Jessica ate her pizza and sat out for a while.
"Jess! You okay? Get back in!"
Jessica places her hand on her stomach and nods her head. "Something didn't set well with me."
"The pizza?"
"I don't know but I think I'm gonna be sick."
"Well don't do it out here!" Sarah says as Jessica throws up in the ice chest.
"Nevermind."
"Oh gosh." Jessica cries as she empties her stomach.
"It's okay, Jess.." Sarah gets out of the pool and softly places her hand on Jessica's back.
Just then Sarah's mother comes out to check on the girls.
"Girls, do you want to- Oh goodness!"
"She got sick." Sarah says.
"Yeah I see that, honey."
"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Paulson."
"Honey, you don't apologize! It is alright! You just let it all out."
"I.. I think I'm done." Jessica said breathlessly."
"You poor thing. Let's get you inside. I'll make you some tea and I'll call your parents."
"Don't call them, they're worthless!"
"Sarah!" Her mother gives her a look.
"It's true, mom! She needs to stay here. We can take care of her."
"Her parents should still know, Sarah."
Sarah sighs. "Jess, how do you feel? Are you better?"
"A little. My head feels like it's spinning." Jessica closes her eyes and places her hand on her head.
"Lay down right here, sweetie. You're okay. Sarah, did the food make you sick too?"
"No. But maybe it's because her foster parents feed her trash!"
"Sarah Catharine."
Sarah lifts her shoulders and says, "It's true.."
**
Catherine made sure Jessica was okay and called her parents. She offered to keep Jessica but Bill said he was on his way to pick her up.
Sarah sat with Jessica on the couch until she left.
"I'm sorry I ruined today."
"You didn't ruin it. I'm sorry you got sick, and that you can't stay."
"Me too.."
"Jess?"
"Yes?"
Sarah looks around to make sure her parents aren't near by.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Yeah.."
"Do they hit you?"
Jessica's eyes slightly widened.
"I won't say anything. I just noticed the bruises.."
"They've hit me before but it's been a couple weeks since they've done it."
"Jessica.." Sarah's heart broke for her friend. "You have to say something."
"But what if they send me back?"
"What?"
"They already told me I'm not staying with them forever.. I don't want to rush it. Having a home with those two is way better than not having one at all. Besides.. what if I go and never see you again?"
"Then stay with us!"
"Sarah.. I can't do that." Jessica says in a soft voice.
"I don't see why not."
"It's complicated, Sarah. I'm okay. I promise."
"But what if it happens again?"
"Then I'll get through it like I did the last time."
"What if you don't?"
".... I will."
