The Truth

Chapter 16

-Jack-

The face staring at us was one that I had hoped I'd never see again. Her face is contorted with anger and she grips the handle so hard her knuckles turn white.

"You." she growls at me. I'm unable to form words so I just stand there with my mouth open.

"We were just leaving..." Blake says, trying to push past her. She lets us through but a big, burly man is blocking the staircase. His eyes narrow when he sees me. I feel a shiver go down my back and hope we get out of here soon.

-Cindy-

"I don't think so." he says. His head touches the ceiling and his hands are bigger than my head. I can't imagine growing up in a house with this man. He takes a step towards us and Jack's calming, brave mannerism finally breaks. He whimpers and takes a step back, shaking. I look to Blake for assurance but he looks just as terrified. I grab his hand. I've always had the power of persuading people with my words. If I used all my concentration, I could get someone to do anything I want. Right now, that's exactly what I have to do.

"Sir, we didn't realize your closet was the opening to that myserious staircase." I say and he grunts, not impressed.

"There's no staircase in there!!" he says. His voice is so loud and deep I can't help but recoil from it. I can't imagine what it would be like with him yelling.

"W-well I just..we um.." I falter. Behind me I hear Jack take a deep breath, and a step forward.

"We had absolutely no intention of coming here." he says and I'm shocked at the strength in his voice. He doesn't sound the least bit scared.

"Well the girl and this boy can go." he growls and Jack rolls his eyes like he's annoyed.

"That's going to be difficult. You see, this is Cindy. Cindy Chase. And if you get in her way, you'll remember for the rest of your life." The way he talks with such confidence makes me believe it too. The man hesitates. "I'm not scared of you anymore." he growls and his hands ball into fists.

"Oh yeah?" the man yells and the house shakes. Blake and I shrink away from him but Jack stands his ground.

"Yeah. Now let us go." he commands and the power in his voice is overwhelming. The man reaches out and grabs Jack's arm, but he's ready. His body sparkles with electricity and the minute their skin touches, Jack's dad begins to shake and he collapses on the ground.

"You little demon! What have you done??" his mother shrieks from behind.

"SOMETHING I SHOULD HAVE DONE A LONG TIME AGO." he yells and she tackles him to the ground. This time he isn't prepared and he falls. She begins beating him and I see his confidence slipping. He struggles against her and together they topple down the stairs. Blake and I hurry after them, but there's nothing we can do but watch.

She elbows him in the face and he grabs her hair and yanks back. Wailing, she kicks his shin right before he slams her head into the wall. I scream as her unconscious body hits the floor. I look at Jack, who's badly beaten and bleeding, but standing tall.

"That was amazing Jack." I gasp. He attempts to take a step towards me but he collapses.

"Dizzy..." he mutters and I smile. I don't know how much courage that took, but he finally fought back, and I couldn't be happier.