You guys really came through with the reviews! That's the most I've ever gotten for one chapter! Thanks so much for pulling together, I can defiantly see a sequel in your future. Sorry this took so long to post, I had a pretty full weekend. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and check the bottom for personal replies. :D

Title: Scarred But Free
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: See chapters 1, 10, 20 and/or 30

It took the first cast 10 minutes to fall off, it collapsed around Jack's leg, it had waited to long too get off. Jack clamped his ears and gritted his teeth as they sawed the other one off his right leg, he was nervous to see if his knee would be ok. He knew he should have remembered it was hurt, how could he forget a thing like that? But there was no turning back now, he would have to deal with the consequences.

The other cast fell off in it's time, collapsed like the other one. A nurse lifted his legs and the other nurse tugged out the casts, set them to the side. Ennis' hand was on Jack's shoulder, his large fingers turning white.

Jack's legs had scars running up and down them, decorating them like markers. He wasn't going to cry, he knew he couldn't in front of the doctor and nurses, but damn he wanted to. Even bull riding hadn't torn him up this much. He bit his lower lip and looked at Ennis. Ennis just shook his head and mumbled something Jack couldn't make out.

The old doctor's fingers roamed over Jack's scarred calves, he shook his head. "What a shame. Your muscles look fine, you just need to use them as often as is bearable and give them a quick rub down every night. Let's get you an X-ray so we'll know about that knee."

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They popped a lead apron on Jack and laid him down on a table. The machine was about the same size as a lot of the machinery he had sold. He closed his eyes tightly, wished Ennis could be in here, but at least he was just outside the room.

"You've sustained a remaining hairline fracture in your knee, but there's no healing the damage that's been done. You'll have to wear this cast every night, so your knee stays bent at a 40 degree angle."

Jack stared at the black cast with something resembling revulsion on his face. "I'll have Sally show you how to put it on and take it off, then we'll discharge you, ok?"

Ennis grunted to show both their consent, and the doctor signed Jack's chart before leaving. "Well, we can go pick up the girls when we leave 'n' then it's back home again."

Jack grinned, teeth shining through a rare, honest smile. "So tell me what happened?"

"Well, I walk in the kitchen, 'n' she's doin' dishes...she always seems ta be doin' dishes..."

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Jr. and Francine chatted in the back seats of the truck, while the music hummed quietly over their voices, making it difficult for Ennis to listen in. He looked at Jack, who was running his fingers over his calves, feeling the skin for the first time in what was obviously to long of a wait. He smiled broadly, staring at the midnight sky. Ennis hadn't wanted to drive home so late at night, but Jack and the girls hadn't wanted to wait to get back to the house, where they knew there was a lot of talking, apologizing, getting to know each other to do.

"Yeh know any a those...whad'ya call 'ems? In the sky?"

Junior poked her head over the car seat, "Constellations, Daddy?"

"Yeah. Yeh guys know any?"

"No"

"Nope."

"I know one." Francine's quiet voice came from the back seat.

"What's that, lil' darlin'?"

"Big dipper. Call it Ursa major in science class."

"Oh, yeah, I remember that!"

Jack looked at Ennis, who was smiling, he had succeeded in making this car ride a family car ride, everyone involved in a conversation together. "Have yeh ever heard of Orion's belt?" Jack couldn't help himself, he wanted to make the smile on Ennis' face even wider.

A/N: I know this chapter's short, I'm really really sorry! The next one will be longer and more eventful, I promise. I just needed to get them from the hospital to home.

Thanks for all your reviews you guys!

dreamcatcher33: I don't think you need to worry about getting your sequel. You guys gave me 10 reviews in under 10 hours for this chapter, I'm sure if you let your fellow readers know, they'll pull through for you. I'm glad you enjoyed the dialogue, that is one of the hardest things for me to write, often I discourage it when writing, but I can't help but include it in this story.

Marina Bayae: I can't believe you read it all in one sitting! Even I won't do that. After multiple people warning me about spelling errors, I've decided to go through and edit them. Thanks for reading and taking the time to review, I really appreciate it.

Valandil Eluch: I am very close to positive you'll get your sequel, and if not enough people review, just review anonymously laughs I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much, and I really appreciate all your kind reviews.

Pip3: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, it was actually quite tough to write. Hope you liked this one as much, I love getting your reviews, I feel like I've gotten to know you through them.

Joetheone: I'm glad you're enjoy the story and thanks so much for encouraging people to read these. I know I'd be happy to let you link my story if you want to. Glad to know you're still reading and enjoying the fanfic.

w84u: I'm glad you're still reading, I had been afraid I had lost you for a while. It's great that you like the fic, just make sure it doesn't get in the way at school! Giggles

kipperoo453: Alma is being less of cow, but I know you'll hate her in the end of this fic. I'm pretty sure that there will be a sequel, I hope so, because I'd be lost without the fic!

Peggyz: I can't believe so many of you have been reading and not reviewing! But it's great that you're at least reading and enjoying :)

onefreetoroam: Don't worry, I'm not offended, I just like to know you guys are indeed out there, still reading the fic. I'm glad that you like it, and hope you read and enjoy the sequel as well.