Sorry it took a little long to get to this chapter, but I am inviting feedback and may use input into my story. I have an idea where this story may go, but my characters may need a little suggestion so any input is appreciated. Thank you for your patience.

Soft, green eyes looked up into understanding brown eyes as Jo laid her head on Blair's shoulder and allowed herself to be consoled. She flashbacked to the first time this happened, but Blair took the place of Mrs. Garrett and she had no response to make her comforter proud. At least seven years ago she fought back and hit Harrison with a show; now, she was broken and couldn't find any reason for Blair to be proud of her.

"I don't know how you can even touch me," Jo said suddenly as she lifted her head and pushed away from Blair "because I am disgusting and weak." Jo then turned her back on her friend with her arms crossed across her chest.

"Don't be silly," Blair said as she gently directed Jo's head back to her shoulder, "you are the strongest, most beautiful woman I know. Anyone who is willing to sacrifice what you did for her family and friends deserves a medal."

"Well, Harrison made sure I got what I deserved all right."

"Jo, you did not deserve this. Please stop blaming yourself." Blair felt like she was losing her friend again. "Look, you promised you would try. Please, for me?"

Jo just let out a sigh as she answered, "I will try to keep my word."

As Blair was trying to console Jo, Rick came into the house singing a little song to himself. He continued his self-serenade as he bee bopped up the stairs where he was met with the sight of Natalie and Tootie with their ears to the door.

"What's up girls?"

"Hey, Rick," responded Natalie.

"What are you doing up here? No guys are allowed on the second floor," Tootie said trying to stall Rick.

"I thought I would come to see the blushing bride-to-be before we got this party thing on the road. Why what's going on."

Natalie couldn't stand keeping anything in so, without thinking, she blurted out, "Blair is in there with Jo who is crying and saying something about calling off the wedding."

"What!" Rick exclaimed as he nudged past the girls and swung the bedroom door open.

"What is this I hear about calling off our wedding?" Rick demanded as he entered the room. He did not take time to ask questions or observe the room before he opened his mouth. Natalie and Tootie decided to stay in the safety of the hall while trying to decipher what was going on. Blair rose from the bed as soon as Rick entered and went over to him.

"Now Rick, calm down," Blair stated while putting her hands up in a halting position. "Everything can be easily explained . . ."

"Blair," Jo said as she slowly got off the bed, went down the two stairs, and placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, "I will explain it to him."

Blair turned and looked at her friend. "Please, Jo," said Blair as she leaned in and whispered into her friend's ear, "do not make any rash decisions. Rick will love you regardless, so please don't make a mistake." Blair passed by Rick and just quickly glanced at him before she took station right outside the door with the other girls.

Natalie asked, "Blair, what's going on?"

Blair responded, "Jo will tell everyone in her own time. Now, shhhh, so we can hear what's going on."

"Hey, Nat," piped in Tootie, "this means we should make Blair an honorary Snoop Sister."

"Shhhhhh," repeated Blair.

Inside the bedroom . . .

"Jo, do you mind telling me what this is all about?" asked Rick as he grasped her shoulders.

Jo winced at the touch, and quickly pulled away. "Rick, please don't touch me."

"What did I do, Jo?"

"It is nothing you did, Rick. It is something I let happen," said Jo as she turned away to try to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. She slowly moved to the bed and sat down hugging her midsection.

"What happened, Jo?" Rick sat down next to her and again tried to hug her, but again she pulled away.

"Rick, please don't try to touch me."

"Why?"

Jo slowly revealed some of bruises on her shoulders and back. "Because it hurts when you touch me," she said with tears starting to run down her cheeks.

"Were you in an accident?"

"No, Rick. I was raped."

"What? Who did it? I'll kill him."

"No, please, don't."

"But Jo, look what he did to you."

"Please Rick, I don't want any trouble."

"Well, okay. If you are sore we can postpone the wedding, no problem."

"Rick, you don't understand. I can't give my whole self to you so I can't marry you . . . ever."

Rick sat there in a state of shock, "But that doesn't mean anything . . ."

"It does to me, Rick. I am damaged goods and you deserve someone who can give you everything. I am no longer that person." The tears were flowing freely down both their faces now.

"Jo, I know your religion is important to you, but don't let it stand between us."

"I am not going to change my mind about this, Rick. You deserve better. Now if you ever cared about me please go."

"But, Jo . . ."

"GO!"

Rick got abruptly and went to the door. He took one more look back at the woman he loved slumped over on her bed before exiting.

As he came through the door and was met with questioning eyes he uttered only two words – "It's over" – before racing down the stairs and out the door.