Isabella woke with a start, panting, her heart pounding. She feverishly inspected herself, then looked around, recognizing her room. She was covered by her sheet, alone, but her mind was elsewhere. Memories of the night before violently assailed her. Her breath caught, her stomach tightened, and panic overwhelmed her.
"Are you okay?" a soft voice asked.
She jumped and turned abruptly. Gale was standing at the doorway, yawning slightly, looking worried.
She didn't answer. She stared at him, trembling, speechless.
Gale approached slowly, then sat on the edge of the bed.
"Are you okay, Isabella?" he repeated softly.
He had barely finished his sentence when she threw herself into his arms, embracing him tightly. Silent tears trickled down her cheeks, and soon, deep sobs erupted.
Caught off guard, Gale froze for a second before closing his arms around her. He gently stroked her back, whispering,
"Shh... it's okay... I'm here."
"I-I... (sniffles) I'm so sorry, Gale..." she stammered, her voice breaking. "I lied to you... about what Klaus said to me that night... If I had known..."
He cut her off gently, pulling away slightly to look into her eyes.
"You couldn't have known. None of us could have imagined what Klaus was up to."
He took a deep breath, lowering his gaze.
"And seeing you like this, because of him... It's killing me."
Isabella raised her hand and placed it on Gale's cheek.
"You shouldn't feel so guilty about what your brother did. You're not like him, Gale. You're different. If it were possible... I would have loved to be with you. You're a good person. It's a shame Diana doesn't see that, blinded by Klaus, who only uses her."
Gale placed his hand on hers, briefly, as if to capture the warmth of a fleeting hope, then gently removed it.
"Do you want anything? Tea, juice, or...?"
"No," she replied, shaking her head.
Gale nodded slowly, stood, and took a step toward the door. But before he left, Isabella grabbed his sleeve.
"Please... stay with me," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm scared... scared he'll come back and finish what he started."
Gale stopped. He hesitated. She could feel it.
"You find me a nuisance, don't you? Are you getting tired of me?" she said, tears threatening to return.
Gale sighed, then came back to her. He sat up again and said,
"No. I don't find you a nuisance, and I'm going to stay. Until Marlie or someone else takes over. You're not alone, Isabella."
He helped her back into bed, gently pulled the sheet up over her, then tenderly stroked her hair.
"You're safe now. Sleep. I'm watching over you."
Soothed by his actions and words, Isabella finally fell asleep.