Katherine sank onto the steps. She blinked angrily. Who was she to cry right now? This had nothing to do with her. This was Jack's problem. She couldn't help who her father was, could she? She closed her eyes and winced as she recalled the slam of the door as Jack stormed out of the office. She could still see the hurt in his eyes before he turned away. She stood up, brushing away a tear that had escaped. She had to find him, to explain. She headed toward Medda's theatre, that was where he had gone after Crutchy had been captured and she was sure that was where he would be tonight. Medda opened the door when Katharine knocked.

"What are you doing here, baby girl?" Medda asked.

"I'm looking for Jack. I have to talk to him. I thought he might be here." Katherine fell silent as Medda shook her head.

"I haven't seen that boy for nearly a week." Katherine nodded and dropped her gaze to her boots.

"What happened?" Medda asked, taking hold of Katherine's hand and pulling her gently inside so she could close the door.

"He… found something out, something about me. It's not really important, I mean, to me. But, he kind of freaked out. And now… I don't know where he is." Katherine blinked again. She didn't want Medda to know how much she cared what Jack thought of her.

"He'll turn up. He's a stubborn one, that Jack Kelly. He just needs time, okay?" Katherine nodded and sniffed.

"Come here, sweetie." She pulled Katherine into a hug. Katherine squeezed her eyes tight shut against the wave of fear and frustration that was bottled up inside her as she relaxed into Medda's motherly embrace.

They pulled apart and Medda took Katherine's face in her hands and wiped a tear away with her thumb.

"You hungry?" Katherine sniffed and shook her head.

"Come with me." She took Katherine's hand and led her over to a small bench in the wing of the stage. Then, putting her arm around the girl, she explained,

"Can I tell you something about Jack? It takes a lot to get him to trust someone the way he trusts you. He's been hurt bad and he don't trust easily. He's just scared. Give him time, he'll come around, okay? Don't let it get to you. Just let him know that you're there for him and he'll come back." Katherine nodded and twisted the hem of her skirt in her fingers.

"I like him, Medda. I really like him. What am I going to do?"

"He likes you too, sweetie. I know that boy. He has more love in him than anyone I've ever met. He cares about you so much and he is not about to let you go over a little thing like this, okay?" Katherine nodded.

"I'd try the balcony." She added, getting to her feet. Katherine stood too. She smiled and nodded.

"Now, go on, I've got a show to do!"

"Thanks, Medda." She said.

"No problem, baby girl. Now, go knock some sense into that boy!"