Hi guys,

I'm not 100% happy with this chapter but it's the best I could do on it (yeah, I get mental blanks too sometimes) and hopefully you guys will think it's better than I do.

I feel like Jessie is a little out of character in this chapter, she's more straight to business and direct then she'd normally... I'm trying to write her trying to hold herself together, she's just been through something terrible and the only thing that is stopping her from breaking is her concern about the other foster kids and trying to have some humour in spite of her condition.

Anyway, enjoy.

Chapter 4.0

Jessie opened her eyes groggily as she heard the sound of that beeping from the machine in her ear, driving her crazy. She struggled to gain her bearings for a moment, then remembered that she had been taken to the hospital last night by Jack and Lisa. She wrinkled her nose in disgust from the smell of antiseptic. She hated hospitals.

She looked over at the window, the sun just shining through the crack in the curtains. It was morning, still early though she could guess. She coughed as she tried to sit up a little better, her breathing felt easier and her pain had lessened some so for that she was thankful. She glanced down at the needle in her hand, then at the stand above her. There was an IV bag connected to her, but also another one that looked like it had blood in it. So, they must have been giving her a transfusion. She honestly didn't think she'd lost that much blood. Obviously, she had if they were giving her a transfusion.

She glanced around the rest of the room, a small smile touching her lips as she saw Lisa asleep sitting in a chair leaning against Jack, the guy also asleep. They looked so cute together, really really cute. She coughed again, trying not to wake them but she startled Lisa and then Jack was awake too. She cringed. 'Sorry.'

'It's not your fault honey, I've been awake for ages.' Lisa exclaimed with a tired yawn as she walked over to her, bringing her chair over closer. 'How are you feeling?'

'Better than last night.'

'I should hope so.' Jack added, coming over next to Lisa. 'You had us pretty worried last night young lady.' He touched her cheek gently, careful not to touch her bruises. 'You really had us worried sweetheart, you were in quite a state.'

'Yeah, sorry 'bout that. I didn't mean to worry you. I just didn't know where else to go or who to turn to.'

'We're just glad you're alright now honey.' Lisa took her hand, the girl smiling at her. 'Aren't we Jack?'

'Of course we are.' He agreed. 'And I know of a particular young girl who will be very happy knowing that you're alright.'

'Is she awake?' Barbara asked quietly as she looked in and Lisa nodded. 'How do you feel this morning Jessie?'

'Not too bad.' She replied as the doctor came in to check on her. 'Still keeping you in a job.'

'I see your sense of humour hasn't been affected.' She teased as she changed the empty IV bag to a full one. 'You're a lucky girl Jessie.'

'Maybe, I don't feel too lucky.' She could only guess what her face looked like from how it felt, and it was a bit sore and swollen. 'When can I get out of here?'

Lisa chuckled. 'Jess, just because you're feeling better doesn't mean you can get out of here anytime soon.'

'You listen to Lisa Jessica, she's right. You're not going anywhere for at least a week, at the absolute minimum.'

Jessie groaned loudly. 'Really?'

'Really. You've got a few cracked ribs that need to have an eye on them, trauma to your lungs and slight internal bleeding, not to mention that gash in your side and concussion. You're not going anywhere any time soon, and no climbing out of windows.' She tapped her nose with her pen as she paused writing on her chart. 'I've seen your type before, young Missy.'

'Internal bleeding hey? No wonder it was hard to breathe.' She ignored the look on Lisa's face but it did amuse her. Obviously they did care about what happened to her then. 'I guess I'm stuck here then and I won't go climbing out of the window, you have my word.'

'Good. We don't want people thinking this hospital is so bad that our patients want to escape from it.' Barbara teased light-heartedly as she placed the clipboard back on the end of the bed, then she turned serious. 'Jessie, I had to report your injuries to the police and the child welfare department since you are a minor and they coincide with being abused. They want to speak with you as soon as you are able too and they'll want to know what happened.'

'I understand. I'm more than happy to tell them what happened. The sooner, the better.'

'I understand that you're not the only foster child they have.'

'Yes, that's why it's important that I can talk to them as soon as possible. I'm worried about the safety of the other children.'

'As am I, due to the nature of your injuries.' She glanced down at her watch. 'My shift ends in half an hour, but I'll let them know that you're ready to speak with them, as long as you feel that you're ready.'

'That would be good. Thank you.'

'Alright, well I'll leave you three alone now and go make a couple phone calls.'

Jessie turned back to Lisa and Jack as the doctor left the room. 'So, what have I missed out on while I've been away?'

'Cindy. Cindy?'

Cindy groaned as someone shook her shoulder and she opened her eyes. Light was filtering through the window, it was morning already. She rolled over, looking up at Lou. 'Any news about Jessie?'

Lou smiled as she nodded. 'Jack just rang, she's going to be alright. Mallory is finding something for you to wear, and then we can go see her, alright?'

'Alright! Thank you Lou!'

'Your welcome Cindy. Jack said that the police and a person from the Child Welfare Department would like to speak to you and Jessie about what happened. They might be there, they might not be. I just thought that I should let you know.'

'Okay.' She nodded as she sat up, pushing the covers back. 'We should take the phone then, just in case.'

'Is she up?' Mallory asked as she looked in, then walked in as she saw the girl sitting up. 'I found you a shirt and a pair of jeans that should fit you. I've got you some boots too, those old sneakers are pretty much done for.'

'Yeah, they're pretty worn out. Thanks Mallory.' Cindy smiled as she took the clothes and the boots. 'Jessie was right, you guys are way nicer than our foster parents.'

'It's just some old clothes and boots-' Mallory started but quickly stopped when she saw the look Lou shot at her. 'Sorry.'

'We'll leave you to get changed.' Lou added as she got up. 'There's a hairbrush on the dresser so that you can tidy your hair and we'll have breakfast before we go.'

'Alright, thank you. I won't be long.' She waited till they left the room then slipped out of the pyjamas she'd been lent and put on the clothes they'd given her to wear. Mallory was right about the shoes, they were done for and so was her old clothes too. It was just lucky she'd worn extra clothes when they'd taken off, because if she hadn't she wouldn't have been able to make Jessie bandages.

Pulling the boots on over her socks, they were a little big for her. Glancing around, she saw a notepad and tore a couple of blank pages from it then scrunched them up and placed them in the toe of the shoes. They fit better now.

Going over to the dresser she picked up the hair brush and ran it through her tangled blonde hair until it had some resemblance of being neat. Pulling it up into a high ponytail, she thought of when Fiona would plat her hair. Hopefully she was alright. She looked in the mirror, her black eye looking painfully at her. She touched it gently, it was still swollen and sore but it was nothing compared to the beating she'd had before Jessie turned up. Jessie had made sure that both Howard and his boys stayed away from her. She'd certainly given him an absolute what for the other night, even if she got banged up in the process.

A towel and a small basin of water had been left for her too and she quickly wiped the dirt and tear stains off her cheeks. She guessed that she had been crying again last night, though she had no recollection of it. Feeling a little better, she looked again at her reflection and was satisfied. She hadn't felt this good since she'd been in that foster home. Her blue eyes sparkled as she smiled. She was safe and far away from those people.

Making sure everything she'd used was left tidy, she headed out to the dining room. The men and their beds had disappeared, it was quiet. She heard a noise from the kitchen and saw Lou and Mallory sitting down to eat breakfast and headed over to them. 'Thank you for the lend of the clothes.'

Mallory smiled as she looked up. 'They fit alright?'

'Yeah. Boots are a little big but they'll do.' She took an empty seat and sat down, glancing at the clock. It was after nine. She glanced again in astonishment. 'You should have woken me earlier.'

'No, you needed to sleep.' Lou handed her a bowl of muesli and fruit. 'It's not much-'

'It's more than enough. Thank you.' She poured some milk on it then dug in. 'Can I see Warrior before we go?'

'Sure, I think he's out in the round yard.'

'Good. Jessie will be happy knowing her horse is looked after.'

'I'll come with you.' Mallory offered as she placed her empty bowl in the sink. 'I'm heading out anyway to check on Copper. He's the horse that I ride.'

Cindy nodded as she ate the last spoonful. 'We won't be long.'

'That's alright, I've got to wash these up and grab a couple of things. I'll see you outside soon.'

'Come on then.' Mallory hurried to the door, throwing the girl a coat to put on. 'It's a little chilly from the storm last night.'

'You're telling me, we rode through it.' Cindy chucked as they walked out towards the corral. 'I've been meaning to ask how that mountain lion is.'

Mallory paled. Had she seen her swiping scraps and feeding her before sunrise? 'How do you know about that?'

'Jessie told me about Cougar.' She climbed up onto the corral fence as the stallion ambled over to them. 'How are you doing boy, hey?' She scratched his forehead as he rubbed against her. 'I guess you're good. How is Cougar?'

'She's good.'

'Jessie will be very happy to hear that.' She hopped off the fence into the pen, patting the stallions neck. 'She's been worried about her.'

'Well, she never rang to see how she was.'

'It wasn't exactly a resort, we weren't allowed to use the phone.' Cindy scoffed with indignation. 'She would have rung if she could.'

Mallory caught in her tone that it was best not to pursue that any further. 'So, what's your story?'

She sighed, rubbing the stallions shoulder. 'My parents died in a plane crash from a storm when I was little, my grandmother has been raising me but she took a fall awhile back and broke her hip so I was placed in foster care till she recovered. It shouldn't be much longer now till I can go back, I miss her and my pets.'

'Your lucky to have somewhere to go. Jessie doesn't.'

'Why can't she stay here?'

'I've asked them that question myself and the only answer that I get is that it's complicated.' She climbed over the fence and joined Cindy patting the horse. 'I guess she'll be having to go to another foster home once they find her one.'

'I don't think she'd stay there long. She's told me that if they put her in another home she'll just run away, especially if it was as bad as the one we just left.'

'Alright Cindy.' Lou shouted from over at the truck. 'Time to go.'

'Coming.' She shouted back, giving Warrior one last pat. 'I'll see you when I get back, boy. Bye Mallory.'

'Bye Cindy.'

Cindy quickly climbed over the fence and ran over to the truck as Mallory headed to the barn, hopping in the passenger side as Lou started the engine. 'Did you get the phone?'

'Yes, it's in my bag.' Lou nodded as she put the truck into gear and reversed out of its park. 'We probably won't stay too long, Jessie is going to need to rest. How about after I take you to get a milkshake?'

'Only if you want to, I don't want to trouble you.'

'It's no trouble at all. We'll grab Jessie some flowers too before we go visit her. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.'

'Lou's coming into town now, they'll be here soon.' Jack announced as he walked back in from being on the phone. 'Cindy sure sounds excited to come see you.'

Jessie chuckled. 'Cindy has been my little shadow since I arrived at that awful place. She's the only good thing that's come out of that awful situation.'

'Do you want to talk about it?' Lisa prompted gently, the girl had been shying away from it all morning. She'd say something, then quickly change the subject like she was scared to talk about it.

'I'll wait till the police and the social worker arrive, I'd prefer to only talk about it once. So Jack, what happened to that mustang stallion Amy was trying to tame?'

'He got turned loose, he's back up in the mountains now.'

'That's good, I'm glad he's where he belongs.'

'Excuse us, I hope we're not interrupting anything but we need to speak with Jessica.' A woman said as she entered the room, followed by two police officers Jessie knew very well. She walked over to Jack and Lisa, shaking their hands as they stood up to meet her. 'You must be Jack Bartlett and Lisa Stillman. I'm Rebecca Donnavan, I'm filing in for Clint since he's currently out of town at the moment.'

'Good to meet you.' Jack shook her hand warmly. 'I take it Clint and the doctor have filled you in with what has happened.'

'Yes, they have.' She turned to Jessica. 'And you must be Jessica.'

'I don't see any other Jessica's, do you?' Jessie teased, then looked at Nick and Maggie. 'You guys have got to be sick of me by now.'

Nick laughed. 'You certainly have kept us busy, that's for certain. At least we're not staging a search party right now though, you seem to have forsaken the fine art of climbing out hospital windows for the moment.'

'Can't do that with broken ribs, at least I draw the line somewhere.' She chuckled.

'Well.' Rebecca interrupted their little catch up. 'You've most likely been told why we're here but just so you know what the process is I'll fill you in on it anyway.' The girl nodded as Lisa helped her sit up a little higher so she could see them better. 'Last night, the doctor on duty rang the police and I to report a possible case of child abuse and we wanted to speak with you to see if you could shed some light on what has happened to you so we can decide what our next course of action is to be.'

Jessie nodded. 'I understand. Can Jack and Lisa stay while you talk to me? I'd feel better if they were here.'

'Of course, they're welcome to stay.' She took a seat beside her as she pulled out a notepad to write down notes. 'So Jessie, what happened?'

Jessie took a deep breath as Lisa held her hand reassuringly. 'Well, would you like me to start at the beginning or just from before we ran away?'

'Either. It's up to you.'

'Alright, I'll start from the beginning when I arrived there.'