Chapter 9PT1 - ("Stand By Me")

"...And do you feel that the school security system was effective?"

Silence.

"Jack!" Didi nudged Jack gently and he quickly looked up.

"Sorry, can you repeat the question?"

"Jack, you really need to focus. If you do that in the court this isn't going to work," Samuel replied as he looked at Jack with frustration.

It was Thursday now and Jack had gotten home from school early. Jack was running through questions that he would most likely be asked in court. His trial was scheduled a few weeks from now and he thought it was too soon, but he really didn't have a choice. He couldn't back out now. On the right side of him was his mother Didi, and on the left side of him was Ally Johnson. Since last night, Ally had been staying at the Papas' residence. His father knew nothing about it, having not returned home yet. Didi didn't want to tell him about it because it was a lot to go through, and Jack hadn't talked to Grace in a few days so she was unaware of the situation as well.

Ally looked over at Jack and then at Samuel, "Can we take a break?"

Samuel sighed as he set his papers down, "Actually, I have a few things that I need to work out with this case, so how about we pick this back up tomorrow?"

"Sure thing," Didi smiled and walked Samuel out.

After saying goodbye to Samuel and closing the door, she focused her attention back on Jack, "Hey Jack, you might want to go ahead and start on your homework. I promised the Cooperstein's that we would come over for dinner."

Jack groaned in frustration, "Mom really?"

"I know what you're thinking and this isn't about you ok? They happened to be the ones that asked. Madison's dad really want to see you so you better stop that attitude of yours. What's wrong with you? Isn't Madison your friend?"

Jack sighed, "Yeah mom alright I get your point. I'm going to go get started on my homework."

"Um, can I come with you?" Ally asked as she looked up at him with questioning eyes.

"Uh yeah sure."

Didi looked at both Jack and Ally and then she narrowed her eyes at Jack, "Keep the door open."

Jack rolled his eyes but he couldn't help but let out a chuckle, "Mom it's not like I'm gonna try to sleep with her or anything."

"Gee thanks," Ally rolled her eyes.

"You know what I mean. I have a girlfriend," he responded.

"Yeah I know. You've mentioned it about a hundred times. Don't you have some homework to start on?"

"Oh what are you my mom?" Jack joked.

Jack started making his way upstairs and Ally gave Didi a reassuring smile, "Don't worry I'll keep him in line."

Didi chuckled, "Thanks."

...

Heather never failed to leave Grace alone, and she was honestly getting annoyed with that. She knew that Heather liked Jason but it didn't make it any less annoying. But if she was being honest with herself she knew it wasn't that fact entirely. Jack hadn't been answering his phone lately, and that bugged her. She needed to talk to him. She missed him and she wanted more than anything to be done with this trip. She knew that was dramatic. Having an opportunity to study things that would ensure she would become a doctor was something she loved. She felt like the medical career was something that God had given her the ability to do, and to attain so much knowledge about this at such a young age was amazing, but she still missed her boyfriend. A number of questions began to stir in her brain, and for a fraction of a second, she wondered if he had been with Madison all this time. That sparked the jealousy in her. The thought of Madison made her angry. She knew that it was wrong to dislike someone so much, but when it came to Madison she seemed to completely forget that. Maybe it was the fact that she felt like Madison had always been her competition when it came to Jack, or maybe it was something else about her, but she hated the fact that she hated Madison so much.

"Waiting for Jack to pick up?"

Grace spun around quickly, her curly blonde hair moving in the process. Of course it was Grant. She rolled her eyes.

"Grant I'm really not in the mood."

She was still checking her phone as she responded to him. There were no text messages, email notifications, nothing! She sighed as she put her phone in her jean pocket. They had just received a break after practicing various medical jobs. There were jobs that required cleaning, CPR on dummies, and how to correctly give shots, check blood pressures, and heart rates. It was a pretty full day for Grace, but it still hadn't distracted her from the obvious.

She hadn't talked to Jack in two days and she knew that she should relax but she couldn't.

"Mr. Tsegay wants us to get back inside."

"But there's no signal in there," Grace said, still checking her phone.

Grant walked closer towards her and took her phone.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!"

"Since when do you say hell?"

Grace shrugged. She had never been one for cussing, even saying the word 'hell' had been a huge issue for her, mostly because she had read of Hell in her Bible and the importance of it was not something to just throw around when you were angry with something, "Give me my phone back Grant."

"I'm doing this for you ok?" Grant took out the battery of her phone and placed it in his pocket, and then he gave the phone back to her.

"Have you lost your mind!"

"Grace look...Didn't you come here so that you could focus on training? Isn't being a doctor what you really want to do?"

"Of course it is," she responded.

"Well you can't focus if you're just waiting around for a phone call all day."

"I just...I need to talk to him. I miss him," Grace pouted.

"Well I'm sure he will still be a phone call away after we get through today's lesson."

Grace sighed. She didn't have the energy to fight with him, "Fine...whatever."

"That's the spirit," Grant said sarcastically.

Grace chuckled, "Whatever let's just get in there. I heard he's going to be talking about neurosurgery today."

Gran't eyes lit up at this, "Really? That's what I've been thinking about studying actually."

"Then let's go," Grace smiled.

...

"Ok first question, write the definition of a correlation speech." Jack scratched his head as he opened his book in search for the answer. In all honesty he didn't really care for Psychology, but he knew that if he didn't finish up some of his homework he would be screwed. College was definitely not a joke. It wasn't like in high-school where they gave you some type of lead way. Teachers were strict.

"Ugh, what the heck is a correlation speech?" he muttered to himself.

Ally was sitting on the edge of his bed, her legs in criss-cross position as she looked over at his work, "How about...A correlation speech is when a relationship between two things is shown? Both either increase or decrease in relation."

Jack looked at Ally as if he had just grown a head or two, "How did you know that!"

Ally chuckled, "I planned on majoring in Psychology my first year of college. I always wanted to be like the next George Huang."

"George Huang?" Jack looked at her with a confused look on his face.

"From Law and Order?"

He still looked puzzled.

"Never-mind...Anyway, I guess that dream won't be coming true given everything that's happened."

"Why do you say that?"

She looked at him as if that was a stupid question, "Have you ever heard of an ex-prostitute being a psychologist?"

"That wasn't your choice Ally."

"It was...It was my choice to go back to him..It was as stupid choice, but it was definitely mine."

"Why did you go back to him?"

"I...I was scared. I had never had sex before. A sick part of me thought I was meant to be with him or something. When I told my parents about it they freaked out. We tried to go to court of course, but they completely overlooked it. So that's when I ran away..."

"And where are your parents now?"

"They're in Italy at the moment. Samuel informed them of my whereabouts and they're trying to come home as soon as they can from what I've heard, but it's hard given their job requires a lot of traveling, and Italy is so far from here."

Jack nodded to show that he understood, "...Are you as scared as I am about the trial?"

She tossed him a bitter smile, "I might be even more scared than you."

He tossed her a sympathetic smile and then he continued on with his homework.

...

"I have to admit Jeff's introduction into neurosurgery was fantastic! I had no idea that it was so difficult. I mean of course I knew that it would be so much work, but it makes me really want to brush up on my math and science skills. Of course I won't be majoring in that but...I'm rambling aren't I? Sorry."

Grant chuckled as he looked over at Grace. The session had lasted for about two hours, and now the group was eating lunch. Heather and Jason had gone to get their lunch while Grace and Grant waited for them, already having theirs. The teacher was off talking with a group of people, and the only thing she asked was that the students wouldn't venture to far.

"Don't worry about it," Grant laughed, "I could listen to you talk for hours."

There was a type of tension that filled the air when he said that. She let out a short laugh as she looked down at her food, "...So neurosurgery huh? Why did you want to choose that?"

"Well I've always thought that the brain was an interesting and complex thing. And there's so many places that need neurosurgeons. That and I'm working on something. I want to find a cure to mental disorders and I want to see if surgery can fix that."

When Grant said that she instantly thought of Tom, and what it would be like if Tom had gotten surgery to fix his down syndrome. She couldn't imagine it, but she wondered if he would be happier. Tom was already pretty happy though, she thought, and he had already achieved so much. But still, she wondered if Tom ever thought about those things.

"That's really interesting Grant," she smiled.

"Yeah well what about you?"

"Oh I still want to major in sports medicine," she responded in a lighthearted tone.

"And why is that?"

She could feel the blush forming on her cheeks as she smiled, "Well...mostly because of Jack. I mean he is a football player and if he ever does make it to the pros, I want to be sure that he will be safe. I've read about so many tragic incidents that have left permanent scars on football players, and I guess I want to help people like Jack who are involved in dangerous sports."

"Oh...I see."

For a minute no one said anything, but then Grant started talking again, "I mean that's good. That's a good goal. I think the aim of a doctor is always going to be that they want to help people."

"I definitely agree with that."

Before they could say anything more Heather and Jason made their way towards Grant and Grace and they took a seat. The group talked animatedly about their goals and what they wanted to major in.

...

"...And endogenous is basically a biological rhythm that occurs when you're sleeping."

"Wow, thanks for finishing up my homework for me," Jack joked as he looked at Ally.

He put his book away and then noticed that it was almost time for him to head over to the Cooperstein's house.

He sighed, "Guess I should get ready to go to Madison's house."

"What's with you and that Madison girl anyway? Is she your girlfriend?"

"No, her name's Grace remember?"

"Oh right. So then Madison must be...Oh, is she your ex?"

"Yeah. An ex that my mom just so happens to adore. I mean of course Madison's still my friend, kind of, but well...I don't know it's just odd. I mean I don't get why my mom is pushing the whole me and Madison card. I'm in love with Grace."

"In love huh? Are you sure about that?"

"Of course, why?"

"Well I don't know you seem like you're a little young to be figuring out what it means to be in love."

"Young? We're the same age."

"Fair enough," Ally said as she stuck her tongue out at him.

Before they could say anything more the doorbell rang. Jack and Ally walked downstairs and Jack opened the door to see who it was.

To his surprise Leo, Ben, and Chloe were standing there.

"Mr. Boykevich?"

"Sorry to just barge in like this. I called your mother and told her that I would be on my way. Is she here?"

"I think she's getting ready upstairs. We're about to leave."

"May I come in?"

"Oh right of course come in. Hi Ben. Hi Chloe."

They nodded at him as they walked inside. A million questions were running through Jack's mind, like how they knew where he lived, and how Leo had his mother's number, but he refrained from asking.

"So why are you guys-"

"Ally!" Chloe exclaimed, "I thought for a minute that Samuel was lying when he said that he had found you!"

The two of them hugged each other and Jack just stood there awkwardly.

"Chloe I'm so happy to see you!"

"Well you're going to be seeing much more of me."

"What do you mean?" Ally asked.

"Leo offered to have you come stay with us, just until your parents get back of course!" Chloe said excitedly..

Ally didn't know what to think. She didn't know the family too well but she would be with Chloe after all, and Chloe was her best friend. Didi came down the stairs a few minutes later and and she smiled as she saw Ben and Leo, "Oh hey! I didn't even notice that you guys were here!"

"Seriously mom, who else has the address to our house?" Jack questioned and Ben chuckled at this.

Didi rolled her eyes, "Oh stop it Jack!" She turned her attention to Ally, "Ally we're going to head over to the Cooperstein's house. You can come with us if you want to but judging by that grin on your face I'd take it that you'll be staying with Leo's family tonight?"

Ally smiled and then unexpectedly, she hugged her, "Thank you so much Didi, there's not a lot of people that I trust anymore...but this is really kind of you."

Didi smiled, "Not a problem, and if you need anything, just give me a call. Consider yourself like the daughter that I never had."

Ally grinned at this, "Let me just get a few things and I'll be out of your hair."

Didi smiled as she watched Ally head upstairs.

...

It was late in the evening by now, and Grace was exhausted. The medical field was no joke, she felt like she was already working. Grant walked her to her room and gave her the battery to her phone.

"Oh gosh! I completely forgot that I need to call Jack!"

"See, I told you that you would be able to have some fun if you would stop worrying about him so much."

Grace stuck her tongue out at him, "In most cases I would totally disagree with you, but today was pretty fun. Now give me my battery so I can call my boyfriend."

The two of them chuckled as she grabbed the battery and put it back in her phone. She expected him to walk off by now but he hadn't.

"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah of course," Grace smiled.

For a few seconds nobody said anything.

"I guess I should go," Grace chuckled.

"Oh right of course."

Grace turned away from him so that she could open the door but then he called her name again.

"Wait Grace! Can I ask you something?"

"Um...yeah, yeah I guess."

"Would you...would you kiss me?"

"Grant!" She looked at him like he was crazy, "What's wrong with you? I'm with Jack!"

"I know but I just...I need to see if there's anything there, for me at least. And I promise after this I'll just leave you alone about it. Just for closure."

"Grant...I don't know about that-"

"It would just stay between us."

She could think of a million reasons why she shouldn't say yes to what Grant was asking her, but another side was thinking that he would finally be over her if they did this. She drew in a deep breath, and then exhaled. She could feel something in her heart telling her not to do this. After all, she loved Jack. She was going to marry Jack and they were going to be together forever.

She looked over at Grant nervously, "Just one kiss..."

And without hesitation he pressed his lips onto hers.

...

The dinner was well...awkward. Madison's father was asking Jack all kinds of questions about his injuries and what he planned to do after he got his cast taken off. Of course these were normal questions, but he was never really close to Madison's dad. Jack had guessed that he just wanted to see how Jack was coping with everything, which was great but it didn't make the dinner any less awkward.

When they were finished Didi decided that she would help Madison's father, Morgan with the dishes.

Madison gestured a hand towards the door and Jack nodded. He definitely needed to get some fresh air.

Once he stepped outside with Madison the cool air hit him and it felt amazing. She looked out at the sky. She had never seen it so clear before, and then excitedly she nudged Jack, "Look! Do you see what I see?"

"Um, if a bunch of tiny stars is what you see then yeah, I guess so."

She scoffed, "No, I mean the big dipper!"

Jack tilted his head a little as he stared up at the stars, "Oh, yeah I do see it."

"I guess you're not that into the whole star thing huh?" She giggled slightly and he smiled.

"Nope, not really."

"So...how have you been Jack?"

"I've been fine, you know dealing with everything as best as I can."

She didn't say anything for a moment, but there was a look on her face, a type of sympathetic look that caused Jack to roll his eyes, "And please don't do that, everyone does that."

"Do what?"

"That. That whole looking at me like I'm broken or something. Not everyone who goes through something like this ends up with problems you know?"

"Yeah I know...Have you talked to-"

"I haven't talked to anyone, expect maybe God."

"Oh...I see."

Jack sighed, "Look I'm sorry if I snapped. I know you're just looking out and I really appreciate that Madison. You're a good friend."

"I just feel so bad that I never came to the hospital."

Jack chuckled, "Don't. I mean I wouldn't have noticed if you came anyway. You would have been talking to me and telling me amazing stories and I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference."

Madison chuckled, "I could have definitely used that. A person who wouldn't talk back as I complained about everything. It would have let off some steam."

Jack laughed at this, "Something bad happen?"

"No, not exactly it was usually little things, like fights with Lauren and stuff, but still...I pretty much had no one to talk to about it. Expect maybe Henry, but we were never real friends, and Amy only really wanted to talk about what was going on in her life for the most part. I guess you were the only one who really listened."

Jack smiled, "Well I'm here now."

"But now there's nothing to talk about," she giggled.

"What about this new hair of yours?" He ran a finger through her hair with curiosity in his eyes, "Why did you change your hair color?"

Madison shrugged, "I guess I just needed a change. I was tired of being the same old redhead Madison."

"What was wrong with her?"

"I don't know, everything, and nothing at all. It's really awkward to talk about, but I wanted to appear you know...sexier."

He practically roared out with laughter at this, "Are you serious?"

Madison looked at him seriously, a frown on her face, "Gee I'm glad you're having a good laugh while I'm being serious."

"Sorry, sorry that was just," he cleared his throat, "Never mind. I'm sure guys thought you were sexy enough without the blonde hair."

"...Did you?"

Jack didn't think much of her question. The words came out but they hadn't registered in his brain yet. And then his phone rang, and he saw from the caller ID that it was Grace, "Oh it's Grace, mind if I take this?"

"Oh...Oh yeah sure of course. I'll just be inside ok?"

"Alright." He picked up the phone and smiled, "Hey babe."

Madison sighed and walked inside the house.

A/N: So there's definitely some drama in this chapter and I know there seems like there's a strain on Jack and Grace's relationship (and all in one week ahaha), but don't worry, this is still a Grace and Jack story. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, thanks for reading! The fight scenes will be coming up in a few chapters and I'm pretty excited to get them out! :)