Wednesday morning, I ditched school for the rest of the week, opting to spend time at Nanci and David's. Unfortunately, they were both still at work. At the time, I did the only thing I thought was reasonable, I sent a "drop everything" page.

"It's been a horrible week," I confided in Nanci as I zoned in and out on their couch.

"You're holding up pretty well."

"Only because I'm not stopping to think about it."

"You've never sent a 'Drop Everything' page before. What's wrong?" David asked.

"My step-Dad called again. Along with everything else… I am beginning to have nightmares and memories again."

The courts had called it child abuse, but that was too polite a word for what had happened. The shaking came from anger and pure fear.

David grasped my chin and turned me to look at him.

"Let it go. Come on, Ladybug, let it go."

He tore me out of the memories by the force of his will.

Suddenly, I felt a head rush.

"Jaidyn! Don't you dare pass out."

David pushed my head down between my knees—hard. I needed the stinging voice to bring me out of my state.

"Sorry."

"Don't do that—you scared me!"

Just then there was a knock on the door and I heard John and Hallee let themselves in. Betrayed, I sent an accusatory glanced at David.

"You've already told them."

I winced at David's look.

"Look, I had a suspicion that might be happening again… I also know you've been very upset about the Hallee thing. You need to talk to her, even if you won't talk to anyone else. And, in all honesty, I called John because I figured that at least he could instill the fear of God into you and get you to talk. This might be just 'your problem,' but this is a family issue, too. Let us help you."

When he pulled me to him, I went willingly.