Don't Jump

Chapter 10

We was all sitting around the table with our plates piled over in front of us. Jackson hasnt touched his food, only pushed it around with his fork, reminding me of hos he was acting this morning. I could tell that Brooke had opened the box because she was trained into her own little world. Occasinally she would glance up and I would notice tears brimming her eyes or the random glance of sympathy. But I didnt want sympathy, I just want releif.

After my dad died in Iraq from a IED explosion I had started to cut. That was my temporary releif but quit when the scars began to acumulate. I had told myself I would never to it again and too this day I havent, and hopefully never will.

"Rylin? Hello, answer me will ya?" I looked up to see Jackson waving his hand around like a idiot. "Huh? Oh I am sorry. What was that again?" He shook his head at me before repeating his question. "I asked of you wanted any dessert." Brooke stared at me in concern but when I caught her eye she looked down and continued shuffling her food around on her plate. "No thanks I think I am going to wash the dishes and take a shower." I spoke while standing to collect the plates. As I went to grab Brooke's half eaten plate she grabbed my wrist to stop me. "Umm I think we all need to talk." She murmered just loud enough for Jackson to hear. To my surprise though he didnt object as they had a mini stare down. Reluctantly I nodded my head yes and turned to do the dishes.

***

"So what did you all want to talk about?" I asked while sitting down on the couch. Of course I already knew it was about the box, but a girl can dream right? To my surprise though Jackson turned on the National News Station. I watched in confusion for a good five minutes before I knew why I was watching it.

There is a bounty over my head.

And was placed by Dr. Emmons. The waco who wanted me to go to Southside in the first place.

When the segment was over Jackson turned off the TV and looked at me. Our eyes locked. Blue to brown. No words drifted in the tense silence, the only noise was the whimpers that somehow managed to break the barrier between my lips as tears cascaded like a waterfall from my eyes.

On instinct I grabbed a fistful of his shirt using it to pull my self onto his lap. I nestled my face into the fabric while sobs wracked through me. Jackson ran his fingers up and down my spine in a conforting way as I continued to stain and stretch out his Daughtery tee.

Over the sound of my cries I could hear distant cries from Brooke, soon followed by the monotone sound of dialing someones number. Brooke hadnt said anything to the person on the phone but apparently her cries spoke enough. Less than five minutes later the front door swung open. The sound of mans boots slapped the hardwood causing me to tense as I remebered the way his dress shoes did the same thing on the sidewalk that dreadful night.

My slight movment didnt go unoticed because Jackson pushed hair away from my ear. "Whats wrong Rylin?" His voice was soft and laced with concern. I shook my head no, not trusting my voice. Slowly I climbed from his lap, careful not to spill the soda on the side table. I used the back of my hand to wipe away the tears that had collected on my cheeks. I held on to what dignity I haf left as I turned to see a tall man with broad shoulders. His hair was a soft shade of blonde, with tints of an off red that somehow still managed to look natural. The look on his face was pure confusion mixed with a hint of concern. On normal circustances I would say he was cute, but the way he held Brooke told me they was anything but only friends. His touch seemed fragile and calming while his eyes held fury directed towards the person to make Brooke cry.

With cautios steps I walked towards them before laying my hand on Brookes shoulder. When her attention drawled towards me, she offered a small smile. She had quit crying a while ago but her eyes still held a hazzy red puffiness. Using her hand she motioned from the man to me. "Rylin, Zachary. Zachary, Rylin." Zachary offered his hand to shake, and I gladly accepted. "Call me Zach." He said looking me straight in the eye like a gentlmen. I nodded my head in understanding before stalking back to the couch. Zach and Brooke following closely behind.

"So what are we going to do?" Brooke asked in a soft voice after we caught Zachary up on the story- of course leaving out the part of my rape and dad considering only Brooke knew.

"Im not sure. Is there anything we can do? I mean other than lay low, and count our lucky stars no one finds out." I said while shaking my head in disbeleif at the whole situation.

Siddenly out of the blue I hear Zach speak-well more like yell from his spot on the floor with Brooke snuggled onto his lap with her face in his neck. "We fake her suicide."

We all looked at him funny asking with our eyes for him to elaborate. "It would be easy for everyone to beleive, I mean she already tried once. Plus it would drop the bounty. We change her looks and BAM! Rylin Swarts never existed." We all stared at him for a minute just thinking through the options. Slowly as if on cue everyone slowly nodded their heads. "This could fucking work! Your a genious man!" Jackson yelled before standing near Zach as they done a bro hug. Slowly I raised up and gave Brooke a huge hug, glad that I wouldnt be caught.

That night after Zach left I slowly dragged myself up the stairs. Without looking up I pushed my way to my bed. With a sigh I threw my self backwards. I heard crumbling of paper followed by something jabbing my ribs. Not caring what it was I shoved it off the bed and burried myself under the duvet, allowing sleep to overtake me.

Once again a little longer to make up for when I missed updating! Vote comment and all that amazing stuff! I would like to thank ForeverYoung414 for the ideas and votes as well as Princessa_Sydney for the votes and comments! And I am really sorry I couldnt build up to this, I wasnt sure how I could so if it sucks I am so sorry.Thanks guys
~Bre