Nothing Compares To You

Save Me?

She stumbled out into the night, not really sure where she was going. All she knew was that she had to find Tom. She had no idea what she could - or should - say. Would he even speak to her? After the debacle of the meal and the subsequent silence between them, there was no guarantee. But she had to try.

Tom was the only person she wanted to see. The only person she wanted to hold her and tell her it would all be ok.

She hoped the minute she told him, he would help her. He would probably want to hurt Iain so badly he'd need a wheelchair, but she just wanted him terrified into leaving. Simon and Joe would be up for it, too.

They'd often discussed what they would do to someone who dared to threaten their little gang. Now was their chance to act out those promises.

She pulled her coat around herself tightly, wishing she'd put on a fresh blouse, and walked on. It would be a long walk, but what else had she to do? Where else had she to go? Her hands were frozen, and her feet were like ice. She could only pray that he would help her.

It was gone 1am when the doorbell rang. Well, not so much rang as sounded like someone leaning on the doorbell as if their life depended on it.

Tom was sitting in his living room. Unable to sleep, as was becoming more and more common these days. He was reading through a script, trying to concentrate. And failing miserably. What was she doing? What was she thinking? Could she be thinking about him? How could he tell her that he loved her. That he would do anything for her?

He rested his head back on the sofa and closed his eyes. Rubbing them, he sighed. How had he got it so wrong? If only he hadn't hesitated. If only he'd taken the chance that night. Before Iain stepped in and made everything so confused.

The insistent noise penetrating his thoughts made him sit up and look round. Who the hell? At this time?

He shoved his feet into his trainers and wandered into the hall. Putting the outside light on, he looked out through the peephole. His heart stopped. Ripping the door open, he couldn't keep the shock out of his voice.

"Debbie! Oh my GOD darling, come on in." He stepped back and ushered her inside. "You must be freezing love. What on earth are you doing out in the middle of the night? Come into the kitchen, I'll make you some hot chocolate - I've even got mini marshmallows somewhere!" He smiled gently as he took her hands in his and rubbed them, blowing on them gently.

It was then he noticed her torn blouse and her bruised face. She burst into tears, "he... he went mad... he attacked me... hes unconscious...I drugged him and locked him in my house... I didn't know what else to do. " she collapsed in his arms, and he held her tightly.

"Jesus Christ. Oh, my darling girl."

Guiding her through to the table, she sat. Ashen faced and sobbing. The angst, fear, and the feeling of desolation that she'd lost him for good, too much to bear. He sat with her, rocking her gently as she broke her heart. He screwed his eyes tightly shut, fighting back his own pain at hers. He shushed her softly as he rubbed her back.

"It's ok, darling, it's all going to be ok. I'm here, I've got you. Your Tommy is here, my love." He wouldn't hide it any longer. He wanted her to know she was safe in his house, in his arms, in his heart.

"I'm sorry Tom, I don't really know why I... oh Tom, this is all such a mess. What do I do? Tom, I've messed up, and I need your help." She closed her eyes and sighed softly. "I need you." An echo of that fevered passion that felt so long ago.

She sat for a moment, eyes closed, tears falling as he rubbed her knuckles with his thumbs. His heart exploded. In her hour of need, she had turned to him. That was all he needed to know.

"Say that again, Deb. Please?" His voice was soft, his breath warm on her face as he gazed at her. She opened her eyes, still sparkling with tears, a faint flicker of something in them.

"I need you, Tom." It was barely audible, more of a prayer than a statement. Her legs shook, and her stomach churned. Her pulse tripled in seconds.

"And I you." He leaned forwards and kissed her softly, dragging her bottom lip gently between his. "I still love you, Debbie. I never stopped. Ever." He whispered, his forehead pressed to hers. Gently, he pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. "What do you need me to do?"

She swallowed and sniffed, wiping her eyes on her sleeve. "I need you to make sure he never EVER comes back." Her voice was steadier now, determined. Tom had never been more in awe of her.

"I can do that. Wouldn't you rather get the police involved, though?" He stroked her cheek gently, but she shook her head. He smiled, "ok kitten. Whatever it takes to help. Do I have any... backup?"

Debbie nodded, "I just have to call them."

"Them?"

"Yes." She pressed a contact on her phone. "Si? It's me. Yes, I know, sorry. I need you. We need you and Joe. Can you come to Tom's? Now?" She paused, listening to the answer. She smiled. "And Si? Better bring that gear with you. You know the stuff, I mean."

She put down the phone with a small smile. "They're on their way. Be her in 5 minutes."

Tom held her tightly in his arms. "Good, the sooner we get him dealt with, the sooner you and I can relax. Together."

He kissed her softly, carefully avoiding touching her injured cheek. She pulled back.

"Tom?"

"Yes, kitten?"

"Where... where is she? Where's Grace?" She looked up at him, frightened to believe her own hope.

"Gone... for good darling." He kissed her gently. "It's just you and me ."

"And us!" The door had opened, and there stood Si, Joe, and a very scary looking black holdall. "Shall we?"

Joe walked in and put a hand on each of their shoulders. "Time to have some fun, eh?"

The three of them left and got into Simon's car. As they drove back to her house, she sat next to Tom in the back. He reached over and squeezed her hand gently.

"No matter what happens next, I promise to look after you."

"I can't believe how lucky I am - that you'd do all this for me? After everything I've put you through? Why?"

"You really have to ask?" He smiled at her in the darkness, his eyes glittering .

"No, I suppose not. Thank you." She nodded.

Turning to look forward again, she saw they were drawing into her street.

"I'm scared Tom." She whispered.

"I'm right here." Was the quiet, reassuring answer.