Present Day

Me and Emma walked back to Brooke's house, about an hour after the sun went down.

A part of me still can't believe I just told her the truth about what happened to me, but I think it just...Felt good.

I guess keeping things bottled up wasn't really good at all, no wonder I felt sad for years. I realized I wanted to tell someone else other than Ben about it.

And the person who I've told this to, was Emma.

She seems to believe me, didn't judge me at all. It seems worth it now and I don't regret it.

Emma really cares about me and she would do anything to protect me and Ben. That's the kind of friend we would want.

We protected her before, now she would protect us.

I really am glad I that I have met her, she's the best thing that happened to me since six years ago.

I won't let that go, I won't let Emma go.

Me and Emma went on the porch of Brooke's house and we both stopped at the front door. I turned to face her and she did as well.

Emma held out her hand and put it on my shoulder, "You gonna be ok?"

I nodded and I raised my hand to put it over hers, "Yeah I'll be fine. I...I never really told anyone this."

She nodded, "I know and I'm glad you did. You needed it."

I nodded again, "Yeah I did and thank you."

Emma smiled at me, "For what?"

I let go of her hand and she let go of my shoulder to let her hand fall to her side. I said, "For being my friend and for not judging me. I'll be honest, I was afraid you wouldn't believe me about...What happened."

Emma nodded when she got the picture, "But I do believe you, Jason. And I wouldn't judge you. You're...My friend as well."

I smiled at her and she yawned. Emma turned her head to look at the night sky and said, "Well I need to get back home." She looked at me, "My dad would be worried about me. He would send out a patrolman to fine me."

I giggled a bit, "Well don't want to keep him waiting."

Emma said in a comforting tone, "And remember, if you want to talk or anything, you come find me. Either at my house, or we meet up."

I nodded, "I would like that."

Emma started to trot off the porch, she looked back at me one last time and waved her hand at me, "Goodnight."

I waved back at her and smiled, "Goodnight."

And with that, she whirled around and started to walk back to her home.

I sighed when I watched her walk away. A part of me still wanted her beside me, but hey even friends have to get home.

I put my hand to my mouth and let out a big long yawn. Well I need to go to work tomorrow. Better get some shut eye.

I turned myself around and opened the front door and went through it. As soon as I waked in I bumped into Brooke. We both let out a small cry when we almost ran into each other.

I giggled and she did too and I said, "What are you doing?"

Brooke put both hands to her hips and said in a teasing tone, "I could ask you the same thing."

I laughed and waved her off, "I was with a friend."

Brooke frowned at me, "Oh really? Who was it?"

My eyes went wide. Oh boy, now she reminds me of mother. I said, "Emma Banks."

Brooke stared at me a little bit more and then she smiled, "You might want to be careful with that one. She's the sheriff's daughter."

I narrowed my eyes at her, "What does that mean?"

Brooke laughed and shook her head, "Oh nothing." Then she rubbed her hand on my shoulder, "I was just bugging you."

I grinned at her, "Well good." I started to walk past her, "Well I need to go to bed, goodnight."

Brooke nodded, "Goodnight."

And with that, I went through the house to go to my bedroom. I opened the door and went in there. I closed the door behind me and I started to take my clothes on. I sighed and landed on my back on the bed.

As I stared up at the ceiling, I was thinking about Brooke.

Well she didn't seem so bad tonight. She was actually joking with me. For the first time ever since I started to live here, she was joking with me.

I smiled to myself. I really could love living here in Southport.

So far I have a job, Ben trusts Emma and April, I feel closer to Emma than before and not to mention...I feel like I trust Brooke just a little bit more than before.

I haven't talked to her and her husband much since I started to live in this room.

Maybe I'll make it up to them sometime.

But for now, I just wanted to sleep.

I went under my covers and laid my head on the pillow. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.

*****

I sat down on my haunches on top of one of the buildings in town, curling my wings, the tuft of my tail laid straight out. Just looking down at the streets, making sure there wasn't any trouble tonight.

After today, I decided to just go to town tonight and see if there are any criminals to stop and people to save.

So far no trouble at all.

I sighed in impatience. Well I feel bored now.

I gazed around, moving my head to look at the streets still. Just a few people walking on the sidewalks. I would have told April where I was going, but I didn't want her to worry about me.

After all fighting crime and saving people is serious business.

I smiled to myself. Well Emma came to April's house today looking for Jason. She seemed...Okay as well.

I guess, I really should have trusted her before, just like I should have trusted April sooner.

But there were no hard feelings, no worries, nothing at all.

They really are trustworthy and I'm fine with that.

Just as long as they don't tell anyone about me and who Jason really is and all that, I'm fine with them.

I know I can trust them, I know I can.

I still stared down at the streets, I saw two people, a man and a woman. Walking close together, holding hands.

As I saw them, I had a glum look on my face. Thinking about...Cassandra.

I sighed. I remember that night when I told her how I felt about her. That I loved her. That I...Kissed her and she didn't want it.

I still feel guilty about it up to this day. Of course, she did say she would always be my friend and she never hated me, but I still never should have done that.

Even when she died six years ago, my guilt was only worse than before. Pretty much also because I didn't save her life.

I didn't become Superman and save her. I only saved Jason.

I sighed again. Seeing that couple down on the street, makes me think of her. What it would have been like...If me and her were together that way.

That we would kiss and we would say we love each other. That....She and I...We....

I shut my eyes tight. Oh Cassandra.

Alan....

I'm sorry brother, I didn't save you too. I wish I did, so Jason would have a father.

If I had my way, I would take your place instead of you guys. I would die to save you both. So Jason would still have his family.

The only thing I did for him was keep him isolated, to be alone with me. Because I was a paranoid bastard.

I opened my eyes and had a determined look on my face. I won't do that to him again.

Jason will have a normal life like he was supposed to. He will live like a normal person.

I'll make sure of it, I won't hold him back to what he wants.

I got on all fours and uncurled my wings. Nothing's going to happen tonight. I might as well fly back to April's house.

I whirled around from the edge of the rooftop and made a running start across the roof. I started to flap my wings and took to the skies.

Flying high over the town, making my flight route back to April's house.

*****

I chopped up fish with a big knife. Fish guts spilling out.

My kind of work.

Today was another day at the fish workshop and I was doing my job.

A few of my co workers were doing the same thing as I was doing.

I wrapped the fish I chopped up in a bag tightly and handed it to my co worker and said, "Here's another one."

My co worker grabbed it and he passed on to another worker.

I grabbed another fish, my rubber gloves preventing my hands from getting dirty. I was about to cut up another fish when a familiar face came out of nowhere.

It was April.

I smiled at her when she shown up, "Hey girl, what's up?"

April smiled back, "Just here to pick up some fish." Then she whispered, "For you know who."

I nodded and whispered, "Let me guess, Ben wants some fish?"

She nodded, "Oh yeah, he's kinda hungry and he wants some. Since you didn't bring any the other day."

I shrugged, "So which fish does he want?"

She pointed, "Just a couple of those. I'm sure, he'll skin them off with his claws."

I nodded and picked a couple of the fish she wanted and wrapped them up tightly an handed them over to her. I said, "That'll be ten dollars."

April reached into her pocket and got her money out. She handed it to me and I got it.

April took the fish and waved at me, "See you later, and I'll tell Ben you said hello." 

I waved back, "See you around." April then left with the fish.

I smiled to myself after she left, I hummed. Ben will surely enjoy the fish.

*****

I left the market earlier today than I thought. Thanks to Jordan, she took my place.

Well at least I'll have the afternoon off.

I walked on the sidewalk, thinking about taking a nap after a long morning at work. I hope dad is not home early today either, I don't want him to give me a lecture about me not taking that stun gun.

I kinda don't like carrying that thing around. I don't like weapons all that much.

Except for dad, he would carry a gun all the time and not worry about it. Me? Well I wouldn't.

I kept taking fast strides back to my house, when a voice stopped me, "Emma!"

I stopped in my tracks and whirled around to face the person. I had a angry and annoyed look on my face.

Oh come on! Not him!

My ex boyfriend Jared, came running after me. What does he want now? I told him before on the freakin phone I didn't want to talk to him!

Jared was taking slow deep breaths when he ran too fast. He lowered his body and put his hands to his knees, looking down at the ground, catching his breath.

I put my hands to my hips and asked with an annoyed tone, "What do you want now, Jared?"

Jared let out a huff and he finally stood straight and smiled at me. He said, "I came to talk to you."

I glared at him, "What is it you want to talk about? We have already talked and I don't want to see you again."

Jared's face went wide and he pleaded, "Emma please, I want you back."

I rolled my eyes and sarcastically asked, "I thought you wanted Dana, or another girl that's prettier than me."

Jared took a step toward me, "I'm sorry Emma. But I do want you back. I really...Miss you." Then he put his hands on my shoulders.

I brushed him off and said, "How many times do I have to tell you? I DON'T WANT YOU ANYMORE, so quit stalking me. We're through, DONE, got it?"

Jared then narrowed his eyes at me, "Well maybe I don't want you to go. Maybe I want you back right now."

I let out a frustrated growl, "Oh my god, I'm tired of this shit. I wish I didn't go out with you. You are a cheater and a liar, and I don't like you."

Jared suddenly sneered at me, "Well guys cheat all the time! It's not a big deal."

I shouted at him, "Not a big deal?! It is a big deal! Guys don't do that to someone that they love. They always be with the person they care about, not cheat on them."

Jared said, "You know what your problem is?" He pointed at me, "Your problem is YOU."

My face went wide with surprise and I sneered, "What?!"

"You are so tight and wound, you can't see past your emotional issues."

My jaw dropped. I can't believe it. He's such a narcissistic asshole. He's blaming his problems on me now!

Because I rejected him, he's going to make me feel guilty.

Jared went on when he lowered his hand, "You are so judgmental just like your father. It's no wonder you're the sheriff's daughter. Because you are so blind to true love, you can't see straight."

Jared then pointed a accusing finger at me, "The only reason why I left you for Dana, is because of you."

I know what he was doing and that got to me a bit.

He said, "You are a disgrace of a girlfriend and I don't like your attitude. After all, the only reason why I wanted you in the first place." He had a sly grin, "It's because you looked pretty hot and I like that ass of yours."

I glared at him, "You...Asshole."

Jared then raised his arms and said, "Well aren't we all assholes?" Then he let his arms drop to his sides and said  with smugness in his voice, "Guys cheat all the damn time and that's no big deal. After all some couples do that for excitement. Maybe I want some fucking excitement, I can have any girl that I want."

I sneered, "Not ME. I don't cheat on people that I care about. And what you did was NOT true love. What you did was horrible, what you're thinking is horrible."

Jared shot back, "Well that's YOUR fault, you slut. You drive people away."

I shouted angrily, "I'm a slut?! I drive people away!? You're just a man whore! You think cheating is ok, but its not! You think you can do whatever you want, but you can't! You never loved me and I hate you for it! You USED ME! You used me to get what you want! You narcissist!"

Then without hesitation, he slapped me across the face. Hard enough to knock me to the ground. I started to cry immediately.

Jared said to me with his eyes narrowed, hate and malice in his voice, "NO, YOU'RE THE WHORE." And with that he left me alone, taking fast strides away from me.

I got up on my feet after he left, tears falling down my face. I wiped them off with my arm.

I don't believe it.

He used me for pleasure, he never cared about me at all while we dated.

He just pretended to care about me, trying to get back together with me. Then I would bet he would leave me again.

That's the kind of person I was with and I didn't know it, until now.

I can't believe I...I liked him.

He never loved me!

After I just stood there, I ran back home, with my hands in my face.

*****

I trotted to Emma's house, after I got back to Brooke's house after work. I took a shower after I got home and now here I am heading to Emma's.

I had a smile to my face. What I'm planning to do with Emma is, me and her are going to April's house to hand with Ben. April is probably with him right now.

Just the four of us hanging alone together outside of town, that would be great.

Ben always hung out with me alone all the time before we came here. Now it'll be with me, Emma, and April.

I continued to walk to her house, I could see it in the distance. When I got close to the porch, I saw someone sitting on a chair.

I could hear someone sobbing, and I had a concerned look on my face. I got on the porch and I knew who's crying. I sucked in a breath.

Emma.

Emma had her face buried in her lap, crying.

I said to her with concern in my voice, "Emma?"

She looked up, her face wet with tears. Emma said, "Jason...What are you doing here?"

I took a step toward her, "Curious to see what's wrong with you." Then I shrugged, "So what's wrong?"

Emma looked down at her feet, "Nothing's wrong." She waved me off without looking at me, "Just go away."

I shook my head and said with assurance, "Emma, I'm trying to help you. I don't want to see you cry."

Emma said, "Well I am crying right now. So what can you do?"

I said, "Emma, tell me what happened. Please...Talk to me. Did someone hurt you?"

Emma didn't move her head, and without hesitation she muttered, "Yes."

I changed my expression to anger, "Who?"

Emma sighed, "My ex boyfriend, Jared. He...Slapped me."

I could see now that her cheek is red a little bit. I took one more step toward her and I kneeled down in front of her with a concerned expression, "Why?"

She finally gazed at me and asked, "What does it matter? It's okay, I'm fine."

I laid my hand on her lap, comforting her, "No, it's not okay. It's not okay for him to hit you."

She said with a glare, "Well he did! And you know something else? He never cared about me at all. He only used me for pleasure, not for love. He's such a narcissist. He...He never loved me."

I had a pity look on my face, "Emma..." Then I asked, "Is your dad home? The sheriff? Maybe he could help."

She shook her head, "No and it doesn't matter, he doesn't pay any attention to me at all."

I frowned at her, "What do you mean?"

She huffed, "All he does is pay attention to his job. I know he was worried about me when I was almost raped, but it's part of his job. He doesn't listen to me too well, and he would think it's all a bunch of drama. Besides that, there's not a lot of evidence to support my claim that Jared hit me."

Emma sighed, "My dad hardly ever talks to me. He never listens to me, and what would my mother do? She can't do anything about it. My mother always took his side."

Emma closed her eyes, "The truth is...I sometimes hate my dad, for not being with me like a father should be. Not to mention he's so intimidating."

I just stared at her and said, "I'm sorry."

Emma opened her eyes and nodded, "Normally I'm not this emotional, but when you have wasted one year of your life with this one guy that you've thought he loved you and you find out he never loved you the way you hoped for at all. That's sad and infuriating."

Emma took her gaze away from me, "I feel like I can't talk to anyone right now. Well April I guess, but she has no idea. She wouldn't understand what I went through."

I gave her a comforting smile, "No, I think she would. She's a girl like you, I'm sure she could relate."

Emma giggled a bit, "But she was never slapped before, so how could she relate to that?"

I shook my head feeling very sorry for her, "I don't know."

She started to cry again, "Jason...I hate my life now."

I looked in her eyes, "Don't say that. You still have a long life to live for. Someone will come around for you."

She asked with a sob, "Who? What guy would want a gullible bitch like me? I'm such a sucker."

I shook my head again, "You're not gullible and you're not a sucker. You're smarter than you think."

She shrugged, "Well my dream was to have the perfect boyfriend, and now...I don't think there is. There is no prince charming."

Emma asked me with a trembling voice, "Jason?"

I nodded, "Yeah?"

"Did you ever....Like someone? Did you want to be with a girl once?"

That question surprised me a little bit, but I didn't show it. I simply answered, "Yes."

She just stared at me and I went on, "Before mom and dad died, I liked this girl in school. But I...Never had a chance to talk to her. Tell her how I feel, all that. When mom and dad died, and what happened afterwards, I never had a chance."

She still stared at me and I said, "Emma listen, you can't let just one guy get to you. He's not worth it."

Emma muttered, "I wish I never lived here in this town. Sometimes I wish I belonged...Somewhere else."

My eyes went wide. Emma...

Emma sobbed, "Jason...Sometimes in my life, I feel like I don't belong here. I wish I wasn't the sheriff's daughter. I wish THIS hasn't happened to me."

Then I asked, "So what about me? What about Ben?"

She giggled, "Oh I'm glad I met you guys. You guys are the most exciting things I've met here so far."

I giggled at that, "Thanks for the compliment."

She changed her expression back to sadness, she looked down at her feet again, "I don't know what to do anymore."

I gripped her leg and said, "I'll help you. If you would let me."

Emma looked at me. Right at my eyes, "Jason."

I said to her, "I would help you, no matter what it is. If anyone hurts you like that again, I'll hurt them for you. I don't tolerate this kind of crap." I sighed, "And I don't tolerate anyone hurting someone like you."

Her expression was still the same and I narrowed my eyes at her, "I don't just say it, I MEAN IT."

Emma finally slowly smiled at me since I came here, "Thank you, Jason."

"I care about what everyone feels. I care about everyone's happiness. That's why I became a hero and that's why Ben became a hero too. Because we care about what anyone would think. We would fight when the cops wouldn't. We always did. And I care about how you feel."

Emma then wrapped her arms around me for a hug and said while burying her face into my chest, "Thank you."

I had a surprised look and I returned the hug, holding her tight.

I care about you, Emma.

I won't let anyone hurt you again.

I promise.

She pulled herself away and looked at my face, with that smile.

I smiled back and said, "Hey Emma, I have an idea how to cheer you up."

She frowned and sniffed her nose, "What?"

*****

Me and Emma were now near Ben. Getting ready to ride on his back.

After everything she told me, I decided to take her to Ben so we would go flying. THAT would cheer her up.

Right now it's nighttime, and here we are with Ben. Just a mile near April's house. Don't want to wake her up from her sleep.

Ben yawned a bit and shook his head, "Well guys you know I'm a bit tired and it's night now. April's asleep, and I should be too."

I shot a glare at him, "Ben, I just told you what happened with Emma. She needs some cheering up."

Ben's eyes went wide and he nodded, "Sorry about that. I was taking a nap to when you guys got here."

Emma said with uncertainty, "Jason, I don't like this. I never did this before."

Ben looked at her and grinned, "Don't worry, it's easier than you think. Just tuck in your legs and hold tight."

I said to her, "Exactly and I'll ride with you, you just had to hold tight to me."

Emma just looked at me and nodded, "Well...Ok. I trust you guys."

Ben nodded, "That's good. Now hop on and hang on."

I got real close to Ben and I grabbed his feathers and swung myself onto his back. I looked down at Emma and held out a hand for her, "Come on, you can do it."

Emma reached out her hand to grab mine, then I pulled her up until she sat behind me.

Soon she settled in and wrapped her hands around my body. I looked over my shoulder at her and asked, "Are you ready for this?"

Emma nodded, "I am nervous, but I'm ready."

I smiled and nodded. I looked at Ben now and said to him, "Alright big guy, lets do it." Then I grabbed ahold of his feathers.

Ben said, "Roger that!" Then he started to flap his wings and we were off the ground, until we were over the trees.

Emma gasped and held her grip tighter around me, laying her head on my back.

Then she shrieked in fright when Ben flew forward with a burst of speed. He flapped his wings against the wind and we flew higher.

I laughed out loud after Emma shrieked. She'll grow out of that quite soon.

I looked down at the ground. It's a good view up here.

I hollered at Emma, "Hey Emma, you like this?!"

Emma hollered back, "I'm still scared!"

I said, "Don't be afraid Emma! Just open your eyes! Are they open?!" I looked over my shoulder, her head is still close to my back.

Emma slowly got her head off of me and looked at me. I said, "Don't worry Emma! Just look at the view! You'll love it!"

Emma hesitated to look and she slowly turned her head to look at the view. She gasped in shock and awe.

I smiled at her and she hollered over the wind, "It's beautiful up here!" Then she looked at me and smiled at me.

I nodded and looked ahead.

Emma cried out happily over the wind, "YAY!!!!"

I raised my arm in the air and cried out as well, "WOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Ben then let out a high pitched eagle scream, as he continued to fly.

I grinned to myself.

I knew you would be happy up here Emma. I know how that feels.

I will always make you happy Emma.

I know I will.

Mom, dad, if it wasn't for your deaths, me and Ben wouldn't be here.

There really was a reason why we came here. And I now know the reason.

I hope you guys know that...I'm happy and so is Ben.

Goodnight guys.

I love you.