"I know I said we came to just talk about your husband, but I gotta know. Why were you even with him during the war in the first place? Like, what got lead you there?" Jessica asked some moments later knowing the woman would become impatient as she scooted up in her chair like a small child listening to a thrilling bedtime story.

Michael glanced at his sister before setting his eyes on Jesselynn. Her brow wrinkled in concentration as if she was somehow trying to make the memory appear before them. A grin played across her mouth when the memory came back to her.

"That had to have been the greatest day of my life, then. My younger brother, Justin, had joined the army right out of high school. I was so angry and proud at the same time. Angry that I had spent years with an asshole I didn't even care about so that he may have a better and brighter future, like our parents had wanted for both of us. I was proud because of his decision, also. He stood up for what he thought was right and was brave enough to fight for his country instead of some who could...Oh, I guess, 'talk the talk, but not walk the walk'?" She paused for a moment deciphering if that was the right phrase for this moment before continuing, waving it away with a quick stroke of her hand, "Anyway, after realizing that my brother was gone and didn't need for me to be with Marcus any longer, I decided to 'sign-up' for the medical position in the army. Justin might've hated it, but I loved it.

"I was a nurse, you see. They needed more skilled hands at the time and I thought what was better than doing the thing I love the most while also helping our country during these tough times? So, after a good long while, I was able to go down to the first base they had assigned me to. Justin wasn't there and it broke my heart 'cause I wasn't there to look after him, but I was kind of an idiot back then. I don't know why I constantly fretted about him when he was in the damn army! I came there to help the soldiers, not be a baby-sitter. Don't know why I thought that. Guess it was just my natural maternal side kicking in at the time. I always felt like I needed to be caring for someone or making sure they're alright. Well, everyone except Marcus. Bastard could have been lying in a ditch somewhere but that wouldn't have mattered to me. Still doesn't," She said thoroughly explaining herself and the short back story included with it.

Michael grew even more curious with every moment she mentioned Marcus, his father. He had no idea she had hated him so strongly, for she usually tried to sugar coat some things when he was younger. Things like, 'Well, he just had a slight anger problem,' and 'He just might have had something much more important to do at the moment, sweetie,'. He couldn't count the many times he had heard those words and those like them while growing up when it came to his father, but it still made him wonder; What was this 'greatest day of my life' that she was talking about?

"What do you mean 'greatest day of your life'?" Michael asked unable to keep the question to himself anymore. He was almost worried that this woman in front of either beat the shit out of Marcus or killed the man by the way she talked both about him and the day. He received a slight glare from Jessica because he had interrupted her questioning, but Michael didn't care.

Jesselynn's gaze redirected from Jessica's face to Michael's who was slightly surprised that she had turned to him since he had been sitting quietly beside her, not bothering to say anything as Jessica conversed with their mother.

A grin began to play at her lips at the memory, "It was the day I was finally able to leave the bastard, of course," She said with a tone that said she was jokingly surprised that he didn't know about her hidden memories, "The day I left to head out to the base, I was engaged to Marcus. Like I said, if I had said yes or did whatever Marcus wanted me to do, he would help Justin. Help him get the best life like I always wanted. But...Since Justin was gone and no longer had his future in Marcus's hands, I figured why have mine? I never wanted him nor wanted to be around him. There was definitely some things said that had been held back and boy, I tell you it felt absolutely wonderful!" She said ending her sentence with a laugh and twinkling eyes that was the evidence they both needed to emphasize her complete joy at the day.

June 19, 1961

Cold Spring, New York

Jesselynn Thorne

"Save it, Marcus," The twenty-seven year old brunette said as she slung her bag over her shoulder, trapping a few strands of brown hair against her shoulder and collarbone.

The tall blonde followed her back and forth as she grabbed her luggage from the front porch of their two-story home, trying to resist the urge of screaming at her and dragging her back in the house like he usually did when she tried to leave at night and sneak out of their bedroom. He had vowed that he wouldn't drink so early in the morning, but that was the first thing he began to crave as he watched the slim, young woman eagerly prepare her escape from him.

"C'mon, what the hell are you even going to do down there? Yeah, yeah, I know you're going to save lives and make sure the soldiers are alive, but don't they have any men out there for that? You know, men who wouldn't squeal at a damn 'possum at night or freak out when they nearly hit a squirrel on the road," He pressed on with a cold, harsh tone with a smug grin, just knowing his every words would make her more and more aggravated.

"You know perfectly well why I don't like the night, Marcus. Besides, I'm only human, asshole. Is it such a crime to get spooked when something's making a shit-load of noise in the middle of night? Throw me in jail!" She said throwing the bag into the trunk of the vehicle, angrily turning to him as she placed her balled fists on her hips, squinting against the sun light that was peaking in and out from the tree above them.

He just rolled his blue eyes at the woman and leaned against the side of the car door, catching the sparkle of the diamond on her ring. For some reason, the fact that she continued to wear the item both amused and shocked him.

"What's with the ring? Thought you threatened to put it down the garbage disposal?" He questioned, pointing towards her balled left fist with his chin, mocking eyes never leaving her face.

Her glare softened as she remembered the item she had grown so used to wearing for they had been engaged for almost a year. She brought her hand towards her face, taking one last look at the ring. Even though she hated to admit it, Marcus had always given her the best gifts. The ring was gorgeous and she knew it had probably cost him an arm and a leg to get, but that didn't matter to her anymore. He'd probably just take to some pawn shop to get some kind of money after it when she left.

"What's it matter to you? Want the ring? Here, take it!" She said sliding the silver band from her finger and placing it in her palm, outstretched to him with a serious, smug face.

He was surprised that she had been so assertive about the situation. He had imagined her to be more emotional about this than simply so confident of giving up the ring. He reached out to take it back, hesitantly, as she pushed her palm impatiently closer to him.

Just as he was fixing to pick it up the ring, she suddenly tossed it over his shoulder, disappearing in the green grass behind them. His eyes widened in surprised and immediately looked over his shoulder in hopes of finding the sparkle, but found nothing. He turned back to her and found her storming towards the car door.

He felt that familiar hate for this woman as he watched her open the car door and took swift, long steps to make it towards her before she could get in. He didn't care now that it was morning and they weren't in the safety of the house, he grabbed her elbow and slung her away from the vehicle, slamming the car door behind them as he turned towards her.

There was a part of Jesselynn that feared what he would do while another part of her didn't care. She was going to be far away from him soon and she didn't care what shit he did or said to her. She brushed back a strand of hair that had been knocked out of place as she crossed her arms against her chest, readying herself for his usual rant.

"You are really pushing my buttons, you stupid bitch! If you were inside you would've gotten the shit beat out of you for that! You knew exactly how much that cost! You must be begging me to hit you!" He whispered angrily to her, words full of venom as he pulled her close to him by her elbow again, wanting to look straight into her green eyes.

"Of course I knew, you asshole! You treated me like shit and a punching bag for years, I figured it was about time that I showed you what I really think of your 'proposal'. You don't realize how happy I am at the thought of leaving your sorry ass behind!" She said pushing him away from her, only angering him twice more than he was before.

"You really are stupid, aren't you? You should learn to be thankful of a good thing while you got it! I was helping your brother, isn't that what you wanted? You didn't complain when you were getting all those gifts, the clothes, did you? I made sure you never had to worry about anything! All you had to do was take the fucking hits! I come home drunk every night! You fucking bitch, you should be thanking me!" He said quietly for just her ears to hear, blue flames igniting in his eyes as he glared at her, balling his fists at his side.

Jesselynn's eyes were wide. She couldn't believe how much this man had completely brain-washed himself! When she first met the man, he did do what he had said. He had his occasional "hissy fits" during their first seven months together, but once he realized she would've done or taken anything if it resulted in the best for her brother, he grew cruel and heartless. He had loved the fact that he could get or do anything to her and she wouldn't say or argue against anything.

"Yeah, because every woman loves being beat and constantly told how she'll never amount to anything! Yeah, you're everyone's fucking dream guy!" She argued back, mocking grin spreading across her face.

He was surprised of her use of words for she never really liked the word before, but now he could definitely tell that she was furious with him.

"And to think that you said your parents had so much faith in you! You can't even act reasonable when someone offers you a stress-free life! Sounds more like they were the ones who the fucking idiots!" He said slightly louder, hoping that would make her break and she would give up on this ridiculous dream of moving far away from him.

Jesselynn felt her heart break into a million pieces at his words. She knew he was capable of saying the worst things known to mankind, but she couldn't believe that he was stoop that low to her. She could feel tears appear, struggling to cling onto the rim of her eyelids which made her furious. That's what he wanted to happen. He wanted to see her break down and cry bitter tears, but that's not what she wanted. She didn't want to look weak or delicate in front of him anymore. She angrily wiped away the tears the back of her hand before taking swift steps towards him.

He thought she would either break down and cry like she used to when she got near him or, now, just say some more smug, angry words, but instead of those options, she did something completely different.

She moved the hand that was wiping away tears from her face and struck him across the face with all her might, grunting slightly when her palm came in contact with his stubble chin and cheek, knocking him slightly out of balance because of mere shock and from the impact of her slap.

"Don't you dare say another word against my parents, you dick! They were the smartest and most caring people on this damn planet! My father was definitely a million times more a man than you could ever be!" She yelled this time, pointing a finger in his direction as she watched him place a hand to his face, ears ringing and skin stinging.

Her breath was coming out shallow as she tried to release her anger, straightening her tan, peach and green plaid shirt, staring at her white tennis shoes as she did.

"Now, I'm leaving, Marcus. I am serious about this and I'm not letting you stand in the way of this just because you'll miss something to yell at things aren't going you're way. I'm sure you'll find someone else real soon, anyway. If you were able to find me in that short amount of time I'm sure there's someone out there in this world that might just be as willing to take a couple of punches in order to get your gifts," She said staring straight into his pale blue eyes with her light green with a serious tone in her voice.

His ears still rang from her hand, but he could hear her loud and clear. He knew that she was completely serious and that she wasn't going to break down in front of him no matter how rewarding and amusing it would be. He glared at her for a moment, then groaned, waving at hand at her. That desire for a drink was suddenly turning into a deep need.

"Fine, get the hell out of here! Maybe I'll find someone smarter! Someone who can take my generosity better than you!" He said in annoyance as he began his way towards the porch, hoping to patronize her one last time before she was finally gone. This time, it wasn't out of hopes of starting a fight or just creating a scene for his amusement, he wanted her gone now. He was looking forward to finding someone different.

Jesselynn was surprised for a moment that he had given up so easily, but it also didn't surprise her. He always marked her as the one would give in so easily. Surrender so easily. Maybe that was why Justin only left home with small bruises or marks. He didn't mess with a kid that would scream and kick back. A chill ran down her spine that made her shudder at the memory of finding bruises on his arms after she left him home with Marcus over the weekend when they got the word that their foster mother had been dieing and was wanting to at least see one of them. She felt bad for leaving him with him since he practically begged her that day, hoping to see the woman that took them in after their parents had died and praying he could escape Marcus also.

She was so glad that they were both getting the opportunity to do just that. Justin had been the lucky one though, he had left early and didn't have to go through the mess she just went through with Marcus. She cried and clung to him when the day came for him to leave, but that was the only thing he had to worry about. Marcus had been suffering a hangover from the previous night and didn't want to be bother. Jesselynn knew it wouldn't have mattered either way, he never cared about the boy. He just considered him extra baggage that he couldn't wait to be rid of.

Jesselynn clung to the locking around her neck as she made her way to her car, praying no one saw their fighting even though she knew many were still in bed and fast asleep. The grass was wet and the lazy, morning sun peaked through the trees and fell on her long brown hair that bounced against her backbone and back as she tried to hurry from his property as fast as she could.

Her whole body relaxed when she sat in the passenger seat, clutching the steering wheel in front of her as she took in a deep breath. She was both hesitant and scared of what was to come for her now. Ever since she was ten, her life consisted and circled around Justin. Now that he was a young man and made his own future, she had to focus on her life. She was twenty-seven and nearing thirty. She couldn't help but smile when she thought about both her foster mother and the help that really raised Jesselynn and Justin. They always told her that by the time she was eighteen, she better make sure that marrying and giving her foster mother, in a way, grandchildren. She knew they were just joking and were trying to show her how they thought she was beautiful and determined enough to pursue that kind of life, but Jesselynn never perceived herself as that. She never considered herself beautiful or pretty so she often blushed when someone had complimented her. She even sat there now blushing at the memories. She knew it was a dumb and corny thought, but she couldn't help but think how long it had been since she was complimented on anything. She was used to Marcus' cold and cruel words that whenever someone did say something nice about her, she immediately denied it and thought they were just lying to make her feel better.

She growled at herself as she realized she was losing focus. Getting away from Marcus was the first step in her new journey. She turned the key as she ran a hand through her hair and let out a breath she had no idea she had been keeping in.

She felt a tremendous burden lift from her shoulders as she pulled out of the driveway, finding Marcus' form growing smaller and smaller from the rear-view mirror.

"So...You completely bitch-slapped him?" Michael asked with amusement in his voice, smile stretching across his mouth.

Jessica gave him a stern glare, but Jesselynn just laughed with him.

"Yes, I guess you can say that. God, did it feel good. Some days I feel bad for doing so, but I remember all the times he did the exact same thing to me and sometimes worse and I don't feel so bad. Never could have told my boy that. It'd be pretty hypocritical of me if I did. I was always telling him that violence and fighting was never the answer when I was the one slapping his father just because I got annoyed over the years, but he deserved it also. That was the lowest and most disrespectful thing I had ever heard him say before as long as I had known him. He could insult me all he wanted to but he wasn't going to just get away with saying that of my parents," Jesse explained trying to make it sound like she wasn't exactly the bad guy in this case, though she knew she could have kept her temper more throughout that fight years and years ago.

"Well, I think you did the right thing. You must have had a lot of patience to deal with that guy. I'd probably be in jail for his murder if it was me!" Michael said trying to assure the elderly woman's cautious mind with a gentle smile and light joke.

Jesselynn didn't say much, but grinned. She suddenly looked over at the clock and realized what she should have been doing moments before.

She slipped on her shoes that were beside the chair and was fixing to help herself up when Michael jumped out of his seat and was immediately by her side, taking her hand. She tried to swat him away, but he continued to stay there.

"Where are you going, Jesse?" Jessica asked standing on the other side of her, worrying that something might be wrong.

She looked at the two worried faces in front of her and just grinned, "Jesus, you two. I'm just going for my walk. I always take a walk around two-thirty. I hate being couped up like some sick animal. C'mon, we'll walk and talk," She said as she slowly began walking towards the door, picking up some speed once she got some of her leg muscles familiar again with walking.

Michael was already grabbing her jacket, just in case, while Jessica hesitantly waited behind for a short second.

"I thought we were answering my questions! Not taking walks!" She muttered to herself when they stepped outside, hating the feeling of being annoyed that her mother was stalling.

Knowing she'd end up dragging her out there with her and not wanting to be alone with all these painful memories she knew her mother would someday forget, she stepped outside the hall, already finding them in the main lobby.

She cursed under her breath while also smiling. She always had that trick of popping in and out of anywhere.

Yeah, you can definitely tell I'm excited for this story, I actually updated within a few days instead of a few weeks! I'm hope you enjoyed this one, I know it was loads of fun to write :) I don't know why, but I just love writing those heated arguments. Really wanted to show how much of an ass Marcus is supposed to be (from my messed-up imagination) I hope I was able to show it without it turning out really weird or kind of stupid.

There should be chapters with our (well, maybe our I don't know who's your favorite character) beloved Frank Woods soon. Not entirely sure which or how many chapters it will be until he is first seen, but it should be very soon if not the next chapter. We'll just leave that to the imaginary people in my head to decide...The characters, I mean. I swear I'm not insane!

Anyway, please review or leave any kind of feedback! Anything at all would be very appreciated :) Hope you enjoyed this story so far and let me know if I should continue! Thank you very much and have a wonderful day! :D