Hi guys!

I'm back again and bringing you another chapter of this story! I want to thank everyone for their support and reviews (I had to laugh reading the one where a person said they'll be sorry to see this one end. Let me assure you darlin, this ain't ending for a very, very VERY long time!) it's very much appreciated. I love reading your thoughts and chuckling over them, it keeps me coming back to upload.

Shout out to a couple of my favourite reviews from the previous chapter.

-Sriram Subramanian - Jessie seems she has got lots of talent and given the opportunity, we will see her grow a beautiful women, knowledgeable, and talented. I hope Lisa or Jack can take her care, and I am sure even if she is in a good foster home, she will shine and be a very talented young adult and take this world by the horns.I love the way you have built this character, Jessie. Eagerly waiting for more in this unique story.

Thankyou Sriram, I put a lot of thought, time and effort into creating Jessie (taking parts from my own experiences and putting them into her (nothing traumatic mind) so I think that gives her a bit of depth?) Even though I have a wonderful family and I haven't been through anything that Jessie has been (it's purely fictional) I admit that I struggle with anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Through my writing, I can express this, I can express my feelings so I think it adds a pure, raw depth to the character I've created. I'll be totally honest here, writing this and revealing this part of me to you guys is a huge step for me. I have never felt so much support from any fanfom that I have written for before, and I have said it before, I was worried about uploading this story, that it wasn't good enough. I'm just so thankful that I have found a place where people enjoy my stories and trust me, I love writing them for ya all!

-The Real TC- Good update. That Jessie sure is headstrong. Despite her awful abuse, she's not scared of asserting herself when she wants to get her own way. I suspect having Robert in her life was a very good thing for her; very healing. She's mature beyond her years, no question. Now that Jessie has Lisa and the rest of the Heartland gang in her life, I hope it leads to more healing. She's putting up a brave front, but no question she's got major PTSD going on. Despite the bonds that are already forming, it pains me to think they really might not have all the tools and training to deal with a kid who's been through so much.Anyway, I like that the artwork is going to a good home—hopefully the same happens for Jessie

Ah, The Real TC! I love reading your reviews! Yes, Jessie is headstrong lol (kinda like me, sorta but not quite as much) I love how you've noticed she's mature, I was hoping people would notice that through my writing. 'Old Soul' is the way I like to put it. People who have had things in their lives while their young, it changes them, it matures them. They have to be mature, they can't act like people except them to be for their age. I hope that while Jessie and Mallory are close in age, I can show how their very different backgrounds shape their characters. Jessie is always going to be more quite, reserved then Mallory, more adult like because of the tramua she has been through. In some ways as this story plays out, it's going to help her. In other ways, it could destroy her. (tad spoiler Alert there) Also, I think by now your going to figure out that I'm not going to be kind to Jessie... Lets just say, her foster care experience, well *rubs hands together* it's not going to be great... (and some of it I have drawn from real life stories I've heard about in our town. Unfortunately, sometimes kids end up in worse places then the situations they were brought out of)

-SABRINA-Lisa is emotionally attached to Jessica and Jessica is emotionally and physically attached you Lisa this is not going to end well. Lots of tears to be shed. Love this story and Merry Christmas to you and a prosperous well-being for 2020.

Merry Christmas to you too! (even if it is late!) Thank you for your well wishes, I wish you all the best in 2020 too! Haha, you noticed their connection! (well, I think the writing on the wall is pretty clear) and yes, OH yes my dear, tears are going to be shed! Let's just say, when Jessie manages to turn back up at Heartland from the foster home, poor Lisa won't be letting her out of her sight. (Major spoilers there but oh well. You'll have to wait till chapter 36!)

These are just a few of my favourites, if your review didn't make it, please know I read and appreciate them all! I just wanted to extend a few ideas in reply to the reviews above and I'm sure you all enjoyed the little tidbits I dropped.

On another note, I need to explain a little about this chapter... I originally had Ty in this story in the place of Caleb, but because of the time frame I had to remove him and add Caleb ect. Going back over it, I realised that I had to change a couple things. Now, when they mention that Caleb was away, this was supposed to be over a weekend, however it didn't fit with how I ended the last chapter. Instead, Caleb went to a one day rodeo (spur of the moment thing) hence why Jack is a lil annoyed with him. Just wanted to clear that up so I didn't cause confusion later on.

Anyway, enough of my yabbering! Enjoy!

Chapter 22

Lisa was sitting out on the porch later that afternoon in the evening sun waiting for Jack to turn up. Jessie was napping, the girl needing a decent rest so she had come out here into the quiet to think while Mallory kept an eye on her. The sun was setting, a gorgeous orange glow cast over the landscape and Amy and Calab who had returned from his rodeo trip were taking the horses into the barn for the night and finishing their chores.

Looking down at her watch, she sighed. Jack should have been back by now if all he was doing was getting some stray cattle and fixing a fence. She contemplated ringing him, but knew there was no point because he probably didn't have any service. She was just a little bit concerned, but brushed it off quickly. Jack would show up in time, there was no reason to worry.

She looked over at the corral, Warrior pacing and snorting as he looked towards the house. The stallion stopped as he stood with ears pricked, listening then snorted again as he trotted against the fence again. The stallion pawed the ground as Calab walked past, leading a couple of horses then shook his head and bolted around the pen.

Hearing a car coming up the drive, she smiled as she saw it was Jack and got up. Going over to the gate, she waited as he parked his truck then walked up to him. 'Hello stranger.'

'Hello Lisa.' He got out and closed the door behind him as she came over, then gave her a hug. 'How long have you been here already?'

'A couple of hours, but don't you worry.' She smiled at him. 'Jessie's been behaving herself.'

'I'm sorry I was gone so long.' He apologized as they walked to the house, his arm around Lisa. 'An entire stretch of fence is down, so I've got to go fix it tomorrow.' He looked down at her as he opened the door, letting her walk in first. 'I know it might be a bit to ask, but can you stay with Jessie tomorrow? I really have to get the fence fixed.'

'Jack, that's what I'm here for.' She patted his shoulder as he took off his coat and hat. 'I managed to clear my schedule for the entire week, so you can take as long as you need on that fence. I've got Jessie looked after, since I was the one to suggest she stay here anyway.'

'Thanks Lis, that's a great help.' Jack walked into the kitchen, Lou busy at work making dinner. 'I saw Calab's truck outside, he's finally back I take it.'

'Apparently so.' Lou checked the vegetables steaming on the stove. 'He won a few events at the rodeo too.'

'He can win a fence mending event tomorrow too, since he took off and left us high and dry. The back fence is down that borders Big River and I don't think I could take hearing Tim whine about it one more time. I think I'll take Mallory out too so we only have to spend one day on it instead of two.'

'I'll make you guys some lunches then.'

'Appreciate it.'

'Anything I can help with Lou?' Lisa asked as she rolled up her sleeves. 'Want me to wash the dishes?'

'Thanks for asking, but I've got it under control. You and Grandpa go take a seat, dinner won't be long.'

'Okay then, we'll get out of your way.' Jack remarked as he grabbed a glass of water and headed into the dining room after Lisa. He glanced over at Jessie, still sleeping soundly then over at Mallory. 'Mallory, its almost dinner time. Can you set the table please?'

Mallory looked up. 'Are your legs and fingers painted on?'

'Mallory-'

'Don't worry Jack, I'm on it.' She teased as she picked her books up and put them away in her school bag. 'How many places do you want?'

'Well, Calab will be staying for dinner I guess so make sure you add an extra for him.'

'Sure.'

Lisa looked over at Jack as Mallory headed into the kitchen and chuckled. 'You and that girl.'

'Yeh, I'm just thankful that Jessie isn't as immature as Mallory is.' He glanced over at her as he sat down at the table, Lisa taking a place next to him. 'I haven't talked to her yet Lisa.'

'I guessed that.' She sighed softly. She really wished that the girl didn't have to go into care, but there was no alternative. 'You know your going to need to tell her soon. She'll take it better coming from you then Clint if he shows up and she still doesn't know.'

'No, I know. I'll tell her tomorrow. I just didn't want to spoil today for her. She needed a day to just relax. Did she show you the picture she drew?'

Lisa nodded. 'She gave it to me. She said she wanted me to have it as thanks for being there last night.' She saw the look he gave her. 'I know Jack, she's getting attached to me. I couldn't refuse her though. She put so much work and effort into drawing it.'

'Maybe you need to tell her Lisa.'

'I don't know if I can.' She looked over sadly at the girl. Jessie looked so peaceful, without a care in the world as she slept. 'I really don't want her to go into foster care Jack. I know what the system is like.'

'I know Lisa, but there's no other choice.' Jack glanced over at her. 'You better go wake her up, or she'll miss eating.'

'She's been down for a couple hours anyway.' She stood up, then turned back to Jack. 'I'll tell her tomorrow.'

'Okay.'

Lisa walked over to Jessie's stretcher and gently placed her hand on the girls shoulder. 'Jessie, its dinner time.'

Jessie opened her eyes and yawned as she nodded. 'I could smell it cooking. Its smells good.'

'Did you have a good nap?'

'It was okay, I guess.' She sat up as she yawned again, then saw Jack. 'So you finally decide to show up. I was getting worried that we'd have to get out the search parties.'

Jack chuckled. 'It took longer than I expected. A whole heap of fence is down so I've got to go repair it tomorrow, so Lisa will be staying with you.'

'Great.' She smiled, then quickly added. 'No offence Jack.'

'None taken.'

'Do you want to eat here or join us at the table?' Lisa asked as Mallory walked back in with the plates and utensils and began to set the table. 'Do you feel up to it?'

'Sure.'

'Okay then.' She picked the girl up and carried her over to the table, Jack getting the seat out beside her for Jessie to sit on. 'There you go.'

'Thanks.' Jessie looked at Lisa as she sat down next to her, then back around the room as Mallory finished setting the places and sat down across from her. 'Did you manage the other problems Mallory?'

'Yeh, they weren't too hard. I appreciated your help earlier, I'd still be stuck trying to figure them out.'

'No problem. Glad the lessons Lillian dragged me through came of use.'

'You had school before where you lived?'

'Not quite exactly like what you have I would imagine.' Jessie chuckled. 'Lillian did lessons with me every morning, like reading and math. I hated it as much as you do but now I realise that I need those skills she taught me. I actually miss those lessons. Its funny, you know. You never really appreciate things until they're taken away.' She went silent for a moment, then changed the subject. 'So Lisa, your stuck with me tomorrow. Have you thought of anything we could do to kill time?'

'No, I haven't thought that far ahead.' Lisa admitted as Amy came in, Calab following not far behind. 'Is there something you'd like to do?'

'Maybe a picnic out in the front yard? I used to go on them all the time with Robert and Lillian.'

'Sure, we can do that.'

'Great.'

'Dinner is served.' Lou announced as she carried in the dishes and placed them on the table. 'I hope you guys are hungry.'

'When aren't we?' Calab asked as he sat down beside Amy, then looked over at the girl as Jack began to serve up. 'How are you feeling now?'

'A bit better, thank you.' She replied shyly, then looked over at Amy. 'Did Warri eat everything you gave him for dinner?'

'Yep. He's got quite an appetite.'

'That's good. I hope it's not too much trouble you guys having to feed him as well as all your own stock.'

'Don't worry about it, one horse extra isn't going to break us.'

'So, he still is going crazy?' Calab asked as Jack handed him his plate. 'He doesn't seem to like me much.'

'Well don't take offence to it.' She began to slowly eat the vegetables on her plate, savoring each bite of food. 'Warrior doesn't like anyone but me. Its just the way he is.'

'He was one of the horses caught in that scandal up by Pike River a few years back.' Amy added. 'So that's why he's wary of all humans. I can't even get near him, Jesse's the only one to go near him. He trusts her.'

'I'll keep that in mind. The way he was looking at me was like he wanted to bite my head off.'

'I wouldn't blame him.' Jack muttered under his breath, then looked over at Lou. 'Has Scott got the results of his bloodwork in yet? I wonder if he's right about him being part Thoroughbred.'

Lou nodded as she wiped her mouth with a napkin before replying. 'He's going to drop by tomorrow, he wants to check on him anyway to see how his bullet wound is healing up.'

'Warri isn't going to be too happy about that.' Jessie interjected. 'I guess I'd better be on hand to make sure he doesn't kill your vet.'

'You really shouldn't be up and about yet.' Jack finished filling his plate and began to eat. 'You still need to rest.'

'It's fine Jack, I'm as tough as old boot leather. I'll just sit inside on the hay bale like I did today.'

'Pardon.'

'Ugh, my big mouth.' She groaned, then realised she needed to explain as she saw the look on his face, and the look on Lisa's. 'I got bored so I got Mallory to help me out to the corral. Don't get mad at her though, it was my decision. I just had enough of being cooped up inside.'

'So that would explain the hay bale then. I wondered how it ended up in there.'

'Yep, that was me.'

'She showed Amy and I a really cool trick with Warrior too.' Mallory interrupted in between mouthfuls of mashed potato. 'She got him to jump over her!'

Lisa looked at Jessie. 'Really?'

Jessie rolled her eyes. 'Thanks Mallory. You know how adults worry about us kids doing dangerous stuff.' She turned to Lisa. 'It's not as dangerous as it sounds. Warrior and I have been doing it for ages and we haven't had an accident once. It's nowhere near as dangerous as standing on his back while he gallops. I've done that too and I'm still here.' She glanced at Mallory. 'Don't you copy me though. Warrior and I did plenty of training together before we even attempted that.'

'It's a wonder you didn't break your neck.' Caleb scoped out the last of the corn onto his plate. 'But then again with that crazy stunt you pulled I'm not surprised. Your a regular ol daredevil, aren't you?'

'Yep, that's me.'

'Just make sure you don't kill yourself while your here. I'd hate the amount of paperwork that I'd have to fill in for Clint.' Jack grabbed the last lamb chop, then looked at Caleb and Mallory. 'I've got a fence down in the back paddock. I'll need you two to help fix it tomorrow before I hear from Tim about it again.'

'Sure.' Caleb replied, then looked at Mallory. 'You going to turn up when we start or when we've finished?'

'I'll be here early.'

'Well just make sure that you do. I don't want a repeat of last time.'

'Yes Jack.'

'I'll have lunches ready for you guys before you leave in the morning.' Lou added as she stood up to start clearing the empty dishes away. 'Do you want me to prepare something for you and Jessie Lisa?'

'That would be great Lou. Thanks.' Lisa placed her empty plate on the pile, then glanced over at the clock. 'It's probably time for you to get back to bed Jessie.'

'I should be heading out too.' Calab stood up. 'Thanks for dinner Lou.'

'No problem Calab. Night.'

'I'll help you with the dishes.' Amy stood after Calab had left. 'Mallory, you can come dry.'

'Fine.'

'I don't think I'll be far off heading to sleep either.' Lisa yawned as she stood up, picking Jessie up and carrying her over to her stretcher. 'Were you warm enough last night Jess?'

'Yep. I've got more than enough blankets. Thanks Lisa.'

'Okay, you get some sleep now.' She placed the covers on the girl, then sat down on the couch as Jack joined her. She yawned sleepily as she leaned against Jack, smiling as he placed his arms around her. 'We never did get to that picnic yesterday did we?'

'You can thank Jessie for that.' Jack chuckled. 'We'll put that one on ice for later.'

'I'll hold you to it.' She glanced at the flickering flames of the fire, then over at Jessie. The girl had been asleep the minute her head had hit the pillow. 'Your not mad about it are you?'

'No, of course not. I still got to spend time with you.'

'I guess that could have turned out to be a whole lot worse then it did.' She sighed as she felt Jack squeeze her hand reassuringly. 'I will admit I'm still a little bit shaken from what happened yesterday.'

'I think we're both still going to be a bit shaken for awhile yet, it just takes time to process things that happens like what we went through.' He kissed her head gently. 'But we're both okay. We're all okay. That's all that matters.'

'I know. We were all very lucky.' She yawned gently again. 'I think it's time for me to hit the hay, especially if Jessie wakes up from another nightmare. I think she's having a hard time.'

'She's going to have a hard time for awhile I think Lisa, but she's strong. Heck, she's had to be. She'll be alright.'

'I hope so Jack, especially once she goes to the foster home.'