AN/ HI EVERYBODY!

First of all I wanna say, WOW I got 20 reviews on my last chapter! I'd never expected to get so many positive reactions. You guys are awesome.

A special shout-out to FallingSkiesxxxHalMason, Dreaming2BAWriter, KyannM, Dance Star93, Guest, QueenCupcake101, krc93, hgirl, 1379, IHopeYouDance101, Maddy, '99, Acfprincess, TheLittleStupiedThingsofLife , TwinkleRose, A Fan, LiV3-Lau9h-LOv3, Julia, LeoLover3 and Guest

You're part of the reason why I worked extra hard on this one. The chapter was done like two days ago, but I decided to add some more which makes this the longest chapter yet and I think you're really gonna like it...

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KICKIN IT.

Chapter 15

The House of the Greene Family

Kim's Pov.

I stuffed my GI into my bag before leaving the dressing room. Everyone had left except for Eddie who was on his way into Rudy's office.

"I'm just gonna tell Rudy that I'm not gonna be here next week." He explained when he saw my questioning look. "We're gonna go and see my uncle before Austin leaves."

"Ok, see you in two weeks then." I gave him a smile before he disappeared into Rudy's office.

As I reached the door that led out to the mall I saw something on the floor in the corner of my eye. It was Nelly's pair of scissors. She must have forgotten it in the rush to leave. I took it and put it in my pocket. I could give it to Jerry later... but on a second thought though, I might as well give it to Nelly myself on Monday, since there's a chance that Jerry forget to give it to her…

I left the dojo, my head full of thoughts about Tess. There was something really weird about her. I clutched the letter I had in my pocket. Jack had told me that he gotten it last Friday and that could only mean one of two things, either Tess was still alive or someone else wrote it in her name. None of them made any sense and both options left me with more questions than answers.

Why would everyone think she's dead when apparently she isn't? Did she fake her own death? In that case – why? Did she do it by herself or were there someone else that made her do it? Either way, it was pretty stupid by Tess or whoever came up with the brilliant idea of everyone believing she was dead, to send a letter in her name revealing that she was still alive…

Or maybe she really was dead and someone faked the letter. But who would do something like that and why?

All the confusion made me even more curios to find out who this Tess truly was. She lives or lived (not sure…) near Jerry's house and his house wasn't that far… Maybe I could take a quick walk down his block and have a look around. The evening was still young and I would have a couple of hours until it gets really dark. I had nothing else to do anyway…

There wasn't any proof or signs that pointed to the fact that Tess had anything to do with Jack, still I felt the need to check on her. Something in my guts told me that she somehow would bring me closer to finding him. Strange, huh?

"Hi Kim!" I snapped back to reality as a tall Afro-American guy waved at me.

"Hi" I put on a forced smile, not in the mood of talking to anyone at the moment and least of all Austin. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to pick up Eddie." He replied. "Hey, about tomorrow…"

"Yeah…?" I crossed my fingers hoping that he had gotten something else to do and had to cancel our date.

"Would you like to go to that Asian restaurant down by the car wash?"

"Sure." I said, having a hard time not to show how disappointed I was that our date was still on. How sad is that?

"Is everything alright?" He asked concerned as I obviously didn't cover up my feelings well enough…

"Yeah, everything is fine." I said sounding as bright and happy as I could. "I just need to get going…" I walked past him in a hurry, so that he wouldn't have the time to ask anything more. "See ya!" I shouted over my shoulder.

"Bye!" I heard Austin called as I headed of in the direction of the Martinez Family.

It only took me about twenty minutes to get there. I looked at the houses that were lined up on each side of the street. The second house on the left was Jerry's, but I had no idea which house belonged to Tess. I could always ask Nelly, but then again, I didn't want anyone to know I was here. Walking down the block I looked at the houses. Maybe I could figure it out on my own…

I started to go through them one by one, searching for things that pointed to Tess possibly living there. Luckily some of the houses had signs on them with the family name on it. Remembering her last name was Greene, I quickly sorted out the ones that had another name written upon them. There were a couple of children playing in the front yard at one place and an old lady watering some plants on her porch at another, making both of them highly unlikely to be Tess's home. After only a couple of minutes I was left with about four possible choices.

A car drove by me from behind and parked in the front of the garage to one of the properties that I still hadn't been able to tell if it was Tess's home or not. A tall man jumped out of the car and made it over to the front porch. I was a little too far away to see his face, at least in the twilight. I walked closer, mainly because that was the way I was heading anyway. The man fumbled around with the keys for a while. By the time he found them and opened the door I had almost reached the house.

"Tess, I'm home!" He shouted before closing the door behind him. I stopped and looked at the building. I had actually found it and it had been easier than I thought. A feeling of uncertainty went through me. All of a sudden I didn't feel too good about being here. What was I supposed to do if I met her? 'Hey, I thought you were dead, but then you sent a letter to Jack so now I'm here to check and see if you're still alive.' I shook my head, no I couldn't say that…

Tess was obviously alive; I could tell by the way the man that most likely was her father had called her name. I hadn't realized that while I was thinking about what to do I had moved closer to the house and I was now almost at the porch. The house had a light greyish colour and it wasn't that big although it had two floors and possibly even a basement.

I have absolutely no clue why I didn't leave. I had gotten my answer. Tess was alive. So why did I feel the need to knock on the door? Maybe it was because of all the questions about the fake accident or maybe it was to keep my mind occupied from thinking about Jack…

I walked up to the door, gathering myself. I was nervous, which was kind of silly. Nothing would happen more than me finding out the truth about Tess. After some hesitation I knocked on the door. It took just a second or two before I heard someone approaching from the inside. The door opened and to my surprise I was greeted by the same man that I've already met twice today. He looked puzzled at me, not expecting a fourteen year old girl standing outside his door on a Friday night.

"Hi, I'm Kim." I said as I shook his hand. "Maybe you recognize me. We met earlier today at the mall." His expression changed into a more welcoming one as he recalled me.

"Yeah I remember you." He smiled. "Sorry for bumping you with my cart and for interrupting your training." He chuckled a little and I joined him at the thought of the incidents. "What brings you around, Kim?" He wondered.

"I was just wondering if Tess is here." I blurted out. It probably wasn't the smoothest way to bring her up, but it was the first thing that popped up in my head.

"Yeah she's here, but she's taking a shower. She'll be done in a moment though." He explained. "C'mon in." He stepped aside as a gesture for me to go in. Not wanting to be rude and due to the fact that it was getting both dark and chilly outside I entered the house.

"I'm Mark by the way. Tess's father." He introduced himself as he closed the door behind us. "Do you want some coffee? I was just about to have some myself." He offered.

"No thanks, I'm fine." I said as I followed Mark into the kitchen.

"Would you like anything else? We've got tea, lemonade, mi…"

"Just plain water will do." I said sitting down at the kitchen table, while Mark brought out a glass and started to fill it with fresh, cold water.

"So you're good at karate." He stated. I gave him a confused look. "I noticed your black belt." He explained.

"Yeah…" I smiled shyly. "I'm trying to do my best…"

"How long you've been training?" He put the glass in front of me.

"For seven years now." I answered before taking a zip from my drink.

"That's quite some time." He looked and sounded impressed and I couldn't help but feel a little flattered. "You must be the best in your dojo, then."

There was a brief moment of silence before I answered.

"Not really. Jack's better…" I focused on the glass I held in my hand. It's crazy how much you can miss a person. Just by thinking his name let alone say it makes me wanna break down and cry.

"You ok?" Mark asked concerned.

"Yeah." I put on a smile looking up at him again. "I'm fine."

Suddenly a melody started to chime. Both Mark and I turned in the direction of the phone that was lying on the table. Mark grabbed it quickly and looked at the screen.

"Will you excuse me, I gotta take this." Mark said and I gave him a nod. I didn't really mind. "Hello…" He answered the phone as he walked out to the hallway again, leaving me alone at the table. I could still hear him though. "Hmm…yeah…" He sounded a little concerned. "Can't it wait?" I listened carefully as there wasn't much else to do anyway. "Alright." Mark sighed "I'll be there." He hung up before he almost shouted to me "I've gotta go. It's an emergency." I could hear him fumbling around in the hallway, putting on his shoes and jacket. "You can wait here. Tess will be down in a minute, bye!"

"Bye!" I called back just before he slammed the door shut. Well that was weird… Debating with myself whether I should leave or not, I suddenly heard someone shouting, or at least I think it was a person making the noise. I couldn't make out any words though.

"Tess?" I called as I rose from the chair.

The sounds came again and I was now pretty sure that someone indeed was yelling. I traced the sound back to the hallway. There was a door on the opposite wall as the opening to the kitchen. It had definitely sounded like the screams came from there. Now, I know that it isn't polite to sneak around in other people's houses, but it sounded as if whoever was shouting really needed help, besides I've always been too curios for my own good…

I took a quick glance at the stairway that led to the second floor. It didn't seem as Tess would come back any time soon. I opened the door, cautious not to make any noise. Peaking on the other side of it I discovered a wooden staircase that led to the basement. I quickly went through the door closing it behind me. It was pretty dark and I had to be careful not to trip as I made my way down to the underground room. I tried to be as silent as I could, barely even breathing. What was wrong with me? I shouldn't be here sneaking around the basement at the Greene Family's. The thoughts about what I was doing and the worry of getting caught caused me to miss to see a bucket that stood on the floor next to the staircase and I accidentally walked into it, knocking it over. I almost gave myself a heart attack by the sound that it made and I quickly bent down to put it back up again.

"I'm in here! Please hel…" I froze instantly recognizing the voice. Could it be…? No it couldn't… right? The voice had come from behind the metal door that I hadn't noticed at first since it was hidden behind the stairs. When I was closer to it I noticed that there was no normal lock on it, but a giant metal bolt, which I needed to use all my strength on, sliding it sideways to unlock the door. Once the bolt was removed I let the door slowly open, not sure that I really wanted to know what was behind it.

The room on the other side was completely made out of concrete except for a small window up by the ceiling. There weren't much furniture, just a sink, a toilet bowl and a bed. But none of those things caught my attention, but a boy sitting on the floor next to the bed, resting his arms on it. I instantly recognized the shaggy brown hair and I sighed in relief. I had finally found my Jack and he was still alive. A wave of joy washed over me, expecting him to flash his cheeky grin and saying something that would both annoy and amuse me just like he uses to.

But he kept his gaze on the mattress though, as he probably hadn't noticed me yet. I opened my mouth to say something, but when Jack turned his head slightly and looked me in the eyes, I lost my voice, my heart sinking to the bottom of my chest. The usually so bright and spirited eyes were now filled with pain and sorrow. He looked pale and tired. There were patches of dry blood under his nose and his left cheek was slightly bruised. He was still beautiful to me though.

The joy I'd felt just seconds earlier was now replaced with worry, anger and fear as I realized that he'd been locked up in this small unpleasant room, all this time. And as if that wasn't bad enough they've beaten him too. A lump in my throat started to grow. What kind of sick person would do something like that?

"Jack…?" I whispered as if speaking too loud would break him. He just looked so fragile. Jack tensed and turned towards me, still keeping his right arm on the bed. I approached him, hesitating slightly. The boy before my eyes was Jack, I was positive on that, but still I couldn't help but feel as if I was walking up to a total stranger. I'd never seen him like this before and it worried me. What if he wasn't the same anymore?

Jack kept eye contact with me without saying a word. It almost looked as if it was hard for him to believe that I was really there. As I got closer to him I noticed dry tear streaks down his cheeks, making the lump in my throat to increase. My playful, strong and brave Jack had been crying. The thought of what he must've been through made me feel sick. I kneeled down beside him, not being able to fight the urge to touch him. I carefully caressed his cheek and he immediately leant into my touch, closing his eyes quite hard causing his forehead to wrinkle slightly. He put his hand on the top of mine pressing it against his face. A bunch of butterflies came to life in my stomach at the intimate act. I knew that he didn't mean it like that though as he was probably just longing for someone to show him some compassion and love since this place obviously hadn't given him any of that.

"Are you ok, Jack?" I asked softly, my voice full of worry. I know that the answer was pretty obvious, but I still felt the need to ask, although I dreaded the answer.

He opened his eyes and looked at me, still resting his head in my hand as I waited anxiously for him to say something, hating the silence he had maintained so far. He inhaled and opened his mouth slightly as if he was about to say something. But no words would come out, instead his lower lip started to tremble and the deep, brown orbs of his started to water. He quickly looked down, letting out a shaky breath.

"I…" He started, his voice cracking. "I'm…" He swallowed as his gaze flickered around avoiding eye contact . The muscles around his jaw started twitching slightly as he struggled to hold it together, his eyes dangerously close of being flooded. "…I don't…" He whimpered turning his head down again. Not being able to watch him anymore I pulled him into a hug. He put his left arm up and across my back and grabbed the back of my sweater, holding on to it as if his life depended on it, almost choking me in the process. I didn't care though I just held him tightly in my arms. He buried his face in my shoulder letting go of the emotions that's been building up inside of him.

"It's ok, I've got you…" I said softly, trying to keep my voice from shaking. His behaviour was scaring me. What could he possibly been through, that made him break down like this? Rubbing his back gently I bit my lip to prevent myself from breaking down and cry as well. Despite my struggles, a few lonely tears still managed to find their way out. "It's ok." I whispered, not really believing my own words. Of course it was not ok. He's been held against his will, beaten and who knows what more…

I rocked him gently back and forth, his breath coming out irregularly as he sobbed quietly into my shoulder, soaking my shirt. Stroking the back of his head I entwined my fingers in his hair. I know that he only wanted this closeness because of the dreadful circumstances, but it felt absolutely right to have his warm body so close to mine. Resting my head in the crock of his neck I inhaled. Even though he probably hadn't showered for days he still smelled good. He smelled like Jack. God I've missed him.

"You have to leave." Jack's weak voice startled me as I hadn't expected him to speak and it took me a moment to comprehend what he'd said.

"Not without you." I shook my head as I tightened my embrace. I wasn't gonna let go of him now when I finally had found him.

"You have to." He sniffled. Even though he told me to leave, he still clung to me like there was no tomorrow. I knew that he really didn't want to be left alone here again. Who would? "Please go…" His words were slightly muffled as he was talking into my shoulder.

"Not gonna happen." I said. Jack let out quite a deep sob causing his whole body to shake at my words. I don't know if it was from the relief that I wasn't going to leave him or if it was from the fear of what might happen if I'd stay. I didn't really care though, I just held on tight to him afraid that he might fall into pieces if I'd let go. The lump in my throat was now so big that it hurt. I hated to see him like this.

"Please…" his voice trembled. "…before he comes back." I frowned, was it Mark that he was talking about? I'd completely forgotten about him. Reluctantly I pulled away from him, but only enough so that I could look him in the eyes, as he still refused to let go of my shirt. His brown polls were puffy and filled with pain and worry. I wiped carefully away a few tears that lingered on his cheek with my fingertips, my other arm still around his neck.

"Did Mark do this to you?" I asked, trying to suppress the anger that had now started to grow in me. Jack just gave me a barely noticeable nod, breaking the eye contact by looking towards the bed. I automatically followed his gaze and my eyes fell upon Jack's right arm that he'd been resting on the bed the entire time. I gasped noticing the ties that secured his wrist to the headboard, causing red marks to appear on his skin around it.

"Oh, Jack…" I said my voice barely louder than a whisper. "What have they done to you?"

"Please Kim, you've gotta go." Jack tried to reason. "Go and get help before it's too late."

I kept my eyes at the zip ties not really paying any attention to what he said.

"Kim…?" He sniffled, with worry and fear in his voice. "Please…" He gave me a confused look, as I started to dig in my pockets. "Kim…?"

It didn't take long until I found what I was looking for. I pulled the scissors that belonged to Nelly out of my pocket. Was that destiny or just good luck that I happened to have them in my pocket at that moment? I don't know, I was just grateful that I had it.

Not wasting any time I brought the scissors to the ties. Jack flinched slightly as I forced one of the blades in between the zip tie and his sore skin. It was a little harder than I thought it would be to cut it, but in a matter of seconds he was free though. He pulled his arm back rubbing the skin around his wrist. It looked like it hurt quite a bit. I put the scissors back down in my pocket and stood up, holding my hand out for him. He took it and soon he was on his feet. I had to hold on to him though, to prevent him from falling as he felt very unstable.

"It's okay." He reassured when he noticed my worried look. "Lets get out of here."

"Not so fast…" A deep voice came from behind me. Jack's eyes widened in fear and he quickly pulled me into his arms as he spun around, placing himself between me and the man that the voice belonged to. The look on Jack's face had frightened me and it was with great uncertainty that I took a quick peak over his shoulder. The sight that met me, made me tightening my grip around Jack, as I began to realize how much danger I had put us both in by coming here...

I know I left you hanging again, but this was the way I had planned it to be since long ago. Just because Kim found Jack doesn't mean this story is soon over btw, there's still a lot more... (unless you'd like it to end sooner. I think I can shorten it.)

Anyway hope you liked it. Now I'm gonna need to go and work on the next chapter...

See ya! And don't forget to review. You'll get a sneak peek if you do;)

/MJ