About Jack: We don't know how he was like when he entered the Mercers, but I'm portraying him as teenager. He's not a little kid. Therefore, he's not going to be all shy and timid. In the movie they are FOUR delinquents. So, I'm making Jack like a troublemaker.

About Carmen: I don't like random OC sisters, so no she isn't staying. This is going along with the movie storyline.

Hope that clears things up a little. Enjoy!

CHAPTER TWO

"Uh, Car, I don't think the shirt goes on like that." Jack told her.

Carmen was on the floor trying to dress up Barbie for a date with GI Joe.

She was pretty girl. Her hair was a deep brown, falling a little past her shoulders and bangs that hung just above her big brown eyes. Carmen also had an oval face with a cute upturned nose and pouted lips that turned into a crooked teeth smile at anything that amused her. The freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose and cheeks were slightly darker than the caramel color of her skin and despite her small frame, she had a slightly husky voice.

She pouted, "It does too!" she replied stubbornly, "I'll make it fit!"

Jack rolled his eyes at her snippy response and looked around. The crowded family had long since left the door and Jack was more than happy to shut them out by locking him and Carmen inside until dinner. He stood in the center of the room; his hands jammed in the pockets of his tattered jeans and looked around observantly.

He had to give the family credit, it was a nice room. There were two beds, but Jack had a faint idea that Carmen would insist on sleeping with him. She refused to sleep anywhere else ever since what happened at the Baker's that one night. It bothered him at first. She went to sleep in her bed, but when he woke up, he would always find her wrapped around him. Eventually, it became a routine he had learned to accept after Carmen confessed on how safe she felt when he was around and believed no monsters or people could hurt her if he was with her.

It was safe to say that Carmen was the first and only one to break down his barrier without even trying. Then again, any ten year old kid can have an effective power over older children and parents with one single look. Jack called it the evil puppy eye face, which Carmen used on him very often. It was for that same reason as to why he was so good to her. Carmen was like a little sister to him. He took care of her and made sure to check on her whenever he came in late. It broke his heart to see a girl so young thrown into a system so rough. He would love nothing more than to see her get adopted into a nice, loving family that he never had the chance to experience. Carmen deserved it. She had her whole life ahead of her.

"Jack, will you be GI Joe?" Carmen asked, brandishing the one armed toy soldier at him, "Barbie is late so you gotta make him look mad."

"Does that mean I can shoot her when she's ready?" Jack asked.

"No!" Carmen bellowed, pressing GI Joe to her chest before Jack could take it, "You can't kill the date, Jack. Do you want the police man to take you to jail?" she pointed to the lone officer leaning stiffly by Barbie's pink convertible.

"Riiiiiiiight," Jack muttered, "What was I thinking?"

Knock! Knock!

Carmen jumped up, "I'll get it!"

"Oh, no you don't," Jack said, grabbing her by the sleeve of her shirt, "You stay there," he dropped her back on the floor where she was playing, "Don't move and don't say anything."

"Butthead," she mumbled.

Jack ignored the comment and walked to the door. He unlocked it and cautiously pulled it open to reveal the eldest Mercer son of the household.

"Hey," he greeted in monotone.

"What do you want?" Jack asked. He hated to beat around the bush.

Bobby narrowed his eyes, "It's time to eat."

"Thanks, but -"

Carmen cut Jack off and pushed her way in front of him, "Good, because I am starving," she told Bobby seriously, "What are we having?"

"Well…" Bobby bent down to get closer to her.

This sent off alarms in Jack's head and he instantly reached out, yanking Carmen behind him. He backed up a bit, his hand still on the doorknob and glared down at the still kneeled Mercer. Bobby stood up slowly and crossed his arms over his chest. He realized it was probably too much too soon, so Bobby stepped back and slipped his hands into his pockets.

"Alright, I can take a hint," he sighed, "Ma made chicken and rice. Feel free to come down when you're ready." He stared at Jack, "Okay?"

"I heard you." Jack stated simply before closing the door in Bobby's face.

He leaned against the door, pressing an ear against it until he heard the man's fading footsteps down the hallway. Perhaps, he could fool everyone else, but that guy was not going to fake him out. Jack knew how his type operated. They acted nice and harmless, but one wrong move and that is the start of it all.

"Jack," Carmen pulled on his arm, "Can we go down? Please? I'm hungry." And of course, the request was complimented with the puppy dog stare.

"Fine," he muttered, rolling his eyes, "But, I want you near me and I want you to listen to me. I don't trust them." He gave her an expecting look, "Got it?"

"Yes mom," she snapped and opened the door.

"Hey," Jack quipped and playfully pushed her out into the hall. She grinned at him and slowly reached up to grip his hand. He glanced down at her as they started for the stairs, "You okay,

Car?" he squeezed her hand.

"Yeah," she replied quietly, "Just don't let go – 'kay?" Carmen gestured to their joined hands.

Jack sighed, but nodded his understanding at her request. It was a rare tradition, but when Carmen felt unusually nervous she would ask if she could hold his hand until she felt comfortable enough without the safety net she liked to call Jack. The young man never objected, but it did annoy him at times since he had to eat as if he were one armed. But... if it meant making Carmen safe then it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. Her hold suddenly tightened as they came upon the entrance of the kitchen. Jack glanced down at her briefly before looking up at the family assembled around the dinner table.

Evelyn – he remembered – smiled brightly at the sight of them, "Oh, I am so glad you could join us," she gestured to the empty seats, "Go on, sit down."

Jack's eyes zeroed in on the two empty seats that were thankfully situated beside each other. He warily took notice of the three men bent over their plates of food, but before he could study further, he felt himself dragged forward by the girl attached to his hand. Carmen plopped herself on the seat nearest the elderly woman while Jack was left with the one adjacent to… Bobby.

Luckily, the man wasn't so close since he was eating at the head of the table.

A plate of steaming food was placed in front of him. The smell of roasted chicken assaulted his nostrils and alerted his empty stomach of the awaiting food. But, as much as he wanted to happily dig in, he couldn't help but wonder if Evelyn had done anything to it.

Carmen, still clinging to his hand was scarfing down the meal without any thought. He shook his head. Sometimes, he just wanted to smack the girl for being so naïve.

"Is there something wrong with your food, Jack?" She was smiling at him.

Jack's eyes narrowed in suspicion as the others around the table started to slow their eating and stare at him, "What'd you do to it?" he asked sharply.

Carmen promptly spat out the rice that had been in her mouth.

Jack wasn't stupid. One or two of his foster caregivers became so fed up with him they tried to poison his food with bleach or whatever else they could find lying around. He learned to become cautious and aware of everything especially if he wasn't there to witness it.

Evelyn remained calm as she stared at the young man, "I promise you that I did nothing," he looked skeptical, "Would you feel better if we switched plates?"

She probably only had a few spoonfuls of rice, but Jack didn't want it, "No, but I would feel better if you switched with Carmen."

"Very well, dear," she replied and willingly switched plates with the young girl. Her blue eyes met his, "Now, is there anything else or would you like to switch with someone else."

He didn't immediately respond.

"Man, stop bein' so paranoid and eat the damn food," Bobby growled, "It's not poisoned, so get over it."

Jack glared at him, "I wasn't talkin' to you." Then he resumed to pushing the food around his plate.

Bobby didn't snap back because of the look he received from his mother across the table. He'd let the kid have his little attitude for the meantime, but he was going to get through to him. There was just something off about how he acted. It was almost as if he were three different people in one. If anyone got too close he became timid and shy, but had this tough exterior that he projected to be impossible to get through. The only time Bobby had ever seen the kid act half descent was when he was with the little girl. Bobby let his eyes wander towards the two guests and caught their joined hands clasped tightly on the table. By the looks of it, she seemed to be squeezing the life out of his hand by the nail marks seen on various parts of his skin. He watched Jack lean over and whisper something in Carmen's ear and she sheepishly loosened the grip.

Jack glanced up, catching Bobby's gaze and quickly looked back down at his food. He wasn't even really that hungry, if anything he was feeling nauseous. A craving for another cigarette suddenly shot through him, but as much as he wanted to go outside and light up, he couldn't leave Carmen. She was starving and scared stiff by the way she was clutching onto his hand a few seconds ago before he told her to loosen her hold a bit.

"Food not good enough, kid?" Bobby asked.

Jack shrugged and leaned back into his chair.

Evelyn smiled softly, "Honey, you really should eat something."

She received a mere shake of his head as an answer.

"Well, is there anything special you want?" she asked kindly.

He pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

"I see," Evelyn said, "You do know that I don't tolerate smoking. It's an unhealthy habit and I don't want Carmen to pick up on…" she trailed off when the chair Jack was on screeched against the floor as he pushed it back to stand up.

Jack made no eye contact with the others at the table and picked out a cigarette before he started for the back door.

"Hey!" Bobby called out to him.

The young man paused in mid light and looked over his shoulder to indicate he was listening for the rest of what Bobby had to say.

Bobby had enough of this kid. In a few strides, all the while ignoring Angel's grasping at his jacket he caught up with Jack. "Listen, tough guy," he started, narrowing his eyes, "You better start showin' some respect to her. You hear me? If it weren't for her, you wouldn't be here."

"If you really think that matters to me then you might as well pack me up now and send me off ." He said with the cigarette hanging off the side of his mouth.

"You're fuckin' lucky I haven't punched you dead in your face, man." Bobby growled.

Jack just shrugged, "Trust me, a punch to the face is nothing."

Bobby clenched his fists at his side, the only thing keeping him at bay was the hold Jerry had on his arm and that little Carmen was now clinging onto Jack as if her life depended on it.

"Both of you, cut it out this instant," Evelyn demanded, "Bobby, upstairs…. Bobby, go upstairs - now!" at her orders, Bobby retreated and left the room. Evelyn turned her full attention on the other, "And Jack…" she trailed off, seeing the fear start filling his eyes as she walked towards him.

Jack didn't know what to do. Perhaps, he went a little too far. The woman didn't look mad, but if she could make a big guy like Bobby voluntarily leave the room then who knew what else she could be capable of. His lips wrapped tightly around the cigarette he left hanging off the side his mouth while he protectively wrapped his arms around Carmen. He wasn't even sure how the little girl managed to get across the room and cling onto his leg, but he had no time to think about that.

Evelyn slowly approached him. She could feel her two remaining sons coming to stand on either side of her. "Jack." she said softly and reached out to touch him. The minute her hand shot out, Jack's reflexes came in and he swung at her hand, causing her to stumble back.

Jerry was quick to steady her as Angel moved in and grabbed Jack by the front of his shirt. Carmen shrieked, releasing Jack, flinging open the back door.

"What the fuck is your problem, kid? Huh!" Angel yelled, "You don't ever put your hands on Ma!"

Jack swallowed around the lump in his throat, "I'm sorry!" he cried, "I - I didn't mean. She was gonna - I thought…" he wrenched out of Angel's grip and fell back on the floor.

Suddenly realizing what he had done and that his mother was okay, Angel took a step forward towards Jack. In response, Jack scooted back across the floor. "Look, kid, I won't hurt you. I'm sorry, alright," Angel apologized, "You've had a rough life. I know what it's like to -"

At those words, Jack suddenly jolted to life. His pathetic demeanor once again was covered up as he glared Angel down. He picked himself up from the floor, "You don't know what's it been like for me." he shoved Angel by the shoulders, who made no move to retaliate, "So, don't you fuckin' stand there and tell me that you know how my life is when you don't even know me!"

Jack grabbed his pack from the floor and ran out the back door to the backyard.

"What a drama queen." Bobby said appearing in the kitchen doorway. "You're gonna have your hands full with this one, Ma. So, I'm stayin' for a while longer. I ain't leavin' you with that cracker."

Evelyn sighed, "I believe this is a good time as any to go through his file and see what we're dealing with." she said, fixing her hair. "If I want to find him a good home, I need to know a little more about him."

"Count me in," Bobby piped up, following his mother.

Angel glanced out the window that overlooked the backyard. The little girl was leaning against the trunk of the tree while Jack stood some feet away sucking the life out the cigarette between his fingers. He rubbed his head, exchanged looks with Jerry before the two of them left into the living room.

Jack didn't know what the hell just happened. This was a weird family. He got them angry enough, but not one had laid a single blow at him. They got mad as hell, grabbed at his clothes, got in face, yelled at him, but there was they didn't lay a finger on him. He had to figure these people out and quick.

"Hey," he called over the huddled from under the tree, "You okay?"

She nodded.

He tapped on the cigarette before sticking it back in his mouth, "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head.

"Good," he spat at the ground and pulled a hand through his tossled brown hair, "You wanna go for a walk?"

She paused. Her eyes flew from her lap to his face and she nodded.

"Cool, but don't give me that silent treatment bull." he said, "I hate when you do that."

Carmen smiled slightly, "Okay…" she murmured, taking his offering hand and hauled herself up from the ground.

Jack fixed his jacket as he approached the fence. "C'mon, we gonna jump it." he squatted down and folded his hands, "You know the drill."

"We're gonna get in trouble, Jackie." she reminded, stepping on his hands.

"No, we ain't, chick." he grunted, heaving her up, "Trust me, they ain't as bad as the others."

Carmen didn't respond, but disappeared over the fence. With a quick look over his shoulder towards the house, Jack jumped up, grabbed the top of the fence and pulled himself over onto the other side.

"Where we goin'?" Carmen asked, once Jack landed beside her.

Jack grabbed her hand, "I'm gonna go see an old friend."

So, I saw the Four Brothers again last night on TNT and got reinspired.

Chapter 3 will come very soon. Promise!

Reviews?