(Flash Back)

Rachel had waited until Adam had parked himself in front of the Telly for the night and Addie had headed to bed before she even tried to talk to Charlie about what she had learned that day. Walking into his room she shut the door behind her before walking over to her son. Sliding off his black headphones, she took a seat on his bed, motioning for him to end the game and come sit next to her. Sighing, he told Ryan he had to go before he logged off and joined his mom on the bed.

"I am guessing Miss Campbell told you what I told her today."

"Oh, honey she did. How long has this been going on?"

"Does it even matter? You don't care when Dad hurts me. Why would you care when I hurt myself?" Charlie snapped, instantly regretting his words when he saw his mum's face fall.

"Charlie, you and Addie are the best things in my life. I am so sorry I haven't been a good mum to you. All I ever wanted in life was a family of my own. I just wish I had chosen a better father for you."

"Yeah, Dad hates me. A day doesn't go by he doesn't remind me."

"He doesn't…"

"Don't lie Mom. It's fine, I don't even care anymore. I just want it to be better. I just want him to stop hurting us. Why did you stay with him? Why do you?"

"Oh, baby it's complicated, adult reasons."

"Which means you just don't want to tell me so whatever. Can I go back to my game?"

"Charlie, why do you do it?"

"Because my life is hell. I never know when I am gonna breathe wrong and get yelled at for it. You can't help me or you get hurt and I learned this is better than crying. He can't hurt me if I hurt myself. Just makes me numb." Seeing his mum tear up he sighed. "You rely on me, I can't let you down. Am I gonna have to go to a counselor again?"

"As much as I want you to no, you know how Dad is."

"That's fine, I can talk to Miss Campbell. She's nice."

"Actually, I don't think it's a good idea for you talk to her either. For now, I think…"

"Yeah, yeah. I know, it's a personal family matter. Don't worry, I won't talk to her anymore…."

"And you won't do that anymore, right? If you get upset or anything just come to me, okay bud?"

"Yeah okay, I will, promise."

"Great, now get to bed, you got school tomorrow," Rachel said as she pressed a kiss to Charlie's head before heading out of his room. She hated who she had become married to Adam. But she had to stay, he made sure she never forgot what he'd do to the kids if she tried to leave him. She knew Charlie was drowning and needed help. He reminded her so much of herself growing up. As much as she tried to shield him from it, Adam made sure he knew just how unwanted and unloved he was. Hell, Charlie's birthday was a few days away and her son wasn't excited. He had learned a long time ago his day just didn't matter. Not like Addie's. Rachel didn't know what was worse, the temper tantrums and the begging he used to have in hopes that year would be different, or the fact now he didn't say a word. It was a day like any other.

Rachel hated it. That was how it was in her house growing up. Melissa's was always celebrated while hers usually forgotten, and if it wasn't Melissa made it all about her. She used to take Charlie out on special birthday dates, just the two of them. That was until Adam found out and punished her for it, making Charlie watch. The next day the new game she had given him was in the trash and he never mentioned his birthday again. Now she knew her extra love just wasn't cutting it anymore. Not when he was hurting himself. It just didn't balance out the hate Adam showed. Rachel knew she should be stronger and leave Adam. She was just too scared. The mere threat of losing her kids was too much for her to risk it. She just needed time, and she'd figure something out. She had to or she could lose one child either way.

"I have a kid, Ann. A child who is thirteen years old. How the hell could she have kept this from me? I missed out on so much of my boy's life, I don't even think she would have told me if it hadn't been for the letter to Philip."

"I know babe and it sucks, but I am guessing she didn't do it out of spite or to hurt you. I have heard the way you talk about her. Chris, there has to be a reason and I am guessing she has a bit more on her mind than your feelings. I mean, she sent a if I'm dead it's my husband letter. As much as it hurts, you have to put your feelings aside."

"I get she is going through it, but how do I not mention this to her Ann? I have to see her every day. I have her son in my class. Our son.."

"Yes and how are you going to tell her you know? You can't go marching in there telling her, you know. What would you even say if she asks how you know? You can't say her nephew and his wife came to you. She is in trouble, we have to do this right. Please trust me on that."

"I know you're right. I don't want either of them hurt, especially not because of me."

"I know baby. You are going to be an amazing father to him. And I am so sorry you've missed so much time with him, I want you to have a relationship with him. Just trust my instincts. We have to play this right so we can save her. At least promise me you will wait until Bolton's friend gets back to us. Let's get a full picture."

"No I know you're right, something is wrong. I would rather wait and get them out of whatever hell they're in. I am not going in half-cocked and risk it blowing up."

"Great, now I have to get to work so can you please walk Sadie before you leave? Don't forget we have his pride and joy. You are going to get to know Charlie just not as his dad yet. You get to be his super cool science teacher who saved his dog." Ann said before she kissed him and grabbed her coffee.

As Chris watched her go he knew she was right. This wasn't about him or even Rachel. He saw how distraught the teen was the day before. He wasn't going to add to that. "Guess it's me and you Sadie, want to go on a walk?" Chris asked, pausing when he heard a knock on the door. Walking over to the door he opened it, smiling as Sadie pushed past him, almost knocking the teen down.

"I was going to ask what brings you by so early Charlie. I think I have my answer."

"Yeah, I'm sorry for stopping over before school. It's my only free time. I watch my sister after school and she's okay, you know, for a little sister … but she can't keep a secret."

"It's not a problem. I don't know if Ann told you, but you're always welcome."

"Thanks, sir, so much. I just missed her so much. Mom said she'd talk to Dad. Make him see sense. She tried last night, he didn't budge." Charlie mumbled, not meeting Chris's eyes. Chris had taught many students over the years and he knew when a kid was lying. This was different though. It was more than lying. Charlie's whole demeanor changed whenever his dad was mentioned. It really made Chris wonder what hell they lived at home.

"Come on, let's get her walked, we can't be late to school," Chris said as he followed the two out of the house, smiling at how happy Charlie was at the simple task of walking a dog. Chris had a dog growing up but he was never as close as his son was with his dog. His son. Those were words Chris was going to have to get used to. He had a son with a woman he fancied years ago. All he wanted to do was bring him home and keep him safe. He knew, however, that wasn't going to work, not with the way things were. So he kept his mouth shut and just used the time he had to try and get to know a bit more about his son. By the end of the walk, he knew his son hated bacon, loved chips, and was basically a mini Rachel. He loved him so much already it took Chris everything in him to act like everything was normal. After picking him up some breakfast, Chris drove them to school. After he parked he handed Charlie a piece of paper.

"This is my number, put it in your phone in case of any emergencies or anything. You can call me anytime and I can send you pictures of Sadie." Seeing Charlie smile before pulling out his phone and adding it right then and there made him smile. While he couldn't be his dad he could be his teacher, one who looked out for him. "Alright, get shifting. You got Math's first thing."

"Thanks, Mr. Mead, for everything. See ya around," Charlie replied before he got out of Mr Mead's car, running to catch up with Ryan. Chris watched him go before heading off to teach his first class of the day.

"You know last night makes a lot more sense now," Catherine said as she looked up, meeting Rachel's eyes.

"I shouldn't have …. I guess I am what Adam calls me on a daily basis now."

"You are not a slut Rachel. Yes, we slept together, and yes you are married. That doesn't mean you're a slut."

"You could never put me down. Remember when that guy you were seeing called me a whore?"

"I do, I put him right on the ground and I would again. Adam is different. I know I can't go half-cocked."

"No, and I know I sound pathetic and my boy is suffering the most for my choices. He thinks I don't care when Adam hurts him, but I do. I left Adam the first time it happened. But he upped the ante. He made sure I knew I had to go back. He was okay for a while and took his anger out on me. Especially after our last child didn't make it. Well, he thinks it didn't."

"You got an abortion then?"

"I did. I couldn't bring another child into this hell that's our lives. Charlie is barely functioning. Catherine, he hurts himself because he thinks if he hurts himself what his dad does to him isn't that bad. Kim knows and you know what I fucking had to tell my son who FINALLY reached out for help? I told him to not talk to her, to not trust her. I can't have her snooping. If Adam found out ... Everyone I love he's isolated me from. I used to see Phil every holiday. He and Michaela loved Charlie. He was just four and he idolized her; they had such a bond. Adam got jealous and made me cut them off. Same with one of my former students Bolton who joined the army; made something of himself. He was stationed over where we lived with his beautiful wife. He and Phil and Michaela were the first to hold Charlie when he was born and actually argued over it like the kids I remember. Adam was off wasted somewhere. Charlie was so loved. I wanted that for him. You don't forget what it's like to not feel loved as a kid."

"I do know Rachel. And it's not too late for Charlie. We can show Charlie he is so loved."

"I don't know Catherine, Adam's almost successfully destroyed my little boy." Rachel barely got out before she couldn't stop the tears. While Catherine was fast to get up and make her way around the desk she paused before reaching out to touch her.

"Can I?" Seeing Rachel nod she pulled her close wishing she had an easy solution. While she was so happy Rachel was confiding in her, the cop in Catherine knew if they didn't do this smart it would go to hell. Johanna, who seemed to be on her mind nonstop since Rachel came back into her life, was a constant reminder of what could go wrong. There were no grandparents to raise Rachel's kids. There was no fucking it up. As Rachel's sobs quieted down Catherine lifted her chin and smiled down at her friend before she leaned in kissing her gently.

A few floors down the bell rang and Charlie rushed passed a bunch of students into Chris's classroom, totally ignoring his warning to slow down. Sliding down next to Ryan he leaned in.

"You gotta help me, man. Miss Campbell keeps trying to talk to me. I dodged her last time by hiding in the boy's bathroom."

"Why are you trying to avoid her? I thought you liked her, said she was less nosey than Mr. Mead."

"I did. I do, but last night my mom talked to me about everything and she said I can't talk to her. I don't think Miss Campbell will believe me if I tell her, do you?"

"Yah not likely. Last year when all the shit went down with me gran and me dad, they really thought I'd give a shit about him after I found out what he was really like. She was always trying to talk to me about my feelings. Anyways, I have a plan. Just trust me." Ryan whispered before he stood up punching Charlie hard. The unsuspecting teen went flying back before he charged at Ryan, causing him to fly across the tables. The two teens went back and forth until they were pulled apart.

"Cooler now, the both of you!" Chris yelled as he let go of Charlie's hoodie. After asking someone to watch his class he followed the two boys. He stood in front of the desk arms crossed. "Well is someone going to tell me what the hell that was about? Miss Campbell went to get your mother, Charlie, and I am sure your gran's gonna love to hear about you being in another fight Ryan. You have been best mates since Charlie got here. So come on, tell me what's up." Watching both boys shrug Chris sighed. "We can spend the rest of the day in the cooler for all I care. But neither of you is leaving until you start talking."

"I don't have to listen to you!" Charlie snapped jumping up. "You're not my fucking dad!" he yelled before he started throwing chairs and pushing tables, not stopping until he felt himself being held down. Ryan was watching in shock when he saw Kim, Rachel and his gran come rushing down the hall. It was Catherine who went in telling Chris to get off him. Once free Charlie crawled to the corner, knees to his chest, not speaking.

Knowing they were going to have to tag team, Rachel told Ryan to head up with her and Kim to her office. As much as she wanted to help her son she knew Catherine had it.

When it was just the three of them Catherine walked over and took a seat next to Charlie on the floor. "So fighting huh? Did Ryan say something?" Watching him shake his head no she nodded as she sat back. "You wanna tell us what went wrong? It won't leave this room."

"Promise? Not even my mom will know?"

"Yeah, I do. So come on talk to me mate." Catherine pressed.

"We weren't fighting, I was avoiding Miss Campbell. My mom said I can't talk to her anymore. I finally trust someone and I can't even talk to them. Just like last time."

"What happened last time?" Chris pressed as he joined the two on the floor.

"Well I was being bad in school, I threw stuff when I got mad and, well, they thought I was trying to kill myself this one time. You see, one time I tied a rope on this really high play structure … then I put the loop around my neck and jumped. I thought I had enough lead. I didn't and my gym teacher had to cut me down. Afterwards I had to see a counselor. She was so nice, my mom and dad weren't there the whole time. I could actually tell the truth. Then some lady showed up from cps and my dad and mom got in a fight and I wasn't allowed back. It's okay though my Dad toughened me up, you know cause only wimps need therapy." Charlie said, missing the look both adults shared. It was Catherine who broke the silence.

"How exactly did your dad toughen you up, mate?"

"Well, he drove me out to this cabin he rented. We'd go fishing there sometimes. This time though he made me stand in the woods and he threw stuff at me and hit me until I didn't cry out for Mom or really just cry anymore. It's funny, Mom didn't save me. Sadie did. He was hitting me and I was bleeding and Sadie grabbed his arm. She took him down. After that she got locked in the house the next time we had a "lesson" I learned though, never ask for help and don't cry. I didn't speak for the rest of the time we were there. He didn't even care, just spent time with Addie. I shouldn't have gone to Miss Campbell. I just realized with Sadie gone no one would save me. Guess I still get scared sometimes." Charlie barely got out before he hid his face in Catherine's chest and just cried."

To say Catherine was enraged at this point was an understatement. She just held him close until she was calm enough to talk. "There is nothing wrong with asking for help Charlie. And I understand your mom said not to talk to Miss Campbell, but she didn't say anything to you about talking to me or Mr. Mead did she?" Watching Charlie shake his head she smiled. "Okay, good. Now you listen to me. I am going to help you all, you just have to trust me and give me a bit of time." She started before Charlie pulled away and stood up shaking his head.

"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep. Michaela promised that too and she left." Charlie said before he started to clean up the room, putting it back together. Once it was he took a seat and just buried his face in his arms. He was done talking. Getting up, Chris walked over to his son and paused by the table.

"I am gonna send the supply teacher in. Just take this period off. You can leave when the bell rings okay?"

"Yeah okay, sorry Mr. Mead. I won't fight again," Charlie said, not raising his head.

As he and Catherine took their leave to the hallway Ryan was walking back down it, looking a bit defeated.

"Mrs. Fleet says I gotta cool off the rest of the lesson then I can go. No detention though."

"Okay, good. Get inside of there and no more trouble, got it?"

"Yeah… so this doesn't affect tonight, right Gran?"

"No, Addie and Charlie will be coming to ours after school, just no more fighting, even play fighting got it?"

"Promise."

"Good, I will be home after work so Charlie's mum will probably beat me there just for fucks sake behave. The pair of you." Catherine said, raising her voice so Charlie heard her too.

"We will." Both boys chorused before Ryan took a seat in the dark classroom.

"Tell Ann I will see you both later. Bolton talked to me today. Apparently, Kenzie landed early and has some information for us about that case."

"Okay, I will tell her. See you later Catherine."

Waving, she took one more look back at the classroom before she left the school. It was a bit cowardly she knew it but it was for the best. She couldn't face Rachel again, not until she knew just how bad it was for her friend. She was shit at doing nothing when someone she loved was in danger. She just hoped in a few more hours she'd have a complete picture. These pieces weren't enough. She needed the whole thing so could come up with a plan to save them before it was too late.

Later that night as she was sitting at the same table with the same people. Catherine couldn't help but shake a bad feeling she had. Finally, when she couldn't take it anymore, Bolton walked in with a shorter blonde woman.

"Sorry, Sarge. We had to drop Mason off with me mum, good news though. Kenzie found something."

"I did and I need to make two things clear. While my boss knows he wanted me to remind you this wasn't obtained in the most legal manner so it can't be used in a case against anyone."

"A case. What do you mean?" Ann piped up.

"Wait, this isn't for a homicide case?"

"No! Kenzie, it's for Rachel ... you know, the teacher I told you about? She helped me so much. The only teacher who totally believed in me. I had to try and help her."

"Oh, thank God. I have to warn you the pictures are not great. Bolton you have to promise me you won't do something stupid. Mason needs his father."

Bolton looked at Phil before nodding. "Yeah okay, I promise." He said taking a seat.

Kenzie nodded before pulling out a stack of files. "These are a mix of CPS cases, hospital visits and police visits. They have visited a lot in the ten years or so Rachel and Adam have lived in New Orleans. He's pretty big there so he has connections. Those connections are why he isn't in jail if I'm being honest. I went all the way back. Rachel had a few trips to the Emergency Room before her oldest was born, then they stopped for a while but started up again when Charlie was about ten so I am guessing around the time her youngest was born. There is one in between the two that she miscarried. The file says she fell down the stairs but the kids were interviewed and said she was pushed. Of course, CPS investigated and the kids changed their story." Kenzie said as she handed one of the files to Bolton and the other to Ann.

"Around that time was Charlie's first visit to the hospital. Broken arm and a cracked rib. Freak boating accident. He was in the hospital for a bit. Again CPS investigated and you know how that went. Then emergency room visits kinda appeared here and there. There was court-mandated therapy, a good therapist got the kids that at least. Then it all went to hell. There was an incident two years ago. The police and EMTs were called out. Charlie wasn't breathing and it was clear Adam had hurt him. They got him back and both kids were finally taken into custody.

Apparently, he thought Rachel was cheating on him and started hitting her in front of the kids. Charlie stepped in and tried to stop him, from what I can gather from the police report and the 911 call placed. Adam locked him in the garage with him and hit him and choked him. By the time Rachel broke in he wasn't breathing. Miraculously Charlie was able to be saved and after Rachel left Adam the kids were given back to her. She applied for emergency passports for both kids, you know, because they are American citizens she had no choice. I found the Domestic Violence counselor that helped her. She was in a shelter and had planned to leave the country then the day before they were supposed to leave, Adam picked them up from school … You know the man who drove his car into the Bayou, Bolton? That was him. I heard the 911 calls and saw the videos. He drove into the water with his kids in the car. They were rescued and he was arrested, but he played the insanity card and avoided jail time. Rachel went back. I am not sure why but I'm guessing she knew.."

"That he'd kill the kids before he let her go." Chris finished as he looked over one of the files in horror.

"That's my best guess. I really thought he had killed her or himself or one of the kids when I got Bolton's call. I am so glad my instinct was wrong. Adam Fleet is a very dangerous man. I can't believe he conned the courts, but he did and I'm guessing that's why they moved back. He was released from the hospital just six months before they moved here."

"This was their fresh start," Catherine added to the conversation. "He just didn't expect she'd have friends and family ready to help her. Can we use the fact that he's not Charlie's biological father to at least get Charlie out you think?"

"Yes and no. I mean, the real father, if you can find him, can petition for rights. But that will set off a domino effect. If Adam doesn't take it well he could hurt Charlie to hurt Rachel and this father."

"No, you're right. We're gonna figure something out to help them all. Because when Aunt Rachel leaves this time he doesn't get to suck her back in. I should have helped long before now. I knew it wasn't good. I shouldn't have just believed she cut me off like she did my mum and Eddie. I should have been smarter."

"We didn't know how bad it was Phil, because she didn't want us to know how bad it was. The question now is how we're gonna help her." Michaela asked the question everyone was thinking.

"I don't know yet, but Ann and I will think of something," Catherine said as she threw one of the files down on the table. She had promised Rachel the night before when she held her in her arms. She had kissed her and told her everything would be okay. Little did she know the scars she had seen the night before when they had made love were only a small preview of the hell Rachel was living. Catherine never made promises she couldn't keep; she just wasn't sure how she was going to keep this one. Needing to see Rachel, she stood up, telling Ann she'd call her. Then she warned everyone else to do nothing until they heard from her or Ann.

Across town, Charlie made sure Addie was busy playing her game on the TV, before he ran upstairs to Ryan's room, locking the door behind him. Walking over to the bed, he dropped the bag of pills onto the bed next to the knife that was already on the bed.

"So what's the plan again Charlie?"

"Tomorrow Mom has some work thing so Dad will be home drinking. I am gonna drop these in his beer ... then once he's asleep I will kill him.

"Okay, and what's my part of the plan again?"

"You just make sure Addie is safe with you."

"You know you'll go to jail or worse he'll kill you."

"I don't matter, as long as my mom and little sister are safe from him. You know he showed me and Addie a gun the other night and said if Mom tried anything he'd shoot us and she'd have nothing. I figure if she at least has Addie she has something. I'm nothing anyways."

"We could ask my gran, she could help…"

"No cops. They didn't help last time, just made everything worse. Look, you don't have to help, just don't tell."

"No I'm in, I'll keep your sister safe."

"Thanks, you really are my best friend."

Hearing the door Charlie stuffed the knife and pills into his bag. Both teens shared a look before they headed downstairs. Tomorrow everything was gonna change. Charlie just hoped it was for the better.