Disclaimer: Here is a little review, see chapter 1

Jessica woke gasping for breath. Forgetting that she wasn't in her dorm, Jessica sat up and reached for her television remote. Instead of grabbing the remote, she grabbed Jackson's arm. He jolted awake and grabbed Jessica by the throat. She let out a surprised yelp and dug her nails into Jackson's wrist. Once he realized that it was only Jessica, he instantly let her go. Jessica coughed and rubbed her throat as tears streamed down her face. "What the hell was that for, Jack?" She demanded.

Jackson ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "I'm sorry, Jess. I didn't realize…" He noticed the tears streaming down his sister's face. "I'm going to assume that my choking you isn't the only thing that has you upset. What's wrong?"

Jessica shook her head. "Nothing, I forgot where I was. I was meaning to grab the TV remote. I didn't mean to startle you." She replied, refusing to look at her brother.

Jackson noticed the tension in her voice and knew that she wasn't being completely honest with him. "Jessie…" He said, turning on the bedside lamp. "…Jess, look at me." When she hesitated, Jackson took hold of her chin and turned her face so their eyes met. "What's bothering you, Jess? Why would you need the remote?"

Her shoulders sagged, and she let out a sigh of defeat. "It was… it was just a dream… nothing more… just a horrible dream." She replied as she pulled away.

"It was the same dream you've been having since you were fourteen, wasn't it?" He asked softly.

"What do you care?"

"I care because I'm your brother, Jessica."

She glared at him. "Some brother, you walked out on me when I was fifteen. I needed you, and you abandoned me. You didn't even leave me a note. You didn't call or write or anything. I didn't know whether you were dead or alive until I heard on the news that you had been killed. Then all of a sudden you come waltzing back into my life? What kind of brother does that, Jackson?"

"The kind of brother that wants to protect you" He replied gently.

"Protect me…? What the hell do I need protection from?"

Jackson sighed. "I knew if my employers found out that I had a sister, they would be able to use you as leverage against me. I couldn't risk you getting hurt or even killed. So I left. I thought you would be safer that way."

"Newsflash, Jackson, they found me."

"I realize that, Jessie. But believe me; as soon as I even thought they might put two and two together, I made arrangements to get you out of wherever you were. Trust me; you'll be a lot safer in Miami than you were in Texas." He glanced at the clock; it was 9:00am. He turned back to his sister. "Let's get ready to leave." Jackson said as he climbed out of the bed.

Jessica nodded, got up and walked over to the mirror. "Ugh." She said while scrutinizing her face in the mirror.

"What is it?" Jackson asked as he picked out his change of clothes.

"I look like a ghost."

"Nonsense, you look fine. A little travel worn maybe, but you look fine." Jackson replied going into the bathroom to change.

Jessica ran her fingers through her hair. This whole situation was a nightmare. She rummaged through her backpack and found the toothbrush that she always kept in there. At least her breath wouldn't reek.

Jackson came out of the bathroom as Jessica was tying her second shoe. He looked completely different. He was wearing glasses; he had changed the color of his eyes from an ice blue to a dark brown. His hair was no longer limp and brown. Now it was black and spiky. "Are you ready?"

"Sure, nice costume."

"Thanks." He grabbed the suitcase and headed for the Jeep. When they were packed, he tossed her the keys to the Jeep as well as the room. "You're driving."