"Let me talk to her," Kat begged. Jackson snapped the phone shut.
"Too late."
"Asshole." Jackson raised an eyebrow at her but let her get away with it.
A few moments later, she spoke again, her voice quiet and tired. "Where are we going?"
Jackson paused. "You'll see."
"Why won't you tell me?"
"Kat, what was it I told you about questions, sweetheart?"
"Don't call me Kat," she spat. "Only people I like can call me that."
Jackson glared at her. "Yeah, but Kat, see, the only person right now who gets to make these decisions is me. You are powerless, sweetheart."
Kat's fists clenched and unclenched. She wanted, more than anything, to hit him. Make him feel pain. Her stomach lurched again.
Don't stoop to their level. You need to be the stronger person, her father's voice echoed in her head. She fought back the tears that she'd shed so many of the day he'd told her that. The kids had always been mean. Apart from the small community of buddies she'd belonged to other kids teased her relentlessly. And for everything. When she was younger, actually only up until two years ago, she'd worn glasses and had a bad case of acne. Now that was gone, her skin clear and her sight improved by contacts. But she still wasn't popular. Only the athletic cheerleaders were popular.
Her mother had tried to sympathize with her. But Kat knew she was lying. After all, Lisa had been a cheerleader herself! How could she not be popular?
Kat finally let out a bit of the liquid hiding behind her eyes. Jackson glanced at her.
"What's wrong?"
"What the fuck do you think is wrong?" she snapped.
"Geez, sorry..." he scowled. Then his expression became one of mocking. "Aw, poor baby miss Mommy and Daddy?"
"Excuse me for being just a little upset after I was kidnapped and knocked out in my own home," she snarled.
"Well, I know how nervous you were about that solo," Jackson smirked. "Consider it due payment for getting you out of the recital."
Kat's mouth went dry. "What did you say?"
Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Um..."
"How did you know about my recital?"
"Oh," Jackson laughed. "Your mom had a bit of a problem with that as well. She thought there was something...weird, about me stalking her." He shrugged.
"Because it so isn't," Kat shot sarcastically. Jackson chuckled.
"Nope!"
Lisa didn't feel like answering the phone as it began ringing again. But it might be Jackson. It might be Jackson, and as much as she didn't want to talk to him, there might be a chance of talking to Kat.
"Hello?" her voice was dry.
"Hey, sweetie," Lucas sounded cheerful. "What's up?"
Lisa choked back tears. "Not...not much."
"Are you okay, Leese?"
Lisa paused. She wanted to tell him. So badly, she did... but she couldn't. Katie might get hurt. "I'm fine. Just...a little head cold."
"You weren't sick when I left."
"I know."
"How was Kat last night, in the recital?"
"Great."
"Tell her congratulations for me. Or wait, better yet, can I talk to her?"
Lisa froze. "Um...no."
Lisa could almost hear Lucas start. "Um...can I ask why?"
"Because...because she's sleeping over at Lara's."
"On a school night?"
"Jesus, Lucas, they're working on a project!"
"Fine, Lisa, you don't have to fucking bite my head off."
"Sorry."
"Well, I have to go, but I'll be back in a few days. I love you."
"Love you too."
Then with a click, Lisa realized it could very well be the last time she ever spoke to her husband.
