Chapter 34: Turbulent Waters

As the weather got nicer, things got a little rockier at home. John found out through Jr. that Jane and I were leaving. We were not sure how Jr. found out, he must have overheard us talking and put two and two together and came up with four instead of his usual three. John was not upset about me going but for some reason he was insulted that Jane would go. It was not because he cared for her or any altruistic motivation. I do not to this day care to hazard a guess at why he truly wanted Jane to stay, but I suspect it was not fatherly interest. The Sunday, my Mom's day off, it came to a head was a pretty bad day. Jane and I came in late Saturday night trying to avoid Jr. and John.

"It's late for you to be out young lady," John said as we walked in that night.

It surprised us both and we kind of stood there. John thought it was out of respect or because he was in charge or something, I think.

"You are not to stay out that late anymore, understand?"

"She was with me, she was fine," I said.

"No it's not, she needs to be in earlier."

"No she doesn't, talk to our Mom."

"We will see about that. When you are gone, she will have to obey me."

"Whatever," I agreed a little too easily and we left.

Inside our room, "Don't worry, we don't have much longer and we won't ever see him again."

We just held each other that night. John could still scare Jane bad. He always managed to make her feel so vulnerable around him.

That morning as we were eating pancakes John walked in. He was up early and one look at his face showed he was pissed. His body language was very hostile as he made coffee. We figured he would go back to Mom's room like usual, but he stayed and stared at us. Finally, as we were getting up he stated in what I am sure was his best 'I am the boss voice', "Jane will be staying here when you leave for school this summer."

"NO I AM NOT," screamed Jane and burst into tears and ran into our room.

"She is coming with me, Mom said."

"Not anymore."

I walked out of the kitchen and down the hall to Mom's room. I pounded on the door and said, "Mom, come out, we need to talk."

The door opened, and she motioned me in. I walked back to our room, it was unlocked, I poked my head inside, and said, "It's okay Sweetheart, lock the door, I am talking to Mom."

Still crying Jane got up and I shut the door and walked to Mom's room. We sat on the bed, and I looked at her. She looked tired, bone-weary tired.

"Mom," I said softly, "What's John mean saying Jane can't come with me? Is something wrong?"

"Brett, he wants her to stay."

"But why? He doesn't even know her and Jr. all but tried to rape her."

"He says he wants a family."

"No he doesn't, he just wants to control her and I don't trust him or Jr."

"Oh Brett that's not fair."

"Mom, Jane is scared to death of them; she is in our room crying right now. She tells me all the time how much she is scared of them. If you make her stay, I am not sure what she will do.

"Please Mom, you know how much she means to me. We have never been apart. She won't even sleep in her own bed when they are in the house. Just like when she was little. You promised, and there is no reason for her to stay. I have saved lots of money and can take care of us. I have been since I was four."

"Oh Brett," she cried a little and hugged me.

Hugging her back, "Mom, are you sure you want to marry him?"

"He is good to me and I love him."

"Okay, but don't let him take your house or anything. I don't trust him."

"He can't it's in mine and Gary's names. I couldn't even sell it without his signature."

"That's good, now Jane is coming with me right?"

"Yeah I guess."

"Lets go tell him. We need it out in the open."

"I guess you're right."

We stopped at my room, and I called for Jane. She opened the door and had obviously still been sobbing. I think Mom thought she would come to her for a hug, but she came to me. Mom looked at us with a sad smile as I whispered comforting words to my sister.

"Jane, you are still leaving with me, Mom and I are going to talk to John. Come with us."