Jemma's Pov:

It's been a week since Terri came to my school. She hasn't bothered me since and I'm extremely grateful. It's just been relaxed and peaceful.

 Today Jen, Justin and their dad are coming over for dinner.

Michael hasn't pushed the subject but I thought about everything he said in Sully's office. He's right, I couldn't bare it if I something happened to my siblings. I'm not going to the cops just yet. I'm just going to talk to them about everything.

Ding dong. "I'll get the door Love" Michael called from the kitchen.

I fluffed the couch cushions again even though I already had two minutes ago. I heard them all greet each other and walked over.

"Hey guys I'm glad y'all could make it. Mike made an awesome dinner." I said giving each one a hug. I grabbed Jen and Justin's hand and pulled them into the living room.

 Michael stood talking to Danny. "Yeah I love fishing. I'd love to go out on your boat."

I smiled a small smile at the fact that dad is making an attempt to be friends with Michael. I felt a squeeze on my hand and looked at Justin.

"Jemma what's wrong? You looks like you're about to cry but you're trying to keep it in? Is everything okay with you and Mike? Did he do something? I'll beat him up if he upset you."

I laughed an actual laugh at my 10 year old brother's protective threat.

I gently squeezed back. "No nothing like that. Mike didn't do anything. He makes me incredibly happy"

"Then what's the matter Jems?" Jen asked.

"We'll talk about it after dinner. I'm starved lets eat"

I looked over to Michael "Babe is dinner done I'm starved?" I said with fake cheer.

"Yeah Love, wanna help me bring the food to the table?"

I got up "You guys just seat yourselves and we'll be back with the food in a sec." I followed Michael into the kitchen.

He wrapped me in a warm hug and kissed my cheek. "I know you're upset and this is hard for you but for what it's worth I think you're doing the right thing and I'm so proud of you." He kissed my lips and I leaned my head onto his chest. The steady thump thump of his heart helped calm me.

"I know I just feel bad about springing this on them."

He rubbed my cheek. "Everything is going to be okay Sweetheart. They're tough, just like their big sister. It'll be a shock but in the long run they'll be fine. I promise"

I kissed him quickly and stepped back. "Right let's get this food out before it gets cold."

Half way through dinner and all I could manage was pushing my food around my plate. Michael sent me reassuring smiles but I'd lost my appetite. I know it's the right thing to do but I feel guilty. Like by telling them this, I'm some how taking away the rest of their childhood.

I heard a loud clink and looked up at Danny who had dropped his fork and was eyeballing me in his detective way. "I've held my tongue but something is obviously wrong. I haven't seen you eat a single piece of food and we all now how much you love lasagna. So spill it Jemma bear"

My eyes widened and I looked to my brother and sister who had matching worried looks on their faces.

I sighed. "I was going to wait until you were finished eating but I guess you want answers now." I ran a hand through my hair and shot a quick glance to Michael. He leaned over and wrapped his warm hand around my cold one. I smiled my thanks for his constant support.

"Okay so Terri showed up at school the other day and there was an incident that resulted in a... bruised cheek, black eye and scratches on my arms."

At their gasps I paused and looked at the man I knew as dad for almost 18 years. "This isn't the first time and dad is aware of a time or two before this but it's even worse then he knows"

My dad's eyes were glassy and he cleared his throat. "Go on honey."

I took a deep breath and continued. "It's happened for the last couple of years. A slap here or there but nothing to serious at first. After the first bruise I talked to a friend after he promised to keep quiet; I explained what was happening and why I wasn't saying anything. He gave me some advice. As a sort of insurance policy to keep you guys safe I should record anything that happened between Terri and I. I followed that advice and have video and audio of the abuse."

I inhaled deeply again and held up a hand to stop my family's questions. "Last year when I ended up at the hospital because I was mugged.....That was mom. At first I really didn't remember what happened. The doctor said something about the swelling in my brain causing short term memory loss. So I went along with what I was told. A few months later, around the time Terri started her campaign we got into an argument and she slapped me. I remembered....I slapped her back as hard as a could and left."

"She hasn't hit me since then until the other day. She requested that I go perform the happy family act. When I refused she made threats about Michael and Skip. When that didn't work and I stood up to her she hit me. Then I told her about my recordings and that if she pulled anything with you guys or the people I love I'll ruin her."

I sat back and Michael pulled me into a hug. I looked at the faces of my family. They each had shock and anger written across their face and tears in their eyes.

My dad stood up and pulled me into a tight hug. "Baby girl why didn't you tell me? I would have stopped her. I would ha-"

I patted his back as he sobbed. "I know daddy, I didn't want to tear the family apart and ruin Jen and Justin's image of mom. I didn't want you guys to hate me for putting her away."

Jen sobbed and ran to hug me. I embraced her back. Justin slammed his hand down on the table making me jump.

"Are you serious? How could you keep this from us? How could you ever think we'd hate you for what she did? She deserves to rot in jail, not be running this town! We almost lost you! You were in a coma for a week! I cried every day because my big sister who basically raised me might never wake up! You think we care anything about that woman? You were the one who woke up in the middle of the night to tuck me back in after a nightmare and helped with school projects and helped me talk to Callie Mills when I had a crush on her! I cant believe you didn't trust us." He yelled

Michael walked over to him and patted his shoulder. "She did what she thought was best for you and Jen. She didn't want you worrying or suffering. She wanted to shelter you so you could have a childhood without having to deal with things like this." Justin sniffed and yanked Michael into a hug.

We all made our way into the living room and sat down. My dad paced back and forth in front of us then turned abruptly.

"I filed for divorce papers a few weeks ago. Terri should be getting served in the next few days. I had planned on talking to you guys then about who you wanted to stay with but there isn't a choice anymore. We'll go home and tomorrow after your mom has left. We'll pack up what we need and leave."

"Jemma you need to turn your mother in. She needs to be put away for everything she's done to you. If you're worried about it being handled wrongly turn your tapes over to Donald or Jane."

I heaved a relieved sigh when they left. Michael handed me a cup of herbal tea.

"You never told me you were worried they'd hate you for this." He said after a few minutes of silence.

"I didn't realize I was worried about that until it came out."

He kissed my forehead and carried me to the room.

"You need a bubble bath and massage after all that stress." He said walking into our restroom to fill the tub. He came back out a minute later and picked me back up again. Only this time he carried me over his shoulder fireman style.

I giggled "I can walk Sex-Nip!"

"I know you can but I like the view." He said running his hand over my bottom.

"I'll take a bath if you get in with me." I said with a cheeky grin.

"Anything for the love of my life!" He set me on the counter and peeled off my shirt.

We ended up making a huge mess in the bathroom. Soapy water splashed everywhere. He lifted me out of the tub and dried me off then carried me cradled in his arms to the bed.

"Time for you to enjoy my magic fingers!" He said grabbing some massage oil.

"Don't I always" I purred.

He laughed and swatted my behind lightly. "I was talking about a back massage pervo!" He said with a cheesy grin.