A/N: I know a lot of you will probably hate me for how this chapter ends, but forgive me. I also changed the rating to M because of the first half of the chapter. Remember this is my first Fanfic story it's not as detailed as others I have read and I was a little shy writing it. But I wrote it and decided to post it. There will be line breaks in case you wish to skip it. As for the end I too would like to see James get his just desserts maybe he will but not yet. So enjoy?

Disclaimer: I do not own Pride and Prejudice all rights belong to Jane Austen.

Ch. 27

Hurst was driving, Anne was in the passenger seat and he was sitting in the back with Lexie's head on his lap. He hadn't stopped staring at her since they entered the car, and no one is in the mood to talk.

He, Anne and Darcy had gone back inside where the Bennet's and his family were together. Darcy went to find Charlies and as he walked up to them he could tell his grandmother was highly uncomfortable and wanted to leave. James asked for Lexie and Anne told him she was in the restroom, a fact which visibly angered him.

"I guess we'll just have to wait for her then." He said in a clipped tone.

"Actually Mr. Bennet, Lexie will be staying the night at my house-" Anne was saying.

"Great! Now let's go, being in this stuffy room is starting to affect my nerves." Rose cut in. James looked like he was going to protest, but Rose shouting for Kitty and Lydia seemed to deter him.


She stirred in his lap and blinked her eyes open. She smiled at him and reached for his hand and gave it a kiss. She sat up and looked around.

"Lexie!" Anne jumped and Hurst swerved.

"Anne, don't scare Hurst or well be Found. On. Road. Dead? Is that right?" She asked.

"First of all I'm an excellent driver, and yes found on road dead."

"Lexie? Are-Do you?" Anne sighed.

"If the question is, if I am hungry and would I like to eat the answer is yes, I'm famished." She said sitting and placing her head on John's shoulder.

"What are you in the mood for, Lex?" Hurst asked, he looked in the rearview mirror and saw John trying to control his temper.

"I don't know, how about…what do you guys feel like?"

"I'm not hungry actually." John said in a clipped tone.

"Me either." Anne said quietly.

"Looks like it's just you and me Yelnats. You?"

"How about hamburgers or pizza?

"Pizza, but if Anne and John won't eat I want my four slices."

"Please you can barely eat 3!"

"Are we seriously not going to talk about what happened?!" John yelled frustrated.

Lexie recoiled from him and scooted over to the opposite end, curling into a ball. He scooted over and placed a hand on her shoulder, she relaxed. "I don't want to talk about it right now." She said quietly.

He was going to protest, but he felt Anne place a hand on his knee, he looked at her. She had a sad look in her eyes and shook her head no. He sighed and turned Lexie towards him cupping her face and gave her a kiss. They stopped for pizza, all of them ate and acted like nothing had happened but Lexie wouldn't leave John's side. She clung to him, afraid that he would leave her. They headed to Anne's and John asked her if she still wished to stay the night. Lexie just nodded and asked him if he wanted her to. Anne and Hurst went to get her bag, after she freaked out when John said he'd wait for her. They sat waiting quietly in each other's arms until Anne and Hurst returned.


As soon as they were far enough from the car Anne broke down and gave Hurst a tight hug. He held her telling her it was going to be all right.

"How is it going to be all right? She won't let us help her!"

"She just needs time Anne, you said it yourself, and she has opened up lately. Just give her some time." He rubbed circles into her back.


John carried a sleeping Lexie to his room as Hurst followed carrying her bag. Hurst pulled back the covers and John tucked Lexie in. He gave her a kiss and told her he'd be back and he walked Hurst outside.

"Give her time John, I know you like to think you know her, but you do not. You can't push her."

He let out a deep sigh. "I do not want her going back to that house. I can't let her go back, I just can't. I don't believe this is the first time… There must be something we can do."

"I can ask my father but I know, Lexie would not like that. I'm torn between what Lexie would want and what I want to do."

"Please ask him anyways and we will see how things go from here." Hurst just nodded and John gave him a hug.

He walked back to his room, all these emotions going through his head. He didn't know what to do, he just knew he had to do something. There was no way he was going to allow anyone to hurt her. He entered the room and she wasn't in the bed, he looked around frantically and saw that the light to the restroom was on, he sat on the bed.


Lexie woke up abruptly, breathing heavily and looked around; she was in John's room. She was safe. She saw her bag on the floor and went to the restroom. She changed into her pajamas, ignoring the four purplish marks on her shoulder. She washed her face and let her hair loose. She walked out and was startled to see him. She walked up to him and stood in front of him.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked quietly.

"No Lexie, I'm not mad at you."

"But you are mad?"

He sighed and pulled her down to sit on his lap. He picked up her legs and turned her to face him. "Please talk to me." He begged. "Don't shut me out."

Her hand went to his cheek and he leaned into it. "There was something I wanted to tell you, but I never got the chance." His eyes opened but he didn't say anything. She stared at him, "I love you Johnathan."

His eyes widened and a huge smile slowly appeared. His hand cupped her face, "I love you to Alexandra." They kissed and just held each other. He could feel her smile on his neck while he played with her hair.


-M-

Her nose was on the crook of his neck and she was breathing in his scent, it was invigorating. One of his hands rested on her hip and she wanted him to touch her. She lightly kissed his neck and he lightly shivered.

She parted her lips and kissed his neck again, making her way up behind his earlobe, to his jaw and lips. The kiss started of slowly and sensual, her hands snake around his head and she lightly tugged his hair.

He moaned deeply and deepened the kiss, his hands began to roam her body and when he reached her back she moaned. He noticed she wasn't wearing a bra and pulled away, both breathing hard.

"Why'd you stop?" She asked sounding hurt.

"Lexie I think we should stop before-"

Her lips came crashing into his and she turned her body to straddle him. He moaned when her hips grinded his. She started to unbutton his shirt and he grabbed her hands to stop her.

"Lexie we can't."

-End-


She tensed up and jumped away from him. She tried to cover her body with her hands, "Forgive me. I'm sorry."

She quickly walked out the door, racing towards Nicky's room as tears fell down her face. He said they would go at her pace, she was willing to give herself to him and he rejected her. She quietly entered the room and closed the door. She leaned against the wall and sunk down to the floor, trying to stop herself from crying. All she wanted to do was scream, there was a light knock on the door, but she didn't move.

It slowly opened and she saw his legs come into view in front of her. She refused to look up at him, even when he extended his hand and held it open for her to accept.

He was hoping she would accept his hand, they needed to talk.

As soon as she left the room he fell back on the bed and pulled his hair out of frustration. He couldn't understand why she was upset; he wanted nothing more than to keep going but he didn't want to take advantage of her when she was emotional. He realized that Lexie didn't see it that way, she saw it as rejection. She told him she was in love with him and he rejected her. He sighed heavily; to her rejection was rejection, plus what happened earlier. Hurst was right he did not know her.

He saw her go into Nicky's room, even in the dark he could tell that she was crying. I did that to her. When she didn't accept his hand he kneeled down to pick her up. She didn't fight him, she just went limp.

He carried her back to his room and leaned against his headboard.

"I'm so sorry darling; I didn't mean to hurt you." She breathed deeply, but didn't say anything. "It's just after what happened-" he trailed of.

She thought about what he was saying and understood. He really did love her and she acted like a baby, and ran instead of staying and talking about it like an adult.

"You're right I'm sorry, I over reacted. Forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive." He leaned down to kiss her.

It started off slow but soon progressed and when his tongue entered her mouth, she moaned and he pulled away.

"Please don't overthink this John. I want you, I need you, I want to replace his touch with yours. I want to feel your hands on me."

Her hands wrapped around his head and she gave give a deep kiss. When she demanded entrance he willingly parted his lips. They felt a shock throughout their bodies as their tongues danced with each other.

They pulled apart and she stared deep into his eyes. "I love you Johnathan." She told him and he kissed her. His hands went under her shirt and she gasped.

"What's wrong?" He asked trying to retrieve his arms.

"Your hands are cold," she held his arms in place. "I like it," her lips crashing back down on his. She felt so alive and she climbed on him grinding her hips on his. He moaned and next thing she knew he was pulling away.

"Lexie," he said breathing heavily, "We have to stop."


-M-

"I don't want to." She grabbed her shirt and swiftly pulled it off. "I love you, I want you, I need you."

He stared at her breasts and then into her eyes. "Lexie-" He said huskily.

"Do you want me?" He nodded. She grinded her hips and lightly bit his neck. "Take me, make me yours John." She whispered in his ear.

He lost his reserve and pulled her in for a bruising kiss, his arms wrapped around her back and soon he was laying her down on the bed.

She felt dizzy from his kisses and touch; his hands were no longer cold as they explored her body. His calloused hand playing with her breast and she lightly whimpered. She didn't even notice him pulling down her shorts and panties.

He stopped to admire her naked body, the moonlight showing every curve. Her eyes opened and she brought her arms to try and cover herself, pulling him out of his trance.

"Don't hide from me, you're perfect."

He kissed deeply and made his way down her neck, to her breasts. Down her stomach, to her pelvic bone, she was dizzy again and didn't notice him pulling her legs apart. He licked his lips wanting to taste her and she was so wet already.

She jumped when he kissed her sex. "Wait! What are you doing?"

"Giving you kisses," he said huskily, "I promise you'll like it."

She nodded; as soon as his lips met her sex again she let out a suppressed squeal. As his mouth tasted her and his hand touched her, she tried to suppress the noises she wanted to make; only whimpering and moaning quietly. When he placed a finger inside her she let out a soft cry.

"Do you like it?" He stopped and looked up at her all she could do was nod. "Tell me Lexie."

"Don't stop please." She said breathlessly.

"Do I make you feel good?" He asked huskily.

"Yes," she breathed.

His hand kept moving in and out of her as he kissed her clit until she screamed his name. He kissed his way up to her lips.

She was extremely high; when his lips found hers she felt another surge rush through her body. She felt him pull away and heard a drawer open. She felt the bed move as he shifted, removing his clothes. His lips crashed into hers as he slammed into her. Her hands flew to his arms and she creamed into his lips as her nails dug into his shoulders. He stilled and kissed the tears running down her face away.

The pain resided and she kissed him, she moved her hips wanting him to move and he slowly rocked his hips, moving in and out of her. After the burning subsided she locked eyes with his and moved her arms to his back, and she moved her hips with his meeting his thrusts.

"I love you," she whispered still staring into his eyes.

"I love you too." He replied, keeping his slow pace.

He was enjoying how she responded to him and was trying to take his time. She was very passionate, they kissed and their hands explored each other's bodies, she was still whimpering and moaning; she was so tight, he wanted to go faster but he was already close to unravelling.

He was happy when she asked him to go faster and could feel that she was close. He thrusted harder and she tightened around him; they came together screaming each other's names.

He collapsed on top of her and she grabbed his face and kissed him. She held on to him a while longer, not wanting to let her go. She whimpered when he slowly pulled out of her. He discarded the condom and lied on his back, trying to catch his breath. He never felt this way with anyone else. He never felt what he just did, it was always just sex; he had never made love to anyone before.

She straddled him and gave him a deep and passionate kiss. Even through the small light in the room he could still see her smiling brightly at him. She gave him a chaste kiss and lied on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.

"I love you Jonathan, with all my heart, mind, body and inner being." She kissed his chest placing a hand on it.

"I love you too Lexie. More than you'll ever know." He messaged her scalp and soon she fell asleep. He didn't mind in fact he was beyond the moon happy. He just held her and soon gave into sleep.

-END-


He tried to move but there was something on his chest, making him more alert. His eyes opened and he saw the top of Lexie's head, and memories of last night came flooding into his brain. He couldn't stop the smile that spread his face, and she snuggled up against him. He ran his hand up and down her spine. .

"That tickles." She whispered and looked up at him. Her eyes were yellow in the morning light.

"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you up."

She kissed his chest and he lightly moaned. "I don't mind."

He saw her eyes turn black and she lowered her head peppering kisses on his chest.

Last night she had been too high to properly admire his body. Looking at him now though was driving her crazy, but she still felt self-conscious of her own body. She always knew he was muscular; it was evident every time she hugged or touched him.

She was almost drooling at how well toned he was. She traced the outline of his muscles and he started to breathe heavy. One of his hands went behind her head and he pulled her hair. She let out a soft cry and winced in pain.

"Sorry, I forgot." He sat up with her.

"It's ok John." She put her arms around him and kissed him.

He pulled away and looked at her up and down. His eyes widened when they spotted four deep bruises on her shoulder. She glanced and turned away in shame. He sat them up straighter and his finger grazed over the marks.

"Does it hurt?" He asked after she let out a jagged breath.

"Not when you touch me."

She kept her head turned and she felt his lips touch her shoulder, giving her a kiss on each mark.

"How often does this happen." She didn't say anything. "Lexie?" He whispered her name and hugged her to him. She turned her face into his neck and softly inhaled.

"I started the day I got lost." She wrapped her arms tightly around him. "I was around 8? 9? Maybe; I wouldn't speak or do anything. I never knew what I did to make him angry. I thought that by doing nothing it would fix everything." She took a deep breath.

"He and Rose were always fighting over me, blaming me, blaming each other. I could never sleep and I would go downstairs and I could always hear them. I suppose the school would call and complain, those days were the worst. He would yell at me and sometimes he would slap me."

She shivered and he tightened his grip on her. "Once I changed schools, they started calling more and it got worse, he started to spank me. It never got too bad. They took me to see Dr. Stone, but nothing changed. I wouldn't speak to her; to anyone. I think he was just going crazy, all he wanted was for me to speak, to do anything. He finally won. There was an estate sale and they had horses. I don't know the details too well. But when I saw Aries, I gravitated towards him. He noticed and asked how much he cost. He was very cheap because he had been abused and wild. He didn't want to buy him, but I didn't want to leave. He tried pulling me away but I wouldn't budge. He told me that if I wanted him I would have to ask for him and I did."

"Is that when it stopped?"

"I believe so. To be honest I did not remember until the first nightmare I had. But when you and Will started to fight and argue over me, things came back."

"I don't want you going back Lexie, I'm afraid something worse will happen."

"He was just angry because I embarrassed him when I played Sweet Child O' Mine."

"I thought that was a great performance."

"I was thinking of you the whole time."


-M-

She licked her lips and kissed him. Soon their hands were roaming each other's bodies and he was reaching for a condom. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as she slowly sunk into him, moaning as he filled her. She slowly started to move her hips and his hands tightly grabbed her hips as he helped her move faster and faster. He felt her tighten and he looked up at her, a light blush came over her body as she came. Her orgasm triggered his and when he opened his eyes they found her staring at him. She was biting her bottom lip and she had a sexy smile; it gave her pleasure to see how she made him feel. She pulled him in for a deep and long kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you too." He flipped them over and pulled out if her.

-End-


Her stomach grumbled and she turned red. He lay back down and kissed her. "Hungry?" He smirked.

"Yes," she giggled when his stomach was louder.

"Me to, let's go get something to eat." He sat up and started looking for his clothes. She averted her gaze away from him and looked at the sheets, turning beet red. "What's wrong?"

"Well. I mean-I-" She pointed to the sheets.

"That's normal."

"Yes I know; it doesn't make me feel better though. Do you think I can shower first?" She asked still not looking at him.

"Yes."

She climbed off the opposite end of his bed and found his shirt. She quickly put it on and laughed at how big it was on her, it was like a dress. She walked into the bathroom and went through her bag. She was happy that Anne's maid had packed all of her toiletries. She arranged everything ready to take a shower but she couldn't figure out how to turn on the water.

"John? How do you use this thing you call a shower?"

He walked in wearing nothing but his boxer briefs smiling cockily as she clearly drooled over him. She could feel her thighs getting wet, she already wanted him again. He pressed her up against the wall and reached in to turn on the water.

"Is that a good temperature?" He asked, lifting her arm up to the water. With the way he was looking at her all she could do was nod. He gave her a deep kiss and his hands bunched up the hem of the shirt ready to take it off.

She broke away. "Where are the towels?" He opened a cabinet and placed it on the towel rack. "You'll wait for me right?" He nodded and kissed her again.

Walking back into his room he turned on his computer. He sent a quick email to Hurst asking him what his father told him. He fought with his emotions and told Hurst what Lexie told him. As he waited for a reply, he got his clothes ready and took the sheets off of the bed. He dressed in sweats and found a maid telling her to wash his sheets, bring him new ones and that no one was allowed in his room today.

The bathroom door opened and his room filled with the scent of coconuts and lavender. She shyly smiled at him and came up to him and gave him a tight hug. She used his computer as he showered to email Anne, Hurst, Mary and Dr. Stone what happened last night. She was too embarrassed to tell them in person, this was just easier. She asked Anne for Will's email. She didn't want to tell him anything, but he was there and saw everything. She didn't want him to ask questions.


Will heard a ping alerting him he had a new email. He had just finished emailing Georgie, who was asking him to speak to their father so she may get a camera. She still wasn't sure on which one she wanted, she wanted to speak to Lexie first, but the first thing she needed was permission to get one.

From: ALexingtonBee. Though he didn't know the name, he knew it was Lexie. He read the same story she told John and sent to everyone else. She told them this was the first time in years that she remembered and this was the first and last time she wanted to talk about it.

He was glad that she shared this with him, but he was not satisfied at leaving it alone. He knew her friends wouldn't be happy about that fact either, but decided to respect her wishes.


John and Lexie ate breakfast and then played with Nicky and Nate. Later Lexie asked John if he would like to meet Aries to which he agreed. They stopped by the market so she could buy a bag of apples and eventually reached her house.

He parked on the road and followed her straight to the stable in the back. She didn't even once glance at the house. When she introduced them, he could tell how much she loved and cared about Aries, they were each other's savior. At first Aries didn't seem to like him, but once John gave him his fourth apple, he seemed to come around.


"That little brat! Can you believe she still won't answer my call?" Rose was yelling to no one in particular.

After breakfast James told her that they were having guests tonight and needed Alexa home.

"You've only tried 6 times, maybe you should keep trying," giggled Lydia.

"Maybe she finally cut her wrists too deep," Kitty giggled.

"Kitty! How can you say such a thing! Lexie does not cut herself." Jane chided.

"Not that we know of," mumbled Lizzie but only Jane heard her shooting daggers at her.


Lizzie was in her room looking out the window, when she saw Lexie and John walking to the stable. She wanted to go warn her that their mom was looking for her, but she was too angry at her.

Last night after the concert she and Jane were forced to eat dinner with Darcy and the Bingley's. They were at a nice restaurant and all she would hear from Caroline, Louisiana and Mrs. Bingley were subtle insults about Lexie. Darcy was in a very horrible mood, angry even, he didn't even speak to anyone.

She could hear her mom calling all the girls to the living room.

"Girls great news! The Collins's are coming for dinner tonight! So I need all of you to get dressed in your best dress. First though, Jane I need your help in the kitchen, Lizzie you need to clean up the living room and hallway. Kitty will clean the restrooms, sweep and mop, and Lydia you need to set the table and also help in the kitchen!"

"No, way!" Yelled Lydia.

"That's not fair!" Cried Kitty

"Why are they even coming? Can't we just go to their house?" Lizzie asked annoyed.

"Mr. Collins is you fathers boss and their son Billy goes to school with you-"

"Wait! Billy Collins is coming here to this house?" Lizzie said jerking up.

"Yea, as I was saying, your father invited them over for dinner."

"Wait! Why doesn't Debbie Downer have to do anything! Where is she anyway?" Lydia asked sulking.

"Alexa stayed the night at Anne's and I was hoping that she would stay there. We need to impress the Collins's."

The girls reluctantly parted ways to accomplish their chores. Lizzie was cleaning the hallway and heard her parents speaking.

"No! Alexa must attend tonight, call her and tell her to come home." She heard her father say.

She kept working. It wasn't until later that her mother kept trying to reach Lexie. She still didn't say she knew Alexa was in the stable; she supposed she wanted her to get in trouble.


Lexie wanted to show John her journals and she asked him to wait by the car so she could go get them. He was hesitant to let her go, but she said she wouldn't take more than several minutes. She quickly walked up to her room and placed three large books in a bag. She was almost to the door when Rose caught her.

"Alexandra Bennet! Why didn't you answer my calls? I've been trying to reach you practically the whole day!" She yelled.

"Forgive me Rose; I do not have my phone with me. It died and I left it at Anne's." She started to walk around her.

"Where do you think you are going? You can't leave, we are having guests tonight?" She asked panicking.

"You wish for me to attend? Are you positive that is a good idea?" Lexie asked.

"Of course not your father wants you to attend, his boss and family will be coming."

"I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request Rose I already have plans, hence the bag I am carrying."

"What?" She asked confused.

"No, I already made plans, and will not be attending."

"ALEXA!" James barked.

She turned to face him but kept her head held high. "Yes James?" A look of pure shock crossed his face. She had never called him by his name before.

"You will be here for dinner tonight or else." He said coming up to her.

"Of course, I would be happy to tell the Collins's all about our happy little family. Do you believe they will understand what an Anxious Personality Disorder is? Tell me what time dinner is and I will make sure that I am back in time." She said defiantly.

Fire came into his eyes. He took a threatening step towards her but she did not flinch. "She is right of course! It would be best not to have her tonight." Rose chided in. "After all what good will it do if she is sulking all night?"

James thought for a minute and then an evil smirk came across his face, making Lexie shiver on the inside. "Go then, enjoy your day." He said in a tone she did not recognize.

"Rose please tell me what time dinner is so that I may return." Lexie asked politely.

"No, you said it yourself, you have plans. Now go." Ordered James, Lexie nodded and left.

He made his way up the stairs and into the twin's room. In 7 years Lexie hadn't defied him, nor had she stood up to him. It was time to teach her a lesson and remind her who was in charge. She would obey him one way or another. She already embarrassed him and went unpunished.

He needed her to go out with his boss's snot nose son Billy. His boss caught him sleeping with a coworker and was blackmailing him. Collins agreed to keep his mouth shut, if he could find a girlfriend for his son. He shuddered; his son was a chubby disgusting toad. Any girl in their right mind would run from him. He would have asked Jane, but knew her and Charlie together so she was out. He would never give them Lizzie. He loved her and would not ask this of her; Alexa would do just well. She always did as she was told and never argued. She would do for now until he could find a way to get his boss fired allowing him to be in charge.


She dropped of her bag with John but then remembered that she had forgotten something. She ran to the house and up the stairs but stopped at the door when she saw James taking her paintings and pictures of the wall.

"What are you doing?" She asked shocked.

"Seeing as how you are never here and are not a part of this family, I am getting rid of all of this crap."

"Just because I won't come to dinner tonight? May I ask what you are going to do with my things?"

"I will be throwing them away of course."

"You cannot do that, those do not belong to you!"

"This is my house and I will do as I wish!" He yelled and dropped a small frame causing the glass to break. "If I wish to break each and every one-" he dropped another, "than I shall." Dropping two more, they were small ones but looking at Lexie he knew he was achieving his goal.

Everyone heard the sound of glass breaking and came to the door way. They were all shocked at what they saw. He took down another one and was about to throw it when Lexie ran up to him and grabbed it. An act which angered him and he struck her with the back of his hand, hitting her again as his hand came back down.

"Dad!" Lizzie shouted out.

He froze and stared at her. He looked around as if he had no idea what he was doing. "Alexa, you will clean this mess up or you will not be able to leave. Understood?" He said in a cold tone. Lexie didn't say anything. "Is that understood?" He grabbed her arm tightly, his grip tightening the longer she took to answer.

"Yes sir." She said through clenched teeth. And he released her.

She was turning to walk out the door and he grabbed her forcibly and threw her to the floor. She fell on broken glass but didn't show any emotions. "Where do you think you're going? I told you to clean up this mess!"

"I was going to inform my ride to wait and to get a broom sir." She said sounding empty and standing up shaking.

"Very well then go." He said in a clipped tone.

She made her was past the crowded doorway and walked as quickly as she could down the stairs. John saw her walking funny towards the car and got out as she got closer. One side of her face was red and he stopped dead in his tracks. Her hands were dripping blood and her right pant leg was being covered in blood as it spread. He looked at her eyes but saw nothing.

"Lexie what happened?!"

"I will explain later John; I need you to wait 30 minutes for me. Ok?" She said not looking at him.

He grabbed her and she pulled away "Don't touch me!" She yelled. He put his hands in the air. "Will you wait for me?"

"Lexie I don't want you going back in there." He said trying to control his temper. "I'm calling the police!"

"No please don't! I don't want to make him any angrier!" She started shaking.

"Lexie, I am sorry but I have to. Look at your leg, at your hands." He reached for his phone and she jumped at him.

"Please, don't. Just wait for me, I'll be back Ok?"

"What if he hurts you again?"

"We will figure something out ok? Just please Rose doesn't work; if he goes to jail there will be no one to take care of them. Please," she said with watery eyes.

He sighed and agreed. "If you're not back in thirty minutes I will call them." She told him thank you and kissed him.


Lizzie was stunned at what she had just seen. For the first time in a long time, she was at a loss for words. She had never seen her dad so angry before, it was frightening. Before she would have never believed he was capable of striking another living thing, let alone one of his daughters.

Even if it was Lexie, Lexie was not that bad; she always did as she was told. If anything Lizzie was the one who was always getting into trouble. With a quivering voice Rose shooed Lydia and Kitty out of the room, telling them to go get ready. Jane left and returned with a broom and dust pan in her hand. Lizzie could hear classical music blaring from her dad's study. Jane was visibly shaking as she picked up one of the frames. Lizzie went to her and grabbed it from her.

"Jane, are you alright? You're trembling!"

"I'm fine Lizzie; I just wish to help Lexie." Jane said calmly but her hands started shaking more.

"Here, I'll do this, you pick up the frames."


She went back into the house, void of any emotion. Lydia and Kitty avoided her gaze. Rose was shaking and trying to keep busy. She heard music blaring from the study and cringed internally. She made her way upstairs and saw Jane and Lizzie sweeping up the glass.

"What are you doing?" They looked at her surprised, like they hadn't expected her to return.

"Oh my God Lexie! Look at your leg and hands!" Jane came up to her and tried to hold Lexie, but Lexie jerked away from her.

"You shouldn't be cleaning that. I was told to do it." She said.

"Lexie, just go we'll take care of it." Lizzie said.

"No you can't he'll get mad. I have to do it just let me."

"We won't tell Lexie." Jane said sadly.

Lexie went up to Lizzie and forcibly took the broom out of her hand. "I was told to do it and I said that I would!"

Lizzie handed her the broom and backed away. She and Jane watched as Lexie picked up each broken frame and take out each picture carefully, putting the frame on the side. She swept and threw the glass. She left and brought back a towel to clean up the blood on the floor, never looking them anything. She grabbed a duffle bag and started putting items into it, like clothing and a little safety box.

Neither of the three said a word to each other. When Lexie was finished she looked around the room and headed towards the door. She stopped at the doorway and turned to look at Lizzie and Jane, neither of them looked at her. She dropped the bag and went up to hug them.

"Do not tell him I gathered more of my things." The hugged her back and nodded in agreement.

She walked down the stairs; the music was still blaring. Kitty, Lydia and Rose were nowhere to be found. She stopped at the trophy case, how she wished she could destroy the stupid thing. She wanted him to know what it was like to have something destroyed, but she wanted to get out of there. Away from this house, she walked out the door without looking back and held her head up as she went to John. He waited outside his car for her and was looking out for her to return.