Grace walked up the stairs, a smile still spread sweetly across her lips as Eli's words lingered; 'protective older brother act………'

GRACE it's nice to know I'm going to have someone there to catch me when I fall.

But her thoughts of comfort were soon interrupted by an aggressive knocking; Grace got to the top of the stairs, and saw Jessie, standing outside the door to the attic- one hand banging furiously on the door, the other turning the door handle violently.

"Stupid, goddam, screwed up door!" Jessie muttered, as she allowed the hand that was banging to fall limply to her side.

As Grace walked towards her, she saw fresh tears falling from her eyes- and remembered the words she'd heard Jessie scream at Eli; 'Why do you have to care so much about Grace………'

GRACE not everyone has someone to catch them when they fall………

"Jess?" Grace said her name in a small whisper.

Jessie turned to look painfully at Grace's innocent, concerned face- and brushed away the tears violently, taking short, steady breaths, she hoped she didn't look as bad as she felt……...

"What's wrong?" Grace asked, standing infront of Jessie.

"Nothing!" she replied hastily.

"Don't even try that Jessie!" Grace replied, just as aggressively.

"Nothing that concerns you!" Jessie spat back, and turned to stare blankly at the door again- staring at it in defeat, anger and complete failure.

There was silence between the two girls- and when Jessie realized Grace wasn't about to leave her alone, she found her voice;

"The door is jammed," she said in a pathetic whimper.

"Oh" Grace replied, looking accusingly at the stuck door- knowing perfectly well it wasn't the cause of ALL Jessie's problems……..

"My life is stuck aswell," Jessie added, brushing away more tears.

Grace took a step forward, and gently placed a hand on Jessie's shoulder- the comforting touch sent Jessie into a heap of quivers, tears and sniffles, as she turned and lay her head helplessly on Grace's shoulder.

"Oh Jess" Grace said softly, stroking her hair gently as Jessie's body began to heave with the force of tears.

"Tell me what's wrong?" Grace urged, once Jessie's tears seemed to calm down slightly.

"Katie" she whimpered.

"You had a fight?" Grace asked, concerned.

Jessie paused then, her tears almost completely stifled; she suddenly wanted to be alone.

Grace waited for Jessie to continue- but after a hesitant pause, she realized Jesse didn't want to talk- she felt Jessie's body close up with tension, her breaths became short and anxious- "It's ok" Grace soothed, letting her know there was no need to speak.

JESSIE why couldn't Eli do this? Why does the one person I could never truly trust………have to be the only person that cares for me?

Grace gently pushed Jessie away, and walked towards the closed door.

With one heavy heave, the door creakily opened.

Jessie looked weak and beaten, but grateful for Grace's help; "thankyou" she murmured as she walked inside and closed the door quickly behind her.

"Anytime" Grace replied to the closed door, and turned, walking to her own bedroom.