"They're coming for us now, just hang on for me," a voice called out. There was only darkness. "Just hang on for me. They're going to help you. The paramedics are here."
       I felt us start to move. "Please don't let them touch my skin," I mumbled pushing myself anxiously against him. "Doctor Mason St. Jo," I mumbled as I went weak again.
       The world was dark around me, I could see the silhouettes of trees. "Tabitha help me!" Clarissa's voice screamed out. "Tabitha where are you!"
     I couldn't tell which direction it had come from. "Clarissa! Where are you?!" I screamed out.
     "He's going to hurt me!" She screamed. I took off running toward the voice. Branches and vines cut into my skin, but what was a few more scars? I was covered in them. "Tabitha help!"
     I reached an old wooden cabin. I tried the door knob but it was locked. I looked around and saw a huge rock at the edge of the porch. I grabbed the rock and threw it against the door but nothing happened. "Tabitha?!" she shrieked. I threw my body against it, but it wouldn't budge.
     "Clarissa, I'm here, I'm trying to get in!" I yelled out. I threw my body against it again and the door flew open. 

      "Tab!" She screamed and I made my way to the cellar. I could hear a fight on the other side of the door.  I tried to open it, but it was locked too. "Don't hurt him!" She shrieked.
     I ran back upstairs and grabbed the iron poker from the fire place and used it to break through the door. When I got inside, my step monster lay unconscious on the ground.
     I looked up to see Alex freeing Clarissa from the rafters she was hanging from. I sank to my knees, catching my breath.
     This was the place my step monster had taken me to the very first time he had hurt me. The room looked the same, yet so different. He had drugged me and kept me here for a week.  "Tabitha?" Alex asked worriedly as he scooped Clarissa up and walked over to me.
     "Did he touch you? Your father," I wept as I asked her. "I tried so hard to keep you safe, and I failed."
     "No, he didn't. Not yet, anyway. But he was going to. He told me what he did to you though, and how he threatened you. He told me he would cut me too if I fought back," she cried.
     "Shhhh, you are both safe now. You don't have to protect her alone anymore, Tabitha," Alex spoke and rubbed circles around my back. "You are my wife, and noone is going to get away with hurting you or your sister. You are both under my protection and I will always keep you safe."
      I leaned against him and wept the rest of my tears. When I looked up at him, I noticed his split lip and bruised eye. "Let's go get you all patched up," I whispered to him as I kissed his cheek.
    "Grownups are gross," Clarissa groaned, making us laugh a little. She was safe, thanks to Alexios. I don't know how I'd ever repay him.