Hi guys!

I was planning on uploading tomorrow but I thought I'd treat you all and upload this chapter early! I've been making good progress with the next story the last couple of days so I'm happy I've got enough chapters in reserve to keep uploading every 2 to 3 days.

As promised, here's some Jisa! Enjoy!

Chapter 10.0

'Cindy's asleep?' Jack asked as Lisa wearily walked over to the couch and sat down beside him. 'You look terrible Lis.'

'She's finally asleep.' She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes to rest them for a moment. 'I'm just really tired, I've got to drive home yet.'

'There is no way I am letting you drive home looking like that Lisa, you'd fall asleep at the wheel and have an accident. No, you're staying here tonight.'

'But-'

'Lisa, you are in no shape to be driving so don't argue with me.' He gently but firmly stated. 'I wanted to ask you how Jessie was, but I wasn't going to when Cindy was around.'

'She's a total mess Jack, there's no denying that.' She sighed, feeling comfortable with Jack's arm around her and looked up at her. 'She's already been through so much without this needing to happen as well. She never should have gone to that foster home. It's just traumatised her even further. How could they have treated her like that? How could they fool them for so long?'

'I don't know Lis.' He replied gently. 'I don't know.'

'The poor girl having her father almost kill her and now this? No wonder she's a mess.' She glanced towards the fireplace, staring into the flickering flames of the fire. 'Did Rebecca talk to you about her and Cindy?'

'Yes, she told me what they'd found out. Cindy's going to be staying here till she can go back to her grandmother and they're going to be looking at another placement for Jessie to go to when she's healed up.'

'I really wish I could take care of her.' Lisa said quietly. 'If I could, I would.'

'I know. You've gotten quite attached to her, haven't you?'

'Yeah, she reminds me of-' Her voice trailed off. 'Just someone I used to know. She's been through so much already, she needs a place where she can feel safe and wanted. You know what the foster care system is like, they'll just move her from house to house. She won't find a real home, not at her age. No one wants an older kid and especially not one with her trauma. They'll probably place her in a group home.'

'They'll try and do what's best for her Lis.'

'I know.' She sighed. 'But look at what just happened to her, she got abused by the people who were supposed to look after her.'

'They certainly were good at fooling people, that's for sure.'

'What if she ends up in a place like that again? It'd break her.'

Jack kissed her head gently. 'There's not really much we can do about it. It's out of our hands Lisa, she's a ward of the state so unless we were to ask to look after her full time there's no other way to make sure that she doesn't end up in a place like that again and we both know it's not possible for either of us to commit to that.'

'I know Jack.' She sighed. 'I just wish there was some way we could look after her.'

'I know Lis, I do too.'

Jessie stared at the roof as she tried to sleep but sleep wouldn't come. Her memories, her thoughts, they raced around her mind. She couldn't get rid of them, couldn't make them leave her alone. She just wished they would leave her alone, her body screamed for sleep. She needed to sleep but every time she closed her eyes, all that would flash before her eyes was the pictures of her abuse and torment from both her father and the horrible monster of that foster home.

She glanced over at the clock in the dim light. It was two in the morning and yet she had not slept a single minute. She just couldn't sleep. Her heart began to pound again and she forced herself to keep calm and not panic. She didn't want another panic attack, the last one had been horrible. More then anything she just wanted to sleep but it kept eluding her.

Suddenly, she heard Lisa's voice almost as if she were sitting next to her, speaking to her.

'My mom used to let me sleep in her bed whenever I had nightmares. She said bad dreams were scared of her, and I believed it.'

Jesie chucked a little. 'You had nightmares?'

'I do still sometimes. 'But do you know what I do so I don't think about it?' The girl shook her head and she continued. 'I think about good things. Like friends and family.'

Think of good things. Well, nothing else had worked. She closed her eyes, trying to focus her thoughts on Warrior. She saw him galloping across a ridge, the wind blowing through his mane as he called to the stars above, saw him and her playing in a mountain stream, the stallion splashing her with the cool water as she laughed gleefully. She smiled at the memory. She held that one close to her heart. It was one of her most treasured memories of her beloved stallion.

She focused on Cougar next, almost feeling her warm fur against her body as she focused on her memories. She thought of the first time she had given Cougar her first mouse to hunt. The big kitten had not known what on earth to do with it and so Warrior had stepped in and shown her the ropes. Cougar had been so proud of herself when she caught her first mouse by herself, she had purred for ages as Jessie praised her. She smiled again, that cat meant the world to her. She hoped that Mallory had been taking good care of her while she had been away from her. She knew that when she returned to Heartland, Cougar would be very very happy indead to see her.

Her thoughts turned to Jack and Lisa and her smile faded a little. Even though she was attached to them, it still pained her to think that she couldn't stay with them forever. She knew why she couldn't, she understood why she couldn't but still it hurt. She really wanted them to take care of her, she felt safe in their care. Safe, wanted, and maybe even loved? They cared about her, she knew, but they couldn't look after her, no matter how much as she wanted them too.

She looked over at the clock again, it was just half past two. Her eyes were getting heavy and she closed her eyes again. Thoughts of Warrior, Cougar, Jack, Lisa and Cindy danced through her mind as she finally drifted off to sleep, a small smile on her face.

By morning, the story of the abused foster children had spread like wildfire, fueled by the media as they covered the story. Now everyone knew of what had happened, how the highly respected Anderson's had been abusing the children in their care. The Anderson's were in custody as the police figured out what they were to be charged with and were awaiting a verdict on if they were getting charged with murder too.

Jack turned off the radio, having heard more than enough about the scandal. It made him sick to his stomach, hearing what the children had been put through. He had heard some things from Lisa and Rebecca but what was going over the radio was truly horrible. He flipped through the channels before turning it off but every news station had been broadcasting the same thing. It was the hot topic of the week. How a highly respected family had been involved in such a thing. It would be in the news for weeks.

Lisa came into the kitchen, wrapping her arms around him as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. 'Morning.'

'Morning. Do you want some coffee?'

'Maybe later.' She yawned. 'I'm still waking up.' She glanced down at the radio. 'Anything interesting on the news?'

'Somehow they got wind of the charges brought against the Anderson's. The story is on every news channel, it's spread like wildfire.'

'Oh boy.' Lisa groaned as she sat down. 'They better not try and interview Jessie, that's the last thing she needs right now.'

'You know what the media is like.'

'All too well.'

'They're calling it the scandal of the year, then praising the quick actions of the police for why it was exposed. The police wouldn't have had the faintest clue what was going on if Jessie didn't get away.' He scoffed. 'There was a reason why I turned it off, I just couldn't listen to it anymore.'

'No, I wouldn't want to listen to it either.' She glanced over at the clock as she heard the first sounds of the rest of the family stirring. 'I heard more then enough first hand yesterday straight from Jessie and Cindy.'

'I heard more then enough from Rebecca and Maggie yesterday.' He placed the radio back up on the top of the refrigerator. 'When are you going to go and see her?'

'Soon, probably around nine or so. I was going to take Cindy shopping and get her some clothes too, Rebecca texted me last night and asked if I would do that for her. She deserves some nice things, and Mallory has been kind enough to share with her the last couple of days.'

Jack nodded as he opened the fridge and grabbed out the eggs and bacon he was going to prepare for breakfast. 'I was thinking I might come in and see her, if you think she's up to it.'

'I think Jessie would like that, she does trust you.'

'I wouldn't be surprised if she's straight back at square one with how that man treated her.' He grabbed a pan from the cupboard as he turned the stove on. 'How hungry are you?'

'Oh, I'll eat whatever you cook.' She yawned as she got up to help. 'Jessie knows that you wouldn't hurt her, that's why she trusts you and that's why she came here. She came here because she knew that she would be safe.'

'What's cooking for breakfast?' Cindy interrupted as she walked in, rubbing her eyes as she smelt the food sizzling on the stove. 'I'm starving.'

Jack laughed. 'Eggs, bacon and toast Cindy.'

'Sounds good to me. Want me to help with anything?'

'You could grab the bread from over there and pop it in the toaster if you want.'

'Alright.' Cindy nodded as she headed over to the bench, then turned to Lisa. 'When can we go see Jessie?'

'Cindy, its barely six in the morning. I think we had better give her some time to wake and have breakfast before we go in and see her.' Lisa chuckled as she put the kettle on, grabbing a cup for each for her and Jack to put the coffee in. 'We're going to do some shopping too, you need some clothes of your own.'

'Can we get something for Jessie?'

'Sure, if you would like too. What do you think she would want?'

'I don't know.' She popped the bread from the toaster onto a plate then pondered it for a moment. 'Maybe something she can keep, like a model horse that looks like Warrior. I have a few of those back home.'

'Like, a Breyer horse?'

'Yes!' Her face lit up. 'You know of those?'

'I used to collect those when I was your age. I'd save up my pocket money for weeks to buy them.' She smiled, remembering her enthusiasm of her teenage years when she'd been so excited to buy the latest model that was brought out. It had been her only hobby when she'd been stuck in boarding school. 'I still have them too, packed away. Gosh, I haven't thought of those for years.'

'A grown woman excited over a kids toy.' Jack teased, flipping the eggs in the pan. 'You'll be collecting them again next.'

'Hush Jack.' She elbowed him cheekily. 'I'd have you know it was those horses that got me into horses when I was little.' She grinned. 'Maybe I'll buy you one for Christmas, just as a little joke.'

'You wouldn't.'

'Watch me.' She chuckled again. 'Coffee's done.'

'Toast is done too.' Cindy added, placing the plate on the table. 'So, could I get one of those for Jessie if they're not too expensive? If we find one that looks like Warrior?'

'Sure, if we can find one. Maggie's in town sells a few of them.' She sat down as Jack brought over the eggs and bacon, serving them up on their plates. 'We can get you a pair of boots too. I can tell those ones are a little bit big for you.'

'I did do the newspaper trick but yes, they are a little big.' She admitted as Jack gave her the rest of her breakfast. 'It is so kind of you guys taking care of me the last couple of days. Thank you.'

'Your welcome Cindy.' Jack replied, taking his seat. 'I spoke with your social worker yesterday, and you'll be staying here with us till your grandmother is able to look after you.'

'How long will that be?'

'Only a couple more weeks, she's almost finished with her rehab so once that's completed you can go back to her.'

Cindy smiled widely as she dug into her toast. 'Brilliant! I can't wait to see her. She makes the best choc-chip cookies and she always braids my hair and-'

Lisa chuckled at the girls enthusiasm as she talked non-stop about her grandmother. From the admiration and excitement in knowing that she could go back to her soon, she could tell that she loved her dearly. Cindy didn't know just how lucky she was to have family, unlike Jessie. 'You must love her a lot.'

Cindy nodded. 'Yes, she's the best. I can't wait to go home. The neighbour was looking after my cats and dog but it will be great to see them again. Maybe you could bring Jessie by to see us before she goes to another foster home.'

'I'm sure she'd like that.'

'Morning Cindy.' Amy said as she walked in, looking around for her breakfast. 'Didn't you save me any?'

'Nope.' She grinned widely. 'I ate it all.'

'I'll cook you some.' Jack chuckled as he stood up. 'Is Mallory up yet?'

'I have no idea, her door was still closed.'

'Well, she better get up soon.' He glanced over at the clock. 'She needs to go get those chores of hers done before she leaves for school.'

'I can help her.' Cindy offered as she pushed her empty plate away. 'I'll go start now. Can I take a couple pieces of bread for Warrior? He like a treat every now and then.''

'Sure, there's an apple in the fruit bowl too.'

'Thanks.' She grabbed an apple then headed for the door. 'I'll be back soon so we can get ready to go.'

Amy chuckled as Cindy exited the house, hurrying to the barn in the morning sun. 'She's in a good mood today.'

'She's one of a kind, that's for sure.' Jack interjected. 'She's really happy that she's going back to her grandmother in a couple of weeks.'

'Well, that's great news for her.' She grabbed the last piece of toast off the plate as she waited for the rest of her breakfast. 'No wonder she's in a good mood. She's lucky to be able to go back to her.'

'Yes, she is.' Lisa agreed, then her expression changed to one of sadness. 'Jessie doesn't have anyone.'

'That's not true, she has us.' Amy replied. 'But how long will she be able to stay here once she's out of the hospital? She's not going to take kindly to going to another foster home after what has happened.'

'I don't know. Until they find a place for her to go I guess, and that could be awhile or they might have already found someone. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.'

'Cougar, Cougar, where are you girl?' Cindy called from the back of the barn, hidden from the view of the house. 'I've got you something to eat.'

A bush moved and the puma slinked out, checking to make sure it was safe before she walked over to the girl crouched on the ground, offering her hand to pat her. Purring loudly, she rubbed up against her as the girl patted her head. 'How have you been girl, hey? Cindy asked, laughing as the cat's whiskers tickled her cheek. 'Happy to see me?'

Cougar purred again, nudging her hand with her nose. 'Oh, you just want me for your food hey?' She chuckled, patting her as she held out the bread. 'There you go. Mallory or I will get you something more later on.'

Standing up, she gave the mountain lion another pat then ushered her off. 'Off you go now, shoo, I'll see you later.' The puma purred, rubbing against her one last time then quickly disappeared across the field into the trees on the other side. Cindy smiled, then turned and walked back into the barn. Warrior stuck his head over the door as she walked past, blowing softly through his nostrils at her. 'Oh, you big baby.' She chuckled as she patted his neck, then offered him the apple. Warrior took it gently, crunching down on it as juice dribbled from his lips. He nudged her again after he had finished it, looking for more. 'That's the only one I've got. Sorry boy.'

'How's the crazy horse this morning?' Ty asked as he walked down the stairs from the loft and over to her, standing a little behind her so that the horse didn't feel threatened by his presence. 'He seems nice and calm.'

'He's going well.' She patted his neck, looking at Ty. 'Amy's been putting herbs in his feed, to help him relax since Jessie isn't here with him. It seems to be working.'

'That's good.'

'Yeah, Warrior misses her.' Cindy pushed his nose back, making the stallion back up so that she could enter his stall. 'I'll go turn him out, he needs to stretch his legs. Is the corral empty?'

'Should be, at least for this morning. Amy might need it to work with a client's horse later but that won't be until she gets back from school.'

'Alright, I'll be back before she does.' She grabbed his leadrope off the hook next to the door and clipped it to his halter. 'Come on boy, easy.'

Warrior flicked his ears forward, watching Ty warily as Cindy led him out of the barn. He stopped, snorting as a red truck pulled up into the yard, half-rearing as it squealed to a stop. 'Woah, easy, easy boy!'

'Caleb you idiot!' Ty growled as he ran forward to help Cindy calm the stallion. Warrior was rearing, Cindy was trying to hold onto the rope but she was only a little girl and Warrior was way stronger. He grabbed hold of the rope as Cindy struggled to hold him. 'Woah, easy boy, easy.'

'Its okay boy, its just a truck.' Cindy said softly, soothing him as she rubbed his forehead like Amy had showed her the day before. She glanced over at the man as he stepped from the truck, a seething dislike for him already showing in her eyes. 'What did you think you were doing? You don't come into a ranch yard that fast. Warrior might have gotten loose!'

Caleb shrugged his shoulders. 'Sorry.' He looked at Ty. 'Is Amy around?'

'I think she's in the house.' He still had hold of the stallions leadrope, even though Cindy was calming him down. 'Its okay boy, its okay.'

'Who is that?' Cindy asked as they led the stallion towards the corral. Warrior was snorting, tossing his head as his eyes rolled and he was dancing in place as they struggled to keep him at a walk. 'Doesn't he know not to drive like that with horses around?'

'He should, the idiot.' He said under his breath, shooting a look towards the house where Caleb had disappeared. 'That's Caleb. He's the other ranch hand.'

'Why did he want to see Amy?'

'They're friends.' He opened the gate, letting go of the leadrope as the girl led the stallion into the corral, closing the gate behind them. He nodded at Warrior, changing the subject. 'It certainly got him worked up.'

'Yeah.' She patted his shoulder as she took the leadrope off then walked to the fence and climbed out. 'Its only because of the foster home. Mr. Anderson used to pull up in the yard like Caleb. He hates that, it spooks him.'

Ty nodded, but didn't ask questions. He had been filled in on what had happened to the two girls by Jack the afternoon previous and knew better then to press her to talk. 'I'll keep an eye on him for you. You'll be going to see Jessie, won't you?'

'Yes, and Lisa is taking me shopping.' She glanced towards the barn. 'I guess I better get his stall mucked out and start on the others. I offered to help do Mallory's chores so I better hop to it. You better go inside and grab some breakfast before there's none left.'

'I might wait a little, it's a bit crowded in there for me at the moment.' He shot another look towards the house then followed the girl to the barn. 'Warrior needs to be ridden, he's got a lot of excess energy. Are you going to ride him when you get back?'

Cindy shook her head as she grabbed the shovel and headed into Warrior's stall. 'No, Warrior is a bit much horse for me to handle on my own I'm afraid. He's okay with me riding him if Jessie is with him, but I wouldn't try riding him without her presence to help him remain calm. He does need the exercise though, I'll ask Amy what we should do with him.'

'Free jump him.' Mallory interrupted as she walked into the barn. 'Warrior loves jumping, and it would burn some of his energy off without you having to ride him.'

'That's not a bad idea Mallory.' Ty agreed. 'Amy does that with a couple of our other horses.'

'I'll ask her about it. Seems better then letting him get it all bottled up inside him like a shaken soda bottle ready to explode.' She picked up a pile of manure and dumped it into the wheelbarrow just outside the stall. 'I'll have to ask Jessie, since he's her horse but I think she'd be okay with it. Goodness knows he does need to blow off a little steam.'

'You going to see her today?' Mallory asked as she walked over to Copper, grabbing his leadrope to turn him out into the pasture.

'Yes, soon.' She replied. 'But I offered to help out here to kill some time so after I finish with Warrior's stall, what can I do to help?'

'His saddle needs a good clean, it's pretty dirty.' Ty grabbed another shovel and started on Pegasus's stall. 'There's some saddlesoap in the tackroom.'

'What was it like riding in that storm?'

'Mallory.' He hissed under his breath, giving her the look. She rolled her eyes and he sighed.

Cindy shrugged. 'It was terrifying, but Jessie and Warrior looked after me.' She looked down at the ground. 'I just won't do it again in a hurry, that's for sure.'

'What was it like in that foster home? Was it as bad as what they were saying?'

'Mallory!'

'What?' She glared at Ty. 'I'm just curious.'

'You know what.' Cindy looked at both Ty and Mallory. 'I'm only going to say this once. For the love of Pete, please stop your squabbling. Your making my head want to explode. Yes, Mallory, it was. I wouldn't wish for my worst enemy to be treated the way Jessie, I and the other kids were. Does that answer your question?'

'Yes.'

'Good.' She dumped the rest of the manure into the wheelbarrow. 'Let's hop to it then.'