Chapter Twelve:
When Jack opened the door to bring JJ home the child instantly headed for his room. Parker, who was sitting on the couch, looked up at his father. He could tell that it had definitely not gone as well as it could have, but he knew that JJ had identified the right man, their father had called ahead to tell them that much. Parker instantly followed his little brother. He didn't think it would be a good idea to leave him alone right then. Jack sighed as Carly walked into the room. How was he going to explain what had happened?
Parker walked into the room and silently closed the door before sitting down on the edge of JJ's bed. The younger boy was currently curled up in a ball at the top of the bed with his head buried in his arms. Parker was fairly certain he was crying. They sat in silence for a few moments while Parker tried to give his brother time to calm himself a little bit. Finally, Parker spoke. "I hear you did it. You picked him out. Good job. I bet it was really hard." he said softly. His words were intended to let JJ know he was proud of him and yet also let him know that he understood him being upset and was there if he needed to talk.
JJ slowly uncurled and moved closer to his brother. There was another long silence before he spoke. "It was awful." he told his brother in a voice barely loud enough to be considered a whisper. Parker slowly went to put his arm around JJ, but the smaller boy pulled away. For the first time he didn't want anyone to touch him, not even Parker. "Ok." was the gentle response. "Thank you for letting me know. Do you want to talk about what happened?" Parker asked. JJ began to curl back into a ball.
Parker was about to say something else when JJ finally spoke. "I - I saw him and it was ... it was like it was all happening again. It was ... awful." he managed to say as tears began slide down his face. Parker took a deep breath. He didn't know how to handle this, he was just a kid himself, not much older then JJ. He knew he had to say something though, his little brother needed him. "You did good. Even with all that going on, you still told them who he was. They've got him now. He won't ever be able to hurt you - or anybody else - again." Parker told his brother.
Another long silence. Parker really hoped he'd said the right thing. He was winging this, he was clueless. All he knew was that JJ needed him and he was not going to fail him again. "I know." JJ whispered "It's just..." he trailed off. Parker again felt his heart break for his little brother. "I understand, JJ. That's ok. You're going to be ok." he assured him. "I don't feel like I am." was the soft reply that he barely heard. Parker was beginning to slightly panic. This just kept getting worse. "You will be. I know it." he managed to say.
They both sat there for a long time, neither knowing what to say. It took all Parker had not to hug his brother, but he knew he didn't want to be touched. Finally the door opened and Sage walked in. She seemed to take in the situation before turning to JJ. "Hey, JJ. I'm trying to make my friend Hailey a picture frame for her birthday. Can you help me with it?" she asked. JJ instantly stood up and headed for the door. "Sure. What do want it to look like?" he said as she followed him.
Parker sighed once they were gone. Sage really was growing up. That was exactly what JJ needed to get his mind off everything right then, he loved making things. Parker had to wonder if she had really even needed help. He felt so relieved that she had been able to help, but he also felt ... he didn't know what he felt. He just felt like he needed to be the one to help JJ. It was his fault JJ had been hurt so horribly in the first place, it was his job to help him now. Or so he thought. Even so, he was grateful for Sage's help, he hadn't had a clue what to do just then.
Author's Note: I am SO sorry it's been so long! That real life thing decided to remind me of it's existence. I will do my absolute best not to ever go this long without updating again.
Thanks so much to my reviewers: y and r fan, MOLLYKINS, Jon and Someone. I hope you guys keep reading and reviewing! Remember, reviews are the only way I can know people are reading this and I want your input!
