Chapter 10

Life Goes On

A/N: I just want to warn you that the last paragraph contains a slight love scene. I didn't write a full one, because I didn't feel like it. So, sorry to all of you who like it hot and heavy. LOL. (I might go back and put in a full one. Tell me if I should.) To those of you who don't like them at all, well don't read it. It's a very, very, very, very soft love scene. Trust me! Ok, you can read now. Oh and please review! They mean so much.

Jess sat in the small jail cell. All she wanted at that moment was Jack or even Ann, to tell her it would be all right, but she knew that it was the furthest from the truth. If she didn't get Brandon and her own life together, they'd lose their family.

"Your one phone call," a guard said in a drawl voice. Jess thought for a second. She had no idea whom to call. Her brother could be anywhere, and she didn't know anybody's phone number. "Hurry up sugar, I ain't got all night." Jess got up and followed the guard to the pay phone. She put in her money and dialed the only number she could think of. Tapping her foot impatiently, she listened as the phone rang endlessly. It stopped and a familiar voice answered.

"Now, who would be calling me from a jail with this area code?" the man spoke in an amused tone.

"Don't get cute, you know who this is," Jess spat.

"Oh, Jess! I didn't know it was you! You know you should speak more sweetly."

"Cut your shit! Come bail me out," Jess demanded.

"Bail you out of where?" he asked playing dumb.

"This is not a game. Just please get me out," Jess finally pleaded.

"You know I'd do anything for you princess. I'll be there in an hour," and with a click, the other line went silent. Jess was left to sit in the cell and fell asleep.

"You can go," the guard grunted. Jess woke up slowly, but ran from the cell when she realized what was happening.

"Thank you soooo much!" Jess gushed to the man who paid her bail as they stepped outside. The man shrugged like it was no big deal.

"Yeah, now how are you going to pay me?"

"Money," Jess replied.

"I figured as much," he laughed.

"You'd be the greatest guy if you weren't such a horn-dog, Eben."

Jess rode silently with Eben on the way back to the house in Miami. She didn't know how to tell Eben she couldn't race for him anymore. There were only two things on her mind: her siblings and Brian.

"Eben… I… I, I can't race. I need to get the garage going again. Then, maybe I can get a better house. I'm going to get those kids back Eben. I gotta," Jess let out.

"What makes you think any judge is going to give you custody?"

"I'm getting them back!" Jess assured.

"I don't think you understand. You're 18, with a criminal record and not just the one from today. Plus, you didn't finish high school and starting up the garage won't be enough," Eben lectured.

"Damit, Eben! You're not my father and you'll always be far from it! I know my own flaws and I can fix them," Jess yelled in frustration.

"It's not that easy Jess! I don't want to be your father, but I've always known when you've done stupid stuff! Right now, you're just being so fucking stubborn! Those kids will be fine without you. Hell! They'll probably be better," Jess didn't know what to say, but he was right.

"Fine," Jess hissed through gritted teeth. It took all her strenghth to hold back the tears that pricked her eyes and left a lump in her throat.

"It's ok to cry. Life goes on Kid," she just turned her back to him and starred out the car window at the falling rain.

"Can you get my car for me?" she asked after the desire to cry passed.

"Sure, I'll get you your car," Eben sighed.

"Thanks," They pulled up in front of the house that moment. Jess checked the car clock. It was midnight.

"God this day's been stressful," Jess groaned.

"Are you staying or going?" Eben asked.

"What do you think?"

"It's not my decision."

"You're a lot of help," Jess said sarcastically.

"Always glad to be of service," Eben smiled with a cheesy grin.

"I'll tell you when you come back with my car," Jess decided.

"All right then, I'll see you tomorrow around 3:00pm," he indicated.

"See ya, and thanks again Eben."

"Anytime kid."

The house was silent when Jess stepped inside. All the lights were out, but she could see the t.v.'s glow from the kitchen. Jess noticed the house was once again clean. She tiptoed her way to the living room. Leon, Vince, and Jesse were sleeping on the couch again. Mia and Letty were still missing. Jess was pretty sure Letty slept with Dom, but whose room was Mia in? Jess shook off her thoughts, shutting off the television and continued to the stairs.

Jess peaked in Brian's room just to see if he was there, but what she found was Mia. Her mind jumped to the worst possible conclusions. Her heart felt like it stopped. With her back pressed against the wall, she sang to the floor. How could she even begin to sort what she saw? She suddenly found it hard to breathe.

You didn't even see him in the room. Maybe he's out or something. Just breath. She told herself calmly. She stood up, but she felt like she was drunk again. Her legs didn't want to support her, and her head felt like it was going to fly away. From the light in the hall, she could see someone was in her bed. She let out a long sigh of relief. It was the best sight she'd seen all day. Brian was lying peacefully on the bed. A real smile graced Jess' lips for what felt like days. He was shirtless and just so perfect… Without waking him, she made her way to the bathroom. Dried mud covered her face, arms, and clothes. She took a fast shower and came out in a towel to find Brian was awake.

"Where have you been?" he asked sitting up to look at her better. Jess came to sit next to him on the bed.

"Oh…" she started slowly, "You know, same old, same old. I think I lost custody of my siblings. I got thrown in jail because I broke a few speed limits and motorist laws on the way. So, that's been my day. How about you?" Brian just starred at her in disbelief.

"I'm sorry," was all Brian could say.

"Oh, I'm fine," Jess choked out, felling the tears build up again.

Why is it so hard to cry? She thought to herself.

Without thinking, she reached out for Brian, crawling into his warm embrace. The only thing that was between them was Jess' towel. Her grief, stricken eyes met Brian sympathetic ones. Their gaze locked and could not seem to be broken. Before either could say another word, the two kissed with a greater passion than they knew could exist. Brian ran his fingers through her smooth, damp hair and the intensity of the kiss increased. Jess let out a small moan when Brian pulled back her towel and cupped her bare breast with his hand. Jess felt like she was on fire as his kiss roamed all over her body. Her hands explored his bare chest. Brian helped her out by removing the boxers he was wearing. There was no need to think about consequences; it was all in the moment.

A/N: See! I told you! Nothing big. Just to let you know, they did have sex. The next chapter is funny and brutal; I'm in the process of writing it right now! Hope you enjoyed!