Torn Apart-Bastille listen to this oh my god
Three days passed and the stress from Richard's sudden arrival put Jack on edge. She was frustrated and stuck. She felt powerless and the feeling of hopelessness had returned. She was a soldier for Christ's sake, she shouldn't be so afraid. Jack is strong, Jack can fight, so why couldn't she bring herself to stay alone in the apartment for more than half an hour?
On the first day, a Saturday, Don cleaned up the apartment and Jack helped. He made them breakfast and decided to take her out after breakfast. They walked around the National Mall, one of Jack's favorite spots. She was beginning to cheer up in the warm sun and forget about the attack.
They were walking towards the Lincoln Memorial when Jack froze and her grip on Don's arm tightened. Don looked at her and followed her gaze. She was staring at a man who was sitting on a bench, smoking. He was watching them as he smoked and stared at Jack. He looked angry. He was a heavy set man with very little hair. HE wore overalls and a dirty white shirt.
Jack spun un her heel and began to walk away, pulling Don along with her. Don followed and linked his arm with hers again, reassuring her that he was there, reminding her he was there with her. Jack's jaw was clenched tight and her shoulders were tense. Jack wouldn't say anything until they were back in the city, away from the National Mall, away from Richard.
Don watched her sadly and sighed through her nose. It was so close to the wedding and he didn't want Richard to ruin it for Jack. Don also knew better than to advance on the man in public or in front of Jack. But if Don saw Richard alone, in private, Don was sure Richard would need to visit the hospital.
As he made dinner, he could hear Jack pacing in the living room. She was smoking and the smoke wafted into the kitchen. How many had she had already? Don wish he could think of something to distract her but all of his attempts that day proved futile. He was kissing her and she was distracted, she couldn't sit still enough to read and she didn't eat lunch. Don started to worry when she passed up a glass of wine. He suggested they visit Betty's or the boys and she refused. She wanted to stay home, try to feel safe in the apartment again.
Don had begun to plate the food and set it on the table when he heard her stop pacing. He listened to see if he could hear her moving and worry grew when he heard silence.
"Jack?" He called out, "You doing ok?' He waited for an answer but got silence back. He set the food down and walked into the living room. She was standing at the window, staring out of it. Her gaze was firm and her jaw clenched tightly. Her posture mimicked how she would stand in Germany, at ease but ready to jump into a fight. He sighed and approached her slowly.
He felt her tense when he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her head and looked out at the city. She didn't relax into him like usual and Don furrowed his eyebrows.
"Jakie," he spoke quietly, "What's going on, baby?"
"He's watching." She stated bluntly. Don was alert and looked down to the sidewalk below them. Across the street, Richard stood, staring up at them. Don straightened and glared at the man. He reached past Jack and closed the blinds. He pulled her away from the window and she let him lead her to the kitchen. She went to a wine bottle they had opened and she poured them two glasses. Don had piked up the phone and began dialing a number.
"Don, what are you doing?" Jack asked with slight alarm.
"Calling Ryan. I think he can get your Uncle to leave us-" Don was cut off when Jack crossed the kitchen and hit the button on the stand that made Don hang up. He stared at her and furrowed his eyebrows. "Jack?" He question firmly, slipping into his voice from when he was a Sergeant.
"We are fine. We don't need Ryan involved." She tried to justify. Don put the phone down slowly.
"Jack, he can help." Don told her calmly. She shook her head.
"We don't need help. What's he going to do? Toss him on a train to Pennsylvania? He'll just come back. It's fine, he won't do anything. He's just trying to scare us." She tried to explain. Don could see what she was doing, she was trying to reassure herself. He brought his hands up to rest on her shoulders. He looked at her soflty.
"Jack, he forced his way in." He stated and Jack rolled her eyes and tried to walk away. He kept her still. "I don't think you understand how serious that is."
"No, you don't understand!" She yelled and shoved him to get some space. Don could see the tears in her eyes building. "You don't get it!" She told him and stormed off to the bedroom. Don calmly followed her.
"What don't I understand, Jack?" He questioned as he walked down the hall. " I can't help if you don't tell me what's going on."
"That's what you don't get! I don't need help, I don't want help!" She yelled as he entered the bedroom. Don watched her from a distance, giving her space. She began to pace back and forth. "I shouldn't need you to protect me! I shouldn't need you to feel safe! I should be able to protect myself!" She yelled. Don took offense, confused by her statement.
"What are you saying?" He asked firmly. Was she having doubts? Was that what this was about? Did Richard say something to her? Jack didn't respond and turned her back on him. He had a hand on her hip and a hand raised to her mouth. "Jack?" He called firmly. She just shook her head. He walked over and grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around, she was crying. "Jack, answer me. What are you trying to say?" He asked firmly and she kept crying. She began to shake her head.
"I can't, I can't." She cried as she looked at his chest, unable to meet his gaze. He held her shoulders firmly.
"Can't what? What can't you do?" He asked firmly, slightly warry of what she was going to say. Jack swallowed thickly before answering, trying to catch her breath and stop crying.
"I can't." She sobbed, "I can't beat him. I can't protect myself. I can't fight back. He came in here and I froze, I couldn't do anything, Don!" She sobbed and Don's eyes widened in slight surprise. This was what was bothering her? "I can't fight back. If he catches me alone again, I won't be able to protect myself. I feel so helpless. I can't take it, Don!" She explained as she cried and brought her hands to her face. She was frustrated and stuck She was at a loss. "I don't know what to do." She confessed.
Don watched her and let her cry. He was silent and his face was neutral. He kept his hands resting on her shoulders gently and sighed through his nose. Jack looked up, tears in her eyes and anger in her frown. She weakly tried to push at his chest.
"Say something!" She cried at him. Jack tried to push him but dropped her hands to her side and dropped her head. "Say something, damnit." She cried softly. Don watched her and began to rub her upper arms soothingly. He stood there silent for a minute and stepped back away from her. Jack put her hands over her face, thinking he was angry at her outburst.
Don removed his shirt and tie and dropped them on the bed. He walked over to Jack and moved her hands out of the way. She looked at him confused as to why he had no shirt on. His face was calm and relaxed. He didn't speak. He reached for the top buttons on her dress. He began undoing them and her hadns shot up to cover his hands.
"What are you doing?" She hissed as tears kept falling. He gently put her hands her sides.
"Stop. Trust me." He told her and undid enough of the buttons to let the dress fall to the floor. Jack stood in her bra and her half a slip. He gently tugged the slip off and Jack held her breath. He stood and took her hands, gently pulling her over to the large mirror in the corner of their room.
He stood facing her first. Don took Jack's hand and brought them up to trace the bullet holes from Norman's first day, the day they all almost died. He place her hands on a few of the bullet wounds. They had scared over.
"What are you-" Hse started but he cut her off.
"What are these?" He asked her firmly. She looked at Don, confused. "What are these?" He asked again.
"Bullet wounds." Jack stated. Don nodded.
"From when?" He asked. Jack swallowed thickly Before answering.
"Germany." She said in a whisper. "The day I thought I lost you." She added. The corners of his lips turn up slightly.
"I am still alive." He stated. "Why am I still alive, Jack?" He asked her firmly. "Jack, why am I alive?" Jack looked at him, even more confused. Don sighed through his nose and began to explain gently. "Jack, I am alive because you saved me. You slowed the bleeding." Told her firmly. "You saved Grady. You saved Gordo, You saved Boyd. You saved Norman. Jack, you saved all of us that day, kept us alive long enough for help to come. You are strong." He told her firmly. "Do you understand?" He asked.
Jack looked at him, eyebrows furrowed. She nodded but Don sighed through his nose. She didn't get it yet. He gently turned her to the mirror so she could see her reflection. He placed a hand on a scar that was on her side. It was long and jagged.
"What is this from?" He asked. She didn't answer. He gently shook her shoulder. "Jack, what is this from?"
"You know what it's from!" She accused and stepped away to look at him. "Don, why are you asking me these questions?" She asked, frustrated. He pulled her back to the mirror.
"I'm making a point." He told her. "Answer the question." He told her gently. She sighed and put her hands on her hips.
"That fucking grenade." She spat out. She was getting frustrated and Don was glad to see her sass was returning.
"I need a bit more than that." He prodded.
"From Germany. My first day with you guys and a Nazi threw a grenade at me and Grady. I pulled us to the ground and got shrapnel in my side." Jack told him firmly. He smirked.
"What happened after that?"
"I drowned a Nazi in the mud." She told him. He prodded her to keep going. She brought her hand up. She had a scar on her palm. "I cut my hand, you gave me iodine. Almost was killed by another grenade but I got in the tank."
"Good. Now these." He told her while placing a hand over the bullet hole near her chest. The day he thought he lost her for good. She huffed. "Jack." He warned.
"Shot twice. You and I were talking. You thought I died, everyone thought I died." She told him. He pointed to her leg, the burn on her leg. "Burned in my first tank." He pointed to the bullet in her side. "Shot again, for the first time. I was going into shock and thought I was dying. Daniel was there. I couldn't save him when the tank was attacked."
"That's not what we are here for. Don't focus on Daniel." Don instructed. He had Jack walk him through every wound and scar. He reminded her she was taken by Nazi's and escaped, she saved her tank mates several times, he reminded her of her name. Don spun her slowly to face him.
"Jack. The first day I met you, you risked your life for some ass hole you didn't even know that well. You survived attack after attack. Do you know why we named you ghost?" He asked. She just looked at him, listening. "We named you that because no matter what they threw at you, you got back up. They couldn't kill you." Jack smirked to herself and dropped her head. He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "On Norman's first day, I told him you were one of the strongest and bravest people I have ever met. I still stand by that." He said. Jack smiled softly at him. Don pulled her into a hug and held her close. She finally relaxed against him. She listened to his heart beat and he spoke to her quietly.
"Jack, you are brave. You are strong. You survived Germany and got us out alive. Do you think just anyone can do that?" he asked and rubbed her back. "You will get through this. We will get through this." He pulled her back and looked at her in the eyes. She met his gaze. "You are so much stronger than you think." He told her. She smiled softly and rested a hand on his face. Don kissed her tenderly for a few minutes and she kissed him back.
Before long, he pulled away. He told her to put something on so they could eat and left her to her own thoughts. Jack looked at her reflection. She looked over each scar and bruise. She was strong and she would get through this. She just needed to be reminded. How many times had she faced a German without her gun? How many times has she taken down a man twice her size? Daniel taught her how to fight, how to win. She felt strength and determination fill her as she promised herself, if Richard ever came near her again, she would fight back. And she would kick his ass.
She rummaged through her drawer and pulled out her dark green shirt she wore while in Germany and slipped it on. It fell just past her butt and was loose enough she could move. She suddenly remembered something she had told Norman when they first met.
"Fear is normal. You gotta use it to keep you alive." Fear is normal. It was ok that she was scared. She needed to use that fear to fight back. Next time, she wouldn't freeze up, next time she would protect herself and her home.
"Jack?" Don called, startling her out of her thoughts. "Jack, food's warm again." He called. Jack smiled softly and left the bedroom. She joined Don for dinner and they ate. The evening was calm and Don was glad to see she had begun to relax. She was smilng more and was less rigid. Jack was still tens but it was a different tense.
Today she was tense and agitated, frustrated. No she was tense as if she would have to jump inot action at a moment's notice, she was tense as if she was back in Germany. It worried Don slightly but he was glad to see her fighting spirit had come back. She was ready for a fight. Jack had been reminded of what she could do.
The next day, Sunday, Jack and Don went to the grocery for Betty. They helped restock her kitchen and Jack helped Betty prepare lunch after church. Everyone sat down and made pleasant conversation. Renee sat in between Grady and Norman. Jack caught the young boy's eye and winked with a soft smile, reassuring him, urging him to trust Renee and Grady. He smiled at her in understanding. Boyd sat on the other side of Jack and the two spoke quietly.
The mood was light and calm. The men from Fury would watch Jack when she wasn't looking. They would look for signs of distress, they had grown worried for her since she was attacked two days ago. She was slightly tense, but they saw that Jack was ok. Sunday passed without incident.
Monday, the two had work and Jack went about her day as normal. She hummed to herself and went about her day. The girls at work hadn't heard about her attack. She mentally thanked Betty for her discretion.
The day was coming to an end and she was finishing up putting her last stack of books away when Hellen told her she had a man waiting for her. Jack tensed and Hellen offered to finish putting the books away for her. Jack let her and made her way to the main entrance. To her surprise, Boyd was there, waiting for her.
"Boyd, what are you doing here?" She asked. He smiled at her.
"Hello to you too." He teased. She smiled and gave him a hug. He laughed. "Don called and asked I pick you up. He has to work late tonight and doesn't want you going home alone." He explained as the two made their way to his car. Jack nodded in understanding. She had no argument against it. She didn't want to be alone in the apartment either.
Boyd took her back to the motel where Gordo and Norman were sitting in the small sitting room. The two stood as she entered and smiled. She looked at them confused.
"Hey, guys. Norman, what are you doing here? Where's Grady?" She asked. Norman's smile fell.
"Grady is with Renee. They went out for dinner." He explained and Jack snorted and sat on the small couch as every began to sit again. Norman was on the couch next to her.
"Norman, have a little faith." She told him and nudged him. "Besides, Renee and I aren't happy we have yet to meet this lady friend of yours."
"Hey, man. How come you didn't tell us?" Gordo shouted and Boyd laughed. They sat around drilling Norman with questions and teasing him. Norman told them about his lady friend and Jack was excited to meet her. She insisted he invite her to the wedding.
Boyd began making dinner for everyone and was whistling to himself in the kitchen. Gordo, Norman and Jack were talking about the wedding. They still had to teach Grady how to dance. Jack had also learned that Norman needed to be retaught. He admitted to not being the best at dancing. Gordo pointed out a radio and turned it on.
Don walked in on Jack trying to teach Norman how to dance while Gordo watched and Boyd was finishing dinner. Don leaned against the door frame and laughed to himself.
"Guys, food's ready." Boyd called as he walked in. "Hey, Top." He greeted and watched as Jack and Norman tried to dance. "No, Norman, what are you doing?" He asked. Norman looked at him.
"I'm trying to dance." The poor boy was so confused. He was too rigid and kept looking at his feet. Jack was at a loss of how to help him besides practice. Don chuckled and moved forward.
"Let me show you." Don said and Norman stepped to the side. "You're too rigid, first of all." He pointed out and took Jack into his arms gently. Her hand in his, one hand on her back, pulling her close. Don looked to Norman. "You can't be afraid of your partner, pull her close to you." He explained and demonstrated. Norman rolled his eyes.
"Easy for you to say. Jack won't hit you." Norman teased. Jack raised her eyebrows.
"Who said I don't?" Don teased. "She hits me all the time." He pointed out and Jack swatted his arm. "See?" He chuckled and Jack rolled her eyes, grinning.
"I also told him I'd rip his head off. Didn't think you'd take it seriously, Norman." She teased. He smiled and sat down, rubbing her face.
"Jack, the first day I met you, you beat a man's head in." He pointed out. Jack blinked. She had forgotten that was his first day with them. Boyd laughed and she glared.
"Norman, once you got your girl, relax and follow the steps. Don't look at your feet, it'll trip you up." Don told him and began to dance with Jack. Norman was always amazed at how easy they made it seem. They danced for a few minutes before Don stopped. "Ready to try again?" He asked Norman.
"Of course he is. He needs to learn so he can dance with his lady." She said and waved him over. "Come on Norman, don't get shy now! How long have you known me?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, man. It's just Jack. She ain't gonna hurt ya." Gordo added in.
"You're the one who told me to be afraid of her on the first day." Norman pointed out and Gordo shrugged off the stares. Jack rolled her eyes and Norman approached. She held out her hands and the moment he got close enough, she jolted forward slightly and shouted boo!
Norman was startled and jumped back. Jack laughed and Don rolled his eyes. Norman was laughing too and she apologized. Norman tried to mimic how Don held her. Don helped him to fix how he held Jack and told them to start moving, telling Norman to lead.
Jack smiled at how much better Norman was now. She smiled at him and he began to relax. She told Norman how much he had improved and clapped for him when they stopped. Boyd ushered the group into the small kitchen for food. It was a nice evening and Jack had relaxed even more, being around her boys. Grady came home after dinner and was corned by Jack. He was going to learn how to dance.
Gordo had managed to bribe her to give him one more night. It was getting late and they had gotten out the bottle of Jack Daniels before Grady got back. Jack was a bit tipsy and would be no help to Grady.
Tuesday, she got him. But not until some other events occurred. Tuesday evening, Betty had gotten Renee to play the violin and Norman played the piano. IT took a lot of begging and pleading on Jack's part to get her to play.
Renee conceded only if Jack would sing. Jack didn't see that coming and was caught off guard. Norman laughed at the two and sat at the piano, looking at the music sheets, trying to find something for Renee to play. Jack sat next to him and renee sat on a chair, plucking at the strings absentmindedly. The rest of the group was sititng around, waiting. Grady watched as Renee's delicate fingers plucked each string softly, smoothly.
They finally settled on a song and Norman began to play after Renee looked it over. She stood behind Jack and Norman so she could see the chords. Grady watched her as she played. Renee seemed to drift off to another world as she played. Jack sang softly and Norman smiled at her as he played.
Don was smoking and watching the three, most of his attention on Jack. She was much more relaxed now. Jack had gotten her confidence back and was sure of herself. She remembered how strong she was. Her energy was radiating and she seemed to glow. She was beautiful.
The song ended and the small group clapped. Renee was blushing and Jack gently elbowed her.
"Play us another song." Boyd suggested.
"Yeah, man. You guys are good!" Gordo added in.
"Oh, come on, guys." Jack groaned. Norman just smiled and began hitting random keys. He stopped as he and Jack flipped through the music sheets, trying to find a song. Renee was playing the violin softly, making sure it was tuned. The phone rang and Betty went and answered it. Don could hear her talking in the other room. Betty returned and called to Norman gently.
"Norman, there is a Lily on the phone for you." He stated made Renee's playing screech and Jack startled. Everyone in the room froze. Jack and Renee looked at each other with dangerous grins. Everyone burst into action when Norman tried to stand. Jack bolted from the bench at the piano and ran to the kitchen, Betty laughing. Renne forced her brother back down on the bench as she passed and went to the kitchen.
"Hello?" Jack asked. "Is this Lily? Hi, it's so nice to meet you. I'm a friend of Norman's. Yes! That's me. I'm surprised he told you about me. Who else did he tell you about?" Jack asked as Renee came up behind her laughing.
"Let me talk to her!" She laughed. Jack handed the phone to her. "Hello, Lily? This is Renee, Norman's sister." She giggled into the phone as Norman came running in, pure fear on his face. He tried to get to Renee and take the phone but Jack held him back as the guys began to file in.
"Guys, come one. Let me talk to her. Give me the phone, Renee!" He called. Grady stood right behind Renee and got close to the receiver.
"Hey, is this Norman's girl?" HE called out loudly. Renee snorted and smacked his arm.
"Go away, Grady, I'm talking to her!" Renee told him.
"Hey, let us talk to her!" Gordo called loudly. Norman groaned. There was no way, Lily wasn't hearing them.
"Hey, Norman!" Boyd called loudly from across the room. "You make an honest woman of her, you hear? Don't be disappointing the Lord!" He teased and Don was chuckling. To Norman's horror, Grady had gotten a hold of the phone. Jack was laughing at the poor boy. Betty stood near Boyd with David and laughed.
Don decided he needed to step in. He made his way across the kitchen and took the phone from Grady. Norman had to sit down. Even Don was in on it. Jack laughed and rested a hand on the boy's shoulder, trying to comfort him.
"Hello, Lily, this is Don Collier. What are you doing this Saturday?" Don asked. "My sister is having us all over for lunch and I wanted to extend the invitation. Norman thinks he can keep you to himself and not introduce us to you. All of us are excited to meet you." Don told the girl smoothly while looking over at the group. Norman's face was in his hands and Jack was laughing. Don smiled at her. "No, it's no trouble at all. Norman and I will be there to pick you up. Good. Thank you. Now, here's Norman, sorry to keep you from him." He ended and held the phone out. Norman jumped and grabbed the phone.
"Lily? Lily, I'm sorry about them." He began. Jack snorted and Don and Betty ushered them into the next room. Everyone was snickering or giggling.
"We are horrible!" Jack said. "Poor Norman."
"I just can't believe Don invited her to dinner Saturday without telling Norman first!" Renee said.
"It's only fair." Betty interjected. "He won't bring her himself."
"I can't really blame him." Boyd teased. "Who'd wanna bring their girl around you guys?" He said motioning to Gordo, Grady and Jack. Jack glared at him.
"You brought Dolores to stay with us at the lake house." Jack pointed out. Boyd chuckled.
"Dolores can handle you guys." Boyd teased. Jack huffed and leaned back in her seat on the couch. Don put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"She sounded like a sweet girl." He mused. " Good for Norman. HE needs more gentle people in his life."
"Man, we're gonna embarrass the shit out of him." Grady laughed, elbowing gordo who laughed as well.
"Yeah, man." Gordo agreed with a big grin.
"Don't be too mean." Renee chided, trying to hide a smile. "Poor Norman what did he do to deserve this?" She laughed.
The group kept talking until Norman came back in, glaring at all of them. Everyone went silent as he dropped himself in a chair. tHE poor kid looked exhausted.
"Norman?" Jack asked as she sat up, concerned.
"She's excited to meet everyone." Norman mumbled. Gordo and Grady laughed loudly as Boyd put a hand of reassurance on his shoulder. Jack and Don smiled at him and Norman couldn't help the smile making its way across his face either.
"We're excited to meet her, too." Renee assured him. "And the boys will behave themselves." She added firmly, glaring at Grady. Grady stilled and held her gaze. Jack snickered, knowing Renee would win.
Betty began making dinner with the help of Renee, Jack and Norman. Don took David and was playing with him on the floor of the living room and him and the others from Fury sat around and talked. Dinner went well and was easy to make. Norman had picked up cooking quickly and was quite good at it. While he and Jack were cutting vegitables, Jack gently elbowed him.
"Gonna teach Grady how to dance after dinner. You want to play the music?" She asked him, grinning. Norman smiled and agreed. Norman would be playing the music.
It took them a while to get Grady to agree to let them teach him. In the end, Renee had to convince him to do it. everyone thought it was hilarious. He bent so quickly to her demands.
Before Grady knew it, he was standing in Betty's living room with Renee pulled against his chest. He was tense and rigid and Renee could tell. She smiled at him softly.
"Relax Grady. I'm not going to bite." Renee told him gently. Jack snorted at the comment and the two looked at her. Jack and Don stood next to them as examples. Grady glared at her and Renee just shook her head.
"Grady, do you remember what I taught you in Germany or were you two drunk to remember?" Jack asked honestly.
"No. ain't you supposed to remember?" He asked accusingly. Jack just looked at him funny.
"No. I was drunk. I was a shit teacher, why would you even let me teach you then?" She asked in a serious voice. Don could tell she was giving Grady a hard time.
"Jack." He told her quietly, warning her to behave. She rolled her eyes.
"Grady, try to remember the steps and don't look at your feet this time. Renee doesn't have thick boots on. You step on her like you stepped on me, it's gonna hurt." Jack instructed.
"Thought you said you didn't fucking remember." Grady pointed out aggressively. Don sighed.
"I fucking lied, Coon-ass." She bit back. They heard Norman sigh loudly from the piano.
"The fuck are you sighing for, Norman?" Jack called to him. "You're not even playing, yet."
"Oh my god, they are never going to get through this lesson." Betty mumbled to Gordo and Boyd. The two men nodded and sat back, sipping beers.
"Maybe we shouldn't have let her drink." Gordo suggested. "You know how her and Grady go at it when they drink, man." He stated.
"I don't think Jack drank tonight." Boyd pointed out. Norman began to play and Don and Jack began to dance slowly. Grady and Renee began to do the same. They did the steps alright, but Grady was too tense for it to look natural. Renee, who was taller than Jack, rested her chin on Grady's shoulder.
"Relax, Grady." She whispered. Grady's arm tightened around her waist and brought her closer. He relaxed his shoulders and the two began to dance more smoothly.
"That's it Grady!" Jack told him and the four kept dancing. Grady was getting the hang of it. He would need to practice a bit more for it to look more natural, but he could do it.
The dance had to end when the phone rang. Betty stood and answered it. The four stood around, just talking as Norman sat at the piano. Everyone stayed where they were, not concerned until Betty came back, eyebrows furrowed.
"Don? Ryan's on the phone, says it's important." She said and Don went to the phone. Jack followed, confused. She sat t the table with Betty while Don was on the phone. He would glance over to her every now and then as he talked to Ryan. After what seemed like forever to Jack, Don thanked him and hung up. Jack stood and made her way over to him.
"Don?" She asked, resting a hand on his arm. He turned to her and rested his hands on her hips.
"After I picked you up from work today, Richard showed up, looking for you." He told her. Her hands flew to her mouth and she as about to start asking a million questions but Don calmed her and answered them. "Everyone is fine. He just threw a few books around. A guard escorted him out. He wouldn't leave so they called the police. He's being held for now on public intoxication but they can only hold him for the night. He's being released tomorrow."
"Oh my word." Betty said quietly and Don nodded at her. "She shouldn't go to work tomorrow. What if he's just waiting for her?"
"I can't just not show up!" Jack stated. Don pulled her closer and rested his chin on her head.
"Ryan is going to speak to the people at the library. He suggested you stay home for a few days." Don told her. Jack stepped back.
"And then what? Do they think he's just going to lose interest in a few days? What is me being gone going to do?" Jack asked, frustrated. Betty put a hand on her shoulder.
"We don't know. Ryan's a police officer, he knows what he's doing." Betty told her. "Trust him and don't go to work for a few days. I'm sure he'll figure something out." Jack sighed and nodded.
"I can bring you here tomorrow before I head to work. I don't want you alone until this blows over." He tells Jack. She nodded, understanding and agreeing.
The three headed back into the living room. Jack and Don decided to head home. It was getting late and Jack was suddenly exhausted. Don held her close that night, assuring her that she was safe. He began to hum to her to calm her down. He would hum or sing when she was under a lot of stress. She slept well enough and didn't want to get up the next morning. She was comfortable and didn't want to move.
Jack clung to Don as he tried to get up. He laughed softly at her and leaned over to kiss her awake. She smiled into it nd let her fingers run through his short hair.
"Good morning." He said quietly. Jack closed her eyes and scrunched up her face. He laughed and kissed her nose. "Come one, we gotta get up." He said as he stood, tossing back the blanket. She grunted and rolled onto her stomach.
"We could both just stay here." Jack suggested lazily. "I don't want to get up." She said. Don laughed at her as he began to get dressed. Jack eventually got out of bed and got dressed. She through on some tan slacks and a light blue shirt. sHe did her make up and smiled at her reflection. She was feeling bold and put on a bright red lipstick with black eyeliner on her top eye lids. Her hair was curled and she liked the way she looked.
When they stepped outside into the rain, she wondered why she even bothered. Don laughed at her scowl as the two climbed into the car. By the time they got to Betty's, her husband was already off to work and David was still asleep. Betty had coffee waiting and breakfast on the stove. Renee was still in her pajamas and had a light blue bathrobe wrapped around her.
"Don, are you staying for breakfast?" Betty asked as Jack kissed him on the cheek goodbye.
"No, I have to run. I'll get something to eat at the office." He said and kissed Jack goodbye before leaving. Jack at at the table and bid them good morning. They sat and ate and drank coffee and talked. They talked about the rain at first. Conversation then drifted to Renee and Grady. How were their dates? Was Grady being a gentleman? Those kinds of questions.
Betty and Renee began asking Jack if she was excited or nervous for the wedding. Jack admitted to both. However, the last few days, she hadn't been thinking about it. Richard's sudden appearance had really spooked her at first. Now she just wanted him gone.
"I am sick of the rain." Jack commented as she slouched in her chair.
"I don't mind it." Renee stated. " I miss it, we haven't gotten enough this year."
"All it did most of the year in Germany was fucking rain." Jack groaned. Betty laughed as she left to wake David up. Betty was taking him to a friend's house for the day. Betty and her friend would sometimes watch the other's child for the day and let the two kids play for a bit.
Jack and Renee just sat and talk for a little bit while Betty was out. Jack told Renee funny stories about Grady from the war. She even told Renee about her first day in Fury, where she saved her and Grady from a grenade. Renee laughed. When Betty returned and learned they were sharing stories, Betty broke out a photo album and started telling stories about Don when they were younger. By the time Betty returned, it was already close to noon and the rain still hadn't let up.
"Where are the guys?" Jack asked. "Do they not come over all the time?" Betty and Renee laughed.
"Lord no. We'd kill them if we had to see them everyday. Today it's just us girls." Betty told her. Jack smiled.
"Betty said something about doing dinner again tonight, though." Renee told her. "Hopefully Norman's class doesn't run late again." Norman's classes had started up and there was one that would run late sometimes, making him late for dinner every now and then. Norman was enjoying his classes so far, they were challenging, but not overwhelming.
"I think Don is picking Norman up today before coming over." Betty stated and stood. "Are you two hungry? I'm starving." She said and walked over to the refrigerator. Jack and Renee helped Betty make some lunch. The girls had fun just catching up and taking. They hadn't gotten much time to themselves lately and enjoyed just gossiping and being in a small group. It was a nice change. Jack was excited to have more embarrassing stories about Don. He was never going to live them down.
The day passed quickly and Betty went to pick up David as evening began to come around. When Betty returned the three women began getting dinner ready, talking, laughing, just enjoying their little time left before the men invaded the house.
"Mommy." David said, yanking on Betty's dress. "Mommy, wanna go outside!" He demanded. Betty looked out to the rain and looked at David.
"Stay on the porch." She told him and he began to pout. "If you don't you'll get sick again." She warned and David picked up his truck before heading outside. Jack laughed as the screen door shut.
"He hates the rain just as much as you, Jack." Betty teased and Renee snorted.
"Can't blame him." Jack added. They put everything on the stove and let the food cook. Betty pulled out a bottle of wine and popped it open.
"Figured we could have a bit before the boys get home." She explained and poured them all glasses. The women sat in the kitchen, sipping wine while the food cooked. David could hear them laughing from the front porch.
They drank slowly to savor it. It was a good bottled of wine and Jack adored the flavor. Betty said she would get her a bottle as a wedding present. Conversation stopped when they heard a car pull up outside and someone close the car door.
"I wonder if it's Don or your husband." Jack said with a smile.
"If it si my husband, I hope he brought flowers. The ones in the dining room are basically dead." Betty said and Renee and Jack laughed softly as David ran inside and into the kitchen.
"Mommy, there's a man outside!" HE said while tugging on her skirt. "Man wants to see Jackie." He said pointing to Jack. Jack froze for a moment and the three women shared looks. Jack put her glass down and began to walk forward.
"Betty, keep David inside." She said and walked forward. Renee gently grabbed her arm.
"Jack, no." She pleaded. "Are you crazy?" Jack offered her a smile, trying to be reassuring.
"IT's possible." She muttered. Renee sighed and looked at her. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." She said and walked away. Renee and Betty looked to each other. What do they do? Renee picked up the phone and Betty held David. She was going to call Grady.
Jack stepped up to the screen door and looked out. On the walkway, Richard stood, looking at her with a relaxed face. SHE glared at him and opened the door. She didn't want him to know she was afraid of him.
"Hi, Jackie." HE said to her with a smile. She leaned against the pole and crossed her arms. "Listen, I didn't mean to trash your place. I just wanted to sit down and talk. Let's sit down and talk like adults." He suggested with a disgusting smile. Jack didn't move. "Answer me!" He bit out harshly, without a smile. Jack cursed herself for flinching.
"What do you want?" Jack asked firmly. She had an idea and it pissed her off he wouldn't just give up.
"I'd love to be invited in and out of rain-" He started but Jack cut him off before he could take a step up the porch steps.
"Don't even think about it." She told him coldly. Richard glared at her. "What do you want, Richard?"
"I want my land. I want my money." He began to say but Jack stopped him. She stood up from leaning against the pole and glared.
"It's not your land and it's not your money. You were not a part of this family. My father never left you anything in his will. You were not welcome then, you are not welcome now." She told him firmly and shooed him. "Now leave." She ordered and turned to go inside. She was sick of him and was done with his bullshit.
Richard stormed up the steps and Jack knew what was coming. She tried to reach for the door but Richard grabbed her by the hair and pulled her off the porch, dragging her across the yard.
"Get the fuck off me, you animal!" She screamed and Renee and Betty were at the front door, covering their mouths in fear for their friend. Jack grbbed his hand and yanked the fingers back sharply. She heard something crack and Richard let go with a roar of pain and outrage. Jack straightened up and saw Don's car pull up and she smiled at the sight of it.
"You fucking whore!" Richard yelled and caught Jack with a sharp backhand. IT almost knocked her over and she heard Renee scream at Richard. Don was out of the car and shouted at Richard. Jack regained her balance and looked at Richard, furious. She would fight back this time.
"Stay the fuck out of this. It ain't your business!" He yelled at Don as Don marched his way over to the two. Richard turned back to Jack and was met with a fist to his face. It knocked him off balance and something cracked. He began to sway and Jack's experience in Germany kicked in as she grabbed him by his shirt and yanked him down into the mud. She punched him in his face again and kneeled on his chest.
"Stay the fuck away from my family!" She yelled in his face and let her fist connect with his face again. Boyd's car pulled up as Jack had pulled him into the mud and the three men jumped out. Norman and Boyd went up to the porch and got the women inside. Boyd came back out and stood with Grady and Gordo near Don.
Jack was still punching Richard. He tried to shove her off but couldn't. Jack just kept punching him, telling him to leave. She finally stopped and held the colar of his shirt.
"You stay away! You leave and go back to PA! You stay away from me and you stay away from my family!" She yelled. "Got it?" She asked and shook him. He nodded and she stood. She turned and smiled at her guys before starting to walk over to them. Before she could take a step Richard rolled and grabbed her leg, pulling her onto the ground. HSe hit the concrete walkway and the mud.
Jack began screaming and kicking. She couldn't get him off and Grady and Don ran forward. Grady ran past Jack and slammed his boot into the man's foot and rolled him onto his back and stood on his chest, keeping him down. Don was crouched down, checking on Jack. Boyd came up behind them and Grodo went over to Grady. Gordo kicked the man in the ribs hard before the two picked him up and threw him in his beat up truck.
"I'm fine, I'm fine." Jack assured them shakily. She may have fended him off but she was still shaken. Don gently pulled her to her feet and checked her face. Somehow he didn't draw blood and Don couldn't tell if there was going to be a bruise. Boyd put hand on her shoulder and she jumped when Gordo slammed Richard's truck door closed. Don slowly pulled her to his chest.
"You with us Jack?" He asked. She nodded and held onto him. She gripped at his shirt, still watching the truck and winced.
"Ow." She said and Don let her go. Jack brought her hand up to look at it. It was sore and her fingers were stiff when she tried to flex it. She winced and Boyd started to laugh quietly. Don smiled and took her hand in his. It was going to be sore for a while.
"Hey!" Grady called. "Tossed him in his truck. He'll get the fuck outta here when he wakes up." He said as he and Gordo came up to the group. Don put an arm around Jack's shaking frame and they started to head inside. Don kept an eye on her, knowing she was going to freak out soon. He could see it in her face and the was she moved. She was stiff and rigid.
She made it halfway across the yard when she gasped nad put her hands up tot her mouth. She stepped back and looked at the truck.
"Oh, fuck! Oh my god." She started. "Oh god, I just beat up my uncle. Oh fuck! Shit." She started to say and fanned her face in a panicked motion. Don waved them inside and they took the hint. Don approached her slowly and gently grabbed her shoulders. He wasn't mad and he expected her to freak out.
Richard was a major point of stress for her lately. She feared him and for good reason. Don saw Richard next to Jack and wondered how she survived the visit to Pennsylvania when they first got back from Germany.
"Jack, your ok. It's ok, baby." He told her quietly and pulled her close. His hand wrapped around her and on hand cradled the back of her head. "You're ok. Try to breathe." She took in a deep breath and exhaled shakily.
"I just beat the shit out of my uncle." She told him. He nodded and smiled.
"I know. I saw." He told her and stepped back to look her in the face. "Told you, you could do it." He said with a smile. Jack blushed a bit and smiled back. He rested his head against hers. "See? You fought back. I told you you're strong." He teased. She smiled and tried not to laugh.
"I think he was a bit drunk today." She admitted. Don shrugged and put an arm around her shoulder, leading her to the house.
"That's his problem. Let's get you out of the rain and look at that hand." He said. Jack nodded and the two walked to the porch. He stopped her and kissed her gently before the went in. He rested a hand on her face, a thumb rubbing her cheek. Jack frowned at him confused. He looked like he was thinking about something serious.
"What's wrong?" She asked. He smirked.
"You look like shit." He told her. Jack laughed, looking at herself. She was covered in mud and soaked. He hand had blood on it, hopefully just Richards. Then she noticed she was barefoot. She laughed.
"I left my shoes." She giggled and Don snorted, walking off the porch. He found her shoes quickly and Betty came to the door.
"You two ok?" She asked calmly with a small smile. Jack looked at her and nodded, sniffing.
"Yeah. I lost my shoes in the yard." She told Betty with a bright smile. Betty laughed.
"You would lose your shoes. Oh, Jack you are soaked." She said and pulled her inside as Don came up the front steps. "You want to borrow a dress?" She offered as the three walked down the hall. Jack nodded and smiled and was almost knocked over when Renee bumped into her and wrapped her in a hug. Jack laughed.
"Renee, I'm fine. It's ok." Jack told her. Renee backed up and apologized.
"I'm so sorry. Jack are you ok?" He asked. Jack couldn't help but laugh.
"I've been through worse." She teased and smiled. "Told you I'd be fine." Renee huffed and swatted at Jack's arm gently.
"You are crazy." Renee teased. Jack just nodded and agreed as they moved into the living room. Bible was playing with David and Norman was setting the table with Gordo.
Jack went and changed into dry clothes. She brushed her hair and dried it with a towel. She left her soaking shoes by the back door and came back to the dining room. Betty's husband was home and everyone was sitting down. She sat next to Don and Betty handed her two ice bags. One for her hand and one for her face.
"Put this on your face, it'll keep it from bruising. The other one is for your hand." She explained. Jack thanked her and held the pack to her face. The cold felt nice against the stinging skin. Eating was a challenge. She would rest her sore hand in her lap with the ice bag on top of it and set down the ice for her face to eat.
They had explained to Betty's husband what had happened and he was not happy. Apparently, he had a sister who married an abusive man. He was now living in California and his sister was in Delaware, happily remarried. Half way through dinner, they could hear Richard yelling at them in their front yard. Grady jumped to his feet.
"I've had enough of this fucking asshole." He said and stormed out. They could hear him shouting at Richard and Jack just sipped her wine.
"I hope Grady kills him." They hear her mutter and Boyd snorted as Don nearly spit out his drink laughing. Gordo and Norman laughed, nodding, secretly agreeing. Renee looked at her exasperated.
"I don't want him going to jail." Renee pointed out.
"Who says he'll get caught?" Jack asked teasingly. Betty rolled her eyes.
"He's not going to kill him." Betty said and they heard the truck drive away. Grady came back inside, a satisfied smile on his face.
"You kill him?" Jack asked. Grady smiled at her and walked past her, ruffling her hair, before sitting next to Renee again.
"Nah, just shook him up and sent him on his way." Grady told her and leaned back in his chair. "He shouldn't be back." Jack sighed and leaned back in her seat. Grady looked at her confused. Don saw and smiled a bit, resting a hand on the back of Jack's chair.
"She was hoping you'd kill him." Don said and Grady snorted.
"Jack, we can't do that here. We're not in Germany." Gordo teased. Jack snorted and sipped more of her wine. This was her third glass total and he was almost finished. Don considered moving the glass away from her reach but thought better of it.
Dinner was pleasant and light. Everyone's moods had gone up significantly. Jack smiled all night and laughed with the rest of them. Don watched her and saw that she was relaxed and unworried. His own worry slipped away, relieved to see she had found her strength and determination again.
Sorry the ending is abrupt. Im tired of writing this chapter. Sorry if its shitty and rushed. Let me know what you think.
GUESS WHAT FUCKING CHAPTER IS NEXT