scarlette looked up at him with adoring eyes.

"Now let's go home."

♤♡♢♧ Wow... That was personally, emotionally draining for me. This is a bit longer in my opinion, but maybe as my writing evolves, the chapters'll get longer :D ... And I never got the 13 votes I originally asked for :( ... Maybe it's too ambitious for a first book :P but please, enjoy this chapter :) ♤♡♢♧