CHAPTER 15
Everyone sat somberly in the Stempel living room after Allyn's departure when Holly Houston, unable to hold her tongue any longer, exclaimed;
"No offense to you there, Kassie, but your pa needs to be hogtied, drug over a cactus field, and then tossed into a porcupine herd for what he's done to Jemma and you."
Gasping, Duncan chastised;
"Holly lass, how many times ave I told ya; just because it's on yer mind dinna mean ya ave ta speak it?"
Everyone tried to hold their amusement at the way she phrased it until Kassandra, unable to hold back any longer blurted;
"This is all my fault! If I hadn't of gone along with my father's schemes we would never have come to Seattle and nothing would have happened to Jemma."
Leaning forward in his chair, Josh tentatively touched her arm as he tried to ease her feelings of guilt;
"Kassandra, none of this is your fault! And let me assure you of something, if Jemma and Aaron were in this room they would be the first ones to tell you that. You were just as much your father's victim as Pixie was, just in a different way."
Reaching to take Peggy's hand in his as Ward laced his fingers through Kassandra's Josh pointed out;
"Besides, one of Pixie's favorite sayings is that there's a reason for everything, Maybe, just maybe part of the reason for you coming here was so that you would find Ward again and so I would come to understand just how much I loved Peggy."
Her heart going out to the girl who, despite the rocky beginning, she had come to consider a friend, Lottie offered softly;
"Kassandra, I can promise you that, neither, Jemma or Aaron blame you for what happened with your father. However, if she knew that you were blaming yourself for something that wasn't your fault, it would break Jemma's heart."
Shaking his head, Jason interjected;
"Your father is a grown man who is responsible for his own actions, Kassandra, HE'S the one responsible, not you."
Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, Ward consoled his bride;
"Kassie honey, don't you dare let that man shove his guilt on you for something HE did. That man knows right from wrong, he simply chooses to ignore it to get whatever it is he wants, no matter who it might hurt, including you."
Deciding to change the tone of the conversation, Julie took charge as she rose from where she sat on the arm of her husband's chair to decree;
"Well, I think that, since Captain Clancey was considerate enough to make sure the beautiful cake that Jemma make found it's way back here, we should at least enjoy it along with the food that Molly, Christopher, and Benjamin brought with them. Besides, it would break Jemma's heart if she knew that we allowed all of that wonderful food that she prepared to go to waste."
Glancing at Jeremy and Candy apologetically, Julie lamented;
"I'm sorry that we didn't get to truly celebrate your first anniversary, Candy, Jeremy, but we can at least enjoy a piece of that wonderful cake Jemma made for you two."
Shrugging slightly, Jeremy ventured;
"It's alright, Julie. Besides, it's not like we're any less married or any less happy."
Placing her hand over Jeremy's, Candy nodded;
"That's right! We just wish that what happened to Jemma hadn't happened."
Despite their concern for their adopted aunt, Molly tugged her grandfather's sleeve as Christopher turned to ask;
"Grandpa, it wouldn't make us bad if we enjoyed some of Aunt Jemma's cake, would it?"
Leaning forward to ruffle his grandson's hair as he patted his granddaughter's shoulder, Benjamin considered;
"I don't think so, Hoppy. After all, didn't your Aunt Jemma make it to celebrate Candy and Jeremy's anniversary? I think she'd be downright disappointed if we didn't enjoy her wonderful cooking."
Facing each other in mutual agreement, Molly and Christopher jumped up as Molly volunteered;
"We'll set the table!"
Watching as they hurried to the kitchen to grab the dishes, Lottie laughed as she stood to slap her hands together as she decreed;
"I think Benjamin's right! Besides, no one's really eaten today and it would upset Jemma to know that we didn't, at least, enjoy that cake."
Turning to Clancey, her hands on her hips, Lottie stated in an amused tone;
"Besides, it would certainly be a shame for Clancey's efforts to go to waste since he used grabbing the cake as an excuse to also grab a bottle of booze."
His face a mask full of feigned surprise, Clancey placed his hand over his chest as he demanded;
"Why, Lottie me love, I'm shocked at ya's I am. I can't believe that ya'd think I'd of done such a thing as grabbing a bottle of booze for meself when I went to get that there cake."
Reaching into each of his coat pockets, Clancey withdrew twin bottles to place on the table in front of him as he confessed;
"I grabbed two bottles!"
Finding a bit of humor, Lottie motioned towards the dining room;
"Come on, let's help the kids with the table."
Half an hour later as everyone sat around the table satisfying their appetites for food and a sense of normalcy, Jason suggested;
"I think one of us should go sit with Pixie and give Aaron a break so he can get something to eat. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't eaten since lunch, but he won't think about it either, not unless we make him leave Jemma's bedside. Besides, we need to decide about the kids until Pixie's recovered and THAT needs to be approved by Aaron."
Rising from her chair, Kassandra offered;
"I'll go, that way I can at least be useful."
Noticing the looks being passed about among everyone at the table, Ward took his wife's hand to gently suggest;
"Uh, Kassie honey, I know you're hearts in the right place, and no offense, but I think that, considering just what she went through tonight..."
Before Ward could finish his statement, Kassandra's face fell as tears sprang to her eyes before asking quietly;
"You think that she'll see me and be reminded of HIM, don't you? You think that she'll think it's my fault, after all, don't you?"
Trying to soothe her, Josh explained;
"No, Kassandra, it's not that at all. It's not you, it's just that...well, Jemma's been through a lot. What we're worried about is that when she wakes up, she's probably going to be confused and afraid, you know how Jemma is, there aren't many people that she lets see that side of her."
Lottie, determined not to let the girl feel more guilt because of her father, placed her hand over Kassandra's;
"You see, it's not anything personal or against you, Kassandra. It's just that there needs to be someone who can help make Jemma feel safe if she wakes up and Aaron's not with her. Do you understand?"
Kassandra nodded;
"Yes, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so selfish, I just wanted to do something to help make up for some of what's taken place."
Shaking her head, she admitted quietly;
"I knew there was something 'strange' about my father. But I had no idea, I had suspicions, but whenever I tried to find out anything he always managed to avoid the subject or hide anything that I could pinpoint as suspicious."
Patting her hand, Lottie declared;
"There's no one here who blames you for what happened, Kassandra. If anything we're all thankful to you for having the strength to stand up to your father and for wanting to do what you thought was right."
Rising from the table to gather the empty plates, Holly ventured;
"Well, wouldn't it just make sense that one of you three or Lottie should sit with her? I mean yer the one's she's known since she was baby, so she'd be less likely to get all riled."
Noticing the look his eldest brother was casting in his direction, Josh shook his head;
"No, Jason. It's not that I mind doing it, and you all know that. But, do you remember when she was little and something would scare her?"
Her curiosity piqued, Candy asked;
"What happened?"
Leaning back to stroke his chin in consideration, Jason sighed in resignation;
"What would happen was that, no matter where I was, Pixie was guaranteed to find me whenever she was afraid of something. When she was little, if she had a nightmare, she wouldn't calm down until I held her and rocked her back to sleep, if she couldn't find me she'd go to Josh or Jeremy, but..."
Shaking his head, Jeremy reminded;
"But it just wasn't the same, at least not to Pixie. She never would calm completely down until Jason told her how everything would be alright and chased whatever the monsters were that scared her in the first place."
Astounded by what she was hearing, Peggy touched Josh's arm before observing;
"It's hard to believe that Jemma was ever afraid of anything. She's just always been so 'straight forward' with everything. I mean she never lets anything stop her, I just always assumed that she wasn't afraid of anything."
Clasping her hands on the tabletop, Lottie looked down as she stated softly;
"Everyone thinks that, Peggy. But, Jemma does have fears, just like everybody. The difference though is that Jemma refuses to let her fears control her. She faces it and pushes past it, but this time..."
Shaking her head, Lottie continued as she lamented;
"I just don't know. This is something that I'm not sure she'll be able to push past, at least not on her own."
Looking to the end of the table, Lottie issued;
"Jason, Josh is right! Judging by what I saw upstairs earlier, the first person that she's going to look for when she wakes up is Aaron and if he isn't there, then you should be. That girl's suffered a great deal at the hands of a man tonight, and what she needs most is to have the men she knows, trusts, and loves around her until she comes to grips with all of this."
Understanding the logic, Jason rose from his chair as he agreed;
"You're right, Lottie! I'll go tell Aaron to come down and you all work the situation with the twins and Alex out with Aaron while he eats."
Hurrying from the dining room, Jason took the steps two at a time, wondering what could be done to help his sister heal from her ordeal as quickly as possible. Although, in the back of his mind, he wondered if that would be as easy a road for his sister to travel as he hoped and prayed that it would.
Aaron sat in the chair, next to his and Jemma's bed, lost in thought as he watched his wife sleeping. Although he knew that, physically, she would recover completely, he couldn't help but wonder just how what happened would affect her spirit. Watching her sleep, Aaron found himself wondering just how many times had he had held her close to him in the middle of the night since they'd been married and watched her sleeping contentedly; feeling safe, secure, and loved. Noticing her brow creasing as she frowned slightly, just before a moan of pain escaped her slightly parted lips as she tried to shift somewhat in her sleep, Aaron leaned closer and gently brushed his fingers across her brow. Doing his best to help ease her back to a peaceful slumber, Aaron spoke softly;
"Easy, darlin, you're safe and I'm right here."
Stroking her hair, Aaron placed a kiss on her forehead;
"I promise you, sweetheart, we'll get this nightmare behind us and everything will be fine."
Although she didn't wake up, Aaron could see by the way her face relaxed that, somehow, she understood his words and found comfort in them, at least to the point that she felt secure enough to ease into a deeper slumber. Careful of the bruising on her knuckles, Aaron took her hand in his. Studying just how pale and small her hand seemed compared to his, Aaron placed a gentle kiss on her palm before engulfing her hand between both of his. He was so engrossed in his thoughts and concerns for his wife that he failed to notice the bedroom door open or realize he no longer alone until he felt a hand on his shoulder just before Jason quietly called;
"Aaron?"
Somewhat startled, Aaron looked chagrined as he admitted;
"I'm sorry, Jason, I didn't hear you come in."
Motioning towards his sister he asked;
"How is she?'
Exhaling sharply, Aaron shook his head;
"She's the same. She was a little restless just before you came in, but she's calmed back down now."
Nodding, Jason ventured;
"Good! She needs the rest. You go downstairs and get something to eat, besides, some decisions need to be made about your children. Aside from that,"
Placing his hand lightly over his sister's, Jason pointed out;
"She'd have our hides if we didn't make certain that you and her babies were alright."
Although he knew that he needed to address the issue of their children's care, Aaron felt torn at the idea of leaving his wife, especially in the event she woke up frightened or disoriented, or worse yet, she suffered a nightmare and woke alone. Seeing the struggle his brother-in-law was going through, Jason placed his hand on Aaron's shoulder;
"Aaron, I'll stay with her while you eat and decide about the kids."
Noting the worry in his dark eyes, Jason reminded him;
"Aaron, you forget who she used to run to when she was afraid before she married you. I know what you're worried about, but I promise I won't leave this spot until you return."
Satisfied that he was leaving his wife in good hands, Aaron hurried downstairs to join the others. After he left the room, Jason took Aaron's place in the rocking chair to sit by his sister's bedside. Leaning back in the chair, Jason crossed his long legs over each other as he rested his elbows on the arms of the rocker before lacing his fingers together to rest over his middle. Comfortable, he leaned his head back as he wondered just what the next few days were going to bring, given everything that had taken place he knew it would be eventful, to say the least.
Taking his place at the dining room table, Aaron nodded his gratitude as his sister placed a plate in front of him.
"Thank you, Julie."
He didn't realize just how hungry he truly was until he began digging into the delicious food his sister had so generously piled on his plate. Although Aaron realized he shouldn't have been surprised considering that the last meal he ate had been breakfast earlier that morning. The thought of just what a difference several hours could make in a person's life struck Aaron as he realized that, earlier that day he had enjoyed breakfast with his wife and children, and now he was trying to decide the best course of action for their children as his wife was laying upstairs, recovering after having been attacked. Having satisfied the sharper side of his hunger, Aaron's eyes roamed from one to the other of each of the occupants of the table before demanding;
"Alright, I'm realistic enough to know that there's no way I can take care of three small children, my wife, the house, and the mill; so any help that anyone cares to give us, I will gladly accept and truly appreciate."
Placing her hands on the table, Candy spoke first;
"Aaron, Julie, and I can certainly help with the children and the house."
Eager to offer her help, Biddie volunteered;
"Why, I'd be ever so glad to help in any way I can."
Glancing towards Barnabas lovingly as he took her hand in his, Biddie remarked;
"After all, we certainly can't set a wedding date until Jemma's well enough to help us celebrate."
Wanting to make certain that he understood just how much they cared for their aunt and cousins, Molly offered;
"Uncle Aaron, me, and Christopher can help keep Amie and Jacob occupied so it's easier for Aunt Julie and Candy to take care of the little babies."
Always happy to be of help to his extended family, Benjamin turned to Jeremy and Candy to suggest;
"Candy, Jeremy, don't you think it would be a good idea if we took the twins home with us? Molly, Christopher and I can take care of them, that would certainly make things much easier."
Nodding, Jeremy agreed;
"Candy and I talked about that earlier, Benjamin, and we decided it would be best if we did that. Thank you for wanting to help us."
Her mind made up and not allowing room for argument, Lottie informed him;
"Aaron, I'm staying here with you and Jemma until she's better. You're going to need help with Alex and considering what that girl's been through, you're going to need someone here who she feels secure with."
Taking a long sip from the cup of coffee that Kassandra had poured for him, Aaron offered his gratitude.
"Thank you all, you don't know how much your help means to me and Jemma."
Turning to Josh and Ward, Aaron asked;
"Josh, Ward, do you two think you can handle the mill for a day or two if needs be?"
Looking at each other to ask the same silent question, Ward nodded;
"Aaron, the inventory's done and we have those orders ready to ship, so things are pretty calm at the moment. I'm sure me and Josh can handle things at the mill with no problem, and it's not like you're not close at hand just in case."
Satisfied that they had a plan in place, Aaron enjoyed a piece of the cake his wife had made before addressing the subject he was loathed to think about. Turning to Barnabas, Aaron demanded;
"Barnabas, what about Everston, what sort of chance do we have of making sure that...monster goes to jail for what he did to Jemma, not to mention the others that he's hurt?"
Becoming the ever-practical attorney, Barnabas' blue eyes lit with the challenge of exercising his legal knowledge as he began speculating;
"Well, of course, there's no certainty until we speak to the marshal when he arrives tomorrow. However, given Miss Jemma's determination, the information we have on the man already and the possibility of testimony from others who've suffered at his hands. I feel every confidence that Mr. Everston will be residing behind bars for quite some time to come."
Although he didn't care for his own sake, Aaron worried about just what it might do to his wife to go through reliving what she had endured in front of a room full of strangers. Quietly, Aaron wondered;
"Barnabas, how strong of a case would there be against the man if Jemma weren't a part of it?"
Shocked by his brother-in-law's question, Josh demanded sharply;
"AARON! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!"
As shocked as his brother, Jeremy blurted;
"You know what she said, Aaron! Pixie wants Everston to face up to what he did and what he said he'd do the kids."
Frustrated, Aaron ran his hand through his hair in aggravation as he reminded;
"I know, Jeremy, I was there, remember? I'm worried about what this is going to do to her; do you understand that she's going to have to relive what she went through in a room full of strangers?"
Shaking his head, Aaron pleaded;
"I want Everston to pay, more than you can imagine. Not to mention, I'd love to strangle the man for even thinking that threat, let alone saying it and using it as a weapon against Jemma. But, Jeremy, I don't want my wife to relive this nightmare over again, and in a room full of strangers if it can be avoided."
Turning to Barnabas, Aaron pleaded;
"Is it possible, Barnabas? I mean, how strong would the case be without Jemma's testimony?"
Lacing his fingers together on the tabletop in front of him, Barnabas studied his clasped hands a moment before lifting his eyes to meet Aaron's pleading look with a determined and no-nonsense one of his own.
"Aaron, I wish that I could spare Miss Jemma from having to testify as to what Everston did to her and the threats against your children. However, the reality is that, without her testimony, the case will be weak at best. Those other young women, any lawyer worth their salt would simply say he helped the poor unfortunates out and his reward was that, now, they're trying to blackmail him for more."
Shaking his head, Barnabas continued;
"However, it can hardly be argued that Jemma Bolt Stemple; the wife of a successful sawmill owner who owns fifty percent of her husband's business, as well as one-fourth of a successful logging operation, would have anything to gain by such an act."
Lowering his head slightly, Barnabas reminded;
"Not to mention, what he did to Miss Jemma..."
His anger at the idea of such savagery showing on his normally calm features, Barnabas shook his head as he continued;
"There is NO excuse or defense that could possibly be offered for what that man did to her. It also shows that he's incorrigible considering how far back he's been doing this, which means the judge will see to it he's put where he can't be a threat to anyone else."
Aaron braced his elbow on the armrest of his chair before stroking his chin as he weighed Barnabas' words and advice. He desperately wanted Everston behind bars, but he didn't want to see his wife suffer more than what she already had. Aaron soon found himself putting his inner battle on hold as he and everyone else at the table were soon panicking as they heard the sound of a chilling scream from upstairs. Without a word, Aaron shot up from his chair, knocking it over in his haste, to rush upstairs. Seeing that Josh and Jeremy were about to follow his example, Lottie quickly rose from her chair to stand behind them, a hand on each shoulder, pushing them gently back into their seats as she shook her head.
"Josh, Jeremy, NO! I know that you're worried, but chances are she's had a nightmare and she's going to need comfort and someone to make her feel secure. That means Aaron!"
Seeing that Josh was about to argue, Peggy placed her hand on his arm;
"Joshua, I know you love your sister, sweetheart, but Lottie's right. I know that if I had been through what Jemma has, you'd be the only person who could make me feel safe."
Glancing at his wife, Jeremy asked softly,
"Candy heart, is that how you feel too?"
Her face reflecting the sorrow she felt for her friend, Candy nodded solemnly before reminding her husband;
"Jeremy, do you remember what happened with Richard Holiday?"
At Jeremy's silent nod, Candy continued,
"Do you remember when you found me? I was scared to death and the only thing that helped was being close to you because I knew you loved me and I loved you, you were the only safe place I felt there was for quite a long time. That's what Jemma's needs right now, more than anything."
Looking to each other, both Bolt brothers nodded their silent agreement; although they might not like the fact that they weren't who their sister needed at such a time, they respected it. Patting Peggy's hand, Josh nodded slowly as he admitted;
"You're right!"
Looking from Peggy to Candy, to Lottie, he continued;
"ALL of you are right. It's Aaron's place to comfort Pixie, not ours."
Jason had sat in the rocking chair next to his sister's bed watching over her until Aaron's return. Watching her sleep, he couldn't help but remember doing the same thing when she was a baby, when their mother had become ill, and when she was a little girl. He could still remember how she would look at three years old when she'd find her way out of her small bed to come padding her way to find him when she'd wake up, afraid, from a nightmare or a loud clap of thunder. He could even still hear her small, soft voice as she used the nickname she developed when she began to talk, unable to say Jason properly.
"Brudder?"
Having developed the habit of stealing a few minutes for himself to read, once his siblings were settled for the night, Jason set his book aside to lightly fuss;
"Jemma Elysia, what are you doing out of bed?"
Hugging her small cloth doll to her tightly, the youngest Bolt begged;
"Pwease don't be mad, brudder, I scairt of da funder."
Jason could only smile tenderly as he held his arms out in invitation before lifting her to sit on his lap as he asked;
"Do you want me to hold you until you're not afraid anymore?"
Her green eyes big and round as she nodded solemnly, something that set the mass of burgundy colored curls and waves dancing about her small shoulders, before pleading;
"Pwease, funder scares me."
Shifting his baby sister on his lap, Jason cradled her in his arms before asking;
"Just what is it that scares you about the thunder, Pixie doll?"
Her little brow wrinkled in irritation as she admitted;
"It's woud, brudder, it scares me."
As if to prove the point a sudden loud clap of thunder burst through the night, something that tugged at Jason's heart as his little sister burrowed closer as she whimpered somewhat in fear. Although he knew, from his experience with his younger brothers, that Jemma's fear wasn't unusual for a child her age, he decided to try and rationalize with her. Holding her away slightly, Jason lightly chastised;
"Why, Pixie, you're not afraid of a little loud noise, are you?"
At her silent nod, he placed the biggest smile possible on his face as he thumped his chest to demand;
"Well, you're not afraid of me, are you?"
Shaking her head, she admitted;
"No, but you're brudder, you're not scary."
Pushing a few stray curls over her shoulder, Jason reminded her,
"Yes, I'm your brother, but I'm loud too, aren't I?"
Jason was amazed at her quick wit as she giggled and eagerly nodded;
"Uh-huh, at weast dat's what Jubber always says."
Laughing heartily, Jason hugged her close before affirming;
"And he's right! But you know that I'd never hurt you, don't you, sweetie?"
At her eager nod, Jason smiled lovingly as he pointed out;
"And neither will the thunder. There's no difference between me and the thunder."
Scrunching her little face, Jemma shook her head vigorously as she corrected;
"Yes, dare is, brudder!"
Puzzled by her denial, Jason asked;
"Oh! And what's that, Pixie?"
Climbing up on her knees as she stayed in his lap, Jemma wrapped her arms around her oldest brother's neck as she placed a kiss on his cheek before smiling at him brightly;
"Funder doesn't wuv me, you do!"
Hugging her close to him, he couldn't help but laugh a bit as she pulled away, a worried look on her face as she asked;
"Can I still sit wiff you till da funder stops?"
Shifting her in his arms so that she was able to lay comfortably across his lap, Jason picked up his book once more and offered;
"How would you like me to read you a story?"
At her slight nod, he found his place before venturing;
"Let's just see what tales Mr. Shakespeare has to tell us, shall we?"
It only took a few minutes before he noticed her yawning just before closing her eyes to fall asleep. Once he was sure she was sound asleep he carried her back to her bed and tucked her in with her doll, certain she would stay that way for the remainder of the night.
Jason found his reveries interrupted as he noticed his sister stirring in her sleep, moaning and whimpering as she did. Taking her hand in his and narrowing his eyes slightly as he studied the scowl that clouded her features as she slept, Jason's worry increased as he heard Jemma's slight cries, something he found alarming as he realized that his sister was having a nightmare, something that left no room for doubt when she sat up and began screaming for all she was worth as she begged;
"STOP HIM! DON'T LET HIM GET TO MY BABIES! HE'LL KILL THEM! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T LET HIM!"
Jason sprang from where he sat to try and comfort his sister;
"Pixie! Pixie! Look at me, sweetie, it's Jason."
Seeing that he wasn't breaking through her hysteria, Jason was infinitely relieved when he heard the sound of heavy footsteps on the stairs just before the bedroom door burst open as Aaron entered the room. Without a word spoken between them, Jason hurried to move as Aaron sat on the side of the bed, careful of her injuries, to take Jemma in his arms as he tried to soothe her fear;
"It's alright, love! I promise you that it's alright. You're safe, darlin, I promise!"
His worry for his sister evident by the worried look he wore, Jason asked;
"Aaron?"
Shaking his head, Aaron declared;
"Not now, Jason, not right now! Short of it being something to do with one of our children, there's nothing that can't wait."
Understanding his brother-in-law's logic, Jason placed his hand on Aaron's shoulder as he offered;
"Would it be better if I left you alone with her?"
Glancing down at his sobbing wife as she had her face buried against his chest, Aaron pulled her hair behind her shoulders before rubbing his hand up and down her arm in a comforting manner. Kissing the top of her head Aaron nodded;
"Yes, Jason, I think it would. Let me see if I can get her to calm down. I'm assuming she had a nightmare?"
At Jason's nod, Aaron sighed heavily as he shook his head;
"Damn! I was hoping and praying that she wouldn't have to go through that."
Jason was about to turn to leave when Aaron called;
"Jason."
Remaining silent, Jason lifted an eyebrow in question as Aaron offered;
"Thank you!"
Jason only nodded as he pulled the door closed behind him when he left the room, thankful that his sister had been as stubborn as she was in her determination to marry Aaron. Giving a silent prayer that Jemma would overcome this with her usual determination, Jason hurried downstairs to try and ease everyone's concern.
After Jason left, Aaron held Jemma close as she cried out her frustrations and her anger with herself. Trying desperately hard to catch her breath, Jemma apologized;
"I'm sorry."
Scowling somewhat when she lowered her head in shame, Aaron hooked his finger under her chin to lift her eyes to meet his as he ordered softly;
"Jemma love, don't you DARE apologize! You've done nothing to apologize for!"
Noticing her wincing in pain, Aaron suggested;
"I think we need to get you settled, but I do think it might be a good idea of you fed Alex. Do you think, if I help you, that you can tend to him?"
At her nod, Aaron helped her shift to a more upright position that was as comfortable as possible before hurrying to get their youngest son. Once Jemma had satisfied her son's hunger, as Lottie was taking him so that she could change his diaper and settle him, she asked;
"Where's Jacob and Amie?"
Glancing to Aaron, Lottie breathed a sigh of relief as he gave her a slight nod just before he hurried to the nursery. Taking her hand in his, Aaron questioned gently;
"They're downstairs with everyone, Candy and Jeremy are going to take them home with them tonight. Julie, Candy, Peggy, Biddie, and even Kassandra have volunteered to help with the children and the house until you're better. For tonight, at least, Jacob and Amie will stay with Jeremy and his family so you can rest."
Aaron had no doubts as to what was coming when she crossed her arms over her chest as she began shaking her head, even before seeing the stubborn and determined look in her eyes. Sure enough, his theory was proven correct as his wife stated in no uncertain terms;
"NO! Not until I see my children!"
His mouth becoming a thin frown, Aaron sighed;
"Jemma darlin, don't you think that it would be a good idea to heal a little bit before letting the kids see you? We don't know how they'd react to seeing you hurt like you are."
The confusion she felt showing on her face, Jemma spread her hands open as she pointed out;
"Aaron love, I know that I can't pick them up, I can feel how much my sides hurt, but why shouldn't they see me?"
The thought suddenly occurring to him, Aaron realized that his wife had no idea about some of her injuries, something that became glaringly obvious as her eyes, full of suspicion pinned him before she demanded;
"Aaron, why did you say that? Is there something wrong with my..."
Before he could stop her, fueled by fear, Jemma found the strength and energy to spring from the bed, despite her husband trying to halt her by putting his hand on her arm.
"JEMMA SWEETHEART, WAIT!"
Ignoring her husband's plea to stop, Jemma came to an abrupt stop in front of the large mirror over their dresser, swallowing hard as she tried hard to catch her breath, aghast at what she saw. Hesitantly, she brought her fingers up to her mouth to gingerly touch the split on her swollen bottom lip, wincing in pain as she did. Slowly her fingertips lightly glided over the wealth of bruises that covered the right side of her face; from the black eye down to the large bruise across the line of her jaw down to her chin. Tentatively she touched the bandage on her left temple before her face reflected the pain she felt at the contact. Noticing the hint of purple peeking out from the lace collar of her gown, Jemma hesitated slightly before untying the top ribbon of her gown; spreading the neckline slightly, Jemma's eyes widened as her breathing became much heavier. Although the bruises around her throat weren't a complete surprise, having a vague memory of Everston's hands wrapped around her neck, the bite marks were. Addressing her husband's reflection in the mirror, Jemma demanded;
"What are the bandages?"
Seeing his reluctance, she became more insistent;
"The bandages, Aaron! Why are their bandages on my throat?"
Trying to find the best way to explain it to her, realizing that some of what happened was a blank to her, Aaron found himself hurrying to close the distance between them as her eyes narrowed and she exclaimed;
"FINE!"
Before he could stop her, Jemma had reached up to rip one of the bandages away from her neck, only to freeze, the bandage still in her hand as she stared at her reflection. Placing her hand against the top of her stomach in an attempt to brace herself, Jemma felt a shock of pain as her hand made contact. Aaron could see the horror in her eyes as she snatched the length of her gown up to bare her midsection, something that he wished she hadn't done as she studied the dark blue and black blotches that marked her skin. There was no missing the misery and shame that clouded her eyes, just before she leaned over to brace her hands on the dresser top, her shoulders beginning to shake somewhat as she began weeping.
"Dear Lord in heaven above, what did he do to me?"
Careful of her sides, Aaron placed an arm around her waist as he gently took her arm to turn her away from the mirror, seeing the fear and shame in her eyes, Aaron felt as if his heart was breaking for the pain she was suffering as she demanded;
"Aaron, what if he...he...oh God!"
Given her physical condition and, now, her emotional state, Aaron wasn't surprised that her legs seem to grow too shaky to hold her as she leaned against him heavily. Lifting her in his arms, Aaron began patting his wife's back, trying to comfort her as he assured her;
"Sweetheart, I want you to listen to me."
Laying her back in their bed, Aaron sought to convince her;
"Jemma love, listen to me. Now, Allyn examined you; he didn't...well, you know. Apparently, he heard me calling for you and it stopped him. He was trying to keep you pinned to the ground, that's why your ribs are bruised and why you have those bruises across your stomach."
Gently brushing the back of his fingers across her injured cheek, Aaron explained;
"He admitted that he hit you, but when he did it caused you to hit our head against the bottom of one of the large boulders."
Brushing the wisps of hair away from the bandage at the side of her forehead, Aaron told her Allyn's diagnosis;
"Allyn said that you have a concussion, but after a couple of days you should be just fine."
Lifting her hand to try and hide the bite marks around her throat, Jemma demanded;
"And these? What about these?"
Reaching to her throat, Aaron took her hand in his as he met the look of worry she wore with his own look or sincerity. Taking her hand in his, he brushed a light kiss across the back of her hand, careful of her injured knuckles before confessing;
"Sweetheart, I know he did it but not why. He obviously tried to choke you, I'm guessing that, when you fought him, he lost control of his temper."
Touching one of the places lightly, Aaron offered;
"Allyn left some salve, she said that it should heal the places up completely with no scars."
His heart aching as she lowered her head, Aaron tried easing her misery;
"Darlin, the bruises will fade and those marks will heal completely. Even if they don't, you're still the most beautiful woman in the world to me, and you always will be."
Her head snapping up, Jemma stared at her husband in disbelief;
"Aaron, although I love you for saying that, being beautiful isn't what I'm worried about. What I'm worried about is our babies and where that 'man' is right this second. Honey, he threatened to.."
Shaking her head, she cried out;
"I can't even say it! But what if he tries to make good on his threat where our babies are concerned?"
Placing his hand against her uninjured cheek, Aaron looked into her eyes, leaving no room for doubt of his sincerity.
"Jemma, my little love, I SWEAR to you; Everston is behind bars. And, I did just as you asked; Ben wired the marshal in Tacoma and he'll be here sometime tomorrow. Jason even has guards on the man. Outside of that, honey, I meant what I said; if that man dares to come near you or our babies, I swear to you I'm going to kill him."
Her sadness becoming overwhelming, Jemma begged;
"Aaron love, I REALLY need to see Amie and Jacob, please?"
Understanding the reason for her need, Aaron nodded as he leaned over to kiss her forehead;
"Alright, darlin give me a second."
Leaving the room, Aaron returned a few minutes later, holding Jacob and Amie in his arms. He couldn't help but notice how their faces lit up when the saw their mother, however, the looks they wore changed to concern as they noticed their mother's condition. Careful not to jar her too much, Aaron sat his son and daughter on the bed as he encouraged;
"Jacob, Amie why don't you go give Mommy a hug, just be careful."
Their faces reflecting their concern and hesitation, Jacob and Amie looked to each other, something their parents had gotten used to. It had seemed like since they were born, that Jacob and Amie had this unspoken way of communicating with each other. Neither of their parents was surprised by the fact considering they were twins. As Jemma had pointed out the first time she and Aaron had noticed the silent exchange between their son and daughter;
"Aaron darling, considering they spent almost nine months cooped up with each other inside my stomach, I'm not surprised they communicate the way they do."
Watching their children now, especially as they turned simultaneously to look at him, Aaron motioned towards Jemma;
"Go on, you two, go see Mommy."
Shifting somewhat, Jemma held her arms open wide;
"Can Mommy give her angels a hug?"
Despite their initial reluctance, Jacob and Amie each took a side to quickly crawl the length of the bed into their mother's waiting embrace. Eagerly, Jemma held her children close to her until Jacob pulled away a bit to study the bruises on her face. Following her brother's example, Amie leaned away a bit to examine the bandage on her mother's temple, touching it gingerly, she asked;
"Maw mee, boo-boo?"
Pointing to the split at the side of Jemma's mouth, Jacob questioned;
"Hurt Maw mee?"
Nodding, Jemma explained;
"Yes, babies, Mommy has a boo-boo that hurts a little bit."
Jemma's heart swelled with her love for her children as, both, her son and daughter leaned closer to wrap their small arms around her neck. Seeing her wince of pain from the bruises around her neck, Aaron was about to take the children, however, he stopped when Jemma vigorously shook her head before holding their children closer to her, despite the physical pain. Hearing the clock downstairs chiming the hour, Jemma patted her children's backs as she suggested;
"As much as I love holding you two and your hugs, Aunt Candy and Uncle Jeremy are going to let you guys spend the night so you can have fun with Molly and Christopher. So let Mommy give you a goodnight kiss and Daddy will take you downstairs so you can go with them."
Placing a kiss on each child's forehead, Jemma felt her heart melt when her children, each, placed their lips against each of her cheeks before smacking them soundly as first one, then the other, bid;
"Nigh nigh, Maw mee."
As Aaron was reaching for his son and daughter, Jemma placed her hand on his arm to halt him for a moment. Puzzled, Aaron asked;
"What is it, love? Would you like me to bring you a tray? You need to eat something anyway."
Dismissively waving her hand, Jemma shook her head;
"No, maybe a little milk and something soft, my mouth hurts too much to really eat. But there is something you can do for me, darling; please make Jeremy swear that he'll protect them."
Even though she had lowered her head, Aaron could see the fear in her eyes as she admitted;
"I know he's locked up, and I know I'm being silly, but I can't help it; I'm afraid that he might try to get back at us through our babies."
Leaning over to kiss the top of her head, Aaron brushed a few stray wisps of hair from her face before shaking his head;
"You're not silly, sweetheart. What you are is a damn good mother!"
Breaking the seriousness of the moment, as most youngsters learning how to talk will do, Jacob giggled before imitating his father to exclaim;
"DAMN!"
Although, initially, she was shocked, Jemma simply rolled her eyes before huffing in slight frustration;
"THAT, he learns with no trouble, wonderful."
Trying to maintain a look of seriousness, Aaron chastised;
"No, Jacob, bad word! Daddy shouldn't have said that bad word."
Puzzled, Jacob asked;
"Da dee, say bad word?"
Nodding, proud of his son's intelligence, Aaron admitted;
"Yes, Daddy said a bad word."
Aaron and Jemma felt relieved as Jacob seemed to comprehend the explanation. However, that was until Amie chimed in;
"Da dee say bad word; DAMN!"
Aaron found himself rolling his eyes before shaking his head as he exclaimed in frustration;
"YE GODS!"
Jemma laughed as her husband turned to leave, giving their daughter a lecture on why it wasn't polite for young ladies to say such bad words. Aaron hurried downstairs and gave his eldest children over to Benjamin and Jeremy as he told Jeremy about the promise she wanted regarding their children. Assuring his brother-in-law that Jacob and Amie would be safe and well cared for, Jeremy, Candy, and Benjamin ushered their brood out the door as Josh, Peggy, Jason, and Julie followed the example. Kassandra and Ward left and, despite how the evening had gone, were happy and relieved to be able to go to their home, together, without fear of being discovered. As Biddie and Barnabas were about to leave with Clancey, Aaron halted Seattle's new attorney.
"Barnabas, what we discussed earlier."
His suspicions raised, Barnabas nodded;
"Yes?"
Shaking his head, Aaron ordered;
"Go ahead with your plan, I was wrong. Jemma needs this behind her, for good, and the only way that can happen is if she confronts him for herself."
Once everyone had left and Lottie had settled for the night, Aaron hoped that he was making the right call. Little did he know just how right his statement was going to prove to be over the next few days of his wife's recovery.
Aaron, Allyn, and Lottie managed to keep Jemma confined to bed for all of two days; a personal best between the trio before her stubbornness overcame their determination. Finally, seeing that she was well on the way to recovery, Allyn agreed to let her out of the bed as long as she agreed not to lift Jacob or Amie and took it easy, at least until the pain in her sides eased. For the most part, the personality that everyone, especially Aaron, knew and loved in Jemma was the same as it had always been. However, it became apparent that trying to return to normalcy was proving more trying for Jemma then what anyone, especially her husband, had thought it would.
Despite the assurances that he had sent in his reply, the marshal from Tacoma had been unable to make the journey to Seattle to take Everston into custody. A fact that sent the man's ego soaring as he allowed himself to assume it was because of the 'friends' that he thought he had in high places. To avoid the possibility of a legal conundrum, Barnabas had suggested that Aaron stay as far away from Everston as possible. However, considering that the only type of law enforcement for Seattle was Aaron, Jason, and Ben Perkins, completely avoiding contact with Everston in his capacity was an impossibility for Aaron. Any doubts to the contrary were soon eliminated when Jason and Ben came to the Stempel home the next morning. Lottie had just finished breakfast as Aaron came into the kitchen with his youngest child to settle him in his bassinet to watch him while he ate breakfast, giving Jemma a chance for more sleep. He was in the middle of eating the generous helping of food that Lottie had sat before him on the table when Jason, after a brief knock, had entered the kitchen. Seeing the intensely serious looks that, both, Jason and Ben wore, Aaron demanded;
"What's the matter?"
Turning to Jason for permission, Ben, at Jason's nod, handed a telegram to Aaron. Jason, seeing his brother-in-law's expression turn from curiously concerned to furious as he shot up from his chair to hold the telegram in one hand before slapping the paper with his other to demand in anger;
"WHAT THE HELL DOES HE MEAN; 'UNSURE WHEN HE'S ARRIVING'? Ben, didn't you wire him the reason we want that man out of Seattle?"
Nodding, Ben explained;
"Aaron, I told him EXACTLY what happened in the wire. He doesn't have a choice though, you read the wire just like I did; they had a bank robbery and the teller was shot. He said that since we have Everston locked up that he'll have to stay in Seattle until he can get here to pick him up. Either that or we can wire the territorial judge and go ahead and get the trial out of the way."
Although he knew Aaron had a right to be angry and he understood the reason, Jason took a seat next to him as she tried to rationalize;
"Aaron, I understand why you're mad, I truly do. I'm not happy about this either, but it might be a blessing in disguise."
Staring at him in disbelief, Aaron demanded;
"Jason, explain to me just what 'blessing' there is to be found in this."
Bracing himself for an explosion of the famous 'Stempel temper', Jason explained;
"Think about it, Aaron! One of the things we worried about was Jemma having to explain this in front of a room full of strangers, if we wire the territorial judge, Pixie won't have to be subjected to that. Add to the fact that we have no idea just when the marshal will be able to arrive, but we're fairly sure we'll only have to wait a couple of days, at most, for the judge."
Even though, more than anything, Aaron wanted Everston out of Seattle and as far away from Jemma and their family as possible, he couldn't help but admit that Jason's idea was one that would bring a speedier end to the situation. More importantly, Jemma would have a sense of closure, something Aaron knew she desperately needed. Seeing his frustration as he braced his elbows on the tabletop before holding his head in his hands, Lottie placed her hand on his shoulder before offering her observations;
"Aaron, I understand that you want him as far away from here as possible, but I think you should listen to Jason, he's making a lot of sense."
Sighing, resigned to what he knew was for the best, Aaron nodded;
"Alright, Jason, you're right."
Glancing towards Ben, Aaron began;
"Ben?"
Raising his hand to halt the rest of the statement that he already knew was coming, Ben advised him;
"I'll take care of it right away, Aaron. I'll wire the territorial judge just as soon as I get back to the store and I'll let you know just as soon as I get an answer back from him."
With that, Ben hurried out the kitchen door to do as he promised. Once the door closed, Aaron turned to Jason;
"You know that we can't hide this from her, we have to tell her what's going on and that means telling her that HE'S still in Seattle."
Clapping his hand on his brother-in-law's shoulder, Jason tried to rationalize;
"Aaron, I know you're worried but Pixie's strong, she'll be alright."
Turning, Aaron confided;
"I know that Jemma's strong, Jason, but this is different for her. You didn't see her the way I did, especially when she saw the bite marks that bastard left on her neck. That mind you, is aside from how afraid she is because of his threats against our children."
Becoming firm in his determination, Jason braced himself for what he knew had to be done.
"Aaron, listen to me; I know that the idea of Everston's threat against the kids would scare Pixie to death. But, the only way to help her is to make her face this, you and I both know that. Once she sees this man brought to justice she'll be able to completely put this behind her. You're right though, we need to tell her what's going on."
Leaving Alex in Lottie's more than capable hands Aaron led the way to his and Jemma's bedroom. Dreading telling his wife the news regarding Everston, Aaron found himself, as did Jason, surprised as Jemma took the news very quietly and very calmly, something that found him asking in concern;
"Jemma, sweetheart, are you sure that you understand what we just said?"
Remaining calm, Jemma nodded;
"Of course, darling. It means that, rather than the marshal coming to get him today, we'll have to wait for the territorial judge and he'll have to stay here, locked up."
Shrugging slightly, Jemma remarked;
"Well, at least we can get this behind us that much sooner with the territorial judge as opposed to having it drug out if he were taken into custody and taken to Tacoma."
Frowning slightly, she questioned;
"But he WILL remain locked up, won't he? I mean, he won't be let out of jail, right?"
Glancing to each other, Jason and Aaron exchanged looks that silently conveyed their concerns. Although they had hoped she would take the news calmly, the problem was that she was taking it just a little TOO calmly. Taking his sister's hand, Jason promised;
"Pixie, sweetie, I promise you, Everston is under lock and key. There's no way that he'll be leaving that jail cell until time for him to go with the marshal to a prison cell, especially not considering he's being guarded twenty-four hours a day."
Although she tried to act as normally as possible, Jemma found herself at the end of her rope about three days later. As promised, Ben had let Aaron and Jason know that Judge Pryor had wired that he would be arriving by the end of the week. Aaron, at his wife's insistence, had returned to work at the mill and was busy going over the latest batch of orders that were being readied for shipment when Ben had brought him the wire. Deciding to go home for lunch so that he could give his wife the news, Aaron hurried home. As had been their habit since Jemma's attack, Candy and Julie were spending the day at the Stempel home, when Aaron walked in they had just finished preparing lunch and were feeding the children. Glancing about, Aaron demanded;
"Where's Jemma?"
Motioning towards the ceiling, Candy offered;
"She's upstairs, napping. She tried picking up Amie today and I think she overdid it. She said something about laying down for a while until the pain in her sides passed."
Nodding, Aaron continued upstairs, eager to give his wife the news from the judge. Finding her sleeping soundly, Aaron approached the bed quietly and studied his wife's face relaxed in sleep. The bruises marring her face had begun fading, and he could tell that her mouth was heeling as well. As Allyn had predicted, the marks around Jemma's throat were healing, thanks to the salve and the bruises were beginning to ease up somewhat. However, despite it all, Aaron found his wife just as beautiful as he did when he saw her on the stairs at Lottie's when she was sixteen and he first truly noticed her. Trying not to disturb her, Aaron sat on the side of the bed and reached his hand out to gently stroke her hair away from her face. Even though it was something that Aaron had done on an, almost, daily basis, this particular time triggered a panic episode in Jemma. Aaron found his reflexes tested as Jemma's eyes flew open wide in panic as she began screaming;
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
A moment later she came up swinging, something that found Aaron nearly catching his wife's right hook. Thankfully, his reflexes were right on the money and he was able to gently, yet firmly, catch her wrists in his hand as she struck out with, first, one then the other. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she wasn't conscious of who she was striking out at, just that she was seeking to defend herself. Sternly, Aaron ordered;
"Jemma love, it's me!"
Breathing heavily, Jemma stopped for a moment, not seeming as if she trusted what she saw with her own eyes. Easing one of her hands from his grasp, Jemma tentatively reached out to place her fingers against her husband's cheek before asking timidly, needing the confirmation;
"A...Aaron?"
Slowly, Aaron nodded, bringing the hand he was still holding to his lips to place a kiss against her palm as he reassured her;
"Yes, sweetheart, it's really me."
Jemma's breathing came in shuddering gasps as she threw herself into her husband's arms and wrapped her own about his neck as she buried her face against his shoulder to beg;
"Oh, Aaron! Honey, you have no idea how sorry I am! Please forgive me!"
Instinctively, Aaron wrapped his arms around her to hold her close as he promised;
"Darlin, you have nothing to apologize for. I'm just sorry that I scared you."
Letting her draw comfort from him, Aaron waited until she had quieted a bit and she pulled away slightly to place a kiss on his cheek as she shook her head;
"Darling, I'm so sorry."
Aaron shifted her slightly to lay across his lap as he held her close to his chest before wiping the tears from her cheeks as he offered;
"Talking about it might help."
Seeing her hesitation, Aaron reasoned;
"Jemma love, even when you were sixteen and we were trying to fight the fact we were falling in love with each other, you were never frightened by me touching you; but just now, you were scared to death."
Shaking his head, Aaron reminded her;
"Sweetheart, even in your sleep you've never been afraid of me touching you, quite the opposite actually. Ever since the first time we shared our bed, we've always seemed to need to be close to each other, even in our sleep; but, darlin, you've been hugging your side of the bed the last couple of days and when I try to touch you, you pull away from me."
Brushing the hair away from her face, Aaron stated emphatically;
"I know you've been through a lot, but I refuse to let that 'man' take what we have between us away."
Smiling tenderly, Aaron hugged her close to him as he vowed;
"In case you don't realize it after all this time, my sweet Jemma, you, my little love, along with our children, are my heart and my life."
Placing a kiss on her forehead, Aaron pleaded;
"Please, sweetheart, let me help you."
Jemma had opened her mouth to say something when there was a sudden pounding on the bedroom door. Letting a sigh of frustration escape from between his lips, Aaron demanded sharply;
"What is it?"
Opening the door a slight bit, Julie stuck her head in to apologize profusely, especially when she noticed her sister-in-law being held in Aaron's arms.
"Aaron, Jemma, I'm sorry, but one of the men from the mill just came from going to fetch Allyn, one of the men was injured at the mill."
Lowering his head, Aaron swore;
"DAMN!"
Shifting from his lap, Jemma brushed her lips against his as she ordered;
"Go, I can wait, that poor man might not be able to."
Standing, Aaron turned and placed his hand against her cheek;
"We are going to finish this discussion, my love, alright?"
At her nod, Aaron rushed from the room, leaving Jemma sitting on her knees on their bed. Noticing Julie looking at her strangely, Jemma asked;
"Julie, what's the matter?"
Giving a slight shake of her head, Julie admitted;
"Well, it's just that you're taking it so calmly."
Puzzled, Jemma tilted her head to the side as repeated;
"Taking it calm?"
Stunned, Julie explained the news from the territorial judge, that it will be a couple of more days before the just arrives.
"Didn't Aaron tell you?"
Not wanting her to think she might have betrayed her brother, Jemma assured Julie;
"Yes, Julie. I'm sorry I guess I'm a bit distracted."
Julie simply gave a slight nod of understanding and was about to leave the room when Jemma stopped her;
"Julie?"
Stopping just as she was about to turn, Julie stood, waiting patiently for Jemma to ask her questions, when she did she found herself shocked.
"Julie, do you think I really make Aaron happy?"
Her mouth gaping, Julie could only stare in astonished disbelief as she blurted;
"Jemma, no offense, but have you lost your mind?"
Closing the distance between her and her sister-in-law, Julie placed her hands on Jemma's shoulders before shaking her head;
"Oh Jemma, don't you remember what Aaron was like before you became a part of his life? Hun, when I was a little girl I always wondered if Aaron just one of those men that were destined to be miserable and alone, you changed all of that."
Her brow wrinkling, Jemma speculated;
"But, Julie, if he and Ellen..."
Shaking her head, Julie stated in certainly;
"Jemma, when I tell you that I've never seen Aaron as happy as he is with you, that means EVER and that includes when he was with Ellen. Oh, they cared about each other, don't misunderstand. But, I'm telling you, I saw Aaron with Ellen and the look he had in his eyes for her is NOTHING compared to what I see when he looks at you."
Her curiosity piqued, Jemma pondered aloud;
"Did she care for him?"
Nodding, Julie ventured;
"I believe she did, but I think that was all it was."
Frowning slightly, Jemma asked;
"What do you mean, Julie?'
Sighing, Julie tried to explain her theory;
"Jemma, let me ask you something; why did you marry Aaron?"
Her eyes wide with incredulity, Jemma stated in a shocked tone;
"Julie! You know good and well why I married your brother. I love Aaron, very, very much. From the time I realized I was in love with him I couldn't imagine being married to anyone else, nor did I want to want to."
Giving Jemma a slight smile, Julie nodded;
"Then you can understand. Ellen cared for Aaron just as he cared for her, but there's a big difference between caring and loving, as I'm sure you know. I was just a little girl when I met Ellen but I knew, without a doubt, when I saw you and Aaron together for the first time that there wasn't a doubt in my mind that you and Aaron were meant for each other just by the amount of love I saw flowing between the two of you."
Shaking her head, Julie chided;
"And you ask me if you make Aaron happy; what a silly question!"
Perplexed, Julie questioned;
"Jemma, why do you ask that?"
Lowering her head, Jemma explained to
Julie what had happened, leaving the older woman sighing as she tried to comfort Jemma;
"Jemma, I know this hasn't been easy for you. And heaven knows that, had I been in your shoes, I don't think I could have been nearly as strong as you were and have been, but you have to give yourself time to get past this, Aaron understands that and I know that he'll do whatever needs to be done to help you get past this."
Clasping her hands in her lap, Jemma sighed forlornly as she lamented;
"Julie, I hurt him. I didn't mean to and I didn't know that I did but I could tell by the look in his eyes that I did."
Her eyes full of determination, Jemma shook her head as she bounded from the bed to rush to her dressing table. Taking her brush in hand she began running the bristles through the length of her hair before tying it to fall down her back. Making certain that the neckline of her dress hid the majority of the bruises marring her throat, Jemma turned from the mirror to face Julie;
"Julie, would you and Candy please watch my babies? I have something I have to take care of."
Hurrying out the bedroom door and down the stairs to the front door, Jemma stopped as Julie called softly, not wanting to wake Alex;
"Jemma, where are you going, can't it wait?"
Turning, her hands on her hips and her face full of determination, Jemma shook her head vigorously;
"No, Julie, it can't wait! There was something taken from me and taken from my husband, and no one, not Aaron, not Jason, Josh, or Jeremy can get it back from me; I have to do that for myself."
With that, she hurried out the door, leaving Julie trying to solve the riddle Jemma had just handed her. Hurrying to the kitchen, Julie explained what had just happened with their sister-in-law, Furrowing her brow, Candy stuck her index finger between her lips, a sign she was deep in thought as she tried to solve the mystery of Jemma's words. Realizing what Jemma might have meant, Candy's blue eyes widened as she turned to grasp Julie's hands with both of hers as she exclaimed;
"Julie, I know what she meant!"
Quickly, Candy explained what, she believed, Jemma was planning on doing. Spreading her hands wide Julie pleaded;
"What should we do, Candy? If she's going to do what you think she's going to do, there's no telling what could happen."
Huffing in frustration, Candy wracked her brain; the most obvious solution was to go to Aaron with her suspicions. However, Molly and Christopher were helping Biddie with cleaning up the small office that had been found for Barnabas so the chance of sending them to find Aaron was out of the question and leaving Julie to contend with five small children wasn't feasible either. However, as if hearing her prayers, Kassandra and Peggy came through the back door, only to stop short at the looks on Julie and Candy's faces. Sensing that something was terribly wrong, Peggy immediately pressed;
"What's wrong?"
Candy and Julie explained the situation, much to Peggy and Kassandra's dismay. Turning to Kassandra, Peggy questioned;
"Kassandra, I know he's behind bars, but..."
Fairly certain of the remainder of Peggy's comment, Kassandra shrugged as she shook her head;
"I don't know, Peggy. I mean, Jemma's a very strong woman, but, I didn't realize it until recently, he resents that in women. I know that, physically, he can't hurt her, but emotionally, I just don't know. Father's always been good at being manipulative and finding a person's weaknesses, considering what he's already done and almost done to her physically, I can't say. But, I think we need to either stop her, which given her stubbornness I don't see happening, or we need to tell Aaron so HE can stop her."
Masking up her mind, Peggy hurried to the kitchen door before throwing over her shoulder;
"I'm going to go find Aaron and tell him what's going on. Kassandra, go find Barnabas and let him know too, please."
Julie and Candy both watched after the pair, wondering if their theory was even the right one and, if so, would Jemma's actions help or hinder her.