Much later after dinner Jennifer with Jonathan's help took Janelle upstairs to show her where she'll sleep for the night then shows Janelle where she and Jonathan will sleep for the night. And letting her know that if she wakes up scared all she has to do is push a button and it will sound an alarm to wake them. Janelle nodded her head that she understood but also tried to ask Jennifer to stay until she was asleep.
"Of course I'll stay till you're asleep. Just let me
go change then I'll come back ok."
Nodding Janelle also changes into her pajamas then
sits on the bed to wait.
When Jennifer returns she walks over and unstraps the
brace then tucks Janelle into bed laying beside her
and holding her until she's asleep. Jonathan who had
been waiting sometime decides to check up on how much
longer it will be. Opening the door Jonathan finds
Jennifer dosing beside Janelle so he walks over and
kisses Jennifer awake smiling Jennifer puts her arms
around Jonathan who picks her up and carries her to
bed with him.
In the morning with Jennifer's help Janelle manages to
get a bath before dressing to leave for the yacht and
start the rest of the trip that Jennifer had told her
about.
At breakfast Jonathan says, "I have some errands to
run this morning before we leave and maybe stop at the
office for a minute too."
"Ok darling, if you need to go to the office then why
don't I take Janelle shopping for some swimsuits that
will fit her, she might need them somewhere along the
way."
"That sounds good then we can all go to the bank last
and then get something to eat before we leave."
"Great are we ready then?"
"Let's go."
Max drove them all to the office to drop off Jonathan
then he took Jennifer and Janelle to the store. At
the store Jennifer and Janelle found 3 swimsuits that
looked and fit Janelle good. Then Jennifer took
Janelle to another store where she picked up some
educational supplies to continue teaching Janelle.
Meanwhile as Jonathan walked into his office he
stopped at Deanne's desk to ask, "Deanne please call
Stanley Friesen and tell him I would like to see him."
"Of course Mr. Hart." Picking up the phone and
dialing the extension number to Stanley's office.
A few moments later Stanley arrives. "Mr. Hart you
wanted to see me?"
"Yes Stanley I did, I wanted to ask you if you could
do some research for me?"
"Of course Mr. Hart whatever you want."
"Ok then I want you to try and find out who this girl
is." Handing him one of the pictures they had
received.
"Sure thing Mr. Hart."
"Oh and Stanley don't let anyone know that your doing
this."
"Ok Mr. Hart I'll get on it immediately."
As Jennifer and Janelle came out of the store they
climbed into the car with Max who drove them back to
the office to pick up Jonathan.
"Perfect timing darling I just finished what I had to
do."
"Great then shall we go to the bank, I think Janelle
is anxious to leave for the rest of the trip I
promised her."
"Ok we're almost done."
At the bank Jonathan carried the box in to open an
account for Janelle but had to place Jennifer's name
on the account until they could prove Janelle's
identity. Then Jennifer signed for a safety deposit
box for the jewels. Once that was done they grabbed a
bite to eat on the way to the yacht.
Once on board the yacht and everything was stored away
until later Jonathan cast off to set sail for Hawaii.
"Darling in all the excitement I forgot about one
thing. What are we to do for a cook you know I can't
cook."
"Well I guess we'll have to make do with soups, salads
and sandwiches until we get to Hawaii."
"That I can accomplish. I hope Max checked and
supplied us with food that we can just heat up or cut
up once he knew that we would be taking the yacht."
"Yes darling I asked Max to make sure there was food
that you could throw together."
"Oh you." Slapping Jonathan on the arm.
The next day Jennifer decided to try something hoping
it would work. When it came time for Janelle's school
session Jennifer placed the work paper in front of
where she was sitting, then told Janelle, "Come, sit here in my lap ok."
So Janelle sat in Jennifer's lap and felt Jennifer's
arms come around her. Then Jennifer takes Janelle's
hand and places a kiss to the palm of her hand and
reassuring her that she was safe and no one was going
to hurt her.
Jennifer then helped Janelle to make the letters of
the alphabet, the letters started off being very shaky
then slowly smoothed out with Jennifer's guiding hand
over Janelle's. After about an hour Jennifer put the
paper and pencil away then using tiles with the
alphabet proceeded to teach Janelle how to make words.
Pretty soon it was time to put everything away until
the next days session and get dinner started. While
Jennifer was fixing dinner Janelle trying to help put
everything into a neat stack then Jennifer picked it
all up and put it in the cabinet. Once dinner was
ready Jennifer stepped up on deck to tell Jonathan,
"dinners ready when you are."
"Ok I'll be right there just let me set the auto
pilot."
When Jonathan came down he washed his hands then sat
at the table with Jennifer and Janelle to eat.
"Do you think you can read this book now?"
Janelle nodded her head.
"Ok, but how do I know if you are actually reading it
and not making up a story?"
Janelle thought about that then looked around for the
word cards that Jennifer had used then picked up the
book and placed it in Jennifer's hands so she couldn't
see the words then with signals tried to let Jennifer
know to read it. As soon as Jennifer started reading
Janelle would go through the cards and place the word
card that matched with the word that Jennifer had just
read.
Janelle then stopped her and showed Jennifer the words
that she had laid out.
Smiling Jennifer said "Ok Janelle I can see that you
do know the words and can read this book, but I want
you to come to me if you come across a word you don't
know ok."
Janelle nodded her head then threw her arms around
Jennifer who also hugged her back then placing a kiss
to Janelle's cheek Jennifer shooed her out to start
dinner going and to clean and set the table.
"And if it isn't then what?"
"Well I guess we won't be going to our private
getaway, we'll have to get a hotel room instead."
"Here's hoping for the car then."
After docking Jonathan carried the bags while
Jennifer watched over Janelle and carried the school
supplies. Stepping up to the parking area a young man
walked up and asked, "Are you Mr. Hart?"
"Yes I am, did you bring the car?"
"Yes it's right here." Pointing to a light brown
sport utility vehicle, then handed him the keys.
"Thanks for bringing it and don't forget to meet me
here in 7 days ok."
"Ok Mr. Hart, hope you enjoy your visit."
"Thanks we'll certainly do our best."
Jonathan then put the suitcases in the back while
Jennifer helped Janelle get in and placed the crutches
so they wouldn't hit anyone. Jonathan following the
directions drove to the private rental home that was
hidden away by foliage. With a pool and access to a
private cove for swimming also, and close enough to
several restaurants.
After settling in Jennifer decided to forego
Janelle's studies for the day and take her swimming.
Janelle didn't waste anytime changing into her
swimsuit and heading down to the pool. Wanting to
jump into the water Janelle tried unfastening the
brace herself and finally managed to undo one of the
fasteners before Jennifer arrived.
" Here Janelle let me show you."
Janelle watched very closely as Jennifer finished
unfastening the brace. Then they both got in the
water to play and swim. A few minutes later Jonathan
comes out in his swim trunks to join in the fun.
"Can I play too?"
Janelle looks up and sees Jonathan waiting for an
answer quickly looking to Jennifer to make sure she
was still there before hesitantly nodding her head.
"Thank you." Getting into the pool, "so what are we
playing?"
"Right now we are playing follow the leader and
Janelle's the leader."
"Ok I'm ready."
Nodding her head Janelle dives under with Jennifer
following and Jonathan bringing up the rear. Then
coming up again for air she dove under and swam over
to Jonathan grabbing him by the ankles pulled him
under, and swimming away before he could grab her.
Then coming up Janelle watched as Jonathan came up
again for air.
"Hey what's the big idea?"
"It looks like Janelle just tagged you and your it."
"So we're playing tag now?"
"Yep how do you like the way Janelle tags?"
"Well if I can tag the same way then I like it."
"Ha, good luck trying to catch her."
"If I can't catch her then I'll get you."
Swimming for Jennifer who also starts swimming away
not wanting to get dunked. Jonathan dove under and
swerved at the last minute to go for Janelle but
Janelle being to swift got away. After awhile
Jonathan finally managed to catch Jennifer and kissed
her before climbing out calling it quits for a while.
At the end of the week they packed up to leave and
stopped at a restaurant to pick up some takeout that
would last a couple of days after setting sail again.
Arriving at the docks Jonathan met the same young man
and returned the keys to the rental sport utility then
gathering up everything walked down to the yacht.
Casting off Jonathan set sail for Alaska and hoping
they didn't run into any cold weather before leaving
since neither of them had brought any warm clothes.
Now that there was nothing much to do Jennifer again
started Janelle's sessions for reading, writing, and
also started teaching Janelle some math. Taking
everything slow and not pushing Janelle to hard.
Several days out Jonathan felt the weather getting
cooler and knew that they would need to stop and get
some warm clothes upon reaching Alaska. Jennifer kept
Janelle inside once it started getting to cold outside
for shorts and checking on Jonathan making sure he
stayed as warm as possible too.
Finally arriving in Anchorage leaving all their
summer clothes on the yacht took the suitcases with
them and caught a cab to the hotel. Jennifer
reassured Janelle that she was safe while Jonathan
sign and asked the clerk, "Can you tell us where we can get some warm clothes we
sailed here from Hawaii not knowing it would be so
cold so soon here."
"Sure Mr. Hart," looking at the register. "The
closest store is just a small mom and pop store but
they have real nice warm clothes, just go out the back
door and go two blocks to the right then a half block
left you can't miss it."
"Ok thanks."
Picking up the card key to the room they took the
luggage up before heading out for some clothes.
Following the directions the Harts found a cute old
fashioned building and inside found just what they
needed. Jennifer took Janelle to where the women's
clothes were kept while Jonathan headed for the men's
area.
Searching through the clothes Jennifer and Janelle
found some jeans lined in flannel so they picked out 3
pair each then picked out long sleeve shirts, socks,
jackets/coats, then Jennifer let Janelle pick out 2
pajamas before heading over to pick out shoes. At the
shoe section Janelle looked at all the different
styles then picked out two different pair of soft
fuzzy boots that fit over her brace. Jennifer also
picked out two pair of boots for warmth before joining
Jonathan at the register.
After paying for everything Jonathan, Jennifer, and
Janelle picked out something to change into before
going outside again. Once they were dressed warmly
Jonathan and Jennifer gathered the packages to leave
with Janelle walking between them.
Going back to the hotel for the night and taking all
the price tags off of the clothes and putting them
away Jonathan, Jennifer, and Janelle sat at the table
and worked on a puzzle until bed time.
Arriving at the docks in Los Angeles Jonathan guided
the yacht into its slip making sure everything was
secure and tying up then gathering up their luggage
headed for the parking lot and meeting Max to drive
home.
"Thanks Max for coming to pick us up today even though
we're early."
"No problem Mr. H how was the trip?"
"It was great Max until we got to Alaska then it
became to cold."
"Sorry about that, how about the other matter did it
work out?"
"Not completely Max but we did make some progress."
"That's good."
Janelle let's go in now ok."
Janelle nodded and picked up her crutches to go into
the house. At the door Jennifer stopped Janelle to
talk to her.
"I want to talk with you about Jonathan, I know you're
not as scared as before but yet you won't let him hold
you. You do know he won't hurt you right?"
Janelle looked through the glass door into the house
then back to Jennifer before nodding her head.
"Then can you please let him close and maybe hold you
sometime?"
Looking at Jennifer for several moments Janelle
shrugged her shoulders, then goes into the house for a
paper and pen to write, I'm scared. not so much of him
but of something inside of me. I look at him
sometimes and think it would be so nice to be held in
his arms but then I feel.. I don't know and it scares
me.
After reading the note Jennifer pulls Janelle into her
arms then says, "Maybe you've just been scared for to
long and the only way to over come this problem is to
just let Jonathan hold you."
Pulling back and stepping away from Jennifer, Janelle
walks into the living room to find Jonathan sitting at
the bar with a drink and Max behind the bar talking.
Stopping to look at him Janelle hesitates before
finally taking a few slow steps closer stopping again
just out of arms reach.
Jonathan who had been watching Janelle since coming
into the room wondering what she was about, then he
saw Janelle shake her head and step back so he stood
up and put out his arms, "its ok Janelle I won't hurt
you." Not knowing what was going through her head.
When Janelle saw Jonathan stand up and put out his
arms, something inside snapped dropping her crutches
and taking the last few steps toward him but a few
moments after he wrapped his arms around her she
started struggling to get away, but Jonathan just held
tighter, then the tears came and the struggles slowly
ceased and she clung to him crying. Picking her up
Jonathan walks over to the couch to sit down to hold
her closer and comfort her.
Jennifer watched it all and shortly after Jonathan had
moved to the couch she picked up a blanket and came
over to place over Janelle as well as her arms holding
them both. Several moments later after the tears
stopped Jonathan looked down to find Janelle had cried
herself to sleep.
Together Jonathan and Jennifer took Janelle upstairs
to put her to bed. Just as Jonathan was bending over
to put Janelle in bed she woke panicking until
realizing where she was and seeing Jennifer and
Jonathan knew she was still safe and relaxing cuddled
under the covers and went back to sleep.
"Stanley do you have any information for me?"
"Yes I do Mr. Hart, the girl in the picture you gave
me is one of a set of identical twin girls that were
born October 21 fifteen years ago next week. And the
names they were given at birth are Aurora and Autumn
Goodman their parents Sarah and Jacob Goodman and
their older brother Derek died the same night the
girls disappeared. Jacob had two brothers one of
which has been trying to find his nieces since being
notified they had not died in the fire that claimed
the rest of the family."
"Are you sure this girl is one of the twins?"
"Yes Mr. Hart the picture is an exact copy of the
picture of Autumn the uncle has been using with
Missing Children Inc. Also the girls were so
identical the only way the family could tell them
apart was by what hand they used Aurora was right
handed and Autumn was left handed."
"The uncle who is trying to find the girls, what are
his plans for them do you know?"
"Yes I do Mr. Hart he and his wife wishes to adopt
them as their own. Ah Mr. Hart may I ask why you want
to know about these girls and how you came by this
picture?"
Of course Stanley, a couple of months ago there was a
press release about a Jane Doe. Did you see it?"
"Yes I did what was done to that girl was horrible."
"Yes it was. And do you remember that they said the
girl was placed in a safe house?"
"Yes I do."
"Well Jennifer and I are that safe house, we have the
girl at our house now and it's the same girl in that
picture."
"How did you get picked for being the safe house if I
might ask?"
"Well it's a long story but I'll tell you that while
Jennifer and I were at the cabin and while out on
horse back we found her, and if it hadn't been for
Jennifer and getting her medical help that child would
be dead now."
"Wow that must have been awful."
"It was for us and that child, but to get back to the
original discussion. I would like you to send Eric to
this uncle and let him know that Autumn has been
found, but also see if he would let the people who are
helping her be her legal guardians until she is well."
"Yes sir Mr. Hart will do."
"Hello."
"Jennifer, it looks like we have one week to prepare
for a birthday."
"You found out when Janelle's birthday is?"
"That's right, I just found out who she is, and when
her birthday is, its October 21. I've been thinking
that if you agree I would like to get her a pet of her
own."
"Oh Jonathan that would be perfect the way she loves
Freeway."
"Ok then I'll start looking for the right one so I
might be late getting home tonight."
"Ok see you later, bye."
After hanging up the phone Jennifer walked into the
kitchen to let Max know.
"Max, that was Jonathan on the phone he found out who
Janelle is and when her birthday is."
"So when's her birthday?"
"It's this Saturday the 21st we have 6 days to get
things together to give her a birthday to remember."
Looking out the window at Janelle reading one of the
books she had given her.
"I don't think that would be to hard for you, there's
a very good chance that she hasn't had a birthday
since she was 8yrs old."
"That's possibly true, but I need to go shopping for
presents but yet I can't leave her alone."
"You'll find a way I know it."
"I hope your right." Opening the door to go out to
Janelle.
"Jennifer, I just got back and wanted to know how
things are going with Janelle."
"Oh hi Zofia, she's doing better, but why don't you
come to visit I'm sure Janelle would like to see you
again."
"I would love to see her again, how about I come by
around 2:00 this afternoon."
"Great I'll let Janelle know see you soon."
"Ok see you, bye."
When Zofia arrived at the gate she rang in to the
house to be let in, then drove up to the front door
and was greeted by Max. Opening the door Max let
Zofia in and told her she could find Jennifer and
Janelle out back. Following Max through the house and
out the doors through the kitchen.
Jennifer who was sitting at the table stood up to
greet Zofia. "Hi Zofia welcome back to the states."
"Thanks I'm happy to be back, now where's Janelle?"
"You'll see her soon she just went inside to change to
go swimming. While we wait a few minutes I have a
favor to ask of you"
"Ok what's the favor."
"We found out Janelle's birthday is this Saturday and
I need to go shopping for presents, can you stay with
Janelle while I'm gone?"
"Of course you can." Might I invite myself to the
party on Saturday?"
"Consider yourself invited. Ah here comes Janelle
I'll let her know I have to run an errand and that
you'll be here for her before I leave."
While Jennifer was taking care of getting the birthday
presents and ordering a birthday cake then also
ordering a vegetarian pizza for Saturday. When
Jennifer returned with Max's help brought the gifts
into the house and hid them until she could get them
wrapped. Then going outside to see how Janelle was
doing.
"Hi Zofia how did things go with Janelle?"
"Oh hi as you can see Janelle went for a swim and
hasn't come out yet, but now that your back that might
change."
"Maybe, I forgot to tell you how much she loves the
water and will stay there until she's called out."
"So it's not just me then?"
"No Zofia it's not you, would you like to stay for
dinner?"
"That would be nice but I think I ought to get Janelle
a birthday present as well since I practically invited
myself."
"Oh nonsense you know you don't have to bring her
anything to come celebrate with us."
"But I would feel better, besides I want to get her
something."
"Well ok then, so we'll see you Saturday early."
"How early are you talking here?"
"Oh say 8:30 maybe 9:00 we have planned an all day
birthday."
"Ok that's not to early I'll see you then, bye."
"Ah no sir not exactly Mr. Hart but the girls uncle
and aunt has requested to see their niece before even
discussing where or with who she stays with."
"Ok when would they like to come and see why it is
necessary for their niece to stay with us at this
time."
"They have requested to see her this Saturday stating
that with it being her birthday she should spend it
with family."
"Ok have Eric is it bring them here and put them over
and put them into the Hilton for a couple of nights.
And I would like you to pick them up Saturday about
2:30 pm to bring them to the house and I'll take it
from there."
"Yes sir Mr. Hart."
Leaving to take care of things for his boss. Hoping
things worked out for everyone.
"Janelle wait, Jonathan and I have a surprise for you
will you come this way?"
Wondering what the surprise is Janelle followed
Jennifer down the back circular stairs and into the
kitchen/breakfast room to find balloons and streamers
over the table, and on the table was little pieces of
sparkly paper. Still not knowing what was going on
Janelle took the seat Jonathan held out for her, once
seated she picked up the card sitting on the plate to
see what it said, but she didn't know the word
birthday so turning to Jennifer for help.
"It reads Happy Birthday Janelle, we love you."
Again Janelle points to the word birthday then looks
to Jennifer.
"It means to celebrate the day you were born."
Opening her mouth into an "O" Janelle puts the card
down as Max brought breakfast over. While eating Max
answered the buzzer that rang to let them know someone
was at the gate. Finding it was Zofia he rang her in
and let the Harts know she was on her way up. Coming
into the kitchen/breakfast area Zofia walked over to
Janelle and kissed her on the cheek saying, "Happy Birthday sweetie, here I brought you this." Handing Janelle a card.
Opening the card Janelle read it then hugged and
kissed Zofia on the cheek. Then finished eating her
breakfast, wondering what else was going to happen.
After everyone was done eating and the dishes and
table were cleaned Jonathan asked Janelle, "is there
anything you really and truly want to do or get today
for your birthday."
Thinking about it Janelle nods her head and points
outside. Then gets up to go outside with the Harts
and Zofia following. Finally stopping by a tree
Janelle looks up then at Jonathan to ask for help in
reaching the first branch.
"I don't think you should yet until your leg is much
better."
Janelle though looks at the tree again then back at
Jonathan with a sad face until Jonathan gives in,
being very careful he lifts Janelle up until she is
able to get a grip on the branch. Janelle then swings
her legs up to help her climb the tree, climbing all
the way to the top before coming back down into
Jonathans waiting arms with a huge smile on her face.
Hugging him very tightly before releasing him to head
back to the house.
Walking into the house Jennifer gently guides Janelle
toward the living room, where she finds more balloons
and streamers and a big sign on the wall reading in
big letters Happy Birthday, and underneath are
presents and a cake with candles. In awe Janelle
walks closer to investigate everything then turns to
look at the Harts for several moments before stepping
over to them for hugs and kisses. Finally moving back
Jennifer says, "Do you like it?"
Janelle nods her head letting them know she likes it
very much, but only runs her hand over the presents
not knowing that she has to open them to see what's
inside.
"Go ahead open the presents."
Janelle looks at Jennifer and Jonathan then back to
the presents not knowing how to open such pretty
boxes.
"Do you want some help with the first one?"
Turning to Jennifer she nods her head, so Jennifer
comes over picks up one present and shows Janelle how
to open it. When Janelle sees the fringed jacket
inside she very gently picks it up to look it over and
with tears in her eyes pulls it into her arms to
cuddle it close then puts it on.
"I guess that means you like it."
Nodding her head Janelle reaches for the next one to
open. Once all the presents had been opened Janelle,
in awe at the beautiful clothes, boots, toys, and a
necklace of a hollowed out heart with an opal floating
in the middle, gave each and everyone a great big hug
as a thank you.
Jennifer picked up the necklace looking at it and
asked, "Jonathan why a hollowed out heart with an
opal?"
"The Hollowed out heart is for us darling, we surround
Janelle with protection and love, and the opal is
Janelle's birthstone."
"Oh, that's such a great reminder for Janelle when she
gets scared."
"I thought so." Leaning over to kiss Jennifer.
Several moments later Jonathan says, "there's one more
present for you Janelle but we have to go get it when
your ready that is."
Janelle not hesitating lets Jonathan know that she's
ready now so they all pile into the Rolls Royce and
Jonathan drives them so Janelle can pick out the
present. Arriving at the kennels they go inside and
are shown to a quiet room. A few moments' later 3
dogs are brought in for Janelle to choose from.
"Janelle I want you to pick one of these dogs to keep
as your very own pet."
Janelle looks to the dogs then back to Jonathan
several times before writing on a paper "really and
truly mine?"
"Really and truly yours."
Janelle then kneels down on the floor to see each dog
closer. After a while it became clear to all which
dog Janelle was going to choose. Standing up again
Janelle let Jonathan know she wanted the Husky with
the blue eyes.
Jonathan then made the final arrangements but had
Janelle fill out the papers and told her to write her
name in as Janelle Hart, and the address of 3100
Willow Pond Rd. And finding out from the papers that
the dogs name is Angel's Shadow. He then paid for the
dog. Jennifer suggested they stop at a pet store to
let Janelle pick out a collar and leash of her
choosing as well as food dishes, hair brush, etc. that
the dog would need.
"I guess we could call her Angel or Shadow, which do
you like Janelle?"
Thinking about it Janelle finally decides on Shadow.
Following Jennifer's lead Janelle tried it and found
it was very good and ended up eating 2 pieces before
stopping, being so full she couldn't eat anymore,
seeing that Jennifer decided to wait before dishing up
the cake.
Later just as Jennifer was about to cut the cake the
buzzer sounded at the gate. Max then came in to let
Jonathan know it was Stanley coming up with some
guests.
"Ok Max I got the door thanks."
Opening the door just as they were getting out of the
car Jonathan greeted Stanley.
"Hi Stanley thanks for bringing them." Turning toward
the guests he said, "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Goodman won't you
come in?"
"Thanks Mr. Hart for letting us come, where's our
niece Autumn?"
"Jonathan please, and your niece "Janelle" is in
here." Showing them into the living room.
"Jonathan then, and this is my wife Hannah and I'm
Malachi."
"Ok Hannah, Malachi this is my wife Jennifer and a
good friend and helper Zofia."
"Hello, nice to meet you."
"And this is Janelle."
Turning to Janelle, Malachi starts to walk over to her
but stops when he sees Janelle backing away then
Shadow started growling to keep him away.
"Autumn it's me, uncle Malachi and aunt Hannah."
Janelle who was backing away looked over to Jennifer
for help who didn't hesitate to come over to her and
hold her close to comfort and reassure her.
"Malachi why don't you and Jonathan sit down and have
a talk while I take Janelle outside for some air."
"That's a great idea Jennifer, Hannah would you like
to go to?"
"No I think I'll stay here."
As soon as Jennifer, Janelle, Zofia were outside
Jonathan sat Malachi down to discuss what he just saw.
"Malachi, Hannah your niece is not who she was when
you knew her, she has been badly treated and has some
problems that we are working very hard to help her
overcome. One of which is her fear of men in general
it has taken me months with my wife's help to get
close to Janelle and for her to trust me to not hurt
her."
"Mr. Hart, Jonathan please what happened to my niece
and why do you call her Janelle?"
"It's a very long story but when my wife and I found
Janelle she was lucky to be alive, she had been so
badly brutalized, starved and left for dead. We
didn't know who she was at the time so the nurse's at
the hospital and my wife agreed on the name Janelle so
they could try to talk her back to life. But in all
the time and work Jennifer put in to help a very
strong bond developed between them and Janelle can't
be without Jennifer very long or the fear and terror
that Janelle suffers from comes out.
Closing his eye's for a moment Malachi asks another
question, "Jonathan, exactly what was done to her,
you've said she was brutalized but what, exactly was
done?"
"When we asked the Dr. that, he told us the question
should be what wasn't done to her. And I'll tell you
the same as he told us she was raped, beaten, and
tortured and because of those injuries she has
suffered some brain damage and has to relearn even the
basics of how to read, write, which so far has been
the hardest to teach her, my wife has had to teach her
just to day what the word birthday means and how to
open presents."
"So what your saying is, I'm nothing but a stranger to
her and a man that might, in her mind hurt her?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Maybe your right that she's scared of men, but I
don't believe that your wife is the only one that can
help Autumn. And I believe that she'll do just fine
with us, I mean we are family."
"Malachi your making a big mistake if you insist on
taking Janelle away from us this soon. Jennifer is
the only person Janelle truly trusts."
"I'm sorry you think that Jonathan but I am insisting
that you let us take Autumn home with us."
"I can't do that, I can't destroy her trust that we
have been working so hard to gain."
"Then I guess we let the courts decide."
"I guess we will." Standing and walking them to the
door, "goodbye and we'll see you in court."
"Bye."
Walking outside to the car, followed by Stanley to
drive them back to the hotel.
Jonathan walks back inside and closes the door then
heads out back to let Jennifer know they were gone and
that they would talk after Janelle went to bed.
Standing behind Jennifer with his arms wrapped around
her they watched Janelle as she played with Shadow and
Freeway.