You Are Not Alone

Lily's POV

Lily woke to find her room covered in darkness. She had slept from the afternoon through half the night. She wiggled around slightly, but it was enough to make her moan softly in pain. Her legs and arms were sore, as were her breasts Lily could feel the ache between her legs where Mason had shoved his fingers inside her roughly. However, the pain to her face was the worst. She knew she had to have a massive bruise by now.

Taking stock of the pain she felt, Lily's mind was forced to relive the events of the previous morning. Unable to stop herself, she began to cry softly. Immediately, the lamp on the other side of the bed was switched on. She hadn't meant to wake Michael. She really didn't want him to see her like this again. The man in question softly pulled on her shoulder until she was on her back, looking up at him. His eyes held worry as he peered down at her. Searching her face, he saw the tears tracking down her cheeks.

"Oh, sweetheart", Michael whispered as he gathered her in his arms. "Shh, it's alright. I'm here and I swear, I'll never let him touch you again." Lily was touched by his words, but they only made her cry harder.

Sitting up, Michael drew her body onto his lap. Cradling her, he began to rock her back and forth as if she were a child needing comfort. He gently dropped butterfly kisses on top of her head, still soothing her with the slight rocking motion. When her cries turned to hiccups, Michael began singing. Lily gave a small smile when she recognized I'll Be There.

You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you, I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there

I'll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that's all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love I respect you
Just call my name and I'll be there

I'll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on

If you should ever find someone new, I know he'd better be good to you
'Cos if he doesn't, I'll be there

Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah
I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there

Just look over your shoulders, honey - ooh

I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there

Lily couldn't help but giggle, not expecting Michael to actually say the speaking part at the end. It must have been the desired effect, because he grinned when he heard her quiet laughter.

"Are you alright, sweetheart?" Michael asked softly. His hand came up to stroke her curls away from her face.

"Ye-", Lily cleared her throat. "Yes. I think so", she continued. Michael planted a soft kiss on her forehead, followed by her nose. Lily smiled up at him, cupping his cheek.

"Do you need anything?" He asked, still holding her on his lap.

"Maybe some water?" Lily requested. Her throat felt like sandpaper.

Nodding, Michael gently deposited Lily on the bed and stood up. After going to the kitchen, he came back a few minutes later. Handing her the glass of cold water, he then placed two aspirin in her other hand.

"Judging from the bruises on your cheek, I kinda figured you might have a headache, too", Michael said softly.

Lily smiled at Michael's thoughtfulness. Putting the pills in her mouth, she swallowed them down with a large gulp of water. Once she had downed the entire glass, she set it on her nightstand. Still sitting up, she turned to give him a small smile. Without saying a word, Michael sat next to her and caressed her face gently. Tenderly, he began to kiss every inch of her body that was bruised or blemished. She didn't dare move, afraid she would disturb such a tender moment.

Lily sucked in a sharp breath when Michael unbuttoned her pajama top. She didn't want to hurt him, but she felt fear take over as it brought back memories of Mason's assault. However, her fear was soon replaced with tender affection. Having nothing but good intentions, Michael leaned forward to kiss the bruise that stood out against the pale flesh of her breast. When he was finished, he simply buttoned her top.

Lily felt her heart swell at Michael's sweet and loving gesture. She had known that her fear was irrational. However, she hadn't really been afraid of Michael, so much as the memories of Mason that were tormenting her mind. Looking up at the loving man next to her, Lily gave a teary smile. It was then that she noticed the prominent bags under his eyes.

"Michael? Have you slept at all?" Lily asked, already knowing the answer.

"No", Michael mumbled quietly. "I-I can't. I wanted to watch over you tonight", he explained. Lily grabbed his hand, holding it in hers.

"That's very sweet, Michael. But Mason is in jail right now. He can't hurt me. You need to sleep, too", she replied.

"A-Alright", Michael agreed with a single nod. With that, the lights were turned off and he, once again, wrapped Lily in his protective embrace.

The next morning, Lily woke up in the bed alone. Feeling a moment of panic, she sat up quickly. Walking out into the living room, she calmed down as she saw Michael in the kitchen. He had her radio on, singing as he cooked something on the stove. She giggled quietly as she listened to him singing along to Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye. Her silent giggles gradually got louder. Michael was alerted to her presence when she unleashed a rather unladylike snort in the midst of her laughter. Spinning around, much like he would do on stage, he blushed as he set his eyes on her.

"Why'd you stop?" Lily asked between her laughter. Michael stuck his tongue out at her, causing her to double over, laughing even harder.

"Are you done?" Michael said, looking back at her with a mock frown. He was still tending to whatever he was cooking.

"Aww, I'm sorry, baby. You're just so cute", Lily apologized. Michael rolled his eyes playfully, knowing she wasn't the least bit sorry.

"Anyway", Michael began, changing the subject. "Are you hungry? I'm making French toast. Lily's stomach growled as if it had heard him. "I take that as a yes", Michael said, giggling.

"Starving, actually", Lily replied. Taking a seat at the table, she smiled when Michael brought her a plate of french toast and bacon. As he sat across from her, they dug in.

When Michael and Lily were finished with breakfast. He suggested that she go shower and get dressed. He had already been awake for a while, so he was already dressed and ready for the day. Lily nodded, but wasn't looking forward to what was coming. The day before, when they were at the police station, Michael had asked her if she wanted to call Carrie or her parents. She had said no, not wanting to deal with anymore that day. However, Michael was determined to take her to see them today. He was right. She couldn't not tell her family about the assault. She just knew they would all be ready to kill him with their bare hands.

After her shower, Lily blow-dryed her har. Leaving it in its natural waves, she looked at her reflection. Sighing, she got out her rarely used concealer. She tried to cover the large bruise on her face, but was unsuccessful. Frustrated, she washed it off, deciding to forgo makeup altogether. Turning off the light, she walked back into her room and over to the closet.

Since she knew it would be a bit cold, Lily made sure to dress warmly. Trying to touch the sore spots on her body, she carefully slipped on a simple pair of light blue, cotton panties and a matching bra. Picking up the clothes she had chosen, she went to sit on the edge of the bed. Slowly, she slipped on a pair of dark blue denim jeans. Standing, she zipped and buttoned them, then sat again. Although she was slow and careful, she winced when she raised her arms to pull a dark orange sweater over her head. After putting on her socks, she pulled on a pair of brown boots.

Feeling self-conscious, Lily walked back out to the living room. She was hiding her bruised face behind her curtain of blonde hair. Michael stood from the couch when he saw her. As if he could read her mind, Michael came to stand in front of her. Putting his hand under her chin, he brought her eyes up to look at him.

"This doesn't matter", Michael whispered, softly stroking the angry bruise on her jaw. "You're still as beautiful as always", he continued, giving her a smile. She gave him a small smile in return, giggling when he kissed her nose.

With that, Michael and Lily took the stairs to the back entrance of the apartment building. Archie was there waiting, ready to open the door to the town car. When the couple approached him, the old man frowned when he saw the extent of damage on her face. Being the grandfatherly figure he was, he pulled Lily into a tight hug. Lily returned his embrace, touched that she had so many people that cared for her. With that, they were on their way to Sophia's apartment.

"HE DID WHAT?! I'M GONNA KILL HIS ASS!" Carrie shouted, not even bothering to be embarrassed that she cursed in front of Lily's parents.

Lily had called Carrie, asking her to come to her mother's apartment. She didn't want to have to tell this story more than once. Her dad was already there, not that she was surprised. Her parents were back together after all.

Lily was not surprised by her best friend's reaction. She had always been very protective, especially after learning about Mason's treatment of her when they were dating. Her mother was now kneeling in front of her, tears in her eyes as she cradled her daughter's face.

"Oh, darling. I'm so sorry you went through that", Sophia said softly. She kissed the large bruise on Lily's cheek softly. She then brought her hand down to hold her daughter's tightly.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Parker", Michael said softly. Sophia directed her eyes to the man holding her daughter's hand. Moving so she was directly in front of him, her hand never broke it's hold on Lily.

"What on earth for?" Sophia asked, looking at him much like Lily had the night before when he had blamed himself.

"If I hadn't left the apartment, this never would have happened", Michael said, sniffling as tears gathered in his eyes. He was looking down, unable to look Sophia in the eye.

"Michael", Sophia said sternly but softly. "Michael, look at me", when he didn't, she lifted his chin with her finger. "You were going out to get food for her. You had no way of knowing that Mason was watching and waiting. I'm sure he would have just found another opportunity to strike. Do you understand? This isn't your fault, so stop blaming yourself."

"Yes, ma'am", Michael said, his voice just above a whisper.

"That's better", Sophia said, patting his cheek. Her other hand still clutching her daughter's. "Another thing. It's Sophia." Michael couldn't help but giggle, making her smile.

Lily smiled at the moment between her mother and the man she loved. However, it was then that she realized how quiet her father was being. She looked over at him and realized he had already been staring at her. His face was red with anger and his fists were clenched so tight that his knuckles had turned white.

"Daddy?" Lily said softly. Henry jumped as if he hadn't actually been looking at her. It was like he was looking through her. Without a reply, Henry stood up and grabbed his coat from the hook next to the front door.

"Henry? Where are you going?" Sophia asked, standing up straight.

"I'm gonna go kill that piece of shit!" Henry shouted vehemently. Lily sprang up, quickly running to stand between her father and the door.

"Daddy, no! Mason is in jail and he can't hurt me. Please, Daddy! It would only land you in jail if you do anything to him. Please don't do that to me!" Lily begged, beginning to cry.

Henry's eyes softened as he stared down at his daughter. His hand came up to gently wipe away her tears. He nodded as he cupped her cheek.

"You're right", he agreed with a sigh. Taking her father's hand, Lily led him back to the couch. In an instant, his arms wrapped around her and he cried as his face was buried in her hair.

"It's okay, Daddy. I'm right here", Lily said, comforting her father. Sniffling, Henry pulled back to cup her face between his hands.

"I know. I just-" He took a deep breath. "I just can't imagine what you must have went through. I can't stop thinking of him hurting my baby girl", Henry continued.

"I know, Daddy. But I'm fine now. Michael saved me", Lily insisted. She directed a smile at the other man sitting next to her. Henry looked past his daughter, his eyes landing on the younger man.

"Thank you, Michael", Henry said sincerely. "I hate to think what could've happened if you hadn't been there for her."

"I promise you, Mr. Parker", Henry raised an eyebrow. "Sorry...Henry", Michael ammended. "I promise you, I will protect her from now on."

Henry nodded, standing up to shake Michael's hand in thanks. After talking for another hour or so, Michael and Lily stood to leave. When they were back in the car, Michael suggested they stop and get lunch. Since they couldn't actually go out and eat in public, they decided on fast food. After going through the drive-thru of McDonald's, they drove the rest of the way home, Michael holding Lily in his arms the entire time.

When they were back at the apartment, Michael and Lily ate their lunch. When they were finished, Lily went to change into some sweats and a t-shirt. Coming back to the living room, she giggled at the sight before her. Michael gave her a huge grin from his seat on the floor. He had spread several pillows and blankets out on the floor, essentially turning the floor into a makeshift bed. She giggled and ran towards him, letting herself fall into the soft fortress he had created. For a little while, she was able to forget her troubles and just enjoy being with Michael. The rest of the night was spent cuddling as they had a Disney movie marathon.

"Thank you, Michael", Lily whispered, looking up at him.

"You're welcome, sweetheart", Michael replied, smiling before he pecked her lips softly.

"I love you", she continued as she gazed into his beautiful, brown eyes.

"I love you, more, Lily", Michael replied. Pulling her even tighter to him, he rested his head on top of hers as they went back to watching the movie.

I don't know what I did to deserve him, but thank you, God, for bringing him to me.

With this silent prayer of thanks, Lily went back to enjoying the rest of the evening with the man she loved.