Chapter 9
The next day, they were taking a long walk in the woods when the topic came up again.
"Nana, I thought I loved Tom and I thought he loved me. But it was just a front, wasn't it?"
Abbey thought a minute before answering her question.
"Honey, sometimes men act in a certain way just to hurt you later on. But not all men want to hurt women. At that moment, Tom lost control and he hurt you. He hurt you very badly. But most men don't lose control and they don't hurt the woman they love. Grandpa has never hurt me."
Abbey paused, waiting for Annie to respond. She continued when Annie didn't say anything. "You believed Tom when he said he loved you. All his actions up to that horrible moment supported his statement. But men who truly love women don't hurt them. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Was it my actions that made him do what he did?"
"No honey. Something was wrong in him for him to do what he did. You had no part encouraging him. In fact, you said no. Most men would stop and back off. It was he who didn't stop. You did all you could."
Abbey stopped walking and turned Annie toward her. Her granddaughter was crying. Abbey gave her a tight hug and then pulled her back to see her face.
"It's okay, Annie. Men like Tom are not common. Men like your Dad and Grandpa are out there. You just have to find them, when you're older and more ready for a serious relationship. Do you hear me?"
"I think so."
"Let's turn back. It's getting cool. And if you want, we can continue talking at the house."
"Okay."
Later that night, after Annie had gone to bed, Abbey called Liz and Doug to share Annie's conversation with them. They were grateful that at least she was talking to somebody.
After hanging up with them, Abbey called Jed. He had already gone to sleep, but was wide awake when he heard Abbey's voice.
"She's finally coming out, Jed. When this happened to me, I didn't want to trust anybody, especially you, ever again. It wasn't what you did, but my own fears that kept me away. And I didn't want that to happen with Annie. Her court case is next Monday and I can only hope she will be up to it. The Prosecutor recused himself because of his ties with Tom's father so they're bringing in one from Concord."
"Do you think I can come?"
"Jed, you know when you show up it's a media circus. I know that you want to be here, but maybe it's better if you don't come. Maybe, if Annie feels up to it, we can fly to Washington for the rest of the week."
"You know, Abbey, sometimes this job just sucks."
"I know. But the attention needs to be on this case and not on her famous grandparents."
"Tell her I love her and I want her to come see me when she can. And Abbey, I had my doubts about how effective you could be, but it seems it was just what she needed. I know there's still a ways to go, but it appears that her Nana has at least shown her the way."
"Thanks, Jed. I love you too."