Promises Broken




Acknowledgements: Oh my heck!! I can't believe that I am finished! This has been the hardest thing I've ever written in my life! I could never have done it without the following people though: Sharon S., my mentor. You guided me through this very tricky process of writing about a very difficult subject. Thank you for all of your suggestions, editing, and help. Debbie and Doc, thank you for all of your medical editing and directions and other suggestions. May, thanks for being my objective editor. The one who never reads any fan fic but mine. You've helped a lot. Deana Holtz for being the inspiration for Nicole's character, Deana and Tammy Holtz both for encouraging me to post my stories in the first place. Dena Holtz and Lisa Simpson with whom my friendships were the basis for that of Beth and Nicole. Finally, last, but not least, thank you to all who have sent compliments and constructive comments. You have helped more than you know in both ways!

Author's notes: Rape is a very difficult subject to write about, because of the nature of the crime itself. It is a crime that people find hard to talk about, as well. A survivor can not just "get over it." Yet so many expect them to. The effects of this horrible and degrading crime don't end when the perpetrator leaves. They continue on. With the love and support of loved ones and friends, they can begin the healing process, but it isn't quick nor is it easy. I have tried very hard to give as accurate a portrayal as I can, and not to trivialize this. Rape is not funny or fun. I sincerely hope I have not offended or upset anyone by this story. Please accept my sincere apologies if I have!

now, on with the story....

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John, Nicole, and Dave finished arranging the last of the boxes in the rental van then climbed out and lowered the door. John and Beth were taking the van back to his place that night, and then the four would go to the new apartment to move everything in the next day.

Nicole raised her arms above her head and stretched. "Man!" she exclaimed. "I don't know how we're gonna move everything in tomorrow. My muscles are already sore!"

Dave laughed and reached out to poke her in the sides while her arms were raised. She squealed, then laughed and tried to poke him back. John watched the two as they teased each other, and laughed with them.

"I'll be right back," he told his two colleagues. "I'm just going to go let Beth know we are finished down here."

"I'll come with you," Nicole said. "I need some water. Plus, it's a little chilly out here!"

Dave said, "Well, there's no reason for me to 'chill' out here. I might as well go in, too."

Nicole rolled her eyes at Dave's pun, and John laughed. Then the three left the rental van and walked toward the building. Dave took Nicole's hand in his, than lifted it to his lips, gently kissing it. Nicole smiled at her boyfriend. She was grateful that they had each other. She didn't know what she would have done during this whole time if it hadn't been for him. He was a goofball, but a loveable one, and a damn good doctor. She had heard stories when she first started at County General about his seeming lack of care towards his job and responsibilities. He had grown up, though, and improved over time. He still had his moments, but he was slowly gaining respect. She was proud of him.

After entering the building, they started up the stairs. They were halfway up when they heard Beth's terrified scream, "John!"

John practically flew up the rest of the steps, as did Dave and Nicole. He called out Beth's name, but received no answer. Rushing through the open doorway, he passed the darkened kitchen, through the living room, towards the hall. What he saw made his blood boil.

There was a man who fit Beth's description of her attacker, holding her against the wall. He was so intent on his goal that he never heard the others enter the apartment. Beth was crying, pleading with him to stop. He drew his arm back to hit her again, and was surprised when his arm was grabbed from behind and he was spun around.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!" John yelled, drawing back his fist and punching the surprised man in the nose. John heard a sickening crunch as his hand made contact with the middle of Mashburn's face. The man put a hand over his nose, blood pouring from it.

John hit him again, wanting to beat hell out of this man. "How do you like it?" he screamed. "How do you like having the shit beat out of you?" Mashburn was so shocked he didn't even get a chance to take his own swing before John had him on the floor, pummeling him with his fists.

"John!" Dave shouted. "JOHN!!!" Dave pulled his friend off of the scum on the floor, telling him to go take care of Beth. Then Dave grabbed ahold of Mashburn's arms, putting him in a wrestling hold. John's eyes were glaring dangerously at Dave, not hearing what he had been told to do. All he wanted to do was to kill the bastard for what he had done. He started for the man again, but stopped when Dave yelled, "Beth!"

This yell got John's attention, and he suddenly remembered his battered fiancee in the hall. He spun around and ran to Beth's side.

*******

When John had rushed towards the hall and grabbed the man standing there, everything else had happened so fast that Nicole barely had time to comprehend everything. Dave had reacted quickly, years of school yard fights, high school wrestling, and bar room brawls keeping him quick on his toes. He made sure Nicole was out of harm's way, then told her to call 911 on her cell phone while he took care of things.

Nicole did just that, and watched in shocked amazement as John started beating the man on the floor. The 911 operator answered, and Nicole told the woman on the other end of the line that they needed the police to come quickly. She was speaking so fast in near panic mode that the operator had to ask her three times to calm down.

Finally, the police and ambulance were on their way. The operator wanted Nicole to remain on the line with her until help arrived. Nicole refused, though, saying she was a nurse and there were two doctors there, also, who could take care of things until help could come. Nicole hung up her cell phone, and quickly went to John and Beth.

*******

When John got to Beth, she was laying on the floor, just staring and not moving. John called her name, praying that she would be okay. She didn't answer him. The bruising on her face from the monster's hand was already an ugly deep purple and black color. He spoke softly to her, and tried to check her for any other injuries she might have sustained.

Her pulse was rapid and her breathing shallow. John realized she was in shock, and took off his jacket to cover her with. Since Dave was busy holding down Beth's attacker, he asked Nicole for her jacket and covered Beth with it, as well.

The paramedics and police arrived then, coming through the still open door. After Beth's injuries were assessed, she was loaded into the ambulance and taken to the County General Emergency Room. Ben was taken to the hospital in a separate ambulance.

*********

John rode in the ambulance with Beth, and Dave went with Nicole in her car. John held Beth's hand, whispering soothing words to her. She was still in shock, and didn't respond. It took all of John's concentration not to start crying. He knew Beth needed him now more than ever, and wanted to be strong for her.

Upon arriving at the hospital, John was not surprised to see Mark, Jing-Mei, and a few of his other colleagues standing in the ambulance bay. The paramedics had called ahead to warn the staff of Beth's arrival. Mashburn had arrived just seconds before Beth, and was being examined by Luka, Kerry, and Malik.

Mark, Jing-Mei, Haleh, and Lydia once again took care of Beth, each having an eerie sense of deja-vu. Mark allowed John to stay with Beth this time. He knew that Beth needed someone she trusted absolutely to be with her. John was glad that Mark allowed him to stay. He would have stayed anyway, because wild horses couldn't drag him away from her side this time.

Beth was treated for shock. She had no broken bones or any injuries other than the bad bruising on her face. She was given an injection of Toradol for the pain caused by the hitting and slapping. John remained with her the whole time, and she slowly began coming around.

********

Nicole and Dave had arrived by the time Beth was given the pain medication. They walked quickly through the doors of the ambulance bay just in time to see Mashburn being taken out by the police, handcuffed. Nicole instinctively shrank back against Dave, as he protectively pulled her against him, putting his arms around her.

Beth's attacker didn't even look up. After he had passed by, Nicole and Dave both let out a sigh of relief, not even realizing they had been holding their breath.

*********

Beth eventually came fully out of the shock, and after making sure she would be okay, Mark released her. She turned to hug John, feeling safe and secure with him. She was tired, and just wanted to get back to John's apartment and sleep. She quietly thanked those who had been treating her, and left with John, Nicole, and Dave. The staff watched their colleagues and friends leave, and most shook their heads sadly at all that the four had been through lately, particularly Beth and John.

Nicole dropped the two of them off, then went on to Dave's apartment. She and Dave would go back for the rental van the next day. The two fell into bed, both exhausted at the events of the day. They talked for a few minutes before falling to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

********

Beth went into the bathroom at John's place to get ready for bed. She doubted she would sleep, but she'd try. Turning on the light, she saw her face for the first time all evening. She stared at her bruised and battered reflection, horrified that Ben gotten to her yet again. Tears gathered in her eyes, but she couldn't seem to stop staring.

Beth felt herself growing angrier and angrier as she thought about all that had happened to her in the past few months. She had been a confident woman before that jerk had entered her life. Afterwards, she had lost nearly all of her self-esteem, believing it had all been her fault. She hated what he had done to her, and in turn to her friends and to John.

For all of these reasons and more, she was mad. She was fighting mad. How dare that evil man think he could take away something that Beth had held precious, and then think he could come back for more?! She would make sure that she did all in her power to put him away. She was tired of the fear and the uncertainty she felt every waking moment. Beth vowed right then and there that she would not allow this to beat her, no matter what happened. She would do this for her Mom, for God, for John, and most importantly, for herself! She smiled a genuine smile for the first time in months, knowing that although everything was still not great, it would get better. With John by her side, she knew she could do anything!

**********

Epilogue
one year later....

Beth opened her eyes, a little disoriented as she looked at the strange room. Suddenly, memories of the day and night before returned to her. She smiled as she turned her head toward her sleeping husband. This was her first full day as Mrs. John Truman Carter, and she wanted to savor every moment of it.

The past year had been difficult at best, and downright horrible at worst. Beth hadn't suddenly recovered after she got mad. In fact, she was still recovering. She had her good days and her bad days, and knew that this would be an ongoing process, probably for the rest of her life.

Ben Mashburn was in prison, awaiting trial. The trial was set to begin in another month, and Beth knew that it would be hard. She would have her husband and her friends there for her, though. She new she could do it with their love and support.

The night before with John had been beautiful. She still had days when she wanted to cuddle with him, and felt safe in his arms. She had other days when she couldn't stand to be touched. John was always patient with her, never failing to show her how special she was to him, and how much he loved her.

She was scared when they went to bed that night, and he had simply held her until she felt ready to go further. John had been very gentle and sweet with her, taking things slowly, and stopping when she needed to. Finally, it happened. She and her beloved husband were able to make love, and it felt so right, so perfect. Before falling to sleep in the wee hours of the morning, John had taken her once again in his arms, and looked her in the eyes.

"Beth," he said, "I love you so much! You are my life, and I could never live without you. Thank you for loving me and for marrying me! I will always be here for you, and I will always love you!"

He then kissed Beth tenderly, stroked his hand across her cheek, and smiled as she said she loved him back. Then the newlyweds kissed once more, and fell into a sweet, dream filled sleep.

Now, awake, she watched John sleep, marveling at the wonderful blessings God had given to her. Slowly, so as not to wake him, she leaned over, kissed him gently, then lay back down. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep once more, a smile on her face.




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