Having good mentors can make all the different for kids. I know for personal experience. My mother was a single mom always working. So I also used so of my mother's feelings about always missing out on what her kids were doing.
It was a 50 minutes ride to Taekwondo class the next day. While Gina sat shotgun playing with the radio. Helen and Gregory sat in the back. Helen was feeling like the worst mother ever. Gregory had refused to talk to any of them, part from yes and no questions. They got to the class just a little early. Gina ran inside right away, with Jess walking behind her. Trying to give Helen and Gregory, yet another chance to talk. "Son, please when you're up to it, I want you to talk to me. I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong." Gregory looked at her, he wanted to tell her, but he couldn't. It was so stupid, he was stupid. He shook his head and went inside.
As Gregory entered the gym. First thing he saw Jess talking with a little girl about 3yrs old. She was the little sister to 1 his classmate. The mom had a new baby and always seemed over whelmed, trying to keep an eye on the toddler. Jess had brought the girl a stuffed dog. "Now, can you make sure your mom sits in her seat the whole time during class? That's your job and if you do a good job then you can keep this little doggie." The little blonde headed girl hopped up on a chair and patted the one next to her. The girl's mom looked at Jess with such gratitude. It was a small gesture, but to that mom it seemed to mean a lot. Gregory started feeling even worse since he had taken a full swing at Jess. Besides all the horrible things he had said.
He didn't care that she had spanked him, not really. He kind of felt he had it coming. The fact that Jessica had a mom that spent most of her life in jail. Leaving Jess and her little brother to raise themselves, seemed much worse. Then his mom, who did dangerous work with abnormals. She chooses to leave her children and go off instead of being with them. What made them so different? His mom had given him and his sister a picture of their dad. She never talked about him. Only that he died, while they were on a mission. What if she got hurt and never come back. He had also seen Jess get kick by a goat and bitten by a few dogs. As she tried to help them recover from being abused. Both these women did mean a lot to him. Not to mention his sister was the sweetest girl in their whole school.
He swallowed hard as the chime signaled class was about to start.
Helen enjoyed watching the kids. Gina was one of the best in the class, it reminded her of Ashley. She had trained Ashley little by little until she was old enough to start a full combat training program. Gregory didn't seem to be trying as hard. His form wasn't very good for someone who was getting privet lessons on the side. Jess sat next to Helen clapping and encouraging the kids. She knew the twins had become her life. To the point that she turned down a date with the very yummy and well-built instructor. She might not have had any luck with Gregory, but maybe she could see how much of a crush Gina really had on her teacher.
Gregory had waited and talked with Chris away from everyone else. Jess was patiently waiting nearby for him, looking at pictures on the wall. Chris nodded a few times and had looked over at Jess. He placed his hand on Gregory's shoulder and Gregory looked at the ground. Jess wondered what they had been talking about. If he was telling that she had spanked him. Jess was not going to apologize for discipline him. She hadn't left any lasting marks as her grandpa used to say, it was just an attention getter.
Helen noticed after the class was over, most of the parents that had come were women. Which she pointed out to Gina "Gina, have you noticed all the women seem to want to talk to your instructor after class?" Gina smiled as she took a drink from her bottle "All the mom's think he's hot, and he's not married. I don't even think he's got a girlfriend. Sometimes I wonder if he's gay." Helen smile at that, the perfect timing she thought. "Well, what if I told you he did ask someone you know out?" Gina eyes widen and she looked at her funny "Mom, you just met the guy a couple of days ago and he's asked you out already?" "No silly," She turns her daughter to see that Chris was now talking with Jess. "He asked her out a while ago, but she said no" Gina looked at her mom "What is wrong with her? I'd be all over that!" Gina started to blush, having just admitted to her mom she had the hots for her teacher. Gina looked back at Jess and Chris, as Helen put her chin on her daughter's shoulder "She said no, because she knew you liked him. She was afraid that if she went out with him you'd be mad at her." Gina sighed, "I guess maybe I might have been jealous but I'm over him. I mean he's 2 years older than Auntie Jess. He's hot now, but when I'm 20 he'll be like 43." She made it sound so old, Helen couldn't help but laugh and hug her. "Maybe you better tell him to ask her out again." "What, now?" "Sure," Helen smiled, nudging her daughter.
Chris took Jessica by the chin and saw the mark through the makeup. Not that Jess wore a lot of make, just enough to make herself presentable or hide a blemish "Gregory told me he was disrespectful. That's he's been angry and hasn't expressed himself well." "He said that? What else did he say?" "That even with his training he's got a, well deserved spanking." Chris smiled at her, he was still holding chin. It was being to be too much and he let it go. Before he tried to kiss her, clearing his throat he continued, "I told him to think about what is truly bothering him and what you as a family could do to improve the situation." Man she wanted to kiss him! He was sweet, sensitive, nonjudgmental, brood shoulders and a butt to die for. And now he was helping her with Gregory. Just then Gina came up to them "Master Burton, I think you are a really nice guy and if you want to ask my honoree Aunt out on a date. I think that would be awesome. Oh, and can I have the key so mom and I can get in the truck?" Jess was so stunned she fumbled in her pocket for the keys and handed them to her. She looked over and saw a wicked grin on Helen's face as Gina trotted over to her.
Chris looked at Jess, she was a white girl but had a darker completion, from her grandfather. He thought her dark hair seemed to change color with the sunlight. Was it dark brown or reddish brown? Hard to tell indoors with artificial lights. The kids' mom Helen was defiantly attractive, although just too thin for him. He liked a woman that you could hold without feeling you might break her. A more rounded woman and the rack she had was pretty nice too. Right now he was loving the pink in Jessica's cheeks. She was so embarrassed. Chris looked at her with a wide smile, he licked his lips, "Well, I guess she no longer has a crush on me. Does that mean you are open to going on a date with me?" Jess sighed and looked at the ceiling for a minute. "Unless, you're already seeing someone else?" He asked. "Lord, no... I mean... I'm available... I just really-" She rubbed the back of her neck way couldn't she make a sentence. "So you're available, how about tomorrow afternoon?" She swallowed "Tomorrow?" "Yes, I've already waited 3 months. I can come to the farm. I'll bring a picnic for 2. You won't have to do a thing but show up... About 12:30ish." His smile widens to show off his dimples. Jess felt her knees turn to mush, "12:30 should be fine."
Helen was trying not to laugh as Jess walked out to their big blue Blazer. Her face very pink! She got in and slammed the door. "Well," Helen teased her young friend. Jess started the engine "Wipe that smile off your face." Gregory was sitting in the front seat "What am I missing?" Helen smirked "Your sister told Master Burton to ask Jess her out on a date." Gregory's eye widen "And?" Jess could not get rid of the rosy blush on her cheeks and the smile she was fighting to hide popped out as she said "He's coming over tomorrow for a picnic" Even Gregory joined in on the giggling and teasing all the way back to the farm.
Helen loved coming to the farm for this reason. No life and death here. There no huge decisions to make. She could relax just be a mother and friend. Like now, she was Jessica's dear friend. Helping pick out a casual outfit, and fixing her hair for her picnic date. Something she might have done in her younger days. If she had a little sister.
While Jessica was off on her picnic date eating elk burgers grilled on a mini gas grill, something which was her favorite. Helen was giving Gina a make-up lesson and the kitchen table. While Gregory was busy looking things up on the internet. She knew soon enough she would rejoin her time line. To protect the children she would have to stop coming to the farm soon. She worried how the life she had been living was going to affect the lives of those closest to here. She dreaded Henry, Kate and especially Will's questions. How would Nikola take it when she produced twins that she had with James?
"Mom, which color looks best?" Helen snapped back to where she was. "Sorry love, what did you ask?" "I asked, which color lip stick looks best. Jess says I should stick with a soft natural look for now." Helen cupped her daughter's face with her right hand. "She's very right, you are quite beautiful without makes up. But whether you need make to hid a bruise or love bite. It's good to know how to do it right." Gina laughed "Have you had to cover bruises or... a love bites?" Helen smile "More times than I can count." Gregory walked into kitchen to get a drink, "What are you talking about?" Gina laughed "Hickeys." Gregory made a face "Who's, we can't date until we're 16 and no sex until after we're 18." Helen almost fell out of her chair. She turned her head to face her son. Who was calmly poured himself some milk. "What did you just say?" Helen looked at her son, mouth open. Gina putting on her mother's blush said "Well, we're not allowed to date until 16. I don't have to worry about love bites. And we can't make a grownup decision like having sex until we are at least 18. Isn't that the rule you and Jess came up with?"
Helen and Jess had talked about make-up, dating and sex. But when it came to sex, Helen had said she wanted the kids to be ready. Not that there should be an age put on it. Henry had started experimenting at 16. The only reason Helen found out was because the Big Guy could smell it on him. She sat him down for the 'The Talk' which he told her he already knew all about safe sex. And Ashley even her little tomboy started coming home with love bites at about 16. 'The Talk' with her amused Ashley, watching bad-ass mother squirm talking about safe sex.
Helen tried to remain casual saying, "Of course, not that teenagers always listen to their parents or guardians." Gregory finish drinking his milk and rinsed out his glass, "Jess says if you have to wait vote or sign up for military until your 18, then you can wait for sex" and he went back to the computer. Gina asked "Not that I want details, but how old where you?" Helen desperately wanted to end this subject but she did answer "Not until I was in college."
That answer seemed to satisfy her daughter, who then asked about going shopping to get her own make. Helen sighed in relief that these 2 might have resigned themselves to wait. And that her daughter was now talking about a much safer subject, shopping.
Later that night Helen was soaking in the master bath tub. Jess was lying in bed watching TV, when there was a knocked on the door. "Come in" "Hey, can we talk?" Gregory said poking his head in the door. Jess turned the tv off and patting the side of the bed. "Of course, sit down." Gregory was acting very timid and didn't seem to want to make eye contact. Very different from the screaming and door slamming pain in the ass, from the other night. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior lately. I've been frustrated for a while, about a few things. And I just didn't know how to deal with it." Jess sat straight up, "Gregory, if it's ok to call you that. I'm always here for you! You are very good at making a reasonable argument. If you need or want something, just come and make your case." She lowered her head with a smile to finally get eye contact. She was surprise when he got up and hugged her. Wiping a tear away with his sleeve as he sat back down. "Sometimes I get frustrated that I don't have a dad or even know who my dad is. Mom always looks sad when I ask her about him. Sometimes I wonder if she even loved him, and maybe that's why we live with you." Jess's heart sank and now she had a tear in her eye, "No, my sweet boy. It's because she loved and still loves him. Just like sometimes when I get choked up talking about my grandma and grandpa. It's just hard for her to think about him being gone. I think she really loved him a lot."
Gregory nodded and continued "That's not the only thing that's been making me angry. There's something I just don't know how to fix." He took a breath looking at his hands again. "It's kinda dumb." "Gregory, if it's bothering you, I want to know! I want to help!" He looked at her "It's my classes and most of my teachers. They don't even bother to read my papers anymore. They just put an A on them. Last month when I had to read To Kill a Mocking Bird and do a paper. After the first paragraph I did the rest of the paper on Moby Dick. Just to see if Mr. Green would notice." "I'm guessing he didn't?" "No, there was an A on the paper, with good job in the corner." Jess smiled and took his hand giving to a loving squeeze, "I love that you're probably the only kid in that whole school that's pissed the teacher didn't give him an F." Gregory heard the water in the bathroom splash. "Master Burton, told me to think about what was bothering me and to trying to think of what might make things better." Jess could tell Gregory didn't want his mother to hear them. "So, what do you think might make things more rewarding for you?" Helen came out of the bathroom in a big fluffy yellow towel. She was surprised to see her son. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" Not wanting Gregory to lose the momentum of their conversation Jess looked at Helen. "Gregory, just wanted to make sure Chris had been a gentleman on the picnic earlier." Helen didn't buy that excuse, but took it as a sign to leave them, to let them finish their chat.
Once she was out of the room Gregory looked back to Jess "I'd like to take collage classes like you did, when I get to be a Jr and Sr in high school. But until then I really would like a project. Something to do with engineering. I like engineering and building stuff!" "I have a feeling we're not talking about model cars or planes." He seemed to get a little excited "OK, I found a kit I'd like to get and put together this summer. It's kind of expensive but after I build it we could sell it and get the money back and probably more." She smiled at him "What's the kit? And how much are we talking?" "I wanted... I wanted to try putting a Model T kit car together. I remember when we saw one at the auto show. You and I both thought it was so cool. I found a company that will ship the kit to our door. I won't let it interfere with my choruses. After I put it together, we can sell it and maybe take the profits and get another model, maybe." The more he talked about getting a kit car, the more excited he got. Jess, sat like a deer in headlights. When he finish explain how much it would coat including shipping and how much they went for assembled. Then he waited for her answer. Jess, rubbed the back of her neck. She explained that it wasn't just the kit, but that he would also need the right tools. Just when Gregory was sure she was about to say no. Jess sighed, "Tomorrow after school, I want you to look up the recommended tools that you will need to do this." He eyes got really big "You mean?" "Yes, we will get 1 kit car and see how you do." Gregory through his arms around Jess "Really, you mean it?" Jess hushed him, "shh, yes, I mean it. But I expect your attitude and your manners to improve. Now… if you can. Try and go to sleep, you have school in the morning." He hugged her again "I really am sorry for being such a pain in the ass. I really do love you and I do love living here." "Language young man," she smiled "Maybe tomorrow, you can apologize to your mother and sister as well." He nodded and made his way to bed.
The house was all quite until about 1am. Jess felt tightness in her chest that woke her. She put her robe on and went out into the hall. She hear muffled crys, at first she thought it was Gina. But it was coming from Helen's room.
Helen was crying in her sleep. "No... John, no... Ashley, I'm afraid... Ashley Please!" Helen was tossing and had pulled all the sheets and blanket apart. It wasn't the first time Helen had nightmares that woke Jess. Jess knew to be careful waking her. One time Helen had given her a black eye. She check the nightstand, yes Helen's gun was there. At least Helen won't accidentally shoot her.
Helen was dreaming about the London and Old City attacks. Reliving the events of trying to stop her daughter. Ashley was attacking John and had killed him, in her dream. Ashley was coming for Helen, when she felt someone shake her.
Jess grabbed Helen's shoulder and shook her. "H, wake up. H, you're on the farm...wake up." Helen bolted up in bed screaming "NO!" "H, its Jessica. You're at the farm, its ok... It's going to be ok." Jess sat on the bed and held Helen as she tried to orientate herself. The kids both were in the door way. "Mom?!" Helen was sobbing and unable to respond. "It's ok kids, your mother just had a nightmare. Go back to bed." They looked at each other. "I promise, she'll be ok... it just takes her a while to remember where she is." The kids reluctantly closed the door behind them as they went back to bed.
Jess reached for a pillow that had fallen on the floor. Placing it behind her back she pulled Helen in close. Like a big sister comforting a little sibling Jess began to slightly rock Helen and reassuring her. When Helen was calm enough to talk she thanked Jess. Reminding her that she was over 200yrs old, and didn't need to be cuddled like a frighten child. "You say that every time you have a nightmare. If you want I can go back to my room, and leave you to your nightmares and self-condemnation."
Helen took a deep breath, "I lived through things... terrible things. But losing Ashley-" She took another more raged breath. "I just don't know if I can go through it again." Jess shook her head "Helen Elizabeth Magnus, I can't being to imagine everything you have lived through. Then to have to live through it again. Knowing what will happen and not being able to do anything about it... for the sake of the timeline." "But I've already tinkered with the timeline, haven't I... Ashley, is going to get kidnapped. Used to hurt me and the Sanctuary network. If I build the device I need and it works and I do save her. I then have to find a treatment. Will she be able to live with what has happened? And if I can't find a treatment. Then I have to live with locking her away for the rest of her life. I just don't know if I can go through all that." Helen grabbed a pillow and propped herself up to look at Jess. "H, I can hold when you cry. I can let you sleep in my bed. You can even give me a black eye when I wake you from your nightmares. But this is all way over my head. I'm just a girl that works with abused and neglected animals." Jess paused taking Helen's hand "I can tell when a creature is in pain or afraid. You can hide it from your kids, but I see it. You need to decide if you can live with doing nothing. If you can, then stop torturing yourself and deal with it." Helen sniffled looking a bit surprised, Jess continued "But I know you well enough to know you are a fighter. Giving up is not something that would sit well with you. So I say go for it! Save your little girl! I know I've said not to bring her here, but you know if you had to-" Helen reached out and touch Jessica's shoulder "Jess, you're a very good friend. You… your grandparents and this farm have been a true family to me. A place I have felt safe and loved, since I followed Adam through that Bloody portal. But you're right I have to stop fighting myself. I have to commit to trying to save Ashley. Whatever may happen, I have to try." "That's my girl," Jess said with a smile.
A quiet moment passed Jess looked at Helen "But there is something I need you to do for your chidren here." Jess grabbed a tissue from the box on the night stand handing it to Helen. "What's that?" Jess looked more serious then Helen had ever seen "You need to tell them everything. At least everything you've told me over these few years. They're smart and they can handle it. Plus the longer you wait, the harder they will take it. You not trusting them with the truth that is." Helen sighed pulling the blanket that was about to fall on to the floor up. "I know your right about that too." Jess hung her head she could tell, Helen didn't want to be left alone. "I don't get to go back to my bed do I?" She asked playful. "Do you mind?" Jess sighed and snuggled down it was I bit of a squeeze. Jess chuckled as she pulled the cover over her shoulder "I wish a full size bed would fit in this room. Why can you just crawl in bed with me like the kids use to?" Helen smiled over her shoulder, "Hey you were the one who came in here to wake me up." "Only cause you woke all 3 of us up this time." Jess shoved her shoulder "Get some rest, you need to go back to saving the abnormal world. You Victorian pain in the arse."
"Langue," Helen teased as she felt the safety and love of the house allow her to fall back to sleep.
I think Helen Magnus is an ass kicking one woman army. But women tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves. Which then leads them to second guess themselves. Which makes me think the Helen Bancroft aka time travel Helen would do her thing but worrying about the affects she would have on the world around her. The do I or don't I save Ashley would always be playing in her mind.
Watch for a Stargate crossover coming up.