"I'm back!" Kate said as she hugged Jack. She had been gone for 2 weeks.
"How was you trip?" Jack asked as Kate joined him on the beach. Their houses were close to the ocean so they came out to sit for awhile.
"It was really good to see my mom. I know she hates the custody agreement, but in May I'll be 18 and can see her whenever I want. Plus, my dad won't have to go." Kate replied.
"Will you be OK with that?" Jack asked concerned. He knew what happened before Kate moved to LA.
Kate was quiet for a moment before she said, "Yeah. Wayne is in prison for life and won't hurt my mom or me anymore. It's been 12 years since he… I don't think he would ever get out." She didn't want to say the last part with the kids around.
"Maybe I'll go with you to be on the safe side." Jack smiled and told her. He hated what that man did to her. She was a child. Who in their right mind would do that to anyone? If Wayne ever did get out, Jack, Sam, and Christian would probably kill him.
"Thanks." She shyly smiled back and came closer so Jack could hold her. They sat staring at the ocean for awhile before Jack spoke up.
"Claire's on another date with Thomas."
Kate needed the change in subject. "Really? They only met 2 weeks ago."
"I think its move too fast also. So do my parents. But Claire is being stubborn." Jack replied.
"Just like her big brother." Kate teased. With that, the two talked some more before Kate had to go home.
It was past 3:00 am and Claire still wasn't home. Margo was worried, while Jack and Christian waited up. The door opened and Jack saw Claire come in. The lights were off so she thought everyone was asleep. She seemed to stumble so Jack turned the light on. When he did Claire jumped.
"Claire, where were you? It's past 3:00 am! You've never broken curfew." Jack asked her.
Claire slowing turned around. She was crying. "Are mom and dad down here?" She asked through sobs.
Now Jack was really worried. "No. They're upstairs." He led her to the sofa and sat down with her. "What happened?"
"Thomas left me. We were having a good time at the party."
"Claire, were you drinking?" She didn't have to answer. He could tell. "What happened next?"
"I was really drunk and he led me upstairs." But she wouldn't go on. Her sobs got worse.
"Claire tell me the truth. Did he rape you?" He did not want to ask it, but he had to. No one hurt his sister.
"No. I swear. I wouldn't lie about that after what Kate told us." Claire replied, but she wanted Jack to stop.
"I believe you, and I always will. I know how much you don't want to talk, but I want to help. OK?"
Claire nodded.
"Did anything happen?" Jack asked worried.
Claire started crying harder and Jack had his answer. She finally said, "He left me! I woke up and he was gone. I don't understand."
"It's OK Claire." Jack said as she pulled his baby sister into a hug. "Everything will be all right."
"Please don't tell mom or dad." She begged.
"I won't but you will have to one day."
"I know." Claire replied not knowing that the day would be closer than she thought.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! The next chapter will be posted on Tuesday. Here's a preview of next week:
School starts back up; the first home football game, and a family vacation to with the Shepherds and Kate that has many surprises for Jate and Claire