"It was only a couple of stitches." Jude remarked tiredly, her eyes rolling as she smiled indulgently at Zac.
   "And man was she bleeding!" Zac relayed as he, Jude, Isaac, Taylor, their parents, and Jessica sat around the table.
   Cheers and jests were sent around, and Jude kept the smile on her face as she accepted them both with as much ease as she could. But she couldn't forget why she had to get the stitches in the first place.
   Looking at this family that laughed and loved so generously made her envious, and feel so damn alone and out of place.

   Seeing the emptiness in her eyes, Zac reached under the table and took her hand in his and gave it a small squeeze. He smiled when she gave him a questioning look.

   "I think she needs a new maid, ya know? The old one must've been sleeping on the job." He threw into the conversation, winking at her. "Cause that place was trashed."
   Zac shook his head, "And that doctor? Woooo, was he playing twenty questions with us."
   He started laughing and let go of her hand, "Were you drinking anything alcoholic? Are you on medications? Did you take medication with alcohol? Have you been doing any illegal drugs? Have you been drinking and doing illegal drugs?"
   Rolling his eyes, he threw his arm around her shoulders, "I swear, he thought we were druggie's and boozer's and wanted our confessions as if he were our priest."

   "Come on," Mrs. Hanson said as she stood up and dumped the rest of her coffee down the drain. "I think it's time we all went to bed." She smiled sympathetically at Jude, "Especially our Jude here. She must bed dead on her feet."
   Jude smiled weakly up at her and slowly managed a small nod. "Sleep does sound wonderful Misses H."
   Taylor and Isaac both finished their mugs off before rinsing them out and putting them in the dishwasher. Hugs and kisses passed between them and their mom, as Mr. Hanson stood up and stretched.
   Seeing how everyone else was moving and that she should go, Jude started to stand up, but her hand flew out and caught the back of the chair as she started to sway on shaky legs.
   Zac was at her side, and holding her instantly, "Whoa, I got you. I got you."

   Gripping his forearm, Jude waited for the dizziness and nausea to pass. God she was so sore!
   Sucking in a shaky breath she tried to smile again, "Thanks, Zac. I was nearly kissing tile there for a moment."
   He gave a small laugh, "Not when I'm around you won't."
   "We already got the couch made up for her." Mrs. Hanson announced. "And the boys have volunteered some shorts and an old tee shirt for you to wear."
   Nearly floored by the gestures, Jude stared open mouthed for a moment before she snapped it shut and Zac started steering her into the front room. His hands on her shoulders again.

   "Just take it easy, alright?" Zac asked her as he turned back the covers and smiled up at her. "The kitchen's got a light that we'll leave on for you in case you need to get a glass of water."
   He nodded towards the television in front of the bay window. "Watch it if you find you can't sleep. You can't take another dose for…" glancing up at the clock he flinched, "no more pain killers for another four hours, okay?"
   His heart bled for again for the second time that night as he watched her settle onto the bed. She looked swallowed whole and scared.
   Cautiously sitting down next to her, he took her hand in his again. "You know, we'll get things straightened out." He gave her a brilliant-encouraging smile, "and in the morning, things will better."
   There was that wane smile stretching her lips again. Quickly, without second thought, Zac kissed her there on that smile.
   Grinning when he pulled back, Zac stood up. "Good night, Jude."