Courtney's POV
I stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, when Rebecca came down the stairs, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

     "Good morning!" I said, smiling at her. She smiled back, sitting on a stool at the island.
      "Did you sleep well?" She nodded, taking her pills.
      "Yeah. Better than I have for quite awhile, to be honest." I handed her a plate and the syrup, and sat down with my plate. The boys were with Luke's parents, and he was still asleep.

       "Oh, these are so good!" She giggled, her mouth full. I pretended to give her a stern look.
       "I'm glad you like them, but I don't need to see pancake goop on your mouth. She nodded, blushing slightly and swallowing.
      
         "Sorry. I just....I haven't had a real meal like this in.....well....it's been quite awhile." We talked and laughed some during breakfast, and Luke came down right as we were finishing.

        "Good morning, love." He smiled, putting his glasses on and kissing me.
        "Good morning." I smiled, and smirked slightly, handing him a plate.
        "And please brush your teeth before you kiss me again." I whispered, pouring coffee. Suddenly, Rebecca bolted, and I followed. She ran for the bathroom, hitting her knees....and she threw up several times.

        "Hey, it's ok." I gently rubbed circles on her back, trying to sooth her. By the time she finished, she was crying. I helped her to the sofa, where she lay down. I sat with Luke, who looked concerned.

        "You think it's a bug?" I shook my head, looking at her.
        "No. I think it was the pancakes. She said she hasn't had an actual meal in quite awhile. It probably was too much and too rich for her." He smiled sadly at her.
         "I still can't believe what I saw last night. I was hoping that part of it was just a really bad dream." I smiled, taking a sip of my coffee.

          "Well.....it wasn't. She's been hurt really badly, and she's here now. Like you said last night, it's going to take a lot of love for this little flower to bloom. And now....it's our job to love on her enough so she can bloom." He nodded, taking another bite.

         "I kind of want to hear her sing." He said suddenly.
        "She's got the kind of voice that sounds like she might have a beautiful singing voice." I smiled slightly, looking at him.

        "Well, let's take it slow right now. She's still scared. And then, once she gets used to being here, you can see about that." He nodded, standing.
        "I know. I'm going to go get ready. We have the meeting today. I'll be back by lunchtime at the latest." I smiled and nodded. He leaned down, giving me a quick kiss before heading to our room to change. Rebecca lay on the couch, tears slowly sliding down her cheeks. I moved over, sitting on the end of the sofa beside her feet.

      "Hey, it's okay. If you're upset about getting sick, it's alright. It happens."  She looked at me.
      "It happens to me more than you'd think. I have lymes disease." I smiled slightly, gently rubbing her knee.
      "Luke's younger sister does as well." She looked slightly interested and surprised.
      "Really? Would....would I be able to meet her?" I smiled at her.
      "Probably. His family wants to meet you sometime soon, so most likely." She smiled.
      "Cool. And...could I try eating something that won't make me puke next time?" I laughed quietly.
       "Sure. We'll do some soup next time." She smiled again.
       "Chicken?" I laughed again, gently patting her leg.
      "Sure. You wanna watch The Book Of Esther with me? Joel was in that one." She sat up slowly, grinning.
      "Yeah!" I laughed, getting it started. She had a new life now, and she wouldn't have to go back to the way things used to be.