It's Not Over - Chapter 4 - New Friends

[madbottoms]

 

 

Title: It’s Not over

Chapter: 4/? –  New Friends

Genre: AU, Jack/Ennis

Warnings/Rating: PG to NC17.

Summary: Jack and Ennis are reunited following fours years apart after being forcibly separated. Can they rebuild and move on?

Disclaimer: Jack and Ennis belong to Annie. Any original characters I claim as my own.

A/N: We see another flashback into the past in this chapter and meet some of Jack’s new friends. Bit more angst again. Just can’t help myself. Thanks as always to Jodi for the beta.  J Any remaining ‘oops’ are mine.

 

 

 ~~~

 

 

“Open 321,” the guard yelled. A loud click rang out and the cell door slid open with a whoosh. “Well, Twist, this’ll be your home for a while, get used to it.”

 

Jack entered the tiny cell and behind him the guard yelled out again, “Close 321.”

 

The sound of the door slamming was the final turning of the key to Jack’s incarceration. When he’d arrived earlier, he had gone through the humiliating strip search and had to hand in all his possessions. They were a meagre few, since he’d left most of them at home, anyway. Home seemed so far away now.

 

He looked around the cramped quarters and his eyes came across a large figure at the back of the cell. He stood over six feet tall and had long black hair, dark skin and the most piercing eyes Jack had ever seen.

 

Shifting his load to one arm, he cautiously reached out his free hand to the other man. “Jack Twist,” he said.

 

“Rufus,” the man replied as he shook Jack’s hand. “You can take the top bunk.”

 

Jack put his supplies on the bunk and looked around apprehensively. There were two small sets of drawers, a basin and a toilet at the back of the cell behind Rufus, with the bunks against the wall. It was cramped and dismal. But what else should he have expected, a five star hotel? He was in prison and this was as good as it got.

 

Jack felt eyes on him, sizing him up and suddenly he was afraid. He turned around and backed up against the bunk, trapped. His eyes went wide and his face paled.

 

“Hey, don’t be so nervous kid, I’m not gonna hurt ya. I’m guessing this is your first time inside, huh?”

 

“Um… yeah.”

 

“Well let me tell you straight away, don’t ever show fear in here. If ya can’t, well then fake it. ‘Cause if they see it, they’ll show you the reason you should be afraid.”

 

“They?” Jack swallowed nervously.

 

“’They’ are the ones who prey on the weak. They get a kick out of it. Just stay out of their way and…shit, I don’t mean to make ya crap ya pants but just remember what I said.”

 

“Um… okay.” Jack sat heavily on the bottom bunk and put his head in his hands. “Oh god, I don’t know if I can handle this!”

 

“Doesn’t matter if ya can or not, you gotta. No other way around it. You gotta stand it, or you’ll just go nuts. I’ve been here for a while and I know,” Rufus told him.

 

Rufus looked at the kid and knew immediately that he was gonna have a hard time. This boy was fresh and he would be very popular among a lot of the population. He actually reminded Rufus a little of his younger brother. That thought sent a shiver down his spine. His brother had been gone for ten years now and yet he still thought about him every day.

 

“Tell ya what kid, you stick with me and I’ll show ya the ropes,” Rufus informed him.

 

Usually loquacious, Jack couldn’t think of an appropriate response. He was amazed that this stranger would want to help him after only just meeting him. Did he have an ulterior motive? Jack didn’t want to think of what that might mean. Under normal circumstances, Jack would have taken that at face value, but he was in a different world now and if he wanted to survive, he knew that he couldn’t trust anything or anyone.

 

Rufus saw the uncertainty on Jack’s face and was quick to reassure him. “Look, Jack, I don’t want anything from you, okay? I just don’t want to see a nice boy like yourself get into any trouble.”

 

“So…um…Rufus…?” But before Jack could say anything, a bell sounded.

 

“Lights out,” was shouted through the cell block, then the lights flickered on and off and then they were plunged into darkness.

 

“Get some sleep, you got a big day tomorrow.”

 

Jack stood up and climbed to the top bunk. Unmade, he just lay on it and hugged his pillow, feeling more alone than he had in a long time. Silent tears burned his eyes as he wept. He thought of everything he had lost and everything he had done to get him to this place and hated himself for it.

 

He fell into an uneasy sleep and dreamt of strange things. His dreams manifested themselves in the form of Ennis standing in the middle of the road and Jack running him down as surely as he'd done to the poor soul that fateful night - the tragedy that had brought him to this very cell.

 

The dream repeated itself over and over until Jack bolted awake as he hit Ennis one last time. He sat sweating on his bunk and sobbed quietly, not wanting his cellmate to hear him. “Oh Ennis, I’m sorry,” he whispered shakily. “I’m so sorry, cowboy.”

 

But Rufus heard every word and his suspicions about Jack were confirmed. The moment Jack walked in their cell, he had a feeling about him. He was very much like his brother and that meant he would be more vulnerable than others. Rufus knew the statistics about gay men in jail.

 

“Jack?” Rufus said quietly.

 

Jack sucked in a breath and held it. He was in trouble for sure. “Um, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake ya.” Jack was shaking in fear of what was about to happen.

 

“It’s okay, Jack. It’s okay,” Rufus assured him as he stood up and leaned against the top bunk. He could just make out Jack’s worried face from the small shaft of light coming through the small window. “I’m not gonna wail on ya, kid.”

 

“No?”

 

“Look ‘m not gonna hurt ya. But a word to the wise - be careful what ya say, even when ya think no one is listening. These walls have ears and word gets around fast.”

 

“Okay, I’ll remember that. Thanks,” Jack replied quietly.

 

“So ya got someone waiting for ya, then?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“That would be, ‘Ennis’, I take it?” Rufus smiled knowingly.

 

“Um…well, that is… I,” Jack mumbled.

 

“It’s okay, Jack,” Rufus promised. “My younger brother was, well… let’s just say I’m okay with it. Your secret’s safe with me.”

 

Jack understood his meaning without having to ask anything else. But he saw a flicker of sadness pass across Rufus' features at the mention of his brother and knew there was a story behind it. But he was in no position to ask what it was. At least not yet.

 

“Okay, better get some sleep.”

 

“Okay, and thanks, Rufus. I mean it. Thanks.” Jack felt a little better, even though he knew life was about to get a lot harder. At least he had someone to watch his back and even better, someone to talk to about other stuff, someone who it seemed would understand.

 

Jack and Rufus became close friends and Rufus was like the brother that Jack never had. Jack told him a lot of things about himself, many that he hadn’t even told Ennis. He told him about his life growing up, the hopes and dreams he and Ennis had talked about and of course the events that led to Jack’s own imprisonment. He felt guilty about telling Rufus all these intimate things but there was something about Rufus that made him want to share, the way you would with a true brother.

 

Jack eventually learned the reason behind Rufus’ protectiveness. Rufus’ brother had died ten years earlier after being bashed to death on the side of a road in Texas because he loved another man. It was the reason Rufus had been sent to jail. He’d tracked down the bastards that had killed his baby brother and exacted his revenge on them. Jack had cried when he heard and Rufus comforted him even when it was Rufus that had suffered and should be the one being comforted. It was as if Rufus was taking solace in the fact that someone was there to share his grief, because he still felt the loss every day.

 

They talked about Rufus’ wife and kids. He had a gorgeous family and it was sad that he’d already been away for most of their lives, having been gone since they were mere toddlers. He did not regret what he did, only that it caused him to be away from them. His wife understood that and Jack realised Rufus loved her all the more for it.

 

A special bond was formed between the two men and it's what helped sustain Jack through the hard times, to know that someone was there for him everyday and he did not just have to rely on the fortnightly visits from his ‘cousin’, Ennis. 

 

~~~

 

One thing Jack had promised Rufus was to look in on his family when he got out. Although he had not met Ellen prior to being released, he had seen her on a few occasions during visiting hours. She and the kids had been visiting while Ennis had been to see him and smiles and nods had been passed between them. She had a warm friendly smile and when he finally got to meet her, it was like he already knew her.

 

Although Rufus would not be too far behind, if his parole hearing went well, Jack had made a promise, and he intended to keep it. Jack found Ellen and their kids, Billy and Jenna to be wonderful, and he found himself spending more time with them and less time at home. And after a particularly hard day, Jack found himself on their doorstep for the second time that week.

 

Ellen hugged him after she answered the door, “Hi there, Angel, come on in.” Ellen had grown to love Jack in the short time they had known each other. She felt as if she had known him forever from the stories Rufus would tell her and Jack felt just as close to her. It was like Jack had a family in the Roberts’, one like he'd never had before.

 

He stepped through the door and felt immediately at home. He actually felt more at home here than he did in his own right now. He was still debating in his head if it actually was his home. It sure didn’t feel like it yet.

 

“How’s things? Heard from Rufus?”

 

“Yes, his hearing is coming up in the next few of weeks and it looks good. So hopefully he’ll be back home with us soon.” Ellen smiled widely. She was an attractive woman and a great wife and mother. He could see why Rufus loved her so much. And made him wish he'd grown up with a sister like her.

 

“That’s great, Ellen.” Ellen had been keeping Jack up to date on Rufus and how he was doing. Jack missed his friend. But he felt closer to him just by spending time with his family. “What do the kids think?”

 

“Oh, I think they are more excited than I am. I know Billy will be so glad to have his father home. He’s already got plans for the first three months,” she laughed and Jack joined in.

 

“So, where are they?”

 

“Next door playing with the Farber kids. Only time I can get any peace around here,” she sighed dramatically.

 

“Sure, Ellen, you know you love the chaos they bring.”

 

“I do, but it’s nice to get some quiet time once in a while.” Ellen smiled again and then remembering her manners she said, “How rude of me, I haven’t even offered you a drink.”

 

“Oh, that’s okay, no need to feel guilty. But I will have a beer since ya offerin’.”

 

“Coming right up, Jack.” Ellen returned from the kitchen moments later and handed him the bottle, then they settled themselves in the living room. “So, Jack, how’s the farm going? And Ennis? Is he well?” she asked innocently.

 

Jack stared out the window and didn’t answer.

 

“Jack?”

 

“Oh, okay, I guess.”

 

“Okay, you guess. I thought you’d be more excited about. I mean from what you’ve told me before, the farm's doing very well and you said how proud you were of Ennis. What’s wrong?” Ellen was concerned.

 

“I don’t know, El. I mean... I’m glad to be home and all, but each time I feel the happiness begin to seep back in again, I lose it all. And Ennis wouldn’t understand. Hell, I don’t understand myself.”

 

“Have you given him the chance to understand?”

 

“I can’t.”

 

“Have you gone to see the counsellor the prison psychiatrist recommended?” Ellen countered.

 

“What?! How d’you know about that?”

 

“I’m sorry, Jack. Rufus told me. Don’t be mad at him. He made me promise to help you and he knew you would be a stubborn ass,” she admitted with a rueful smile.

 

“I don’t need counselling, just more time,” Jack stated firmly.

 

“How much time, Jack? You’ve been home for six weeks already and I can tell you’re having a rough time.”

 

“Yeah, it’s hard, but what I don’t need is someone telling me I got problems, I already know that. And the last thing I need is to drag Ennis down with me.”

 

“But don’t you realise, honey, that if you don’t talk about it and get some help you will drag him down. And by not letting him in, you’re doing just as much damage to him as you are to yourself.”

 

“Fuck! I know that.” Jack swore, rising impatiently from the chair. “Sorry, El.”

 

Ellen smiled at him patiently.

 

He took a swig of beer and glanced around the room, noticing all the little details that make a house a home, then back to Ellen's patient, loving face. “How do you do it? How have you managed to keep it together all these years, both your relationship with Rufus, and the family itself? And here you are, so ready to pick up and go on, and make it seem so effortless. I want that so bad and I feel like I'm just screwing it up!”

 

“Let me ask you something, Jack. Do you truly love Ennis, with everything you have? And do you think he feels the same way about you?”

 

“Of course. It just hasn’t been easy for me to slide back in, ya know, like nothing happened. And every time I think I can maybe talk about it, I clam up and then I feel guilty and I feel like such a fuck up! Sorry,” Jack apologised again.

 

“It’s okay, Jack. I understand the frustration, I really do. And I’m sure Ennis does too.”

 

“Yeah. He’s being so patient with me, and that makes me madder than hell. Why don't he scream at me? Why can't he just…?”

 

“Do you think that would absolve you, or make things better? It’s okay, honey, you don't have to answer me. Just think on it, but don’t wait too long, Jack. It’s not good to let things fester like that. And who knows? Maybe a good screaming match would clear the air a bit. At least you'd be communicating.”

 

“I know, you're right. But right now, I just can’t think straight, let alone figure a way to make things suddenly alright.”

 

“And just what does he think about all this time your spending over here?” she continued. “He’s got to be wondering about that.”

 

“Ellen…”

 

Just then the kids burst through the door and when they saw Jack, they bounded over and threw themselves on him, tackling him to the floor. “JACK!!” both kids shouted gleefully. Ellen was quick on her feet, grabbing the bottle in Jack’s hand before it slipped from his grip.

 

“Whoa!! I give up.” Jack surrendered under a fit of giggles.

 

And that was how the rest of the afternoon went by, laughing and fooling around with the kids, as well as staying for a meal. It was a wonderful respite from his normal gloominess. Here, in this house, was life and laughter, and it warmed his soul - so different from home. It meant so much to be able to go there and be part of a loving family. He’d been welcomed him with open arms, and even though Ennis had essentially done the same, it was just different. And feeling this way made him feel guilty and ashamed.

 

Jack knew he needed to find a way to open up to Ennis, or he might lose him for good. He really didn’t have to think too hard on what he should do, it was actually being able to do it was the problem. He just needed to do something before he did any more damage.

 

~~~

 

TBC

Comments

[cornflake2912.livejournal.com]

I really like this story, but I feel so sorry for Ennis. He´s sitting alone at home, being sad and desperated. Taht´s not fair. Aww... no... poor boy. Thanks for sharing!

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

It's not fair on Ennis but sometimes these things happens. Hopefully soon things will change.

Hugs

Sandy

[adahleah.livejournal.com]

I am really enjoying this story. I hope Jack and Ennis find some way to communicate soon.It seems like they are nearing a crossroads and they can either go on together or apart. Ennis is being understanding right now but, Jack has to find a way to deal with his guilt. Thanks for the update.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Yes, Jack has to make a choice of which road he will take. The journey may still be rough part of the way though. Thanks for reading.

Hugs

Sandy

It is not over

[argentine65.livejournal.com]

Wonderful characters you created, they are lovable and understanding. But I also think Jack needs help, and urgent. Thank you so much for sharing. Martha

Re: It is not over

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi Martha

Thanks. I wanted to create some characters that Jack could feel comfortable with in his minor estrangement from Ennis. Even though it is not an ideal situation, it's what he can cope with right now.

Hugs

Sandy

It's Not Over Chapter 4

[bmshirts.livejournal.com]

Oh Dear!!! At least Jack realizes he has a problem and he needs to talk about it to Ennis. They need each other so desperately. That's part of the problem. Jack doesn't feel like he's needed by Ennis any more.
This has got to change!!!
Thanks. Carole

Re: It's Not Over Chapter 4

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Realising the problem is half the battle but geting help is the next step. Will he? Jack needs to get some of his self worth back definitley, but that may be harder said than done.

Thanks for continuing with the story.

Hugs

Sandy

[carmenmariabs.livejournal.com]

Both need help.
The problem is that they do not know where to start.
Thank you for this story.
Perhaps Rufus help inside and outside the jail
Carmen

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey Carmen

They need each other and at the moment neither of them is really reaching out. Something will happen soon.

Thanks for reading.

Hugs

Sandy

[torry28.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you gave us some inside about Rufus, lot of things make more sense now about Rufus being a guarding angel to Jack so to speak. He has a wonderful loving family, outgoing and accepting. It is natural for Jack to be drawn to them and feeling guilt because he does not feel the same with Ennis. I feel bad for Ennis because he tries so hard but unless Jack tells him exactly how he feels, how can Ennis know. He didn't go through what Jack did, the feelings of self worth and deep seated guilt. It's like the dream of driving into Ennis and killing him, the feeling that he is in a way killing Ennis by his actions but can't stop himself. Like a freight train on a collision course and the breaks went out. There has to be an uphill to slow down the emotions and come to a halt and rethink his feelings about what he truly wants and if he rally can give Ennis what he deserves. They definitely need help from the outside if it is counseling or just good friends talking.
Thank you for a wonderful chapter and introducing a loving and caring family.And a big thank you to Jody a very important person to you and to us.
Hugs
Torry

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Torry, Torry, Torry

I so love waking up and seeing your comments. They are so in depth and full of wonderful ideas that make me think about so much more. Jacks feeling are very deep seated in him and he is finding it hard to reconcile them.

Thanks so much for sticking with the story. Jodi sends her thanks too. :-)

Hugs

Sandy

[mariez65.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the peek into Jack and Rufus's prison history. And the introduction of Ellen and the children is another interesting layer. It's easy to see why Jack enjoys spending time with them - it's a safe haven from his own feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and a convenient way to avoid dealing with Ennis. And Ellen raised an excellent question - what does Ennis think of all the time Jack is spending there?

Jack knew he needed to find a way to open up to Ennis, or he might lose him for good.

Ahh..if I were a psychiatrist I'd say that a part of Jack thinks he's so undeserving, that he's subconsciously trying to lose Ennis.

Very nicely written chapter. Thanks!

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

It would seem his subconcious is doing that. Jack feels worthless and undeserving of Ennis' love. He knows what he is doing but at this stage he feels helpless to stop it but knows he has to do something.

Thanks for reading.

Hugs

Sandy

[ramona4jake.livejournal.com]

Jack has to talk to Ennis, this is driving ME nuts ! I can understand it's hard on him, but he needs to open up, only communication can put things in order. I like Rufus and his family very much, I hope his hearing goes well and he comes home ! It will be a very good thing for everybody in the long run.
Thank you so much, cannot wait for the up-date !

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

It's driving me nuts, LOL! It's just the way the story is unfolding in my mind. It can be frustrating but someting will happen eventually.

I have the next chapter written and now it's just in tweaking stages. Won't be too long.

Hugs

Sandy

[acquaalta.livejournal.com]

He just needed to do something before he did any more damage.

Oh absolutely!!!
And quick!!

Thank you for the backward glances as well as the insights into Rufus' family.
I am so sorry for Ennis though. Being left out and not knowing what's going on and wrong.

Thank you for the update.
Have a nice weekend, B.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

He surely does need to pull up and let Ennis back in.

Glad you like the flashbacks. It helps to fill in some of the details and helps the story flow.

ALl things eventually come to a head.

Thanks for reading.


Hugs

Sandy

[samtyr.livejournal.com]

I hope that Jack decides to listen to Ellen's advice so that he can get things worked out with Ennis. And I'm glad to know that he had at least one friend while he was in jail. Thank you for this update.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Sometimes advice given freely is not so much accepted. But Jack knows he has a problem, he's just unwilling to really talk about it, especially with Ennis.

Rufus is a good friend to Jack and hopefully we'll get to see a little more of him.

Hugs

Sandy

[tmn1966.livejournal.com]

Oh, my, Rufus's brother was beaten by the side of the road in Texas. My heart went into my throat when I read that. Nice touch.

I wonder why Jack feels it's different between Ennis and Rufus's family? I mean, I totally get that Jack feels guilty and feels like a fifth wheel, but is it because Jack doesn't feel he has to prove anything to Rufus and his family and does Ennis?

Yikes, I hope that he gets help soon. Please fix this!

Excellent story, can't wait for more.

Teri

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey Teri

I thought Rufus' bacjground might be a nice touch in getting Jack a friend inside.

Jack had a not so happy life growing up which I will eventually get to. He gets from Rufus' family what he never got from his own and unfortunately he can't get everything from Ennis.

On it's way to being fixed but the journey is sometimes fraught with hardship along the way.

Hugs

Sandy

P.S. Eagerly awaiting another update of your excellent RPS. :-)

[bbmjack324.livejournal.com]

Thank goodness that Jack had a friend through all that he's been through. So hard and painful. I can understand how hard it must be for him to open up and so guilty he feels for not being 'home'at home. And how Ennis might not be able to understand what's going wrong since he's so glad when Jack came home.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Yeah Rufus took care of him as best he could and was a good friend.

Jack is feeling many things and they are so strong that he doesn't really know what to do.

Hugs

Sandy

[trekfan.livejournal.com]

Jack you have to talk to Ennis about what is bothering you. you can't keep it to yourself.

It's nice that you have this other family but Ennis is your family too

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

He really does. He is just having a hard time doing it. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt can mess a person up pretty bad until it eats away at them.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter up soon.

Hugs

Sandy

[annabuffy.livejournal.com]

I feel bad for Jack because he having a hard time adjusting, but I feel worse for Ennis. Ennis is being patient and loving and Jack is freezing him out. I hope Jack will go home and talk to him before Ennis decides to walk away from Jack.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Things will come to a head soon but some resolutions aren't easy.

Hugs

Sandy

[sweetje.livejournal.com]

Now I understand Jack's true relationship with Rufus. And his family are like Jack's own family. I just wish he could get those feelings back for Ennis. One has only so much patience even with the one they love before they give up.
This chapter was a wonderful eye opener for me. I find that I like Rufus and his family a lot too. I hope Jack has the courage to introduce Ennis to them all once Rufus is out.
I can hardly wait for your next update. I love reading this story. : )
Debra

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey Debra

Jack's need for a family connection is helped through Rufus and is family, but you are right that he should get that from Ennis too.

I hope it won't be too long before I post the next chapter. It's written but needs some tweaking.

Hugs

Sandy

[bbm-lover.livejournal.com]

Hey Sandy,
Great update. You gave the background on why Jack is drawn to Rufus and his family. Rufus was someone in prison Jack could turn to and who understood him and Ellen and the kids let Jack experience family life he never had. Poor Jack is so confused and filled with guilt that he cant find a 'home' with Ennis eventhought Ennis has been doing everything he can to help him.
This line "Jack knew he needed to find a way to open up to Ennis, or he might lose him for good" shows Jack realises the problem but can he open up to Ennis. Interesting build-up Sandy, cant wait to read more. Thanks for a wonderful story.
Jess

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey Jess

Glad you're continuing to read. Jack's need to be with his friends family is something Jack needs and is something he never had growing up. He knows he needs to do something, h just has to find a way to open up.

Glad you like the build up. I hope I don't disappoint.

Hugs

Sandy

[brokeback1963.livejournal.com]

Oh my, I feel so sad now!!! Jack is all confused and hurting, I know, but Ennis is sad and alone at home.....I want to cry!!!

What a wonferful man Rufus is!! I understand why Jack loves him so much!! Living during four years with the same person, sleeping with him, doing everything with him, made Jack feel like Rufus was more important even than Ennis, a real brother.

I hate how Rufus's brother died. I think if a bunch of assholes had murdered my sister, now I'd be in jail too!!

I can't wait to read next chapter!!

Tammy.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi Tammy

Thanks for sticking with it even though it seems to make you sad. The angst is just pooring out of me.

I love Rufus too. I have so much want to do for him in this story but I don't know how that will work out. I think most of my energy will be spent on Jack because this is really his story. Ennis' to of course but mostly Jack as I'm sure you've realised.

Next chapter soon I hope. Stay tuned.

Hugs

Sandy

[haljbg.livejournal.com]

Poor Ennis. He built a home for Jack and him the last four years. And now Jack is happy to be with his new friends but not with Ennis and he will not try to get any help. I am afraid he will not stop to hurt Ennis.
Emmy

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey Emmy

Ennis is silently struggling and allowing Jack his space but that won't last forever. Even the strongest person breaks eventually.

Thanks for reading.

Hugs

Sandy

[fridayblues.livejournal.com]

Hi,
Glad to see the update of this story. I really like Rufus. And I think maybe he could help Jack. Jack really needs to learn to trust more in Ennis and most importantly, trust more in himself. I eager to see where would you lead us :)
Thanks,
xxx

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey

Yesh I really like Rufus too. He took care of Jack and that's a good thing.

I hope wherever I lead you to, you like it.

Hugs

Sandy

[bentgyro.livejournal.com]

This is an excellent story! I love it!
Thank you!
HT

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Thanks HT and you're very welcome. I'm so glad you are enjoying the story.

Hugs

Sandy

[whitelily59.livejournal.com]

Hi,
Jack is feeling guilty and ashamed...
But I also sense confusion, anxiety and anger.
In general, most people released from prison are just not prepared for re-entry into the community.
It will be interesting to see how you're going to develop the storyline to it's full potential.

Thank you,
-Lily

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi Lily

Thanks for continuing to read. Jack is confused. He is finding it hard. I know where I wanna take it, I hope it gets there soon.

Hugs

Sandy

[anneli9.livejournal.com]

This story is angsty, but I really like it! I feel so sorry for both Jack and Ennis. It`s understandable that Jack is troubled and feeling so confused. He needs help, and it`s good that he can admit that, at least to himself. I wish he would talk to Ennis about it though. And poor Ennis, home alone while Jack spends time with Rufus`s family. I hope things eventually will get better for them.
I really enjoy this, you are doing a great job, and I`m very much looking forward to see where you will take it. I trust you to be a happy ending kind of girl.:)
Thank you,
-Ann

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi Ann

I might run them throught he coals a bit but I am all for a happy ending. I think a bit more angst is on the horizon though.

Thanks for reading.

Hugs

Sandy