Thank you for the amazing reviews! I apologize for taking so long, if you read my last chapter of The Way We Touch you would understand why. Anyway, here's the next chapter and let me know what you think, it'll help me write more! Thanks a million. (:

Enjoy!

A few weeks have passed and life for Norma has been nothing but routine. The only times she felt buoyant and happy was every time she bumped into that same man at the grocery store, the gas station and the small stores around town.

Alex.

Norma admitted to herself that she even put a bit makeup on and dressed well going to the grocery store, hoping to bump into him once again. The last time they spoke at the store, Norma learned Alex was training to be a police officer. Norma could almost laugh at the irony. She was seeking protection from a man who was training to be a cop.

There was something about the way Alex smiled at her that made Norma feel like someone else. Gone was the scared, weak woman and she felt replaced by a happier woman. But the thing with meeting Alex at the grocery store was they only had a limited time to speak. Norma definitely made that 5 minutes worth it. Norma remembered vividly one day they met and Alex had given her his number. He claimed it was for precautionary measures, but Norma definitely knew it was flirting.

As she drove home, the smile never left her face. Norma definitely flirted with Alex with playful jokes and innocent touches. Alex had flirted back because he never saw a wedding ring. He was surprised actually that a beautiful woman like that was single. Alex decided to take matters into his own hands.

…..

It was 6 in the evening and the Bates family sat around the table enjoying a home cooked meal made by Norma. The usual hushed silence and forks hitting the plates filled the room. Norma's wondering and anxious eyes surveyed Sam, watching for any sign of frustration.

"This is delicious, Mom." Norman spoke up as he smiled at his mother.

Norma's eyes softened and her heart warmed. "Thank you, honey. I'm glad you like it."

"Mine's cold." Sam grumbled as he threw his fork on the plate causing it to hit with a loud clank.

"I'll heat it up for you." Norma shot up quickly and gently grabbed his plate.

Norman swallowed thickly as he watched his father's malicious eyes follow every step Norma took. As Norma stood at the microwave, watching the plate spin, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Norma said as she gave Sam his plate.

Sam yanked the plate out of her hands. Norma opened the door and her heart skipped a beat with excitement and fear.

Alex stood there in his police uniform with another police officer. A faint smile painted his face when he saw Norma but it quickly faded when his eyes glanced over the nasty bruise over her face.

"Good evening, ma'am. I'm Sheriff Holland and this is deputy in training Alex Romero. My apologies for interrupting, but we have some questions." The older man spoke.

All while Sheriff Holland was speaking, Alex was practically devouring Norma. Her hesitant eyes stayed trained on the floor and every once in a while would look up at his face.

"Uh, I don't know anything, we're having dinner…" Norma stuttered and immediately felt a familiar, dominating presence behind her.

"Is there something wrong? Did my wife get in trouble?" Sam chuckled in his fake, happy-husband-voice. Norma almost flinched away as Sam's hand dropped to her lower back. Alex noticed the change in Norma's demeanor when the man that seemed to be her husband approached them.

"Of course not, sir. There was a robbery at the local supermarket and we're just asking around to see if you know anything." Sheriff Holland explained. "Do you mind if we come in?"

Norma swallowed as she made eye contact with Alex. His stare was cold, but there was still that sparkle. "Sure." Norma opened the door wider.

Sam's strong hand slammed to hers on the door, "Norma, we're in the middle of dinner." He said to her, almost like he was disciplining a child.

"It won't take long." Alex spoke up. His voice caused Norma's head to pop up.

Sam huffed, but kept a friendly smile. "Sure, come on in."

The two men walked in and Norman walked towards them. Alex watched as Norma wrapped herself around the young boy and it seemed like Norma was more comfortable with him than her husband.

"So," Sam started, "What's this all about?"

"Sir, do you know a lot of these people in your neighborhood?" Sheriff Holland asked.

"Not really, you know I work a lot." Sam answered.

"And you, ma'am?" Alex directed his question to Norma.

Norma's heart raced, "Not too much either." She answered feebly.

"Alright, so you wouldn't have any suspects?"

"No, we don't. I don't know these people enough and I don't shop at that grocery store too much either." Sam said.

"I know you do, ma'am. I've seen you around." Alex smiled at Norma and she tried so hard not to smile so wide, but failed.

Sam noticed the smile exchange between Alex and Norma and his hands clenched in fists. "What's that?" He asked in a gruff voice.

"It's nothing," Norma quickly answered, "I've just bumped into Deputy Romero at the grocery store a few times."

Alex quitted at Norma's quick words and watched Sam's head slowly turn to Norma. A fear stricken look washed over Norma and she swallowed thickly.

"Well, that looks like all he have." Sheriff Holland stood. "Sorry to inconvenience you."

"Not a problem." Sam smiled and walked the two men to the door.

Sam noticed how Norma's eyes watched every movement Deputy Romero made. He also saw Alex's eyes and how he bit his lip every time.

"Thank you so much, sir." Deputy Romero shook Sam's hand. "It was nice seeing you again, Norma." Alex spoke, leaning his head to the side to see her behind Sam's shoulder.

Norma couldn't help but smile and give him a small wave. Her heart warmed when Alex gave her one last smile before leaving.

Sam shut the door with a slam and turned to Norma and Norman. "Norman, go to your room." He said.

"But dad, I'm-"Norman was interrupted.

"Go now." Sam answered loudly, his eyes raging.

Norma watched cautiously as Norman walked to his room. She shook with fear, knowing exactly why Sam told Norman to leave.

"Who the hell was that?" Sam asked, his fists clenched.

"What do you mean? It was a cop." Norma answered quietly.

Sam slammed his hand against the wall, "Don't speak to me like I'm stupid!" He yelled.

Norma was frozen in fear. She took steps back as Sam approached her.

"You were staring at him the whole time!" Sam shouted, pushing her roughly against the wall.

Norma's breath quickened and she shook with fear. "I didn't mean to! I-I wasn't…"

"Yes, you were you lying bitch!" Sam's hand swung low and slapped her hard across the face.

She let out a yelp and shrunk away. "I'm sorry! I don't even know him!"

"Well you obviously know him very well." Sam grabbed Norma's chin roughly. "Tell me, did you sleep with him?"

"What?!" Norma whimpered. "No, I didn't sleep with him."

"You're lying." Sam seethed.

"I'm not!" Norma shouted in his face, unable to hold the anger in.

Sam's fist punched her in the cheek. Norma could feel blood in her mouth and she clasped her mouth shut with her hand.

"You listen to me right now." Sam grabbed her cheeks and squeezed hard, causing pressure to pull in her already bloody mouth. "If I ever see you or even hear you with that man, you'll pay severely. Do you understand?" His voice was incredibly deep and intimidating.

"Yes." Norma squeaked.

Sam pushed her face away a few seconds later before leaving the house. Norma thought he was either in the garage smoking or heading to the bar.

Norma slowly slid down the wall, brushing the tears away and cringing as she touched her already bruised cheek. She wanted to scream and run away, specifically run to Alex. An idea popped in her head and she slowly stood and reached for her purse. After digging around in her purse, she pulled out a flimsy piece of scrap paper with Alex's number written down.

Norma stood impatiently as the phone rang and she crossed her fingers, hoping Alex would answer. The line clicked and Alex's voice spoke.

"Hello?" Alex asked.

Norma sighed shakily in relief, "Hi. It's Norma…"

"Norma? Wasn't I just at your house?" He quietly chuckled.

"Yeah…" She whispered.

"Are you okay?"

Norma took a deep breath, "I guess."

"Norma, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure." Norma sunk on the couch.

"Why didn't you tell me you were married?" Alex asked.

Norma was silent for a minute. "I didn't know why it would need to be said."

Alex scoffed, "You didn't think I would care if you were married? Norma, I don't know if I made this clear or not, I really like spending time with you. Even if it is for 5 minutes every other day."

A smile crept across Norma's face. "I really like those 5 minutes too." She chuckled.

"But you're married and I don't want to get in the middle of that." Alex explained sadly.

"Alex, my marriage is… it's complicated…" Norma chose her words carefully, not ready to let Alex in on the truth.

"It's still a marriage though. And all I know about you is that you shop at the local supermarket and your name is Norma. And apparently now you're married…"

Norma's face scrunched up in sadness, hoping tears wouldn't fall. "I wish I knew more about you. Are you busy tomorrow?"

"No, I'm free."

Norma took a brave decision and disregarded Sam's comments, feeling courageous as she spoke with Alex. "Do you want to meet for coffee or something?"

"Norma, I really, really want to. Trust me." Alex said. "But you're still married and from what I saw you have a son."

Norma cleared her throat. "It's true, I am married and I do have a son. But Alex, I just… I just need someone to talk to. And I can't talk to Sam about and I just need someone. Please…"

Alex's heart broke at the desperation in her voice. "Of course, Norma, of course I will. If you ever need anything, I will always be there for you."

Norma smiled, "Thank you so much Alex."

Before Alex could reply, he heard scuffling in the phone. "Norma?" He asked.

There was no reply from Norma, but Alex could hear faint yelling. Alex's eyebrows shot up as he heard more yelling.

"Give me the damn phone." Sam muttered, his hand clasped around Norma's mouth. Her hand dropped the phone in Sam's palm. She flinched as Sam violently threw the phone against the wall, shattering it into pieces.

One the other line, Alex heard the phone cut off. He slowly set the phone down, wondering what had happened. Alex shrugged it off and smiled, waiting for tomorrow when he could see Norma.