*TRIGGER WARNING*

Jessica closed her eyes and prayed that Danny and Sarah would be okay.  Jessica knew Evan was a bad guy, but she had no idea he was capable of this.

When Jessica opened her eyes she looked down and saw blood. She gasped and panicked.

"I'm bleeding!"

"We're almost to the hospital.  You and your friends will be okay."

**

Jessica texted her father they were there and told him she couldn't talk because the police were speaking to her.  She didn't want to tell him she was getting checked out as well.  She didn't want him to know what Evan did.

"Mommy, is you bleeding?"

"Yeah honey.  But I'm okay."

"How did you get hurt there?  Did you falled?"

"Yeah. . . But don't worry, I'm okay." Jessica says as she softly rocks Isla.

A few minutes later two very friendly and warm women walked in.

"Hi sweetie, I'm Akeelah Jones."

"Hi. . ." Jessica looked to the woman as she held Isla against her chest.

"Your father is out in the waiting room.  We didn't share any details, but we did tell him you were injured as well."

"Oh. . Thank you for not telling him what happened.  My mom just had a baby today and so he's had a long day and this on top of everything with my sister and boyfriend will just be too much.  . . . Plus, I'm embarrassed to tell him. . ." Jessica looks down.

"The boy who hurt you will get what he has coming.  You just relax."

Jessica nods softly.

"This is Samantha, she specializes in examining young women when things like this happen.  She's going to examine you and make sure you're okay.  I can stay with your daughter in the next room while you get checked out.  You will have to answer a few questions and it may be best if she's not in the room."

Jessica held her daughter tighter. "Where will you take her?"

"We'll just be in this next room.  There's a tv and toys for her to play with.  We just don't want her to be scared about what's going on."

"Oh. . . Okay.  Thank you.  Isla, mommy will be right there, okay?"

"You okay, mommy?" Isla looks up with sleepy eyes.

"Mommy is fine!  Honey, you look so tired.  It's been one crazy day, hasn't it?" Jessica softly caresses Isla's cheek.

"Yeah Mama.  I didn't sleep a long time."

"I know, I'm sorry." Jessica pouts. "Go with Ms. Akeelah, and I'll be right there.  If you want to go to sleep that's okay.  You're in good hands, okay?  No one will hurt you."

"Okay, Mommy."

Jessica smiles softly and kisses her cheek. "Be good, okay?"

"Okay."

Isla left the room and Jessica started crying into her hands.

The nurse felt for Jessica.  She looked so broken.

**

"I first want to ask you a few questions about your medical history."

"Okay. . . Well there really isn't much.  I was in foster care for the first twelve years of my life.  I never really went to the doctor, but I was always healthy and didn't have to go. . . That is until. . ."

"Until?"

"Until um. ."

"It's okay, Jessica."

Jessica lifts her head and there are tears rolling down her face.

"Aw sweetie." Samantha hands her a tissue.

"This has happened to me before. ."

"What?"

"He touched me. . . . I was only twelve years old and. . And he. . He hurt me."

"I'm so sorry."

"It was the school janitor. . I uh. . I got pregnant and it was too late for an abortion so I had the baby.  I of course am so happy I had her.  She's the greatest gift I have. . . That's all.  Nothing else is important." Jessica cries harder. "I've had a cold here and there but I've never been on any kind of medication.  I don't think I'm allergic to anything.  I'm fine." Jessica takes a deep breath.

"Thank you for sharing, Jessica."

Jessica wipes her cheeks and nods.

 ". . . And now it's happened again.  After I finally started to feel normal.  I have the best boyfriend in the world, and I'm afraid to give my whole self to him because of Isla's father, and now. . . I don't deserve him.  I'm so disgusting!  He can never touch me.  I'm tainted!"

"No Jessica.  I'm so sorry this happened to you!  But you are not tainted.  You do deserve happiness."

"I just don't feel like I do."

Samantha was so kind.  She spoke to Jessica and calmed her down before the exam.

Once it was time Jessica took a deep breath and relaxed.

"Let me know if you are in any pain at all during the exam, okay?  I want you to be as comfortable as possible."

Jessica nods slowly. "Okay."

**

"Ow!"

"I'm so sorry!  You do have a small tear.  We're going to need to put in a few stitches, alright?"

"Okay. . . I want my mom." Jessica cries softly.

"I know, honey."

**

Jessica clenched the bed sheets and cried in pain.

"Oww!"

"Let's take a little break."

"No just get it over with." Jessica whimpers.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes.  I just want it to be over." She cries.

"Okay." Samantha nods. "We're almost finished!"

**

"All done."

Jessica softly nodded her head. "I told her to stop talking to him."

"Who?"

"My stupid sister."

"Oh I see."

"Are you happy now, Sarah?" Jessica asked with a chuckle in her throat.

"How's Danny?  Is he awake?  . . . He was trying to protect me."

"I'm not sure but I can see if I can find out."

"Please!  I need to see him." Jessica cries.

**

Jessica sat in the room waiting for the nurse to return.  That's when her father walked in.

"Jessica!"

"Daddy!" Jessica cries and holds her arms up.

"Honey, what happened?  Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"What did he do?"

Jessica nods her head and swallows. "Have you seen Sarah?"

"Yes, she's up and she says she feels terrible."

"She should!"

"I agree."

"I'm still waiting on the nurse to come back so she can tell me about Danny.  Do you know anything?"

"They won't tell me because I'm not his parent.  Zoe just went back."

"I hope he's okay. . ."

Doug rubs Jessica's back and says, "I'm sure he will be, honey.  Where is Isla?"

"She's in the next room.  They should be bringing her back soon."

"Why did they take her out?"

"She was sleepy and they. . they uh. ." Just then the nurse walks in.

"How is he?!" Jessica asks.

"He's with his mom right now.  They just told me he's awake and wants to see you."

Jessica smiles and her heart melts. "I'm glad he's awake!"

"Me too.  I'm sorry if I interrupted anything."

"No, you're okay.  Thank you for helping my daughter.  What exactly went on?"

"Nothing, Dad!" Jessica snaps.

The nurse looks to Jessica and says, "It's nothing to be embarrassed about, Jessica.  You need to talk to your father.  They're going to tell him anyway, they just wanted to give the opportunity first."

Jessica looks down and stays silent.

"I'll give you two some time."

"Thank you.  Can you please bring my daughter back?"

"Yes ma'am.  I'll let them know you're finished."

"Jessica, tell me what's going on." Doug says in a more stern tone.

Jessica takes a deep breath and starts crying.

"It's okay.  Whatever it is, it's okay."

"Evan. . He-he. . . He. ."

Doug knew already.  The way she looked it was obvious.

"It's okay."

"Evan touched me the way Edwin did."

Doug's heart broke for his daughter.  Why couldn't he protect her?  Jessica didn't deserve to go through this a second time.

"He ripped my clothes off and he pinned me down.  I was scared so I grabbed something mom had on the table and I hit him in the head.  That's when the police came in.  I was naked and all those people saw me!" Jessica bawls.

Doug takes his daughter in his arms as she sobs loudly.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there.  I'm sorry Sarah brought him to the house.  That girl doesn't listen at all.  I don't know what to do with her anymore."

"You and mom told her to stop seeing him.  She's so stubborn!" Anger filled Jessica's voice.

"And you and Danny had to pay for her actions.  I'm so sorry."

Jessica cries and holds him tighter.

After a few minutes of uncontrollable sobbing, Jessica calmed down a little, and Akeelah brought Isla in.

"We're back." She whispers.

Jessica wipes her face and smiles. "She's asleep?"

"Yes, poor thing is exhausted!"

"I know, I feel horrible." Jessica says as she hands her over.

Isla immediately cuddled into her mother and a peaceful look spread across her beautiful face.

"Thank you so much for watching her."

"You're welcome!  She's a cutie!  You all take care." Akeelah smiles.

"Thank you." Jessica forces a soft smile.  She then looks down to her daughter and cries softly.

"That little bastard will pay.  I am so so sorry, Jessica.  I should have done something."

"It's not your fault, dad."

"I feel like it is."

"It isn't.  I'm just so glad he didn't touch her." Jessica breaks once again. "I just want to protect her from all the bad in this world."

"You're an amazing mother, Jessica."

"Thank you. . ."

"I wanna see Danny." Jessica looks I to her fathers eyes with tears just rolling down her face.

"I'll see when when you can be released."

"They had to put stitches. . ." Jessica looks down.  She was so embarrassed.

Doug was furious. "Are you okay?"

Jessica looks at Isla and sighs deeply. "I will be.  But I can't see Danny anymore."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't deserve him.  I'm filthy and disgusting."

"You are not!  Don't you ever say that about yourself."

"I don't want him to touch me.  No one will ever touch me."

Doug sighs.  He just wished Catherine were here to help him.

Speaking of Catherine, she woke up and called to see where he went.

"I'm just walking around.  I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to wake you." He said to his wife.

"Well come back!  I don't want you walking out there when I'm all alone in here."

"I'm sorry.  I'll head back.  But I'm pretty far!  I'll be a while."

"Alright." He bluffs.

**

Danny's POV.

"I want to see Jessica.  Is she hurt?"

"Honey, I don't know!  All uncle Doug said is they are releasing her now."

"Can I leave too?"

"Have they come in here and told you you can leave?"

"No. ."

"Then no you cannot leave, son."

"Can I have your phone to call her?"

"Sure."

Zoe hands him her phone and he quickly calls Jessica.

"Hi Danny. ." Jessica spoke very softly.

"Jessica!  Baby, what did he do to you?"

Jessica stays silent and starts crying.

"What did he do?" Danny tears up.

"I don't want to tell you over the phone."

"I'm in room 203."

"I'm not allowed in, am I?"

"I don't care.  Just come in."

"Okay. ."

Jessica hangs up soon after.

"Dad, you need to get to mom.  Take Isla and I'll stay with Danny.  She should stay asleep."

"Where are you going after?"

"I don't know."

"I still have Sarah."

"Just go to mom and explain what happened but tell her that we're all okay."

"Alright."

"I'm gonna talk to Danny."

"Okay. ."

Jessica took a deep breath before walking to his room.

She opened the door and both started crying when their eyes met.

"Jessica."

Jessica walks over to him and softly caresses his face.

"You're hurt all over. ." She says softly.

"Jessie, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."

"Danny don't be sorry.  I'm sorry he hurt you. . ."

"What did he do to you?"

Jessica looks down.  Their hands locked.

"Jess?"

"He. . He. ."

"What did he do?" Danny asks knowing already what her answer was.

"He. ."

Zoe quickly grabs her purse. "I'll give you two space."

Jessica continues looking down.

"Jessica, you can tell me anything.  I love you."

"I was raped again."

Jessica slowly looked up, and the look in Danny's eyes was something Jessica has never seen before.

"I will fucking kill him and my stupid cousin."

"No Danny."

"I'm so sorry, Jessica.  It's all my fault, I shouldn't have let you come down with me.  I'll never forgive myself."

"Stop it, Danny.  It wasn't your fault."

"I feel like a piece of shit."

Jessica looks down and cries silently.

"I. . I. ."

"You don't have to talk, Jessica.  It's okay."

"Danny, I can't be with you."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm disgusting.  You deserve so much better than me, and one day you'll see it."

"Jessica, stop it right now.  I want you and only you.  I love you and we deserve each other."

"I'm trash!"

"You are not!  You're amazing, you're wonderful.  You're smart, you're caring and loving.  You're an amazing friend, and girlfriend, and mother.  You are my favorite person in this world and I love you more than anything!  I'm not letting you go.  I will help you get through this.  I am your biggest supporter, Jessica Lange."

Jessica cries and says, "I'm dirty.  He forced himself into me just like Edwin.  He was so rough with me." Jessica cries.

Danny hated seeing Jessica so broken.  Why couldn't he have stopped this?

"I had to get stitches because he tore me.  How did I let this happen again?"

"You did nothing wrong.  You had no control over the situation."

"Why does this keep happening to me?"

Danny looks deep into her eyes.  He didn't know what to say.

Why did this stuff happen to her?  She's such an amazing person, why did God let this happen again?

Danny wrapped his arms around Jessica and she gently pushed him away.

"No, I have to go.  I don't want you to touch me.  I never want anyone to touch me again!"

"Jessica, listen to me." Danny looks her deep in the eyes.

"I love you.  I love you.  I Love you!  You are everything to me.  Don't do this.  You deserve better than me, okay?  You are amazing.  You are strong.  You are powerful.  I love you and I'm not letting you do this."

"Danny. ."

"You love me too, I know you do."

"I can't love you anymore."

"Yes you can!  You deserve to be happy.  I want to make you happy."

"You have- You Do!  But I can't be selfish."

"Jessica, don't.  Stay with me."

"Danny. ."

"Please?"

Jessica looks into his eyes and once again breaks down.

Danny hugs her and Jessica sits beside him. "I do love you.  I just feel like I'm a piece of shit.  I am nothing.  I'm gross."

"You're not!  You are incredible.  Please don't ever think you don't matter.  You matter, Jessica."

"Danny. ."

"Yes?"

"Please. . Please don't ever hurt me.  I couldn't take it." Jessica spoke in a low voice.

"I will never hurt you.  I swear, I never will."

Jessica sobbed into his chest, and Danny gently rocked her.

Zoe called Danny and told him what was going on.  They agreed she needed to be with Danny tonight.  Both Danny and Sarah were okay but were being held over night.

Zoe slept in a chair, and Jessica laid in bed with Danny.

During the night Jessica woke up multiple times.  She was having the worst nightmares.

Each time Danny would comfort her until she fell back to sleep.

**

The next morning.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Good morning." Jessica sits up and makes a painful face.

"Are you okay?"

"It hurts." She said in a low voice.

"You should have ice!"

"It's okay. Thank you.  I need to use the restroom."

"Okay.  Be carful."

Jessica chuckles very softly. "I will."

**

Sarah's POV.

Doug walked into her room and Sarah quickly sat up.

"Dad!  How are they?"

"Oh you care?"

"Come on. ."

"Your mother is a wreck right now knowing everything that went on!  Danny has a concussion, and your sister is going through a mental crises!"

"What did he do to her?"

Doug doesn't answer.

"Dad?" Sarah's voice shakes. "Dad.  What did he do?!  Oh God." Sarah's stomach turns. "He had sex with her, didn't?"

"The word is rape, Sarah.  He raped her!"

Sarah let's out a sob. "How could I do this to her?"

"You act like you know everything.  Like your mom and I know absolutely nothing and nothing can touch you.  Well how do you feel now?"

"I want to see her."

"I don't think she wants to see you right now, Sarah."

"Where is she?  Where is Isla?"

"I dropped Isla off with a friend this morning.  You have some tough shit to clean up, Sarah.  And I wouldn't blame your sister if she chose not to forgive you."

"I didn't tell him to rape her, dad!"

"But you didn't listen when we all said we didn't like Evan.  Jessica has gone through horrible horrible things, and now this. . . You better pray for your sister because she needs it now more than ever."

**

Jessica's POV.

"I just spoke to my mom.  My dad is going to take me home to shower and change, and then I'm going to see her."

"How is she?" Danny asks.

"She's upset."

"I'm sure it's hurting her not being here."

"Yeah.  What are you doing later?"

"Just busting out of here and I guess going home."

"Is it okay if Isla and I stay at your house tonight?" Jessica looks to him and Zoe."

"Of course, sweetie." Zoe says.

"Thank you."

"Are you gonna talk to Sarah?" Danny asks.

"I have nothing to say to her."

"I understand."

"I'll see you later."

"Be careful." Danny leans in and Jessica turns her face.  Danny kisses her cheek temple and the two hug.

**

After showering and getting a bag together for her and Isla, Doug drove Jessica to the hospital to see her mother.

As soon as she saw Catherine Jessica burst into tears.

"My baby." Catherine lifts her arms.

Jessica holds her and sobs.

Catherine cries softly and rocks her back and forth.

"It's okay.  It's okay."

"It was so horrible!" Jessica bawls.

"I know, honey.  I'm so sorry.  We are all here for you.  If you want to go back to therapy, you can do that.  Whatever you want you can have!  We love you and we want you to know you are never ever alone."

"I love you too.  I just want you to hold me.  We can talk about all that later."

"I'm here, honey.  I'm not going anywhere."

**

After a while Jessica calmed down.  That's when the baby started up.

"I got her." Jessica said picking the baby up. "Hi buddy. . You look so beautiful today."

The baby calmed down at the sound of Jessica's voice. "Is my voice calming?" She chuckles softly.

"It's crazy here right now, but you make things so much brighter.  You and Isla. . ." Just then a thought came to Jessica and she smiled. "I know what I want to do when I'm older."

"What is it, honey?" Catherine smiled.

"I want to work with young girls like me.  Girls who were assaulted.  Girls who feel like there's no point in living.  I know I'd for sure feel that way if I didn't have Isla.  Now I have Holly too. . I want to live so I can protect them.  I want them to know they can always come to me for anything.  I want to do that for other girls too.  I'm not exactly sure what that job is.  Maybe a psychologist or something like that?"

"You'd be the best." Doug smiles.

"Yeah!  I think so too." Jessica smiles.  Her beautiful eyes were red and puffy.

"That's what I'll do, little one.  I'm gonna help so many young girls." Jessica had a smile on her face.  She was full of hope in this moment.