“I-I hafta take you p-pretty far back,” Jordan said in a shaky voice trying not to start crying again. The guys nodded.
“Okay, when I was born I was a triplet,” She started slowly.
“One died at birth and the other died when we were 5 from brain damage when he hit his head on a sink. Before that, our mom died from cancer when I was about 3. My dad couldn’t take the pressure from all the deaths and committed suicide. Or at least that’s what I was told.
“Then I was under custody of my aunt who hated my mom for marrying my dad. When I was 5½ she sold me to some guy. When I was with him…he…he…” she paused.
“It’s alright Jordan you can tell us,” Howie said softly.
“He molested me.” She said quietly. Then she started to cry. Howie sat down next to her. He and the others exchanged worried glances. AJ came and sat on the other side of her and hugged her while she hid her face in his chest. Nick came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. She tensed up.
“Jordan, does that hurt?” Nick asked.
“Jordan, can I show them?” AJ whispered. She nodded in tears. AJ lifted the back of her shirt to reveal her cuts and bruises.
“We better get something on those cuts before they get infected Jordan,” Kevin said. This was followed by a chorus of “Yeah's” and “Uh Huh's” from the rest of them. Brian got up to get the first aid kit and AJ put her shirt down.
“Do you have any more?” Kevin questioned again.
“Yea there all over her ribs,” AJ replied as he released her.
“Hey guys, I’m kinda hungry! Can we eat soon?” Nick whined.
“Nick! Quit complaining! We’ll eat when Brian finishes with Jordan’s cuts!” Kevin answered, studying her pale, tear-stained face. Brian came back in.
“Okay, time to let Doctor Brian have a look.”
“You a doctor?” Jordan said, “I don’t think so! You and Blondie over here were playing Strip Nintendo! Now I’m scared!” Everyone burst out laughing.
“Hurry up Bri! I’m starved!” Nick said. They all agreed that she would finish her story over breakfast so Nick would shutup. AJ lifted her shirt and Brian went to work on her back and ribs.
There wasn’t really much they could do but put disinfectant on the cuts
and a few Band-Aids on the deeper ones. But even then Bri didn’t think
it was a good idea. With all the bruises it would hurt too much.
