AN: Thank you for the amazing feedback for the last chapter. You guys are a fantastic group to be with. Here's my little gift to my beloved readers. Enjoy!

It was so comforting to have his history accepted and to be embraced at that moment. The sensation was so warm and relaxing, but it also made him feel so vulnerable- which wasn't an emotion Jack particularly liked- however, this time, it didn't effect him so much. There wasn't a sense of shame, anger, or irritation. In fact, Jack felt relieved as if some of his burden had been lifted.

Elsa gently patted his head while his shoulders trembled under her arms. He held back his breath as he tried to muffle his oncoming sobs. From the silent room, only a few whimpers were heard as Jack's handsome face were damped by hot tears. This sort of kindness rarely appeared in his life. God only knew how long they remained on the ground, but it did feel like a "forever".

When the wave of sadness melted away, Jack sighed, feeling rather drained. It had been a very long time since he'd been honest with his emotions. They were usually guarded, firmly hidden from everyone- including himself. Elsa slowly unwound her arms and hesitantly asked, "Are you feeling better?"

He smiled gently. "Much better. Thank you."

Jack peered into Elsa's eyes, searching for any sign of disgust or mockery or any form of judgement on her visage. However, there were zero signs. It felt strange, but also nice to be able to trust her... it was very soothing, though she still looked very concerned. The soft smile remained on his lips. She was kind and compassionate, and most likely honest and pure.

He scratched the back of his neck as he said, "I made things really awkward, didn't I?"

Elsa shook her head and said, "No. I am just glad that you could share your childhood with me."

He smirked and jokingly said, "Yes, absolutely happy and charming as everyone would suspect."

They stood up from their position and Jack walked to the kitchen sink in order to wipe his wet face; this was all rather embarrassing. It had been years since he cried openly in front on someone.

Elsa hesitantly asked, "So not a lot of people know about your past, do they?"

Jack dried his face with the kitchen towel and replied, "No. And I don't want the world to know about it either. It's not really a badge of honour most guys like having. Nothing to be proud about."

She asked, "Why haven't you or your sister report of the incidents?"

Jack frowned and answered, "What good would that do?"

Elsa responded, "What your parents did was clearly an act of physical abuse."

He walked past her and motioned her to follow after him to the living room. He turned on the lights, but put down the curtains before lounging onto the leathery sofa. He thought for a moment: she seemed like a genuine person and she'd done no wrong against him with the intention of malice or contempt; so he had to be honest with his own response.

She sat in front of him.

Then he said, "But that also brings up my pain and my sister's pain. It will get my parents... and my relatives, in lots of trouble. We could most definitely sue them for aggravated assault, child abuse; physical, emotional, and psychological. It would bring justice which I don't truly understand. I am not sure if that would make me happy or anything. It won't erase the past, nothing ever will. But I know for certain that my sister and my reputation will be greatly dented because of its scandalous nature. It could potentially harm even my nephew. He doesn't know about our past. We agreed that he shouldn't have to know of it, though her husband is fully aware of it. For our protection and pride, we don't want to dig it up from the grave. They can't harm us anymore and we won't let them hurt us anymore. And to be frank, it's nobody's bloody damn business."

Elsa said, "Okay... if that is your choice. I won't tell anyone."

Jack responded, "I would be very grateful if you didn't."

She asked, "Are you going to be okay, tonight?"

He nodded his head in response. He stated, "I always end up okay."

Then the clock chimed to mark another hour passed and they both stared at it as the clock read: 8:00 PM.

Elsa noted, "It's getting a bit late... I should get going. My manager will be arriving any moment now.."

When he heard those words, he felt a tinge of sadness, but he said, "Of course. We have another early start tomorrow, don't we?"

He led her to the entrance of the house and fortunately, there weren't any photographers at the gate. As Elsa foretold, a grey Toyota car slowly drove over to his house. But before she left, Jack momentarily grabbed her hand and he stared at her again. Then he smiled sheepishly and planted a quick kiss on the side of her cheek as he said, "Thanks again..."

Then he turned his back and walked back to his house with a small smile and a slight tinge of blush on his tired face.

I know this was a very short chapter, but I am really short on time. I have two midterms next week and two French essays due. Nevertheless, I hope you had fun reading and I am always expectant to hear from you guys. Cheers. IB.