Allison followed Trevor across the office with an uncomfortable look on her face. It had been four years since she had last been here. She had been appointed her twelfth (?) and final foster home. The office hadn't changed much throughout the years, but she didn't have fond memories of the place. The fact that Trevor brought her here for their appointment told her whatever was coming wasn't good.

Trevor directed her to an empty office and sat down across from her.

Allison let out a nervous laugh. "Did I do somethin' wrong?"

"There's a few things we need to go over," Trevor said, "for one thing, you still haven't found a therapist."

"I'm working on it," Allison said annoyed.

"Allison," Trevor sighed, "it is taking too long. Physical therapy is good for you. It's necessary. Your body needs the exercise.

"Are you callin' me fat?" Allison asked.

Trevor narrowed his eyes. "It is no joking matter. You're sitting in that chair. You can get blood clutters. Do you want to die?"

"I get shots to prevent that," Allison hissed, "and what do I need exercise for? Will it help me get out of this chair and walk again?"

"Sarcasm will get you nowhere."

Allison crossed her arms. "Neither will therapy."

Trevor sighed again. "I'm getting tired to this discussion. Therapy is mandatory and you are going to follow through with it."

Allison rolled her eyes. "Chill. I'm already on it. There's this guy. I was going to visit today." She hadn't actually planned on doing that at all, but it seemed she had no choice now. She wasn't looking forward to it. The guy seemed annoying.

"Really now?" Trevor asked skeptically, "and what is the name of this 'guy'?" Apparently he wasn't believing her.

"I don't know," Allison said, "Kai somethin'. He has an office in the gym close to Dandelion."

Trevor sat back in his chair and studied her closely. "And this 'Kai' is a therapist? How did you find him?"

Allisson shrugged. "Some kid in school fights there."

"Fights?" Trevor sighed and rubbed his eyes. "You know what? Nevermind. Just give me his details so I can contact him about your progress."

Alisson frowned innocently. "What? You don' trust me?"

Trevor gave her a flat look. "I need to know these things, Alisson. You know that. Just cooperate. The sooner you show the court you're getting your life in order, the sooner they'll let you be."

"Yeah, yeah." Alisson sighed. "I'll call you when it's arranged. You brought me here just for that?"

Trevor looked down at the table and took a deep breath. "No. That's not the reason." He turned his eyes towards her with a serious expression. "It's about Vincent. The date of the hearing has been set. His lawyer just informed me."

All color drained from her face and she felt nauseous. She started shaking her head. "No. No, not now. You said it'd take a while. You said I had nothin' to worry about."

"I did not know until this morning," Trevor tried to calm her down, "and it is nothing to worry about just yet. There's still a lot that needs to be reviewed and there's a lot of evidence pointing in his direction." He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Look, Ally. It does mean you may have to testify."

"Why?" Alisson choked out, too distracted to react to the fact he had called her Ally again. "I already gave my statement to the cops. You said it was enough."

Trevor sighed again. This wasn't going to be easy. "It was enough for the initial arrest to get him in holding, but now that the case is going to court, they might summon you as a witness. It will help the case to your advantage, Ally. If he gets convicted, he will go to jail. For a very long time."

If. Alisson shook her head. "I don' wanna see him," she whispered.

"I'm afraid you won't have a choice, Alisson," Trevor said grimly, "I'm telling you this now so you can be prepared. I don't want you to worry. He is still locked up. He won't hurt you."

"You can't promise that," Alisson said, "he has connections." A cold fear had taken a hold of her body. As if she wasn't paralyzed enough already.

Trevor stayed silent. He knew she was right, but dwelling on that now would only make mattes worse and she might even do something stupid. It wouldn't be the first time she'd disappear on him. "I'll do whatever I can to make sure he won't get near you. For now you need to concentrate on yourself. Make an appointment with that physical therapist, focus on your midterms, make friends. You need people in your life, Alisson, people you can rely on." She needed them now more than ever. Because if Vincent Burke really did get out of jail, she would need all the protection she could get.

...

"Back again?" Kai asked surprised when Alisson entered the gym. "Chase isn't here, but you're welcome to use the punching bag."

Alisson gritted her teeth and pushed away her pride. "I ain't here for that."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What are you here for then?"

"Chase said you're a physical therapist," Alisson said annoyed.

Kai nodded. "Yes, I am." He withheld a smile, already guessing at what would come next.

Alisson narrowed her eyes and refused to look at him. "I need one."

Kai tilted his head and waited.

"Well?" Alisson said annoyed when there was no reaction.

Kai leaned against the door and crossed his arms. There was amusement in his eyes. "Well what? I didn't hear a question there."

She glared at him. "You know what I mean."

"Is it really that hard for you to ask for help?" Kai questioned.

"Didn't you take an oath or somethin'?" Alisson bit at him, "you gotta help people. It's the law."

He smiled amused. "I'm not a doctor. And I have a lot of clients. I don't know if I can fit you in."

Alisson sighed. "Look. I really need a therapist. Like now. I don' know where else to go."

He raised an eyebrow at that. "I'm sure there are plenty of physical therapists in the region. In fact, I know several of them."

Alisson gritted her teeth. "They don' want me," she muttered.

It was the most vulnerable he had seen her. He wondered if she was aware of it. "If you tell me what it is exactly that you're looking for, then I'll see if we can put together a program," Kai offered.

"How the hell should I know?" Alison snorted, "you're the therapist. I just need one."

Kai held up his hands in defense. "Okay then. If you forward me the details of your last therapist and the name of your doctor, then I'll pull up your medical file."

She eyed him warily. "Why you need all that?" She didn't need people prying into her life.

He looked at her seriously. "Dealing with paralysis is no joking matter. I need to know exactly what your spinal cord can handle and what your limitations are. We don't want to make things worse."

Alisson looked at him uncomfortable. What he said made sense, but there were things she didn't need him to find out. Or anyone for that matter. She would need to talk with Trevor. "Yeah. Sure," she said, "I'll drop it off later."

"Great," Kai said, "let's schedule you in then. This way." It didn't go by unnoticed that she was unwilling to share information. For now he'd let it slide. He understood her hesitation. If she was anything like Chase, her past might not be all that happy. He looked at her over his shoulder. "Can you at least tell me where your paralysis is located? I can think up exercises for you for next time."

Alisson sighed. "L5," she answered. The doctor had told her she had been lucky in that regard. Things could have been a lot worse.

Kai didn't comment but simply nodded. "Alright. I'll see what I can come up with." He opened the door to his office for her and walked over to his desk. "Let's see. How about tomorrow four 'o clock? That good for you?"

"Yeah, I guess," Alisson said.

"Good," Kai smiled, "you're scheduled in. I'll wait for you to send me your details then."

Alisson sighed and turned around. "See you then," she said flatly and wheeled herself out.

"Hold on," Kai stopped her and he caught up with her.

"What now?" Alisson asked.

"Just your name," he smiled, "I didn't catch it last time."

A wry smile escaped her. "Alisson," she said.

He let out a chuckle. "Nice to officially meet you, Alisson. See you tomorrow. Bring work-out clothes."

Alisson stared at him. "You're joking, right?"

"Not in the least," Kai said seriously. He winked at her and closed the door between them.

...

Tess smiled when she saw Chase fidget with the hem of his shirt. "You look fine, Chase, don't worry." She balanced the cake she was holding on one hand and rang the doorbell.

It didn't take long for the door to open and Zeke let them in. "Hi, come in. Let me take that from you." He took the cake from Tess's hands and looked at Chase. He gave slight nod at his cousin. "Chase."

Chase nodded back and shifted awkwardly. His aunt and uncle had invited him and Tess to dinner. Aaron had also come back from uni for winter break and they thought it nice to have the family together.

Zeke's mother appeared behind her son and smiled warmly at her guests. "You're here! Come inside, don't stay in the entrance. Make yourself at home." She eyed the cake in her son's hands. "You didn't have to bring anything dears."

"Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Reynolds," Tess smiled politely.

"Irene, dear. No need to be so formal." She hugged Tess and kissed her cheek before moving to Chase. She smiled at him warmly and cupped his face. "It's good to see you, Chase," she said warmly.

Chase gave her an awkward smile. "Aunt Irene."

Irene shook her head. "You look so much like Emily," she said quietly, "she would have been so proud of you."

Chase looked down uncomfortably. After all these year, his mother was still a sensitive topic.

Irene placed an arm around his shoulders and guided him further inside the house. "Honey, they're here."

Harrison Reynolds placed the bottle he had been holding on the table and looked up with a smile. "Sit, sit. Dinner is almost ready. Aaron! They're here!"

A head peeked around the doorway, a controller still on one hand. "Look at that. Chase in the flesh. Last time I saw you, you were barely out of diapers."

Chase gritted his teeth and glared at him. Honestly, he didn't know Zeke's brother very well, but he couldn't remember him being so annoying.

Zeke rolled his eyes. "Don't be such an idiot, Aaron."

Aaron pouted. "Aww, baby brother speaks."

"Boys," Harrison spoke to his sons reprimanding, though there was an amused twinkle in his eyes.

"I was just saying how grown up Chase is now," Aaron said, "and with a lovely girlfriend at that." He looked at Zeke. "When are you going to find yourself one, little bro?"

"Look who's talking," Zeke retorted.

Aaron smirked. "I'm dating , Zeke, don't worry about me."

Their father cleared his throat and looked at them sternly. "Your brother has plenty of time to find himself someone, Aaron. There is no need for him to rush things. Don't embarrass our guests."

Aaron slapped Chase's shoulder. "Chase here can take it, isn't that right, cous?" He winked at Tess. "You've got a keeper here, Tess, was it?"

Tess smiled at him. "It's nice to finally meet you," she said, "I've heard a lot about you."

Aaron smirked. "Really now?"

Zeke rolled his eyes again. "Ignore him please. He's a complete moron. It's a mystery how he even ended up in uni."

Tess giggled and Chase huffed annoyed.

The family gathered around the table to eat. Chase eyed the food hungrily. He knew how to cook, but since he lived alone, most of his meals were microwaved or something simple like scrambled egg or mac 'n cheese. The mashed potato, steamed vegetables and roast pork were a welcome change.

"Tell us, Chase," Mr. Reynolds spoke, "how's school? Do you know what you want to do after graduation?"

Chase lowered his eyes and shifted nervously. He wasn't used to small talk and table conversations. He didn't really know how to open up either, and he hadn't exactly thought about college yet. "I'm not really sure what I want to do after high school," he said awkwardly, "maybe find a job at the gym or something."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Donovan's gym? You go there?"

"Yeah," Chase nodded.

"We should go together then," Aaron grinned, "before I go back to uni. I need to keep up with my training schedule and Zeke here thinks exercise is a scary disease."

"I do not!" Zeke said annoyed, "just not everyone is an athlete."

Aaron rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. So you're gonna throw some hoops with me and Chase after dinner then?"

"No, thank you," Zeke said in a dry tone, "I know how competitive you are."

"But Chase is game, right?" Aaron turned to Chase with a questioning look in his eyes.

Chase hesitated. "I'm not really good at basketball."

Aaron sighed heavily. "There is no hope for this family." He shook his head. "But we will go to the gym then?"

"O-okay," Chase said, still a little awkward, "I guess we could go tomorrow."

"Sweet," Aaron nodded content.

"How about you, Tess?" Mrs. Reynolds asked, "what are your plans?"

"Oh," Tess said shyly, "I'd like to become a veterinarian."

"How lovely," Mrs. Reynolds answered, "Zeke here hasn't decided yet."

Zeke sighed. "I'm just keeping my options open for now. There is still time. I have good grades."

"Still, good grades aren't enough nowadays, son," his father spoke.

"I know that," Zeke answered.

"Give the boy some peace, darling," Zeke's mother interfered, "he is right. There is still time to decide. And he has enough extracurricular activities to get him into any university. I'm sure they'll be vying for him."

Harrison Reynolds pointed his fork at his son. "All I'm saying is that you need to have a plan. And a back up plan if things don't go your way. Preparation is important."

"Yes, dad," Zeke sighed. He knew his father would like it if he took up Law. Especially now that Aaron decided to study IT. But he wasn't sure yet if he wanted to become a lawyer. All he knew was that he wanted to help people.

Dinner passed quickly and once they had finished dessert, Harrison Reynolds carefully put his napkin down and turned to Chase seriously. "Chase, I'd like to have a word with you for a moment. There is something I need to discuss with you."

Chase looked at him uncertain. "Did I do something wrong, sir?"

His uncle offered him a reassuring smile. "No, Chase. Don't worry. You didn't do anything wrong." He stood up. "Please step into my office for a moment."

Hesitantly and nervous, Chase shove back his chair and followed his uncle while ignoring the worried looks he was receiving from both his cousin and his girlfriend.

As soon as the door fell closed behind him, his uncle motioned towards a chair. "Please sit."

Slowly Chase sat down and looked at his uncle nervously. "What's going on?"

Harrison took a deep breath. "It's about your father, Chase. A court date has been set. There is a chance you have to testify. It depends on how the case will be processed. It is possible your statement to the police is enough. I just wanted to prepare you."

Chase paled and swallowed difficultly. "Testify?" He didn't want to be confronted with is father again. Fear, hate and a twisted sense of love battled in his mind. He could feel his hands tremble and he gripped the armrests of his chair tightly to try and stop the shaking. Sweat appeared on his forehead.

A hand fell on his shoulder. "It's alright, Chase. If it comes to that, I'll be right there with you. He won't ever hurt you again."

"Is he going to jail?" Chase choked out.

His uncle had a serious expression on his face. "Child abuse is a serious crime, Chase."

Chase swallowed again and nodded stiffly.

"I don't want you to worry, Chase," his uncle said kindly, "everything is going to be alright. We are here for you."

"Yeah," Chase said hoarsely. In the back of his mind he had known this would happen, but now that the moment was there, he wasn't sure how he felt about it. "Yeah," he said again, "everything is going to be fine."

Now he just needed to believe it.