the death of a beautiful woman is most poetical

[OLIVER SEBASTIAN WELCOTT]

[/color] He sighed deeply, his breath quavering as his emotions fought against his resolve to stay calm. I did...But I couldn't save her from the pain or the memories or the anguish...And that's what she really needed. Perhaps that statement would be hard for Summer and others to understand. But not for Oliver. He didn't want to sell it out. But perhaps if Brooklyn had died, it would have been easier on her then what she was facing now. He kept that to himself though. He absolutely had to.

Oliver turned to Summer when she prompted him in her direction, keeping his eyes downcast till she began to whisk away his tears and her melodically soothing voice reached his ears. But more tears came after hearing her words. Oliver placed his hands over Summer's, which were now cupping his face. It's not enough to care. His voice sounded hoarsely. I....I don't know that Brooklyn can carry herself through this one....She's so strong and beautiful a-and smart and crazy and s-such a fighter....But I'm afraid they might have taken that a-away from her Summer. Oliver confided in his sweet Summer.

With everything that's happened and Tristan being in London...I should have been more careful. I should have been watching over her and making sure that she was safe. Oliver closed his eyes, a few more tears spilling. Summer...you can't go anywhere alone...Not till they catch these lunatics. It's not safe...Promise me you won't go anywhere alone...If something happened to you....I just couldn't live with myself. Oliver was quite convinced that none of the women in the town should be going anywhere without protecting. It wasn't even established why this attack had happened. If Brooklyn had been targeted, or if she'd just gotten in the way of something that was being executed. But until they knew for sure, it just wasn't safe.[/ul][/size]

[TRISTAN FREDERIC WELCOTT]

[/color] Tristan wasn't quite sure what it was like to be a parent. But he knew that when he had his own children, he wold watch them like a hawk. And he would be devastated if anything ever happened to any of them. Children were something Tristan was looking forward to immensely. Seeing Brooklyn pregnant with their child, that mother glow in her cheeks and twinkle in her eye was something he couldn't wait for. But he had to, they had to get through this present trial and the wedding, which now Tristan had no idea of when it would take place, out of the way before they could consider children. Tristan tilted his head and looked at her as she said his name but hesitated to go on. What baby? He asked in a soft sympathetic tone. Brooklyn's words were like a knife to his stomach, cutting sharply and causing deeply rooted inner pain. But he hid it, the expression on his face changing only lightly to one that showed compassion for his beloved fiancee. Well...we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it. Tristan said, trying to sound optimistic.

Tristan's eyes scanned over Brooklyn's body as she said that worrying about the news was easier then thinking about the attack. Of course she hadn't finished the sentence, but Tristan didn't need her to. He could fill in the blank very easily. I know darling. He assured her. Tristan wanted Brooklyn to know that, above all else, he understood and always would understand. And that he was there to take care of her every physical and emotional need and she didn't have to be afraid to admit anything to him. If he could get that across to her, he was doing his job.

You shouldn't have... Tristan agreed with Brooklyn when she said she shouldn't have gone outside, trying to take a little different approach with her this time. But you did...because at the time, you thought it was the best decision. No one blames you...so don't blame yourself. Perhaps it was easy for Tristan to say. After all, he wasn't the one who had been tortured and branded. But he knew that Brooklyn blaming herself was not going to help her at all and he needed to help her to stop.

As Brooklyn protested again, saying it wasn't the pain that had made her want to die, she'd just given up, Tristan shook his head. Brooklyn...Anyone would have done the same. And it doesn't matter now. Because you're alive and you're safe and I'm going to make sure you stay safe, no matter what. You have nothing to be afraid of. Because I'm going to stay with you and protect you. Tristan kissed the top of her head trying to stay his tears. His heart ahed so deeply for her that it was actually, physically painful and the lump in his throat made his neck and jaw sore. But he hardly noticed it. He was too sick with worry for Brooklyn, wondering again if he could really get her through this awful time.

Tristan looked deep into Brooklyn's stunningly beautiful eyes, his stare unwavering as tears rolled down his face one by one. Of course I'm not mad at you...Ohhh Brooklyn...How could anyone find a reason to be angry with you. No. I'm mad at whoever did this to you. I-I'm mad at myself f-for not being here w0hen I should have b-been. But I-I'm not mad at you...N-never at you Brooklyn. Tristan said wholeheartedly. Had she really been afraid he would be angry with her for giving up. Whatever the animals who had attacked her had done to her, Tristan thought it ran deeper even then what they had planned or hope for. Brooklyn was shattered mentally, physically, and emotionally. How could one repair something that was shattered into so many little pieces?

No...hush now...No more apologies...There's nothing to forgive. Tristan lovingly insisted. You need to rest now, lets get you calmed down and comfortable. he said softly and began to help her move into a comfortable position. Tristan could see how frustrated she was at not being able to do it all herself. He didn't comment, knowing it would make things worse, he just helped her and smiled encouragingly whenever their eyes met. Once she was comfortable and well tucked in, Tristan carefully got into the bed and laid next to her.

Tristan smiled as Brooklyn began to talk about Summer's party before drifting off to sleep. How in the world had he been so lucky. How had he gotten this beautiful, brilliantly-amazing, thoughtful woman, consent to be his? Tristan didn't deserve her, he truly was not worthy of her. You just keep thinking about that lovely party. Tristan encouraged and listened to her speak until the Morphine had put her under. Blinking back a few more tears, Tristan softly kissed her forehead and drifted off to sleep.

Tristan didn't wake until he felt a tap on his shoulder. His eyes blinked open and he turned his head to see Brooklyn's mother standing over him, an easy look on her features. To his surprise she asked him to come down the hall and get some coffee with her and her husband. Tristan quietly nodded his consent`12, afraid to speak for fear of waking Brooklyn and slowly left the bed without waking her. Tristan walked down the hall with the Sawyers, they were all silent. They reached the machine and each ordered their desired coffee's before anyone said a word. Tristan bit his lip, stemming the tide of non-stop emotions, as she said he was good with and for their daughter. I...I really and truly love her with everything that I am Mrs. Sawyer. He assured the older woman. Tristan looked at Brooklyn's father when he spoke. Thank you...and I am sorry that I didn't ask your permission for your daughter's hand. Tristan felt a formal apology was in order on both their parts and now it was taken care of and hopefully they could start fresh now.

Tristan nodded at Mrs. Sawyers next statement. I'd be more than happy to stay. he assured the woman, though happy wasn't the right word for it, because there was nothing happy about this entire situation Though Tristan had just forgiven Brooklyn's parents, it irked him that it had taken the attack and almost losing her to bring them to their senses. It was asinine! The three chatted casually while they finished their coffee, then returned to Brooklyn's room. Tristan stood near by this time, not attempting to get back into the bed. He talked with her mother in hushed tones and told a few details about the wedding plans, knowing Brooklyn would want to tell the majority, when they were all suddenly startled by the sound of the door slamming.

Before Tristan could turn to see who it was, he saw Brooklyn sit up quickly. He hurried to take her hand and calm her down as she called for him. Shhh....it's okay sweetheart, I'm right here...don't worry I' here. He said soothingly and helped her lay back against the pillows. Tristan looked over his shoulder to see who had entered the room, his eyes landing on a tall, muscular. tattooed man. There were about to be objections to his presence, when Brooklyn said his name, looking towards him as if she knew him.

Tristan's brows furrowed. Who was this guy? How did Brooklyn know him? Tristan stepped aside a small bit to allow him to come closer when Brooklyn asked. But he still stayed somewhat close. Tristan didn't trust anyone around her. Especially someone who looked like this Coleman, as Brooklyn kept calling him. Is he alright? Tristan asked, not believing Brooklyn was enquiring if the man standing upright and walking around was alright. Brooklyn, who is this? He asked with concern. Wait...they found you nearly naked with his jacket draped on you? But he was nowhere to be found? Tristan asked in a disturbed manner. Brooklyn...how do you know he's not the one who attacked you? Tristan asked as he eyed Coleman skeptically. Tristan wasn't afraid of him, only of what he might try to do to Brooklyn. [/ul][/size]

[SUMMER LILA BANES]

She felt a bit better once he let out a small laugh, though still stressed, about the crazy day he'd just had. It was tough to do what he did and still keep yourself together emotionally and mentally. He had to see plenty of people come through this hospital with anything from scrapes and bruises to injuries such as the ones Brooklyn had suffered. It made it even worse when it was someone he knew, she was sure. She couldn't do it herself, she just wasn't that strong. He was though, and even though he was standing here crying, she knew that he had every right to be doing so. She'd never doubt his strength and his genuine concern for everyone he met.

The words struck Summer in a way that didn't settle well. She wasn't sure why, but they seemed to leave her wondering if he meant them in a way that implied something more, or if he was simply stating that he couldn't give Brooklyn the correct healing. "Oliver... I don't think anyone could take that away from her. Everyone can help with it, but there are some things that will stay with a person, and that's one of them." She said to him quietly. She knew he wasn't at all put at ease by her words, but that was all she could offer him. She took a deep breath before she spoke again, knowing this was something she hadn't spoken about in years... perhaps she'd never actually spoken about it out loud before. "When something traumatic happens, like being attacked, or losing a loved one, the images and the memories just don't ever leave you... I think we've all experienced that at some point or another." She paused and blinked a few times, batting away the tears that were threatening to form. "For Brooklyn it will be that night, for you I'm sure it's when you lost Lillian... For me, it's watching my father's boat burst into flames with him still inside." She said to him quietly. Each and every subject was touchy for them, and she hoped to assure him that, while painful, the memories weren't always a horrible thing. "Even though we all wish we'd never had to experience them, they've shaped us into who we are today, and they set us on a new path for life." She said to him, knowing that at least one tear had fallen from her eyes, but she wasn't quite sure that it was from remembering her father's death... rather, speaking aloud about Oliver losing Lillian.

As more tears fell from and he placed his hands on her own, she gazed into his eyes, his voice tugging on her heartstrings. "She won't be carrying it by herself... I think we'll all pick up a bag or two, but to try and carry it all by ourselves, to feel as though we are the only ones who can fix it, or who can't fix it, isn't healthy. She'll have her friends, her fiance', her parents, almost the entire town, supporting her and caring for her. I think you may be right, as hard as it is to say, but it's not gone forever. She'll find her fight again, because that's just who she is." She said to him.

He put more of the blame on himself and it made her want to cry more. He was beating himself up over this, when really, what could he have done? He was at work, he couldn't have watched her every second of the day. If anything, she should have been at the high school that night, instead of at home watching movies. She should have gone and maybe she'd have kept Brooklyn from going outside alone. Maybe she'd have saved her friend. But it was a lot of maybe's. He asked her to make him a promise, one which she was fairly sure she'd have done anyway, but since she lived on her own and had to start getting ready for the school year, it wasn't as if she'd be able to wait for him to be off work before she could go anywhere. He was really the only person she could be with, since her brother was still recovering and now Brooklyn was injured, she really only had Oliver to feel secure with, the other two needed protecting of their own. For his sake, however, she didn't mention any of those things. She simply nodded her head, "I promise."

[BROOKLYN MARIE SAWYER]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-color: #464646; padding:20px; border-top: 10px #7D0000 solid; border-bottom: 10px #7D0000 solid;] there‘s a fire starting in my heart ( TAGGED ) CM, OW, TW, KS, CS ( OUTFIT ) NOTHING THEN HOSPITAL GOWN ( STATUS ) COMPLETE Brooklyn knew Tristan was trying to be sympathetic and not worry her with his own emotions but she was not dumb. She could tell this was killing him as much as her. She felt bad for that when she probably shouldn’t. everyone was trying to be strong and not show their own emotions. She kind of hated that as it only made her more tense but this was not the time to address such an issue. Right now she was just dealing as much as possible on her own. Her family and friends may be here but none of them had been through anything like there. Sure some were victims of avery when they messed with the cars but that was about it. That was a general attack. This-this had been personal. They had beat Brooklyn up themselves with their own two hands. The pain she felt coupled with the guilt for going out there and letting herself die was just overwhelming to her tiny frame. “I don’t care if no one blames me. I shouldn’t have gone out there. I know this psycho is out there. I had literally just told coleman about it but I still went outside.” Brooklyn tried to focus on tristan’s face but it was hard. One eye could barely be seen out of. She began to get frustrated again and shifted around to try to ease the tension within herself. Her head nodded at his words about not being mad and keeping herself. “I can’t wait to be out of this town. This person has taken so much from me.” what little her face could screw up was distorted as she breathed in. she wouldn’t tell Tristan but some of the way she touched her made her scared. Not of him but in general because they were some of the same places they had touched her. Brooklyn would just keep that to herself as she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. As he helped her she let out a small grunt of frustration. It really was like she was a child. “I fucking hate this,” she muttered out. How long until she could feel like a human being again and not like a wounded animal? That’s how these people made her feel-like an animal. They had stripped her bare, left her in the middle of the lawn and branded her followed by gutting her. Filthy psychos is what those people were. She tried not to focus on that. Instead she focused on the party and Tristan’s voice as the morphine took over and she fell asleep. Brooklyn wished she could still be asleep. The way she was awoken scared the daylights out of her. It had her sobbing which was uncomfortable for her ribs. She tried to stop herself form crying but just couldn’t until Tristan was by her side and soothing her. She leaned against him until she felt calm and he began to help her get comfortable again. Between the film of tears and the damage to her eyes it was a wonder she could make out coleman at all. But that voice and his general form was easy to make out. Who could miss that large build of his? “his name is coleman scott. He’s a friend from my summers here in hope harbor.” Feeling calmer she frowned at Tristan. His questioning was completely uncalled for. “yes I am sure he did not attack me. He was in the school when I saw the two figures outside. And I heard him come up so yes I am very sure he didn’t attack me. He fought off whomever stayed to cut me up more. He’s the reason I survived.” or that’s what she was told. She didn’t really remember everything but from what she knew is he had packed her wound and made sure she was alright. The shock must’ve been in full force because she had no recollection of that at all. At the sound of coleman’s voice on the left side of the bed she turned towards it. When she fully faced him he was extremely close to her but it’s not like he was contacting with her gaze. From what she could tell he was looking over every wound. Brooklyn began to tear up as he looked over every wound. Her gaze went down to her hands where the nails had been yanked from each thumb and ring finger. They were currently wrapped in gauze with a concoction of ointments to help ease the paid from the wounds and her nails growing back. Her voice was soft so only her, coleman and Tristan could hear. Then again the room had gone eerily silent so her parents probably heard as well. “coleman you saved me. Of course I’m going to worry. Besides your sister said you’ve been hiding away. What happened after you found me?” Brooklyn had heard some details. The school on fire. Someone helped the kids get out-coleman she presumed-and the paramedics finding her lifeless form. A horror house is what the called the place. Her insides were visible and the area around her reeked of death despite her being very much alive. Burning flesh tended to deliver that effect. Brooklyn started to have little pieces come her again. The fight. She remained coleman lunging at whomever was a top her before she blacked out. Or well her vision did. It was like she was in a tunnel as she did hear the scuffle happening but nothing was clear. Everything went in and out like a phone with bad reception. She reached her hand out for coleman’s arm. The sudden twist of her body made her grimace. “coleman stop you did the best you could. This best is seriously messed up. There was nothing you could’ve done. They might’ve killed you if you went after them. Stop beating yourself up.” If Brooklyn would have been able to do so without hurting herself, she would’ve face palmed. Yes, brought her hand ot her face, smacked it and then shook it from side to side. Of course she got her felt responsible. she herself felt guilty for going out there and responsible for leaving the kids at the prom. Instead she waited until he stopped speaking. She saw her father stand up. The man was all about honor and dishonor plus he wanted to blame someone. Her mother said he had been beating up the punching bag at the gym plenty. “everyone just take a pause. Coleman you sound crazy. You are not responsible for anything! Just sit down and join us. Please.” Brooklyn had a feeling it was falling on deaf ears but hey she tried right? sorry if this is crap. Still getting over my migraine. It‘ll improve again

table by CALIFORNIA DREAMING of CAUTION 2.0, lyrics by adele

[OLIVER SEBASTIAN WELCOTT]

[/color] Oliver knew what it was like to lose a parent. Or in his case, both...at the same time. It was the most chilling, devastating, frightening experience of one's life. Parents were the people that were always there to take care of you in some capacity....no matter how old you get. To live a life without that, was indeed difficult. He gave her hand a gentle, loving squeeze. It was obviously still difficult for Summer to speak about losing her father, just as it was still difficult to speak about losing his parents and Lilian.

Oliver again nodded at Summer's words. She was right. Brooklyn did have a great, strong, loving support system. Probably one of the strongest support systems out there. Together they was push, pull, tug, drag, her through this. And at the end of it all, they'd be standing on their feet together and stronger then ever before. Oliver pulled Summer close and wrapped his arms around her, resting his pointed chin gently atop her head. If he didn't have her right now, he really didn't know what he'd do. Summer meant more to Oliver then he could tell her right now.

He felt a little relieved when Summer promised not to go anywhere alone. Oliver couldn't lose her. He wouldn't lose her. Or allow something to happen to her. He'd was probably about to start annoying the heck out of her. But he was going to constantly be making sure she was safe. If he didn't, Oliver would never, ever forgive himself.[/ul][/size]

[TRISTAN FREDERIC WELCOTT]

[/color] He said gently, after sniffling. However much she decided to blame herself, Tristan would never, ever, even dream of blaming her...for any of it.

Tristan nodded when she said she couldn't wait to get out of Hope Harbor. I'm going to get here out of here as soon as they say it's okay. He promised and he never broke a promise, especially not to Brooklyn. Tristan didn't really care what her parents or anyone else had to say about it, he was taking her back to London as soon as possible. He didn't care what it cost or what precautions needed to be taken. If Brooklyn wanted to leave, they would be leaving. Brooklyn...I know this is hard...but don't let them win. You come out of this swinging. And you know that I am here for you every single step of the way sweetheart....You don't have to do this alone. He whispered.

Tristan's heart squeezed when Brooklyn said she hated this. He knew how independent she was, how she liked to be able to do everything on her own. It as one thing to accept help, it was another to need it. Brooklyn hated to need help. Tristan understood it. He was the same way. It's not forever darling. He knew that probably didn't help right now, but he was at a loss for words. He just really didn't know what to say or do for her, other than show that he was there and would do anything she wanted at all. But again, Tristan was confronted with the fact that he only had words. There were no actions that he could take to fix any of this. Tristan wished he could just scream and vent about not being able to help her, right to her face. But that wouldn't help Brooklyn at all. That would make her feel even worse, that was the very last thing that Brooklyn wanted.

When Brooklyn woke up and began to sob, Tristan was by her side in a flash, soothing and comforting her and assuring her that everything was alright. He felt guilty for not having stayed right directly beside the bed, where she could see him when she did wake. Tristan carefully held her as she leaned against him, whispering to her and assuring her until she had been pacified.

Tristan listened to Brooklyn's explanation about Coleman, but remained skeptical. He didn't know this guy and though Brooklyn did, it wouldn't be the first time someone had betrayed her. Perhaps he'd had her attack. Tristan didn't know who to trust or who not to trust in this town. With everything so up in the air and Brooklyn nearly on her death bed, Tristan had to remain skeptical. He had no other option. He hid it well though, for Brooklyn's sake. Okay. He said softly, nodding his head, while he moved to the side a little to allow Coleman to come closer. Tristan didn't walk away entirely though. Tristan wanted to be where he could see the guy's every movement.

Tristan listened closely to every word exchanged between Coleman and Brooklyn. His story sounded legit, but look at the guy! How did Tristan know he wasn't just a good liar. No...he just couldn't fully trust him yet. He needed...witnesses. Someone who had seen Coleman doing this. But Tristan didn't really know who'd been around. Of course, he kept all of this to himself. When Brooklyn reached up for Coleman's arm, Tristan cringed. Brooklyn be careful. He said softly. As she got a bit more animated, he encouraged her to calm down, for fear that the stupid nurses would come in and sedate her again. He hated when they did that. Brooklyn wasn't some animal to be tranquilized. She was a person! They didn't have the right. Brooklyn...Are you sure that's best...I mean...you're just not supposed to have too many visitors at once. Tristan said where only Brooklyn could hear him, after she'd asked Coleman to stay. He really honestly only had her best interest in mind. He was being protective, maybe a bit overprotective. But who could blame Tristan? Brooklyn had nearly been murdered and no one knew by who. Okay the knew Avery was behind it...or suspected it at least. But the police didn't have any kind of lead on who this Avery was. It could have been one person or it could have been a group of people that were going by the same name. And Coleman could be one of those groups. Tristan couldn't be too careful. [/ul][/size]