Into The Darkness (Completed story)

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2paperhearts	Into The Darkness (Completed story)		Lead	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:01 AM Paper Boy	Tags : None This is a story I actually wrote a few years ago and posted it on another site. Unfortunately the other site was completely revamped and everything disappeared-including my story!!! So, I've rewritten it, and I hope that it turns out to be better than the first one! Mostly it has to do with Abby finding out a secret about Jack and how it affects not only Abby, but everyone involved. Abby in this story is played by Megan, whom, as most of you know, I absolutely love! Hope you enjoy it! Andrea Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day Last Edited By: 2paperhearts 02/28/08 2:22 AM. Edited 1 time.
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2paperhearts	Chapter 1	#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:01 AM Paper Boy	Chapter 1 The bell rang at Salem Elementary, signaling the end of another day. Abby Deveraux went to her locker, and quickly shoved her books into her backpack. She couldn't wait to get home to show her dad the story she had written. Her teacher, Mrs. Henderson, said it was the best she'd ever read. Excitedly, Abby flung her backpack over her shoulder and stepped into the hallway. "Abby! Wait up!" Abby turned to find her best friend Celia running toward her. Breathless, Celia asked, "What's the rush?" "I need to get home." Abby said. "My dad's waiting for me." "Well, can I at least walk home with you?" Celia asked. Abby smiled. "Sure. Let's go!" They were almost outside when suddenly, Celia stopped. "What now?" Abby asked. "I forgot my homework assignment!" Celia said. Abby sighed with exasperation. Celia was forever forgetting her homework. "Okay, but hurry up!" Abby said, watching Celia run down the hallway of the school. Now alone, Abby stood watching kids scurry this way and that. She bent to tie her shoe, but suddenly the contents of her backpack spilled onto the floor, narrowly missing her head. It was then she realized that she hadn't bothered zipping it. "Darn it!" She said angrily. "Why am I such a klutz? I wish I was more like my mom!" Frustrated, she slid the backpack off her shoulders and began gathering her books from the floor. A group of sixth graders congregated in the hallway. Abby stared at them in amusement. What could be so interesting that they were staying after school to discuss? "Can you believe it?" one of the kids was asking. "How could someone do something like that?" "He sure is a monster!" a boy said. "What was his name again?" "Jack Deveraux, the owner of The Spectator" a girl in a denim jacket said. At the sound of her father's name, Abby jerked her head to attention. "Come on, Justine. Tell us what happened." A girl with red hair prompted. Justine cleared her throat. "Okay, Amy. But only people in this group can know about it. And you didn't hear it from me!" The other kids nodded in agreement. Curious, Abby moved closer, trying not to look inconspicuous. "Jack Deveraux raped someone." Justine said. Abby could hear gasps coming from kids in the group. "Oh my God!" Amy exclaimed. "Who did he rape?" When Justine looked around, Abby quickly hid behind a row of lockers. Justine took a deep breath. "Okay, here goes... Kayla Johnson". Abby was stunned. She had no idea what they were talking about, but it must be pretty bad, judging from their secrecy. What did her dad and Aunt Kayla have to do with it? She had to find out. Timidly, she walked toward the group of kids and tapped Justine on the shoulder. Justine whirled around, giving Abby a look of disgust. "What do you want, brat?" The other kids laughed. Abby swallowed hard. "Um, I heard you talking and I was wondering... what does "rape" mean?" After a few seconds of silence, the group exploded with laughter. "Oh my God, you can't be serious!" Justine said. "What grade are you in, Kindergarten?" Abby immediately felt like a fool. She hated being made fun of. "No." she said, looking down at her feet. "I'm a second-grader." Justine scoffed. "Oh, well. That explains it. Second graders are so stupid!" Abby started to walk away. "Hey kid!" Justine called. "Do you want to know or not?" Justine looked at the group. "Should we tell her?" A boy pushed his way toward Abby. "I'll explain it to her." Justine laughed. "Don't use big words, Tommy. She may not understand!" Again the group laughed. Suddenly, Abby was terrified of what she was about to hear. Tommy walked over to Abby, standing much closer than Abby wanted him to. He looked at the others, who nodded. "Well, you see, kid... rape is.... well, rape is when a man wants to... um, kiss or hug a woman, but she doesn't want him to." Again he looked at the group. Justine looked as though she might start laughing again. Were they really telling the truth? Abby took a deep breath. "So what's the big deal? All the woman has to say is 'no'". "That doesn't matter." Tommy said. "If the man doesn't like her answer, or he gets mad enough then he forces her to. And sometimes he will even beat the woman up if she says no. When Jack raped Kayla, she had bruises all over her! Boy, was her husband mad!" Uncle Steve was involved too? Abby's eyes widened. Never in a million years did she dream this was possible. "How do you know about this?" She asked Tommy. "Oh come on, stupid!" Justine said. "Everyone knows about Jack Deveraux raping Kayla Johnson! Are you from outer space or something?" More laughter erupted from the group. Sadly, Abby turned and walked away. "No..." she answered to no one in particular. "Come on, guys. Let's go." Justine said. Abby watched as Justine and the others walked out of the school. She had to know more. "Wait!" She called, knowing they wouldn't be able to hear her. There was just no way this was true. Her dad would never hurt anyone. Especially not her Aunt Kayla. Suddenly she had a horrible thought; Daddy gets mad sometimes. What if one day he gets really mad and beats me up, too? Or my mom? Abby stood alone in the hallway, numb with fear. "Abby!" Abby turned to find Celia waving at her. "I've been trying to talk to you for five minutes. Are you ready? I thought you had to get home to your dad." "Oh..." Abby said. "I do, it's just...." "Well, come on." Celia said, pulling Abby by the arm. "Let's go home." Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 2	#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:02 AM Paper Boy	Chapter 2 As she walked home from school, Abby's fears grew. She finally reached her front door, but couldn't stop her hand from shaking as she inserted her key. Please don't let him be home.... Please don't let him be home... Slowly, she pushed the door open, and her father stepped into the doorway. The mere sight of him made her eyes fill with tears. On any other day, she would run into his outstretched arms as he enveloped her in a hug. Instead she was frozen with fear. Jack seemed not to notice, but instead smiled at his daughter. "How's my beautiful princess this afternoon?" He reached out for her, but she walked right past him. "I'm not your princess!" Abby yelled as she raced up the stairs. Seconds later, her bedroom door slammed shut. Jack stood, staring at the empty staircase. Jennifer walked into the room. "What was that all about?" Jack turned to her. "I don't know. I've never seen her like that before. She wouldn't even let me give her a hug." Jennifer smiled and rubbed his back. "Oh, Sweetie. I'm sure she just had a bad day. Mabye she needs to be alone." Jack turned to Jennifer and kissed her on the lips. "I guess you're right." Jennifer laughed. "Of course I'm right. Abby loves you, and so do I." "And I love you." Jack said huskily. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her until they were both breathless. *** Abby slammed the door to her room and dropped her backpack on the floor. Tears stung her eyes as she tried to make sense of what Justine and Tommy had told her. She picked up the picture that sat on her dresser, stroking the smooth glass frame. Her parents smiled at her through the glass. Could her daddy really get mad enough to hurt anyone, would he? It can't be true... it just can't.... Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 3	#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:04 AM Paper Boy	Chapter 3 "Abby! Dinner!" Jack called to his daughter. Slowly, Abby opened her door and walked downstairs. The heavenly aroma of her favorite dish wafted through the house. "There's my beautiful Abigail!" Jack said with a smile as Abby entered the kitchen. "How is the future editor-in-chief of The Spectator? Jennifer laughed. "Really, Jack. Abby doesn't have to be a journalist if she doesn't want to. Right, Abby?" Abby gave a small smile and wordlessly began setting the table. Jack and Jennifer looked at each other in surprise. "Well this is certainly a surprise!" Jennifer said. "Abby, usually I have to beg you to set the table! Thank you!" When the table was set, Abby sat down. Jack arranged the food on the table and Jennifer brought over the freshly baked casserole. Abby felt her stomach begin to growl. "I hope this isn't green tuna-noodle casserole!" Jack whispered. Jennifer laughed and elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow!" Jack said. "What'd I say?" "If your mother heard you say that, she'd be so upset!" Jennifer said, trying to contain her laughter. Jack picked up his fork "All right, all right. Abby, this is your mother's specialty. Mmm... Yum! Yum! I can't wait to dig in!" Abby said nothing. Jennifer sat down and began to eat. "So, Abby. How was school today?" Abby sighed. If they only knew... "Fine..." She said the word so softly, she wondered if her mother heard her. Jack looked at Jennifer and gave her a knowing nod. "I told you ..." he mouthed. Usually Abby was very talkative at the dinner table; always wanting them to know about something that happened at school. They watched as Abby moved the food around on her plate, only taking one small bite. "So, Jack..." Jennifer said. "How are things at the paper?" Jack helped himself to some more casserole. "Splendidly, my love! Vern has finally agreed to do the story on the waterfront gangs." "Oh Jack!" Jennifer said, kissing him on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you! You've been trying to do that story for so long!" Jack leaned toward her. "It would be even more wonderful if you were working on it." "Jack, don't start that again." Jennifer said. "I'm perfectly happy doing freelance work for Adrienne's magazine. In fact, I want to get Abby to write a story about Horace." Jack almost choked on his food. "The bintu-whatever it was?" "Binturong" Jennifer corrected. "Are you insane?" Jack asked. "That thing bit me! What kind of story would that make? "Binturong bites newspaper owner, story on page 3"? Jennifer laughed. "I'm sure Abby would leave that part out, wouldn't you, Abby?" They waited for Abby's response, but none came. "Are you okay, Abby?" Jack finally asked. "You've hardly touched your dinner." "I'm not hungry." Abby said quietly. Crestfallen, Jennifer glanced at Jack. "Oh, okay. Well, in that case, why don't you finish your homework and then get ready for bed. Daddy and I will be up later to tuck you in." Abby nodded and left the kitchen. "What's gotten into her today?" Jack asked. "She loves your casserole. She usually asks for three, even four helpings." "I don't know..." Jennifer said. "Lately it seems she's having a bad time at school. I feel sorry for her, Jack. I didn't want Abby to have to go through the same thing I did at school." Jack kissed Jennifer's cheek. "But look how you turned out." *** Abby went upstairs and changed into her pajamas. She tried to concentrate on her homework, but she just couldn't. After several attempts, she put her books away and climbed into bed. Several minutes later there was a knock on the door. "Abby?" Abby's heart raced. "It was her daddy!" Please go away... please go away... "Abby, honey? It's Daddy. Can I come in?" Jack called through the door. A tear fell onto Abby's cheek. "Okay, Daddy..." She said softly. Jack entered the room. "Well, all dressed and ready for bed! Would you like for me to tuck you in?" "Where's Mom?" Abby asked. "Well, Mom has an article to write for Aunt Adrienne, so I'll do the honors. She'll be in a little later to check on you." Jack walked over to Abby's bed and covered her with her pink comforter. "Well! Who do we have here?" Jack exclaimed, picking up a worn stuffed-animal. "That's Lambie." Abby said. "Well, so it is." Jack said. He handed the much-loved lamb to Abby, who clutched it tightly. Jack sat down on the bed next to Abby. As he reached over to touch her hair, Abby flinched. "Is everything okay, Abigail?" Jack asked. "Fine, Daddy." Abby answered. "School okay?" "Yes, Daddy." Abby said. "Okay... well, if you need anything, let me know. I'm here for you, always." Jack said. He leaned over to kiss Abby's head, but she moved further down into the bed. Jack's concern for his daughter grew, but he said nothing. "How about a hug for your old man?" Slowly, Abby sat up. "That's my girl" Jack said. He held out his arms and wrapped them around Abby, holding her tight. Images of her daddy hurting Aunt Kayla and her mom flashed through her head, and she began to cry. Abby began to squirm. "Stop, Daddy! Please! Don't hurt me! You're hurting me!" she screamed. Jack let go of Abby and stared at her in stunned silence. Jennifer ran into Abby's room. "Abby? What's wrong, honey?" Sobbing, Abby held out her arms to Jennifer who held her tightly, rocking her back and forth. Jennifer looked at Jack. "What happened?" "I-I don't know. I was just giving my daughter a hug and suddenly she started screaming that I was hurting her." Jack said. "What?" Jennifer asked in disbelief. "Abby, what happened?" Jennifer asked. Abby buried her face in Jennifer's chest. "Shhh..." Jennifer whispered, trying desperately to calm Abby down. "No one's going to hurt you; especially Daddy or me. We love you so much, Sweetie." Jennifer looked at Jack helplessly. "She's really scared, Jack. She's shaking." "Come here, Abby." Jack said reaching out for her. "NO!" Abby screamed, clinging tightly to Jennifer. "Okay, okay. It's all right, Baby. Mommy's got you." Jennifer said. She turned to Jack. "Something's wrong." Jack said. Jennifer hesitated. "Oh... Oh no. She'll be fine. Something bad must have happened at school. I'll talk to Mrs. Henderson about it tomorrow." "Jennifer, I think it's something more serious." Jack said. Jennifer looked away, unable to think that her daughter might be hurting. She and Jack had tried so hard to protect her from the dangers of the world. "Um, let's just see how the rest of this week goes, and then we'll take it from there." Jennifer said. She gently laid Abby down on the bed, and covered her with the blankets. Jack sighed. "Well, at least she's asleep." He bent down to kiss Abby's cheek. "Goodnight my little princess.." Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 4	#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:08 AM Paper Boy	"Good Morning, Beautiful!" Jack said as Jennifer entered their bedroom. "Oh, I'm sorry I woke you." Jennifer said. "I was checking on Abby." "Good thinking." Jack said. "How is she doing?" "Sleeping soundly". Jennifer said. She walked over to the bed and sat down. "Are you going to talk to Abby's teacher?" Jack asked. "Yeah, I will. I'll take Abby to school and try to get a few minutes with Mrs. Henderson. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." Jennifer said. Jack pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. "I hope you're right." "Do you really think something is wrong?" Jennifer asked. "Well, she's definitely not her usual self." Jack said. "Jack, it's probably just a stage. All kids go through that." Jennifer said. Jack sighed. "Okay, Miss Horton. You're the boss. I'll take your word for it." Jennifer laughed. "Jack, we've been married for-well, I've lost count now-but how long are you going to call me "Miss Horton?" Jack thought for a minute. "I'd say.. forever." Playfully, Jennifer pushed Jack onto the pillows and kissed him feverishly. "I was hoping you'd say that." Suddenly she sat up. "What time is it?" Jack looked at the bedside alarm clock. "The time? Almost seven-thirty" "Oh geez!" Jennifer said. Frantic, she stood and kissed Jack again, before running to the closet. "I have to get dressed. Oh my God, Abby's going to be late for school!" Jack climbed out of bed and put on his robe and slippers. "Listen, don't worry. Jack's on the job. You just get yourself ready and I'll worry about Abby." Jennifer paused in the bathroom doorway, smiling at her huband. "What's that look for?" Jack asked. "I love you so much, Jack." Jennifer said; her face beaming. Jack replied; "I love you so much, too." Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 5	#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:09 AM Paper Boy	"Wake up, Sleeping Beauty" Jack sang as he kissed Abby's cheek. "Time for school." Abby groaned and rolled over. "I don't want to go to school." Jack laughed. "Oh, come now. You must be an imposter. The Abigail I know loves to go to school." Abby sat up and looked at Jack with such seriousness, it scared him. "Daddy please don't make me go to school!" Jack's concern for his daughter was heightened when he noticed tears in her eyes. He brushed one away with his thumb. "What are those tears for, hmm?" Abby sniffled. "Oh my sweet princess." Jack said, rubbing her cheek with his hand. I wish I knew how to help you. He wanted so desperately to take her in his arms and hold her, but after what happened last night, he didn't dare. "Look, Abby. If it were up to me, I would gladly let you stay home. We could have lots of fun. But you see, your mom... well, she wants you to go to school so you can grow up to be smart like she is. I have to say that I tend to agree with her a little. You understand, don't you?" Abby sighed loudly, then nodded. "Okay, Daddy. I'll go to school." Jack smiled. "That's my good girl. Now let's get you ready." * "Thanks for helping me out, Jack." Jennifer said as they stood in the foyer. "Oh, it was my pleasure." Jack said, smiling at his daughter. Jennifer looked at her watch. "We need to go, or we'll really be late. Tell Daddy goodbye, Abby." "Bye, Daddy." Abigail said with a wave. "Goodbye, Sweetheart." Jack said. "Oh, Jennifer?" "Yes, Jack?" "Let me know how it goes." Jack said, nodding at Abby. "Oh, right." Jennifer said. "I promise to tell you as soon as I find out. But Jack, don't worry. I'ts nothing." * "Well, here we are, Abby." Jennifer said as they arrived at Salem Elementary. "Now, do you want Daddy to pick you up, or do you want to walk home with Celia?" Abby hesitated. Oh how she loved it when her daddy would pick her up. They always went out for ice cream. However, her mommy didn't know this, because it was her special secret with her daddy. She longed to say "I want Daddy to pick me up", but something inside stopped her. Justine and Tommy's words came rushing back to her, as they always did; "Jack Deveraux hurt Kayla Brady." She took a deep breath... "I want to walk home with Celia" Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 6	#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:10 AM Paper Boy	"Mrs. Henderson?" Jennifer called, peering in the doorway. Mrs. Henderson smiled at Jennifer's presence. "Why Mrs. Deveraux! What brings you here?" "I was just dropping off Abby at school, and well, I was wondering if we could talk." Jennifer said. "Certainly. I have a few minutes before school starts. What would you like to discuss?" Here it comes... Jennifer was afraid of what she may learn, but she would do anything to help her daughter. She could feel a lump forming in her throat. "Um, well... has Abby been having any problems at school lately?" Mrs. Henderson smiled. "Why no. On the contrary she's been doing very well. She has lots of friends here, and she is a very bright and attentive student. I can see that she is going to be one very smart young lady. If you don't mind my saying so, she takes after her parents." Although she should have been happy, Jennifer was devastated. This was not what she prepared for at all. She stood, feeling her heart pounding. "Well, thank you, Mrs. Henderson. I appreciate it." "Abby's a wonderful girl. Why just yesterday, I-" Before Mrs. Henderson could finish, Jennifer ran out of the room, crying. What was she going to do now? Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 7	#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:11 AM Paper Boy	Abby sat in her room and stared at her writing assignment. She wanted so much to show it to her daddy. He would be so proud of her. But she was afraid... A knock on the door startled her. "Abby? It's Mommy." Abby froze. She knew what was coming. "Abby, honey. Can I come in?" Slowly, Abby rose and went to open the door. "Hi Mommy." "Hi Baby. Let's sit down for a minute." Abby sat down on the bed next to her mom, who reached out and held Abby's hands. "Sweetie, Daddy and I love you very much. We've been worried about you. Is everything okay?" Abby nodded. Her mom turned Abby to face her. "Abby you can tell me anything, okay? I promise, I won't get mad." Abby remained silent. "Is it Daddy? Did Daddy do something to upset you?" Abby looked away. "Abby, honey. What happened? Please tell me." Her mom coaxed. Abby's chest tightened. This was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do. "H-he hurt Aunt Kayla." Abby said. "Aunt-Abby, Daddy would never hurt anyone; especially Aunt Kayla. Sweetie, what are you talking about?" There was a long silence before Abby could continue. "Mommy, did Daddy really rape Aunt Kayla?" Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 8	#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:11 AM Paper Boy	Jennifer gasped at Abby's question. She turned to find Jack standing in Abby's doorway; frozen. Slowly she turned back to Abby. "Honey, where did you hear that?" Abby's eyes filled with tears. "A-at school. I'm sorry, Mommy." Jennifer took Abby in her arms and they cried together. She did her best to calm Abby's sobs as she gently rocked her daughter back and forth. "Shhh... don't cry. You have nothing to be sorry for." Finally Abby's sobs subsided. Gently, Jennifer pulled away. "Sweetie, everything will be okay. Why don't you lie down for a while?" Abby laid her head on her pillow and Jennifer covered her with a blanket. "I love you, Mommy." Abby whispered. Touched, Jennifer put her hand over her heart. "Oh, and I love you too, Abby. So does Daddy." She leaned down and kissed Abby's cheek. "Goodnight, Sweetie." Quietly, she turned out Abby's light and left the room, closing the door behind her. Out in the hallway, she covered her face in her hands an began to sob. Oh God... why was this happening? They were finally a family. Abby was just a little girl. There was no way to explain it to her. And Jack... This would absolutely devastate him. Jack... Where was Jack? Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 9	#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:12 AM Paper Boy	"Jack!" Jennifer called through the house. But her calls were met with silence. "Jack Deveraux! Where are you?" She ran downstairs, dismayed to find that Jack's coat and wallet were missing from their usual place on the entryway chair. She had to find him. But what about Abby? She ran back upstairs to Abby's room, relieved to find her daughter sleeping soundly, clutching Lambie. She hated to wake Abby up, but she couldn't leave her alone. She picked up the nearest telephone and with shaking hands, began to dial. "Hello, Vern? It's Jennifer. Yes, I'm fine, thank you. Is Jo around?" Seconds later, Jo answered. "Jo? This is Jennifer. I'm sorry to bother you, but I need a huge favor. Can you come over and watch Abigail? She's taking a nap, so she shouldn't be any trouble." Jennifer was barely aware of the trembling in her voice. "What's wrong? Oh... nothing. Um, Jack needs me at the paper. Some sort of... emergency.. No, he didn't give me any details." Jennifer cringed. She hated lying to her mother-in-law. She loved Jo so much, but she didn't want her to worry. It was better this way. "Vern will meet us at the paper? NO!" Jennifer realized she had shouted the word. "I-I mean, no. Jack and I will handle everything. I'm sure it will be fine. You'll come? Oh, thank you Jo. You have no idea what this means to me. Okay. I'll see you in a little while." With a small sigh of relief, Jennifer hung up the phone. She thought back to what she had said to Jo. Everything will be fine. If only that were true.... Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 10	#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:13 AM Paper Boy	The doorbell rang, and Jennifer rushed to answer it. Quickly, she brushed the tears from her face and opened the door. "Jennifer, darling!" Jo said, kissing Jennifer's cheek. "Jo, thank you so much for doing this. I don't want Abby to be alone." Jennifer said, pulling on her coat. "I have my cell phone if you need anything. I'll try not to be gone too long." Jo smiled. "Abigail and I will be just fine. Take all the time you need." "Thank you again." Jennifer said, sniffling. Jo looked concerned. "Are you okay, honey?" "Me? Oh... I'm fine. I might be coming down with something." "Oh you poor thing." Jo said, pushing a lock of hair from Jennifer's eyes. "Well, I hope my son appreciates your helping him like this." Jennifer sighed. If she only knew... Jo opened the door for her. "Now you run along, dear. You don't want to keep Jack waiting." Jennifer closed the door behind her and hurried to her car. Oh Jack... Where can you be? Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 11	#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:14 AM Paper Boy	Tears streamed down Jennifer's face, blurring her vision. She glanced at her watch, dismayed at how late it had become. The daylight had long since given way to night. She'd been driving for hours but there had been no sign of Jack. Oh God... What could have happened to him? He was hurting, and she needed him... desperately. She needed help, but she didn't know who to turn to. Her brother Mike was working, and Bo and Hope were in Paris. There was only one place left to go. She drove down the dark street until she came to the small yellow house. She pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. Consumed in thought, she sat in the car. I shouldn't be here. I should be home, waiting for Jack. He's probably there now... Just as she put her key in the ignition, she heard someone yelling. "Hey! What are you doing in my driveway? Get out of here before I call the cops!" When the car didn't move, he came closer, peering into the foggy window. "Damn it! Are you deaf? I said GET OUT OF HERE!" He yelled. Slowly, Jennifer opened the door and got out of the car. Her face, streaked with fresh tears. "I-I'm sorry Steve. I didn't know where else to go." Steve's face fell. "Jennifer! My God! I'm so sorry! I thought you were another one of those damn teenagers again!" "I-it's okay, really. I should go." Jennifer opened the car door, but Steve stopped her from getting in by putting his hand on her shoulder. "Jennifer, you've been crying. What's wrong?" She began to cry again. "Come on." Steve said, shutting Jennifer's car door. "Let's sit over here and talk." Jennifer followed him to the porch swing and they sat down. "Okay" Steve said, turning to her. "What's this all about?" "It's Jack." "What about Jack? Hey, it's late. Where is he anyway?" "H-he's gone." Jennifer said. "Gone? Where is h-you mean he left you? That son of a-" "He didn't leave me, Steve. He was very upset. He couldn't take it." "Couldn't take what? What happened? Did you two have a fight?" Jennifer shook her head. "No. It's about Kayla." "Kayla? What's she got to do with this?" Steve asked. "Well, someone at Abby's school told her about Jack raping Kayla." "WHAT?" Steve asked, yelling the word. "Yeah. See, Abby had been acting strangely toward Jack and-" "Acting strangely? How?" "Well, she wouldn't go near him. Whenever he tried to touch her, she would start screaming." "All because of some damn punks at school." Steve said. This made Jennifer smile a little. "E-exactly, and when I confronted her about it, she asked if it was true. Jack must have overheard, and the next thing I know he was gone." "So where is Abby now?" Steve asked. "She-she's at home asleep. Your mother's with her." "Jo? What did you say to her?" "I told her there was an emergency at the paper." Steve smiled. "That's good thinking. How long has Jack been gone?" Jennifer looked at her watch. "It's been hours now. Oh God, Steve! What if something happened to him? He's got to be absolutely devastated. There's no telling what he'll do. I can't lose him again! I just ca-" Suddenly she started to sob. Steve put his arm around her and let her cry on his shoulder. "It's okay, Jen. Everything will be okay. We'll find him. You two will get through this. You've been through hell and back together. That beautiful niece of mine is lucky to have you and Jack for parents." Jennifer smiled."Thanks, Steve." "Yeah..." "All right. Well, I'm gonna go find that brother of mine. You wait here in the house." "No, Steve. I'm coming with you. I have to know he's okay." Steve sighed. "Jack always said you were feisty. Okay but on one condition; You let me do the looking. I don't want you getting hurt." Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 12	#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/22/08 4:17 AM Paper Boy	They got into Jennifer's car and pulled out of the driveway. "I Think I know where he is." Steve said. "Really? I-I've been driving for hours. I looked everywhere." Jennifer said. Finally, Steve parked the car behind an abandoned warehouse. "You think he's here?" Jennifer asked. "He used to come here all the time when we were kids." Steve said. They got out of the car and walked around the warehouse to the pier. The night fog had settled in and the only sound was the foghorn from the distant lighthouse. "Billy Jack!" Steve yelled. Jennifer started to follow him, but Steve held out his arm to stop her. "Stay here." "Steve, I want to come with you." Jennifer protested. "NO! Look, Jen. It's too dangerous. Let me talk to him first." Jennifer sighed. "Okay." She hid behind a large stack of boxes and watched. "Hey Happy Jack!" Steve yelled as he walked down the pier. "Jack Harcourt Deveraux! Come out!" Damn it! Where is he? In the distance, he saw movement. "Is that you, Jack?" The figure started moving toward the edge of the pier, and appeared to be trying to jump. Steve ran over to the figure, relieved to see that it was Jack. And he was all right. "Jack!" He yelled, startling his brother. Jack lost his balance and Steve caught him just before he fell into the water. "Thanks, Bro." Jack said. "I should have let you drown, man!" Steve said, pushing Jack away. "Why didn't you?" Steve didn't answer. "What the hell are you doing, man?" Steve asked. "What does it look like?" Jack asked. "Well from where I'm standin' it looked like you were trying to drown yourself." "Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!" Jack yelled sarcastically. "Announcer, tell the man what he's won!" "Cut the crap, Jack!" "Leave me alone, Steve. I have to do this." Jack said, leaning over the pier. "What about your daughter?" Steve asked. "And your wife?" Jack sighed. "They'll be better off without me." "And why would you say that?" Steve asked. "I'm no good." Jack said. "That's bull and you know it, Jack. You're a good man; a devoted husband and father." "No I'm NOT, Steve!" Jack yelled. "Don't you get it? I AM A RAPIST! That's never going to change!" Quickly, he turned to face the water. "Jack? Hey Jack, look at me." Steve said. When Jack refused, Steve forcefully turned Jack to face him. There were tears in his brother's eyes. "Jack, don't do this to yourself, please." "Don't do what, Steve? Don't admit that I'm the one who raped your wife? And now my own daughter is afraid to go near me because she thinks I'm going to hurt her too?" Angrily, Jack brushed the tears from his face with the back of his hand. Steve sat on a nearby post. "Jack, Abby is eight years old. She has no idea what rape is. All she knows is that someone told her that her daddy hurt someone. And as for Kayla, she forgave you a long time ago; hell it took me forever, but I've forgiven you too. You're not the same man you were back then. You have to forgive yourself, man." "I-I can't..." Jack said. "Well then what are you going to do, Jack? Throw yourself into the water? From what I recall you're not a very good swimmer, not to mention claustrophobic. What are you going to do if you start to sink?" Steve asked. Jack looked at his brother. "I hadn't thought that out yet." Steve smiled. "I see. So you were just going to jump without any thought of what might happen next. Well, Billy Jack, here's what would have happened; Number one, I wouldn't be here to rescue you. Jennifer would be a widow-AGAIN, and Abby would be without a father-AGAIN. Now if you love them like I know you do, you should be concerned about them and not yourself." Jack was silent for a long time. Then he smiled. "You know, you're right." "I'm telling you, there are times when I've thought about ending it all, but then I think of Kayla, Stephanie, you, Adrienne and Mom, and then my problems don't seem so bad." "So what do I do now?" Jack asked. "Well first you stop blubbering, then you go talk to your wife and work this whole thing out. She's very worried about you, Deveraux." "H-how do you know this?" Jack asked. "Well because a few hours ago, she showed up at my house, looking for you." "Looking for me- what about Abigail?" Jack asked. "Abby's fine. Mom's staying with her." Steve said. Jack panicked. "Jo... Jennifer didn't say anything..." Steve smiled. "No." Actually your wife's pretty smart. She told Jo that you needed her at the paper." "Well, she's right about that." Jack said quietly. "What was that, Jack?" "I do need her..." Jack said. "I didn't catch that last part, Jack." Steve said. "Say it again." "I need her." Jack said; louder this time. Steve motioned for Jennifer, who stepped out of the shadows. "She's all yours, bro." Steve said, gesturing towards Jennifer. Jack turned to find his wife staring at him. "Jennifer..." He rushed over to her and took her in his arms. "Oh God, Jack!" Jennifer said, crying into his jacket. "I thought I'd lost you again." "Never..." Jack said, pulling her into a kiss. "I'm so sorry for running away, I just..." Steve smiled. "I'm gonna go sit in the car." he said to no one in particular. "Shhh..." Jennifer said, putting her finger to his lips. "Jack, listen to me. Abby loves you so much. She just doesn't understand. I hate that she found out this way, but we'll just have to get her through it. She knows you wouldn't hurt anyone. You're the kindest, most wonderful man I know. I'm so sorry you had to go through that again. First with me telling you about Lawrence. Do you know how torn up I was inside about telling you? Frankie was furious when I told him about your reaction, but Jack... that was okay. We got through it. Telling you that Lawrence raped me was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. But we survived." Jack kissed her again, and held her close. "I love you, Jennifer." "I love you, too. Jack. Now let's go home. Abby's waiting for us." Together they walked hand and hand back to the car... Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day Last Edited By: 2paperhearts 02/27/08 12:26 AM. Edited 1 time.
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2paperhearts	Chapter 13	#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/23/08 2:24 AM Paper Boy	Editor's notes... As some of you mentioned, yes Steve is definitely in this story. In this version he has been here all along, so all the stuff having to do with his "death" and so forth never happened. Also, Stephanie appears in the story as well. In "real-life" I don't think she is much older than Abby, but in this story, she's quite a bit older.... Chapter 13 It was well past midnight when they returned to Steve's house. "Oh my gosh!" Jennifer exclaimed. "Jo must be worried sick! I told her we wouldn't be gone too long." "I'm sure everything is fine." Steve said. "Why don't you go in the house and give her a call?" Jennifer smiled. "Thanks, Steve." Jack and Steve stood awkwardly in the driveway. "Let's go sit on the porch swing." Steve said, motioning toward the house. *** Jack stared into the night sky. After several minutes of silence, Steve spoke. "Are you okay, Jack?" Jack looked at him. "You think I'm a real jerk, don't you?" Steve laughed. "Now why would you say a thing like that?" "Deserting my wife and child-again." "Jack-" Jack held up his hand "Don't say it, Steve. Don't say I've changed. I'm still the same man who raped Kayla." Steve sighed. "Billy Jack, didn't you hear anything I said to you at the dock? You have to forgive yourself man! Not for me, or Kayla or Jennifer or even Abby. You have to do it for yourself. Until you do, you're never going to live a normal life." Jack leaned against the back of the porch swing. "So what about Abigail?" Steve looked at him. "What about Abigail?" "Well, she's going to have a lot of questions. I can't explain rape to her. She's too young!" "Who says you have to explain anything?" Steve asked. "Well, I can't just pretend it didn't happen, Steve." Jack said. "Jack, Abby doesn't need to know what it means. All she needs to know is that you love her. And she already knows that." "But she won't let me near her." Jack said. "I don't want her to go through life thinking I'm going to hurt her. I would never do that." Steve thought for a minute. "Maybe you need to involve a third party in this." "A third...like who? Kayla?" Jack asked. "No! Not Kayla! Like a specialist. You know. like what's-her-name. The doctor." "Dr Whitney Baker? The shrink?" Jack asked in disbelief. "Yeah. Why not?" Steve asked. Abruptly, Jack rose from his seat. "No. No way! Absolutely not! No daughter of mine is going to a head-shrinker!" "Jack, will you just for once stop thinking about yourself and think about your daughter?" "I am thinking about Abigail! She doesn't need a shrink!" Steve looked at his brother squarely. "It worked for Stephanie." Jack was surprised. "Wait, you mean Stephanie knows about Kayla and-" Steve sighed. "Yeah. She knows, man." "B-but how..." "Well, she kinda found out about it the same way that Abby did." "From kids at school?" Jack asked. "No, from the teenage hoodlums in our neighborhood." Astonished from this news, Jack slowly lowered himself onto the swing. "What did you do?" Steve stood and began to pace back and forth. "Well, when I found out about it, I gave those kids hell. Believe me, they were sorry they messed with my daughter when I got through with them." Jack smiled. That was Steve... always protecting his family. "So, what happened?" A long silence followed. Jack noticed Steve rubbing his eyes. "Steve? Are you okay?" Steve looked up, embarrassed. "Yeah. I'm fine." "So... what happened with Stephanie?" "Well, she was about 13." Steve said. "She was at a slumber party and somehow one of the kids mentioned Kayla without realizing-" "-Who Stephanie was." Jack finished. "Right. So anyway, Stephanie came home in tears and confronted Kayla about it. She was furious that Kayla and I had kept this from her, but we were waiting for the right time to tell her." The right time... Jack said to himself. "So... I suppose Stephanie thinks of her Uncle Jack as a monster." Jack said. "Jack, you're not a monster. Stephanie loves you." Steve said. Uncomfortable with this sudden sentiment, Jack cleared his throat. "So then what happened?" "Kayla and I did our best to explain things to Stephanie, but then we decided that a counselor might be the best way to help her." Jack's voice became tense. "Did it help?" "It did wonders, man. The counselor explained things in a way that Kayla and I never could." A long silence followed. "So, you think Jennifer and I should contact Dr. Baker?" Jack asked. "I think it would help." Steve said quietly. "In the meantime, um, what do I say to her?" Jack asked. "I'll tell you what, Billy Jack. Since I've been through this topic before, how about if I talk to Abby?" Jack was stunned. "Really? You would do that for me?" "Sure..." Steve said, patting Jack on the shoulder. "What are brothers for?" "Well then, I guess this is where I invite you, Kayla and Stephanie over for dinner next week." Jack said. Steve shook Jack's hand. "Invitation accepted." Jack looked at his watch. "What's keeping Jennifer?" Steve shrugged. "Well, knowing Kayla, they are probably in there talking about old times, or at least catching up." Jack laughed. "Spilling the old Johnson family secrets, are they?" "That's what I'm afraid of." Steve said as they both laughed. Finally Jennifer and Kayla came out of the house. "Well, it's about time." Steve said, playfully swatting Kayla's hair. "Sorry Steve. It was my fault. Kayla and I were just... catching up." Steve looked at Jack and winked. "See? What did I tell you?" He looked at his watch. "Wow! Is it really that late?" Jack turned to Jennifer. "We'd better go. Abby and Jo are waiting for us." He waved to Steve and then took Jennifer's hand. "Come on. Let's go home." He opened the car door for Jennifer, and she climbed in. "Hold on, Jack." she said, scrambling out of the car. Confused, Jack watched as Jennifer ran toward the house. "Jennifer, what..." She walked over to the porch where Steve and Kayla were engrossed in conversation, obviously unaware of her presence. Kayla motioned toward Jennifer, and Steve turned around. "Oh, hey Jennifer. Did you forget something?" Jennifer walked over to Steve and threw her arms around him. "What's this?" Steve asked in surprise. "Thank you, Steve." Jennifer whispered. "For bringing Jack back to me." Steve smiled and kissed Jennifer's cheek. "What are brother-in-laws for?" "To love." Jennifer replied. Steve put his arm around Kayla and they watched as Jack and Jennifer got into Jennifer's car and drove away. "Jack, Jennifer and Abby are gonna be just fine..." Steve said. Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 14	#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/26/08 1:08 AM Paper Boy	"What are you thinking about, Jack?" Jennifer asked as they lay in the darkness. Jack snuggled closer to her. "I was just thinking about Abigail." Jennifer smiled. "She's an amazing little girl." "I wish I knew how to help her." Jack said. "Oh Jack..." Jennifer whispered. "Steve suggested that we call Dr. Baker." Jack said. Jennifer sat up suddenly. "Really? I think that's a good idea." Jack sighed. "I don't know..." "Why not?" "Because, Jennifer. I don't want my daughter going to some shrink." "Whitney Baker isn't 'some shrink', Jack. She was a huge help-to both of us." "Yeah, but the thought of Abigail going to Dr.Baker makes me feel like..." "Like what, Jack?" "Like a failure." Jack said. "No, Jack..." Jennifer said as she leaned over to kiss him. "I just... don't want her to end up like me." Jack said. Jennifer turned on the light, and turned Jack to face her. "Jack, you look at me. Abigail loves you. So much. She thinks you hung the moon." Jack smiled and ran his fingers through Jennifer's hair. "Please, can we do this? For me? For Abby?" Jack sighed. "But Abigail's so young. Dr. Baker only sees adults." "Actually I was doing some research online and she's a very successful children's psychologist." Jack leaned against the pillows, as Jennifer snuggled into his arms. "Hmmm... Steve did tell me that therapy helped Stephanie." "Stephanie? What-" Jack cleared his throat. "Well, Steve's been through this before." Jennifer's eyes widened. "You mean Stephanie-" Jack looked away. "Yeah..." Jennifer's eyes filled with tears. "Oh Jack. I'm so sorry. I know how much it hurts to be reminded of that time in your life." Jack turned to her. "What hurts me even more is that Abigail is in the middle of it." "Jack, we'll get her through this. I promise you. You told me once that our love can get us through anything, remember?" Jack rubbed Jennifer's shoulder. "Yeah, I did say that, didn't I?" "And it's true. It will." Jennifer said. "I love you, Jack." Jack pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. "And I love you." "So you really want Abigail to go see Dr. Baker?" Jack asked. "Look, let's take her one time, and if she feels uncomfortable, that will be the end of it. Deal?" Jennifer asked, holding out her hand. Jack took her hand and kissed it. "I'll do anything for my little princess." Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 15	#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/26/08 1:36 AM Paper Boy	Abby was scared. "But I don't want to go!" She protested when they arrived at the big brick building. Mommy took her hand. "Baby, it will be okay. There's nothing to be afraid of." "She's right, Abigail." Daddy said. "You'll be fine." Abby didn't mean to, but she started to cry. "Oh Jack..." Mommy said. "Maybe we shouldn't do this." Daddy kissed Abby's cheek. "Listen, Sweetheart, I know it's scary, but Mommy and I want to help you. Tell you what, Princess. Just go this once and if you don't like it, you don't have to go anymore, okay?" Abby looked at Mommy, who smiled at her. "We'll be with you the whole time." Abby thought for a minute. "Okay." she finally said. "That's my good girl!" Daddy said as he smiled and hugged Abby tightly. His tight grip was scaring her and she flinched. When he let go of her, he looked a little sad. Abby wished she wasn't so afraid for her Daddy to hug her. Maybe that's why they were taking her to this place. They got out of the car, and Mommy and Daddy each took Abby's hand. Together they all walked into the big brick building. They walked through the big glass doors and into a great big room with all sorts of plants and trees. Abby thought it looked like a forest. Then they walked down a long hallway, until they stopped at a door that was painted blue. "Here we are." said Mommy. She turned to Abby and hugged her. "Thank you, Honey, for being such a brave little girl." Daddy opened the door for them and they walked inside. Abby was surprised to find that there were other kids waiting. None of them looked as scared as she felt on the inside. In fact, they were too busy reading books and playing with toys that were scattered around the room. "Wow! Look at this place!" Daddy said. "It's better than Disneyland!" This made Abby laugh, until Mommy got mad and said "Jack!" in that loud-whisper voice of hers. Abby sat down in a purple stuffed chair next to Daddy and picked up one of the picture books. She had this one at home. It was her favorite. It was a story about a mouse and a princess. Daddy looked at the book with her, but Mommy went to talk to a lady that sat behind a desk. A few minutes later, Mommy came and sat down with them. "Well, she's all checked in. Shouldn't be too long now." The wait seemed long; that's for sure. Abby could tell that Mommy and Daddy were as nervous as she was. Finally a very pretty lady with short blond hair came to the door and called her name. Daddy smiled and said "That's us." He took Abby's hand and they walked to where the lady was standing. The lady shook hands with Mommy and Daddy. "Jack, Jennifer. It's so nice to see you." "It's been a long time." Daddy said. Abby could tell he was scared, but she didn't know why. "Dr. Baker, thank you so much for seeing us today." Mommy said. Abby began to get scared again. "A doctor? But she wasn't sick! What was the lady going to do to her?" Dr. Baker smiled. "Well, you must be Abigail." Daddy smiled, too. "The one and only." Dr. Baker leaned down to Abby's level. "It's very nice to meet you, Abby. Why don't you come in this room with me and we can talk." Abby looked worriedly at her parents who smiled at her and waved. As soon as Dr. Baker opened the door, Abby's fears were gone. She was amazed at all the toys and stuffed animals that filled the room. Maybe this Dr. Baker wasn't so bad after all... Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 16	#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/26/08 2:14 AM Paper Boy	"Oh my gosh!" Jennifer exclaimed. "Dinner's not ready and they're going to be here any minute!" "Relax, Jennifer." Jack said, coming into the house from the deck. "Abigail and I have everything under control." Jennifer giggled at the sight of her husband and daughter in matching chef's hats. Jack turned to Abigail. "Someday, Abigail, when you have your own restaurant, you'll be able to say that you cooked chicken outside on the grill with your old man." Abby gave him a perplexed look. "You mean with Grandpa?" Jennifer laughed. "No, Abby. Daddy is talking about himself!" Abby shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, okay." "So much for encouragement." Jack said to Jennifer. He turned the chicken over and the delectable aroma began to fill the house. "Mmm! That smells wonderful!" Jennifer said. "I can hardly wait for dinner!" "Oh, I can't take the credit." Jack said. "Abigail did most of the work." "Abby honey?" Jennifer called. "Come help me set the table, okay?" "Okay, Mommy." Abby replied. She ran inside and took the plates from Jennifer. "Now, make sure we have enough settings, because we have guests coming." Jennifer said. As soon as everything was set on the table, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" Yelled Abby as she ran to the front door. She reached up to open the door. "Uncle Steve!" she cried, as Steve took her in his arms and swung her around. "Hey? Don't I get a hug, too?" "Hi, Aunt Kayla!" Abby said, hugging Kayla tightly. She was so happy to see both of them, because they didn't get to see each other very often. "Where's cousin Stephanie?" Abby asked Steve laughed softly. "Well, Stephanie is out on a date." "A date?" Jack asked, walking into the room. "Stephanie? Little Stephanie?" He held his hand to his side for effect. "I'm afraid so." Steve said. "She wanted to come but you know how boys are. If they ask a girl out on a date and the girl says no, who knows how long it will be before they ask again-if ever." Jack looked at Jennifer. "Unless you're bull-headed like my wife here!" Jennifer playfully swatted him with her apron, and went to hug Kayla and Steve. They all walked into the kitchen. "So what's for dinner? I'm starving." Steve said, sitting down at the table. "It smells incredible." Kayla said. "Have a seat, Kayla." Jennifer said. "Jack, can you go get the chicken off the grill?" "You're the boss." Jack said, kissing Jennifer's cheek. "Let me help you, brother." Steve said. He followed Jack out to the grill and began to help him lay the chicken on a platter. "So, um, Jack... Have you given any thought to what we talked about the other night?" Steve asked. "Oh, you mean, Dr. Baker." Jack said. "Actually, Jennifer thought it was a wonderful idea, so yesterday we took Abigail down there." "And..." Steve prompted. "And... I don't know. Abby didn't really say much about it. We did tell her that if she didn't like it, she didn't have to go back." Jack said. "Well, you know Abby. Sometimes she's not very talkative." Steve said. "Not around me, that's for sure." Jack said. "Jack, when are you going to give it up?" Steve asked. "Give what up?" "This act of feeling sorry for yourself." Steve said. Abby loves you. Anyone can see it. This counseling thing may take a little time, but she'll come around. "And you're going to talk to her, right?" Jack asked, remembering his brother's promise from their last visit. "Yeah. I can do that for my niece. I'll talk to her after dinner." Steve said. "Now come on, let's eat! I'm starving!" Jack grabbed his brother's arm. "Steve?" "Yeah, Jack?" "Thank you." Steve smiled. "Anytime. Now come on, before our dinner gets cold!" Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 17	#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/27/08 12:24 AM Paper Boy	"Jennifer, this is wonderful!" Kayla exclaimed as they ate their dinner. Jennifer blushed. "Thanks, but Abby and Jack did most of the work." "Well then..." Kayla said. "My compliments to both of the chefs!" "Hey, Abigail.." Steve said. "Your daddy tells me that you met with Dr. Baker this afternoon." Abby shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "May I be excused, Mommy?" Jennifer looked worriedly at Jack. "But Abby..." "Let her go, Jen." Jack said softly. "Okay, Honey." Jennifer said to Abby. "You're excused." Abby slid out of the chair and dashed out the front door. "Abby!" Jennifer called after her, but the front door slammed shut. Jennifer started to cry. "Oh God, Jack. She's so upset. What are we going to do?" Jack brushed the hair from Jennifer's face. "Everything will be okay, Sweetheart." Gently he pulled her toward him and held her close. "I'll go talk to her." Steve rose from the table. "No Jack. I'll go." Jack smiled at his brother. Steve walked out the front door. "Abigail?" he called. Then he noticed her sitting on the porch steps. "Hey.." He said, sitting down next to her. "How's my favorite niece?" Abby laughed. "I'm your only niece, Uncle Steve!" "Good thing, huh?" Steve laughed. "So..." Steve said after a few seconds of silence. "What are you doing out here by yourself?" "Nothing." Abby said. "You know, your momma is really worried about you." Steve said. "I know..." Abby said softly. "If something is bothering you, we can talk about it. I promise to keep it just between us." He put his arm around her. "Does it have to do with your daddy?" Abby looked down at her shoes. "It does, doesn't it?" Steve asked. Abby's eyes filled with tears. "I-I'm afraid of him!" Steve smiled sadly, hating to see his niece in so much pain. He pulled her to him and let her cry on his shoulder. "I know... I know..." he said. Finally Abby sat up. "Are you mad at me, Uncle Steve?" "Oh, Honey. Of course not." Steve said. Gently he stroked Abby's hair. "I-I don't want Daddy to hurt me like he hurt Aunt Kayla." Steve's heart ached just hearing the words. He put his arms around Abby and held her tightly. "Baby, that's not going to happen. Ever. Your daddy loves you so much." "B-but he hurt Aunt Kayla." Abby said. "H-he raped her." Steve's throat went dry, remembering the day he and Kayla discussed the same subject with Stephanie. "Do you know what rape is, honey?" he asked. Abby nodded. "Dr. Baker told me. Why would Daddy do that?" Steve wasn't sure how to answer. "Well, sometimes when people get angry, they do things to hurt other people. Sometimes very bad things, and I guess he was very mad at me and Aunt Kayla." "He was mad at you, too?" Abby asked. "Well, we were mad at each other for a really long time. Your daddy and I didn't even like each other at first." "Really?" Abby asked. "But you do now." Steve smiled. "Yeah. We like each other now. And I know that your daddy would never hurt anyone. Especially you or your momma." "That's what Dr. Baker told me." Abby said. "Dr. Baker was right." Steve said. "I-I'm sorry..." Abby said. "Sorry for what, hon?" Steve asked. "F-for being afraid of Daddy. I love him so much." Abby said, starting to cry again. Steve held Abby close to him. "Shhh... that's enough of that now. Your daddy knows that you love him, okay?" "W-will he be mad at me?" "No, honey. Your daddy was just worried about you. Just like your momma. But I know what would make him really happy." Abby's face brightened. "What, Uncle Steve?" "A big hug and kiss from his little princess." Abby smiled. "I can do that!" "Ahhh..." Said Steve, brushing a tear from Abby's cheek. "There's what I like to see. That beautiful smile." He stood and took Abby's hand. "Come on, let's go back inside." Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 18	#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/28/08 1:34 AM Paper Boy	"Goodnight, Abigail." Mommy said as she turned out the light. "Goodnight, Mommy." Abby responded. She snuggled under the comforter, clutching Mr. Moo, her stuffed cow. Abby lay in the darkness, thinking about what Uncle Steve had said; Daddy would never hurt her. He was just angry and it happened a long time ago. After a few minutes, Abby drifted off to sleep... and began to dream... "Goodbye, Abigail. Goodbye." "Daddy? Why are you leaving?" "Because, Abigail. I don't want to hurt you." "But I love you, Daddy. Please don't go.." Abby woke with a start. Her heart was beating so fast, she could feel it beneath her chest. She tried very hard to go back to sleep, but she just couldn't. Maybe Mommy could read her a story... She walked into Mommy and Daddy's room, but Mommy was sound asleep. Where was Daddy? Curious, she walked down the hallway and crept down the stairs. There was Daddy, sitting on the couch, looking through some papers. Quietly, she stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching him. She wanted so much to go to him, but she was still afraid. Afraid of what, Abby? A little voice inside her said. You heard what Dr. Baker and Uncle Steve said. Daddy would never hurt you. He loves you. Go to him.. Suddenly, Daddy stood and turned around, noticing that she was watching him. "Hey Princess. What are you doing up so late?" He did love her. And he wouldn't hurt her; ever. Without warning, all the feelings that Abby had been holding inside came rushing to the surface. She saw the loving smile on Daddy's face, and knew that Uncle Steve and Dr.Baker were right. Daddy loved her. Her lower lip began to tremble and tears rolled down her cheeks. Daddy looked at her in surprise. "Abigail? What's wrong?" "D-Daddy, I'm sorry I was afraid of you." Daddy held out his arms and Abby rushed into them, sobbing. Daddy held her close, running his fingers through her wavy brown hair. "Oh my sweet Princess. I love you so much." "I-I'm sorry, Daddy. I love you." Abby said. "Sweetheart, you don't need to be sorry. It's okay." He kissed her forehead and then kissed away her tears. "Shhh..." he whispered. "Everything will be all right. I promise you. We'll get through this together. I will do everything I can to make sure that no one hurts you ever again." At that moment, Abby loved her Daddy more than ever before. Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 19	#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/28/08 1:36 AM Paper Boy	Jennifer's hand moved across the sheets. Slowly, she opened her eyes. "Jack?" she whispered. She put on her robe and went into the hallway, but there was no sign of him. "Jack.." She called again. Then she noticed the light was on in Abby's room. That's strange. I know I turned it off. She walked into Abby's room. "Abby, honey?" But Abby was gone. Jennifer began to panic. The irrational fear of Abby being kidnapped came back to her. Oh God, not this... not now... "Abby?!" She yelled. Frantic, she ran down the stairs. "Jack? Abby?" The living room was dark. A small noise (A sigh?) made her jump. Ever so slowly, she entered the living room and walked over to the sofa. What she saw brought tears to her eyes. Jack lay on the sofa, holding Abby in his arms. Both of them were sleeping peacefully. Jennifer smiled through her tears, overcome with joy and relief. She lovingly covered Jack and Abby with a blanket and kissed them both on the cheek. "I love you so much.." She whispered. They were a family again. Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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2paperhearts	Chapter 20	#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 222 02/28/08 1:37 AM Paper Boy	"Come on, Abby!" Celia urged. "I'm coming!" Abby called. She put her books into her backpack, making sure to zip it up. They walked out of Mrs. Henderson's classroom and into the hallway. "Oh no!" Celia said. "Not again!" Abby sighed. "I'll be right back." Celia said. Then she turned and walked back to the classroom. Abby stood in the hallway, annoyed at her friend. She was always forgetting something! Suddenly some familiar faces appeared in the hallway. "Look who it is..." Justine said loudly. "it's the second-grade brat." "You mean the one who didn't know about Jack Deveraux and Kayla Brady?" Tommy said. The kids laughed. "Anyone who would hurt someone the way Jack Deveraux did is a heartless monster and should be put away for life." Justine said. Abby started to walk away, but a red-hot flame inside her began to grow. Angrily, she walked over to Justine. "Hey!" She yelled. Justine looked at Abby. "Go away, brat! We don't need your baby-talk here." The kids laughed again. Abby turned away and tried to calm herself. But it was no use. Quickly, she turned to Tommy and Justine. "Don't talk about my daddy that way! He's the nicest daddy in the world! He would never hurt anybody!" Abby yelled. Justine and Tommy looked at each other in surprise. "Come on, Tommy." Justine said. "Let's get out of here." Abby watched the sixth graders walk out of the building. She looked for Celia, but she was nowhere to be found. Slowly she turned around... And found herself face to face with Daddy. Daddy had the biggest smile on his face, and Abby could have sworn he had tears in his eyes. But Daddies don't cry, do they? He held out his arms, and Abby rushed into them, laughing when Daddy picked her up and swung her around. "Thank you, Abigail." Daddy whispered. "Thank you." "I love you, Daddy." Abby said, hugging him tightly. "Come on, Abby." Daddy said, taking her hand. "Let's go visit Horace and then stop for some ice cream." Abby looked back to find Celia, waving at her. The End Before I knew you, I wasn't living. I was waiting. And hoping.- Jack's letter to Jennifer on their wedding day
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