Jack sat in front of Katie's house, his hands in his lap. He knew what he was about to do was crazy, but he just couldn't stand by knowing she was being abused and do nothing. Sighing, he climbed out of his mother's Volvo, and made his way up the black asphalt walk to her house.

He rang the bell. A few seconds later the door opened. At once a feeling of unease washed over him. There was something about Ray, Katie's stepfather, which struck him as odd. But, he also came across as an average guy, one who went to work, provided for his family, and occasionally kicked back a few beers.

"Yeah?" he asked.

Well here goes, Jack thought. "My name is Jack McCallister, and I'm a friend of Katie's."

"And?"

Jack took a deep breath to steady himself. There was no turning back. Even if there was an out, he wouldn't take it. "I know what you're doing to her," he said with a bravado he didn't feel.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ray said taking a step forward.

Jack stood his ground. "What you're doing is against the law."

In an instant, Ray's face turned red, and a vain suddenly appeared in the middle of his forehead. He stepped back. At first Jack thought he was about to slam the door in his face, but with a rapid movement, Ray cocked his right arm back and jammed it like a missile against Jack's face. Jack stood for a second stunned, but the searing pain from the blow jolted him back to reality.

"Get the hell off my property."

Out of nowhere Jack heard footsteps behind him. He imagined five or six guys coming out of the bushes to jump him. Panicked, he turned to face them. Instead, he saw Katie running up the walk.

"McCallister, are you okay?" she asked, all color draining from her face.

"What the fuck is this kid talking about? What did you tell him, you little bitch?"

Jack could see fear in Katie's eyes. "Let's get outta here," he said.

She looked from Jack to Ray then back to Jack. "Okay."

He grabbed her elbow and led her to Grace's car.

They drove around in silence for at least ten minutes. And though his face hurt like hell, Jack didn't feel like dealing with it at the moment.

"What the fuck did you think you were doing McCallister?" Katie said, breaking the silence.

"You needed help," he began.

"Says who? You? I can take care of myself."

"What he's doing isn't right. You obviously weren't going to tell anyone, so …."

"So you decided to play hero. You know, your life would be a lot less complicated if you weren't always trying to save people."

Jack said nothing. Of course she was right. But something in him wouldn't allow him to just stand by while some injustice took place. It was as if some mystical force controlled him and he was powerless to stop it.

Again, silence took over the car. They sat, each sequestered in their own little world. Then suddenly, Katie touched his face. Reflexively, he jerked his head away, more from not wanting to be touched, than the soreness of his cheek.

"Stop the car," she said softly. His first impulse was to argue, but he didn't have the strength, so he pulled into the parking lot of the 7-Eleven. "Jack," Katie said as she turned his head towards her, "I don't need you to take care of me."

Isn't that what a boyfriend is supposed to do, he asked himself. But he and Katie weren't boyfriend and girlfriend. They were two people who hooked up a lot. Well he couldn't continue like this. It was all or nothing. He wasn't wired for this 'friends with benefits' shit. "Look Katie. I can't go on like this."

Her heart sank.

Had she finally managed to push him away? Sure she didn't want him feeling sorry for her or looking down on her, but she hadn't wanted him to leave her alone either. Be that as it may, she'd be damned if she asked him to stay. "Fine. I won't be bothering you again, McCallister." She reached for the door handle. Like a light, Jack's arm shot out and he grabbed hers.

"That's not what I meant. Katie," he began then stopped. A look of anguish clouded his face as he ran his hand through his hair. "I want us to be more. Maybe we could, you know." His voice trailed off.

Katie drew a deep breath and held it for a second. She'd dreamed of this moment since sitting behind him in English class freshman year. Never in a million years did she actually think Jack McCallister would ask her to be his girl. "Look McCallister, I don't need a pity boyfriend."

"That's not why I'm asking you," he said as he grabbed her hands. They were small compared to his. And while his nails were jagged from biting them, hers were smooth and shapely and painted pale pink. "I like you."

Euphoria mixed with fear gripped Katie. She wasn't sure she was good enough for him. But she did know she was tired of being alone. Plus, he seemed to want her and she most definitely wanted him.

"You have a deal McCallister, but only on one condition."

"What's that?"

"You need to loosen up."

Jack cracked a smile. He hadn't been "loose" since he was ten years old.

"Fine, but you're going to have to help me with that."

"Oh, I plan to," she replied with a brazen smile.

"Now I need you to do something for me."

"What?" Katie asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You're going to have to trust me."

Her arms dropped.

She'd never really trusted anyone before, especially a guy someone. But there was something about Jack that made her feel safe. Could she learn to trust him? She didn't know, but she was willing to try.

"Okay," she said softly.

"Good," he said as he leaned in close to her, placing her arms back around his neck.

"Good," she said then gently brushed his lips with hers.