Keesha closed her eyes and prayed that this was not happening to her. This just can’t be. She whispered over and over to herself. Why is God punishing me? What did I do? She asked as she squeezed her eyes shut even tighter.

"It's not fair." She mumbled aloud.

“Keesh? Are you all right?” Taylor asked softly. His arms were around her instantly when he saw the crystal tears sliding slowly down her cheeks.

“It’s not fair!” She cried out as she clutched him to her. “It’s not, it’s not.” She murmured like a chant.

“Sssh, ssh.” Taylor said soothingly as he gently stroked the back of her head, his mind filling with worry over her.

“He’s back.” She wailed.

“Back?” Taylor asked confused. “Who?”

“Who’s back?” He asked when she didn’t answer him.

Sucking in deep breaths Keesha finally forced out, “My father!” She blurted out in one agonizing breath.

She caught her breath, “He’s back.” She said again, this time oddly calm and distant.

“Oh, Lord.” Taylor managed to get out. He shuddered and he felt Keesha shuddering more violently than he had. “I’m sorry.” He whispered hoarsely. “Oh God, I am so sorry.” He apologized over and over again.

Keesha shook her head fervently. “It’s not your fault!” She shrieked in protest. “You didn’t bring him here!” She said as her tears continued to streak down her cheeks rapidly.

Taylor wiped her tears away slowly and gently. He remembered her father all too well. He had caused her to go deaf from beating on her mercilessly when she was a child. Nearly killing her by slicing her wrists and arm. Then he wanted to bury her in the backyard so that he wouldn’t get into any trouble.

Remembering all of this, Taylor clenched his jaw tightly, and his grip on Keesha tightened protectively. “I promise you,” He started quietly. “I won’t let him hurt you. I won’t even let him touch you.”

His promise to her was spoken softly and with deep sincerity. His concern clouding his blue eyes.

Keesha raised her tear stained face to meet his. Slowly she hugged him to her and placed her lips so gently on his. “I know.” She whispered. “I know you will.” Her body trembled lightly. “But I’m still so scared, Taylor.” She admitted weakly.

Taylor nodded. “Me too.” He stated as he hugged her even tighter. Letting her bury her face into his shoulder.

Keesha sought comfort in his arms and found it. She found security there too. And love. She couldn’t forget love either. No, not his.

Quickly she got them both to stand up and they started walking out of her room. She was in the middle of her depression when Taylor had walked in on it. She was grateful that he did.

“Why are you here?” She asked as they walked down the stairs.

Taylor smiled and tugged gently on her hand. “Do I need a reason to see my love?” He asked softly.

Blushing slightly, she shook her head. “Not if you call me 'your love' again.”

His smile widened into a grin. “Well then, ‘my love’ I want to take you out on this fine evening. My brothers and I have some time before we tour again. And I want to spend much of that time with you.”

“Okay.” Keesha agreed. “Let me get ready and we’ll go.” She started to turn back around to go back up to her room when Taylor wouldn’t let go of her hand.

“You look fine.” He assured her smiling, looking her over.

Keesha felt the heat in her cheeks. “For someone who has been crying you mean, right?”

Taylor shook his head and kissed her gently. “You always look fine, Keesh.” He whispered softly against her lips before he kissed her again.

“Well, with an answer like that,” She teased. “How could I change?” She asked smiling as they walked out the front door with their arms around each other.