Family Ties
by Naomi Tilley

"Anne, its Rob. I'm on my way home. Should be there in fifteen minutes."

"Good, just in time for dinner."

"Honey, set another place at the table. I'm bringing home a surprise."

"Oh? It had better not be another of your girlfriends."

Jason looked at Carter, startled, but he only winked at the boy. "Now, Annie, you know I wouldn't play around on you."

"Uh huh. Okay, I'll have Sarah set another place. See you in fifteen."

"Bye, baby."

Carter hung up, then glanced at Jason. "You okay?"

"I guess," Jason murmured. "Just nervous. Are you sure this is okay?"

Rob became serious, understanding how painfully nervous Jason had to be. "It's all right, Jason. I'll tell this to you now, so you don't panic. I told my wife, and my kids that I had another child somewhere that I had never seen. Anne knows all about the affair I had with your mother, and she's accepted that as part of my past. She'd also accepted that I had a son that might one day come looking for me. Now, we talked this through before we got married. We both agreed I wouldn't go looking for you, but that if you came looking for me, then we wouldn't turn you away. You don't have any reason to be afraid. You'll be welcomed with open arms, I promise."

Jason looked away out the window. "I wish you had come looking for me," he whispered, thinking of the hell he'd had to endure for so long.

Carter sighed. "I am so sorry about that, Jason. I really am. If I'd known what was going on, I would have come for you in an instant. But Melissa always talked of Alan as a very kind, understanding man. I never imagined that he'd turn on you."

"He didn't, at first," Jason said. "He treated me the same as Amy, to start with. But then Max came along, and he started to get angry at me really easily, more than the other two. Then, he started to take me out behind the shed and use his belt on me. Then, after a while of that, he started to take me into the shed. That was when the beatings started to become regular. Even if I hadn't done anything wrong, he'd make up a reason for it. Like, I'd forgotten to take out the rubbish, when it wasn't even my turn. Really simple, stupid things. And it never got better."

Carter swallowed back a painful lump in his throat and was grateful when they finally reached his home. "Here we are. And don't worry. Remember, you're part of this family, too."

Jason got out slowly, his heart beating in his throat. Then, as they headed up to the front door, it swung open and a boy of just six or so years barreled out and leapt into his father's arms. Jason felt an irrational stab of jealousy. That was something that, while Max had always done, he had never been able to get away with. He had tried it once, hoping for some touch of affection, and had been slammed into the ground for it....

"Daddy, I made you a picture!" the little boy squealed excitedly.

Carter grinned. "You did? I am the luckiest dad in the whole world!" They reached the door and Carter put the child down, sending him inside with a pat on the bottom. He then glanced back. "C'mon, Jason."

Jason drew in a deep breath and stepped inside the house.

~*~

The surprise was a teenager of seventeen or eighteen years, a tall, young man with light, brown hair and brown eyes. Carter came forward and hugged her quickly before speaking.

"Honey, this is Jason. He's playing Austin in the movie." She smiled warmly at the boy, noting at the same time how nervous he looked. Carter hesitated, then spoke quietly. "His name is Jason Scott, Anne. Jason Lee Scott. His mother is Melissa."

Anne froze, her jaw dropping. Finally, she regained her vocal chords. "Oh lord... Is this...?"

Carter smiled. "Yes. He is."

Jason, despite Carter's reassurances, expected Anne Carter to become hostile towards him. To his obvious surprise, it didn't happen. She moved forward, pulling him in for a warm hug.

"Oh, Jason, I am so glad to meet you! Finally! We've been waiting for so long, hoping you'd come looking for Rob."

She stepped back, looking him over. "And you're in the movie as well?"

Jason reddened. "I had to audition. It was the only way I could get in to meet Mr. Carter."

Carter groaned. "How many times do I have to say it? Don't call me that! Especially now! Look, I'll get the kids, we'll sit down for dinner, and then we can have a real talk, okay?"

Anne smiled. "Yes, good idea. C'mon, Jason. This way."

~*~

Then, after the children had left the table to go and do their homework, the remaining three were left to more serious talk.

"What about your parents?" Anne asked softly. "They know you're here?"

"Mum does," Jason replied. "Dad doesn't. I hope he doesn't find out."

"Oh?" Anne was surprised.

Carter spoke softly. "Honey, Jason wasn't... compatible with Alan."

Anne was confused. "What do you mean? You didn't get along?"

"More than that," Jason said softly, eyes downcast. "D... He used to beat me. He was finally arrested for it, though, and thats when Mum told me the truth."

Anne was shocked. "Oh... That's terrible..."

"I'm sorry," Jason murmured. "I shouldn't bother you with this. It's not your problem."

"The hell it isn't," Carter growled. "You're my son, and I'll be damned if I'll ignore something like this."

"Rob's right, honey," Anne told him quickly. "We want you to feel that you're as much a part of this family as the rest of us. If you've got problems, then you can talk to us about them. We want to be able to help."

Jason felt a pain in his heart and soul, and a single tear trickled down his cheek. "No one's ever told me that before. I've always been expected to deal with my problems myself. No one ever wanted to hear me out...."

Carter was on his feet in a second, and at Jason's side a second later. "It isn't like that here. I want you to trust me, Jason. Trust me and talk to me. You're my son, I won't turn my back on you. I swear to God that I won't."

It was too much, and all the pain and heartache that Jason had been keeping inside him for so long finally came spilling out. He began to cry, and Carter gently drew him close in a warm, affectionate embrace.

Hollywood Film Lot....
The news was out by the next afternoon, and Jason was in his trailer enjoying a coke when the door swung open and Lou stormed in.

"You cheated!" she shouted, her face red with anger. Jason stared at her, startled and confused.

"What?"

"I'll bet you didn't even have to audition!" she snapped. "They probably just sent you straight through, huh? Mr I'm-the-director's-son!"

Jason sighed as understanding dawned. "Knock it off, Lou. That wasn't what happened. Rob didn't even know who I was until yesterday afternoon."

"Oh yeah, sure," Lou growled. "That's really believable."

Jason stood up to meet her head on. "Look, you either calm down or get out. The bottom line is that I only auditioned so I could meet my real father. Getting this part was a fluke. It had nothing to do with the fact that Robert Carter is my father. I don't see what it has to do with you, anyway! You're in the movie, aren't you?"

Lou glared at him. "That's not the point! It sucks that you can just walk in and get what you want, when there are a lot of people who deserve it a hell of a lot more than you do!"

Jason's face flashed with anger and he started to lift a fist to her, barely able to control his anger.

Lou nodded. "Go ahead and try it, King, or whatever the hell your name is. I can hit a lot harder than you'd think."

Jason lowered his fist, silently shaken that he'd come so close to losing control.... just like Alan. He turned away from her, sitting down and staring at the narrow bench, his hands still clenched into fists. "I doubt you could hit harder than a third degree karate black belt, because that's what I am."

Lou did a double-take. She knew enough about karate from her boyfriend to know just how good a third degree was. Jason went on quietly. "You don't understand, Lou. Not any of it. Doing this is important to me, now."

Lou watched him warily. "How do you mean?"

"Well, it's given me a chance to get to know my real father. It means I don't have to acknowledge Alan anymore as being my father."

"That's real loyal," Lou growled. "Blood doesn't always make for good kin, Jason. In your case, just a good bank account...."

Jason looked back at her coldly. "Neither does a belt and whip. Both of which Alan used on me frequently."

Lou's jaw dropped as she realised what he was saying. "Your... your dad beat you?"

"All the time. Care to see the scars?"

Lou stepped away, horrified. "No! I mean... Oh, shit...."

Jason looked away from her. "I got this part on my own merit, Lou. Not because of who my father is. I didn't even think I had any acting ability until I auditioned. I guess I still don't."

She smiled faintly at him. "I hate to admit it, but you most definitely can act. If this movie goes the way everyone expects it to, you might find yourself up for some award nominations."

Jason shook his head dismissively. "I seriously doubt that. Look, I just want to do the movie, and get to know Rob as much as I can before I have to go home."

Lou shoved her hands deep into her pockets. "I'm sorry. I always over- react... I really have a foul temper, don't I?"

Jason smiled a little. "I've seen worse."

Lou winced at the implication, and she ventured forward. "It was that bad, huh? With your dad, I mean."

"He's not my dad, and yeah. It was that bad. Look." He stood up and lifted his shirt for a few seconds so she could see the scars on his chest.

Lou swallowed hard, her face burning with embarrassment at her outburst. "I really am sorry. You must think I am such a bitch."

"No, just hot-headed." He sank back into his chair. "Are you gonna sit down, or what? It's sort of pointless for you to just stand there."

Lou hesitated, then grinned and pulled up a chair.

Angel Grove....
"Have you heard from Jason?" Kat asked as the rangers met after school in the Youth Centre.

Tommy shook his head. "No, not for the last week. He's okay, though. I talked to his mum. He called her a couple of days ago."

"I can't believe his luck," Tanya moaned. "He goes to LA to find his father, and winds up starring in a movie with a famous actor...."

Rocky grinned evilly. "I can't wait till it comes out. I'm gonna rag Jason so bad, he'll never forget it."

"It'll be weird, that's for sure," Adam muttered. "Actors are people that we never meet. It'll be strange, seeing a movie with one of our friends in it."

"It's not even like he's just an extra," Kat pointed out. "He's got the lead role!"

"Everyone's gonna think he got it because the director is his dad," Tommy murmured, voicing a previously-hidden concern. "I don't think that will bother Jason, though. I think he's just happy to have found his real dad."

"He was pretty uptight about it," Rocky agreed. "It's like everything's worked out perfectly."

Tommy stared grimly at the tabletop. "If only Dad can get Alan Scott sent to jail...."

Angel Grove Courthouse, same day....
Michael Oliver watched in cold silence as Alan Scott walked down the steps of the courthouse, a satisfied smirk on his face. He had been unable to convince the judge to refuse bail, mainly because the object of Alan's hatred was not in the town. Consequently, Alan Scott was free to go anywhere he liked in Angel Grove, barring anywhere near his home and family.

"Chief?"

Michael looked around at the sergeant who approached. He spoke in a low voice. "I want a tail put on Scott. Hire a P.I., if you have to. I want his every move watched like a hawk. Also, get on the phone to the Hollywood PD and let them know what's going on. See if they can spare a man to keep an eye on Jason."

The sergeant nodded and hurried off to carry out the orders. Michael then went to pass the bad news on to Melissa.

~*~

"I know. I'm sorry."

"That isn't good enough! Oh god, he'll go after Jason...."

Michael started forward. "No, he won't. Melissa, Jason will be perfectly safe. The moment Alan sets foot outside Angel Grove, he'll be back in jail. He won't be allowed within a hundred miles of Jason. Not until the court case."

Melissa fixed the Chief of Police with a hard stare. "You had better be right."

Michael said no more, but silently hoped for the same thing.

Hollywood, Movie lot 7, several days later....
They had just finished filming a scene and Jason was going over a section of script with Sam when a young man strode over with a cellular in hand. "Phone call for you, Mr Scott."

Jason took it, frowning a little at being called mister. "Hello? Hi, Amy. Yeah, we're busy...."

Sam stopped, a bottle of water just touching his lips, as Jason suddenly turned ashen.

"When?" Jason demanded, his voice audibly strained. "I thought Chief Oliver wasn't going to let that happen! Oh hell.... Yes, he will! I know he will! No one knows?" Jason's free hand clenched into a fist. "Where's Mum? Okay. Yeah, thanks for telling me. I will, I promise. Okay, bye."

Jason ended the call and handed back the cell phone. Sam eyed him with concern. "Mind if I ask what that was all about?"

"That was my sister.... Alan was released on bail a week ago, and now he's disappeared. No one can find him."

Sam knew the implications. "Not good news."

"No...."

Jason spotted Robert Carter, supervising the removal of a backdrop from the set, and hurried over to him. "Rob, can I talk to you?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"I just talked to Amy. Alan's disappeared from Angel Grove. They think he might come here after me."

Robert froze, then looked slowly around at Jason. "How long as he been missing?"

"Amy said the last time he was seen was when he met his bail officer yesterday morning."

"Shit. He could be anywhere, then. Okay.... Ian! Get over here!"

A burly man strode over. "Yes, sir?"

Rob laid a hand firmly on Jason's shoulder. "I've got a special task for you, until I hire professionals for the job. I want you to act as bodyguard for my son, here. There's a chance that someone may be stalking him. Can you do that?"

Ian nodded determinedly. "Don't worry. No one will get within a ten yards of him."

"Thank you," Rob said. The director glanced around once, checking that everything was to his satisfaction, then called out loudly: "Okay, that's it for today! I'll see everyone back here tomorrow morning, early!"

Jason started to move away, but Carter stopped him, and put an arm around the boy's shoulders. "Jason, I've had a talk with Anne, and we'd both like it if you'd check out of that hotel you're living in and come stay at the house with us."

Jason looked uncomfortable and embarrassed. "I... I don't want to be any trouble."

Carter snorted in response. "Trouble? You, trouble? God forbid! Look, hotels are fine, but wouldn't you prefer a home-cooked meal once in a while? And don't worry about the kids. They keep asking when their big brother is going to come and live with us."

Jason was startled, and then a curious look flickered across his face. "I am their big brother, aren't I?"

Carter grinned. "You sure are. Now, we'll go to that hotel now, and check you out of it, and then head back to the house. All right?"

Jason hesitated. "Do I have a choice?"

"Put like that? No. You don't. Let's go."

Jason smiled to himself, and followed Carter from the lot.

~*~

Anne looked up at him, smiling. "Upstairs, playing Monopoly with the other kids. Rob, I'm so glad he came and found you."

"So am I, Anne."

"Now, if we could just convince him to stay here, with us...."

Rob stared at her blankly for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I don't think we could. We can reassure him that he's got another family here that he can come to at any time, but his home is in Angel Grove."

"Even after what that monster has done to him?" she said in disgust.

Rob sighed and sat down. "Honey, Angel Grove is where his mother is. It's where all his friends are. It's where he goes to school. It's his home, regardless of what happened there. The most we can do is let him know he's welcome to stay here as long as he wants, whenever he wants."

Anne conceded reluctantly. "I suppose you're right. The children love him, you know. They all think it's fantastic to finally have a big brother. And Jason's so good with them...."

As if to confirm her words, one of the girls went into a fit of laughter somewhere upstairs. Carter smiled. "He is, isn't he? He's a good kid, Anne. I'd like to make sure he never has to worry about anything again."

"What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking it's time I put that fourth trust fund to use. We've already talked this over...."

Anne smiled. "You're going to set it up in Jason's name?"

"Yes. I'm not sure I'll tell him, because he probably wouldn't accept it. But the other three kids have trust funds, and it's what I kept the fourth for."

Anne laughed softly. "I'd love to see his face, when he discovers he has a trust fund that would make an English royal swoon."

"He's eighteen now," Carter mused. "By the time he's twenty-one, with the amount of interest it's been gaining, he'll never have another financial worry in his life. Remind me to call the bank tomorrow, Anne. I want to set this up as soon as possible."

Anne smiled as she turned her attention back to her book. "I certainly will."

Just then, Jason came through the archway, looking slightly exhausted. Carter grinned at him. "They wear you out already?"

Jason grinned back. "I think I wore them out first. They're all in bed."

Carter's jaw dropped. "You're kidding...."

Jason shrugged as he sat down. "They were pretty tired."

The director laughed. "Well, that's a first. Usually it takes a couple of hours to wear them down. Jason, you may have won yourself a permanent position. Excuse me, I'd better go and say goodnight, or they'll be on my case tomorrow."

He left the room, leaving Jason alone with Anne. The teen immediately fell silent, and Anne sympathized with his discomfort. It couldn't be easy, him knowing she was the only one in the house that he wasn't related to in any way. He probably felt as though he were intruding....

"Those kids really love you," she said with a smile, searching for common ground to get a conversation going.

Jason smiled a little in return. "I love them, too. They're great kids."

"What about your brother and sister in Angel Grove?" Anne asked. "Tell me about them."

Jason hesitated, then. "They're okay... Max can be a pain in the butt a lot of the times, though. He, uh.... He liked getting me in trouble."

Anne nodded slowly, understanding the implications. "What about your sister?"

"She's changed some, since Alan got out of the picture. She's a lot nicer than she used to be. I talked to her today, and she actually sounded a bit concerned... I suppose it sounds like I'm being sceptical."

Anne smiled reassuringly at him. "It's all right. We all tend to be like that occasionally. I have two older sisters, and I'm afraid we don't get along very well. Always suspicious of each others intentions. If either one of them ever calls me, I'd suspect they wanted money. If they bothered to ask how I am, I'd know they want money. Sad, but unavoidable."

Jason was staring into the fire. "Up until Amy found out the truth, she was always really cruel to me. It was like she was following Alan's example. He hated me, so she had to as well. It was the same with Max. Max is still a pain, but Amy's changed."

"Probably because Alan isn't around anymore to influence her," Anne said. "And if she could admit she was wrong, then she must be a very strong girl. It takes courage to admit you were wrong."

"I know," Jason murmured. He had curled up in the armchair, and was almost asleep. "I just wish...." He sighed a little as he slipped into a deep sleep.

Anne smiled to herself as she went to get a blanket.

~*~

She looked around to see Rob come back in. "You must work him too hard," she teased.

Carter chuckled softly. "Oh yeah, I'm a real slave labourer."

Anne sighed. "He's such a sweet, gentle boy. Why would anyone want to hurt him?"

Carter's smile faded. "It's a miracle he turned out so well, considering how he's been treated."

"Must be in the blood," Anne said with a smile. She paused, then spoke quietly. "Rob, why don't you call Melissa?"

Rob spared his wife an odd look. "You want me to call her?"

"Why not? She must be worried about Jason, especially knowing that Alan Scott has disappeared. Why don't you talk to her, let her know that Jason is staying with us? I'm sure she'd appreciate knowing he's being looked after."

He conceded. "All right. I'll go and do that now...."

"Use this phone," she urged him. "Go ahead. You don't have anything to hide from me, Rob."

Rob hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

He picked up the phone and called information, soon getting the right number. He then dialed and waited for it to be answered.

Angel Grove....
Melissa Scott glanced up from the sink at the sound of the phone ringing, and sighed inwardly. "Amy, honey, could you answer that please?" Amy called back an affirmative and answered it in the family room. A long moment later, she called back to her mother. "Mum, it's for you! It's some man...."

Frowning, Melissa dried her hands and went through into the family room, taking the phone from Amy.

"Hello?"

"Melissa?" a strangely familiar voice asked. "This is Rob... Robert Carter."

Melissa froze, her face paling slightly. "Rob?"

"Yes."

A long silence followed, neither one sure what to say. Finally, Rob broke the silence. "I... I'm sorry to bother you so late I thought you might like to hear how Jason is doing."

Melissa quickly found an armchair to collapse into. "You know, then?"

"About Jason? Yes. He... He's a good boy. You must be proud of him."

"I am," Melissa confirmed. She paused, then covered the mouthpiece with her hand. "Max, go and get ready for bed, right now."

Max dared not argue, and hurried from the room. Melissa then turned her attention back to the phone. "How is he?"

"He's doing all right. Melissa he's staying with me and my family.. I insisted he check out of the hotel and come and stay with us."

"You didn't have to do that," Melissa said.

Rob gently cut her off. "Yes, I think we did. We wanted him to stay with us. After all He's my son, as well."

Melissa conceded. "Yes. He is. Tell me, did he tell you straight away?"

Rob chuckled, then. "No. I had to almost drag it out of him. It was quite a shock, I'll admit. I'm afraid I didn't believe him until he showed me the ring. That convinced me."

"He's had that since he was young," Melissa confessed. "I managed to keep its origin secret from Alan."

"That's another thing" Rob said. "Why didn't you contact me? Let me know what that bastard was doing to Jason?"

"I couldn't," she admitted. "After he discovered I was sending you letters and photos of Jason, he put a stop to it, and then vetted every letter I wrote. I was just too frightened to stand up to him."

A long silence followed before Rob replied. "I think I understand. You had two other children to consider by then, didn't you?"

"Yes. It shouldn't have made any difference but I'm afraid it did. I know I made mistakes...."

"But you've rectified them," Rob put in gently. "And I appreciate that you told Jason the truth. Now, I've finally found my long lost son."

A heavy, uncomfortable silence prevailed. Finally, Melissa spoke. "You must be very busy, I won't keep you... But please, take care of Jason for me?"

"I will," Rob promised. "I, ah, I'll have Jason call you in the morning. All right?"

"Thank you."

~*~

Melissa smiled tearfully at her daughter. "Yes, that was him."

"And he knows?"

"Yes. Jason found his father Thank God..." Amy didn't smile. She hesitated, then spoke softly. "Let's hope that Daddy doesn't find Jason."

One hand came up to cover Melissa's mouth, and she silently prayed for the same thing.

~*~

Sunlight shone through into the bedroom, and flooded over the bed, encasing Jason in warmth. He smiled faintly to himself and was about to go back to sleep when he heard the door creak open. "Jason? You awake?"

It was Tyler. Jason rolled over and pushed himself up onto his elbow. "Morning, kid."

Tyler pulled a face as he ran over to the bed. "I'm not a kid."

Jason grinned. "You are to me."

"Mum and Dad aren't up yet," Tyler said mournfully. "They told me to go back to bed, but I can't sleep. Could I get in bed with you?"

Jason was quietly amazed that Tyler had taken to him so quickly, but he kept silent, and made room for the little boy in the bed. Tyler climbed in, settling down beneath the warm blankets. Silence reigned for a while before Tyler spoke. "How come you don't call him Dad?"

Jason glanced down at Tyler in surprise. "You mean Rob?"

"Yeah. How come you don't call him Dad?"

"I... I don't know," Jason admitted. "I guess it's just that I haven't known him long enough as my father to call him that. You probably don't understand that, huh?"

"I do understand," Tyler said wisely, as only a seven year old could. "It's sort of because of that mean man that used to hurt you, isn't it?"

Jason nearly choked. "How do you know about that?"

"I listened when you were telling Mum and Dad about him," Tyler confessed. "I'm glad you're living with us now, Jason. I always wanted a big brother. I get tired of Danni and Sarah always telling me what to do."

Jason swallowed hard. "I can't stay here all the time, Tyler. My home is in Angel Grove, not here."

"I know," Tyler said, "but you can stay for a little while, can't you?"

Jason smiled a little to himself. "Yeah," he said finally. "I can stay for a while."

The next afternoon....
"So, how's life on the rich side of the tracks, anyway?"

Jason looked around to see Lou standing there. "Do you always have to be so bitchy?" he asked grumpily.

She smirked as she swept into the trailer. "Just stopped by to see if you're ready for the next scene."

"You sound eager," he retorted, and Lou shrugged.

"You get used to it. But you, Mr Amateur, have never had to do this before. You had better be a decent kisser, buddy." Jason reddened before he could stop himself. Lou snickered and darted out of the trailer, barely missing Sam.

The older actor watched the girl go, then went up the steps into Jason's trailer. "She's a handful."

"That's putting it lightly," Jason muttered.

Sam hesitated, then shut the door carefully behind him. "Are you okay?"

Jason stared at his reflection in the mirror. "I don't know. I really don't know."

"What's wrong?"

"I talked to my mother this morning. The police still haven't found Alan. They're pretty sure he's skipped town."

"He won't get near you," Sam reassured him quietly. "Rob wouldn't let that happen."

"God, this movie is so close to my own life," Jason said, burying his face in his hands. "When we do the scenes where Austin is supposed to be abused by his father.... I nearly froze up totally when we did that scene the other day."

"I noticed that," Sam said, taking a seat in the empty chair. "That acting was just a little too good. Rob was about to call it when you pulled yourself out of it. How bad was it, Jason?"

Jason hesitated for a long moment before speaking. "There's a scene we still have to do, where John finds the bruising and the scars on Austin, right?"

"Yes...."

"They wont need to worry about the latex stuff to make up the scars."

Sam let his breath out in a rush. "Son of a bitch. Jason, if you do see him anywhere near the studios, or film sites, tell me."

Jason nodded wordlessly, and Sam spoke again after a moment. "What else is bothering you?"

"I don't know if I want to go home," Jason admitted finally, softly. "Even with Alan out of the picture I still have to face up to everything. The whole town probably knows by now.... But here, no one knows. At least, not yet. But I've never felt as accepted as I have with Rob and his family. I almost wish I could stay with them and not go home at all. And this morning Tyler actually said he was glad I was there! Max never said anything like that. Neither did Amy."

"You might find it's different now," Sam said quietly. "They will have had time to come to grips with everything. And you'd probably be better off in Angel Grove anyway. As soon as the tabloids figure everything out, and realise what your history is, they won't leave you alone."

"I know," Jason murmured miserably.

"Jason!"

It was Rob. Jason got up and went to the door of his trailer, looking out. "Yeah?"

"Let's go! We've got a scene to do!"

Sam clapped the teen on the shoulder. "Hold that thought. We'll talk later."

Jason nodded and went to get ready.

~*~

"Oh, for crying out loud!"

Jason snapped back to reality, realised he had missed the cue, and that Rob had halted the shoot.

"What's the problem?" Rob asked, trying not to sound annoyed.

Lou scowled. "He's chicken, is what's wrong. C'mon, Jason, it's only one kiss!" Jason kicked himself in the proverbial, knowing he had brought more attention to himself and his predicament than if he had simply bitten the bullet and done the deed. He was at a complete loss by then, and knew he couldn't simply go on with things. Red with embarrassment, he got up and hurried over to where Sam was waiting.

Rob watched with a frown as Jason spoke to Sam in an inaudible whisper, and a moment later, Sam's eyebrows shot up with surprise. "Really?"

Jason nodded, his face a fiery red. Sam slung an arm amiably around Jason's shoulders. "Rob, give us five minutes, okay? C'mon, Jason." Rob watched them head off towards Sam's trailer, then sighed and shrugged.

"Okay, everyone. Take five."

~*~

"I wouldn't have even thought about it," Jason said. "It's just that Lou Well, she was badgering me about it."

"So I heard. Look, there's nothing to it. Really... You could probably manage it by instinct."

Jason stared intently at the floor. "But I mean, the way they do it in the movies...."

"Is mostly faked," Sam interrupted. "The more experience actors get, the less real it becomes. The less real they want it to be. You've probably seen the tabloids. One particular actress threatened to knock out a certain actor's teeth if he kissed her for real. All you have to do is let your lips brush against hers. That's all that's needed."

Jason wished he could have sunk through the floorboards. "I feel so stupid...."

"Don't," Sam told him. "It isn't your problem. You're a good enough actor that I'm sure you can get through this. And if you do screw it up, Rob will just make you do it again until you get it right."

It was meant as a joke, but Jason looked up, mortified. Sam chuckled. "Don't worry about it, Jason. Just pretend Lou is your girlfriend."

Jason looked even more embarrassed. "I don't have a girlfriend. I mean I did, but we broke up...."

Sam sighed and stood up. "Have you ever learnt CPR?"

"Yeah...."

"Pretend you're doing CPR sitting up. Only not quite as intense. Just shut your eyes and let it happen. It's the best thing you can do."

Jason allowed himself to be ushered to the door, then looked back at the star nervously. "What if I shut my eyes, and I miss her lips totally?" Sam rolled his eyes in exasperation and shoved Jason through the trailer door.

~*~

"Knock it off, Lou," Rob called. "We've got to finish this scene."

Lou smiled to herself as she settled back on the bench, aware of the shade of red Jason had turned. Rob called action, and instantly, Lou dropped into character. "Why the hell won't you talk to me?"

"'Cause you wouldn't understand."

"Stubborn asshole."

"You don't understand! You don't understand what it's like, living with him! You're fine, you've got no worries! You don't have any clue about real life!"

Samantha turns to Austin; forces him to look at her. "How am I supposed to understand when you won't even talk to me? All I know is that someone is hurting you, and you won't tell me about it! How do expect me to understand?"

Austin tries to leave; Samantha holds him back. Jason fought the panic. It was coming up.... _C'mon, don't flip.... You'll only make it harder for yourself._

"You've got it easy, Sam. You take life like it's just... just a big sideshow. It's not that easy for me."

_That's not the script,_ Jason realised numbly. He was talking, though, and couldn't stop. It was, he realised, almost an exact duplicate of his words to Kimberly nearly four years back, when she had confronted him in a similar way. He went on, not stopping.

"It isn't like that for me. I can't take it like that. I have to go one day at a time. I can't keep up with you! You've gotta understand that...."

"That isn't in the script," Alec hissed at Rob.

"I know," Rob growled back. "Let him go. I want to see how this turns out."

In the center of the set, Jason was almost lost in the monologue, and his co-star seemed more like Kimberly to him than Lou.

Jason, I don't understand it! Something's eating at you, but you won't trust us enough to let us help! You're hurting, and I hate not being able to help....

"You can't help me. I want you to, but you can't. Some things just have to be allowed to lie. Please.... Just be there when I need you."

Austin kisses Samantha.

Jason reached out and lightly touched his fingertips to Lou's chin and lifted her face just a little. He stared at her, and felt his nervousness and embarrassment fade. Then, slowly and with the gentleness that his friends loved him for, he leaned forward and pressed his lips very lightly to Lou's.

On the edge of the large circle, Rob and Alec both gaped. "Rob?" Alec said in a voice that was almost a whimper.

"Don't say it," Rob warned him. "Don't you dare say a word."

Jason broke the kiss, and pulled back some. The two sat there in silence for a long moment, until Rob's voice broke the stillness.

"Cut! That was perfect!"

Lou blinked, quickly coming back to reality. "God, where'd you learn to kiss like that?"

Jason stood up, stretching his arms out in front of him. "You mean you approve?"

It was Lou's turn to go red. "Well, it was okay," she retorted, trying to recover some of her lost dignity. "For an amateur, I mean.... But what about all that other crap? What the hell was that? You only said about two words from the script!"

"That other crap," Rob said firmly as he strode over, "was some very fine acting. Well done, Jason. I'm impressed."

Jason couldn't bring himself to smile. "It wasn't acting," he admitted softly. "It's something I once said to a friend when she tried to help me."

Shaking his head, he turned and headed off the set. Lou looked nervous. "I didn't mean to upset him, or anything."

"It isn't you," Rob reassured her. Sam nodded as he joined them. "It's like Jason said. Some of this is just very close to his own situation, and he's still trying to cope with it."

"Everyone, take a break," Rob called out. He then went after his son.

~*~

Jason slowed to a halt, and looked back at the famous director. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have walked off like that."

"It's all right. Are you okay?"

Jason leaned back against a brick wall. "I think so. It's like, every scene I do has some part that could have been taken right out of my own life."

"In a way, you're making it like that," Rob said quietly. "I understand how hard it must be for you, but I'm glad of it, too. You're adding a reality to the film that I could never have given it." He trailed off, staring into the boy's tired face before making a decision. "I think we'll call it a day."

"But we were supposed to do two more scenes!" Jason protested as Rob led him back towards the set.

"It won't hurt to leave them until tomorrow," Rob replied. "We've managed to get ahead of schedule, so it won't matter that much." They came back to the set, and Rob called out loudly. "Okay, people, that's it for today! You've all got the rest of the day off!"

A gratified murmur swept over the people, and they turned and shuffled off in different directions. Rob laid a hand lightly on Jason's shoulder. "C'mon. Let's go."

~*~

Jason remained silent. Five or six weeks, and then it was back to Angel Grove Back to reality.

Rob watched him in concern. "Jason, what's wrong? You've been miserable all day."

"I don't know," Jason mumbled. "I guess... It's just that right now, I'm not so sure I want to go home. I miss Mum, but there's other stuff I can do without... Everyone must know by now what was going on...."

Rob sat back slowly. "You're jumping to conclusions. You'll probably get home and find that everything's fine. Give it a chance, Jason."

Jason sighed inwardly and turned his gaze out, looking through the window and across the busy road. His gaze passed fleetingly over a few people standing on the other side of the road and seconds later, his breath froze in his throat.

Rob looked back to his son in time to see the boy go deathly white. He followed Jason's line of sight, and saw a tall, heavily built man standing on the other side of the road.

"Jason?"

"Alan...." Jason whispered, panic written all over his face. "It's him... It's Alan...."

Rob looked around sharply at the bodyguard/chauffeur who stood back a few feet and motioned with his hand. The man immediately darted out of the shop and made it across the road but it was too late. Alan was gone, vanished into the crowds.

"He found me," Jason whimpered, tears of fear and panic filling his eyes.

Rob reached across the table to grasp the teen's trembling hand. "He won't get to you, Jason. I'm going to contact the police, and let them know he's here in Hollywood, and they'll all be on the lookout for him. Everything will be fine. I promise. Trust me, Jason."

Jason finally got a grip on his fear, and looked straight at the man who was his father. "Thank you."

~*~

A week later....
Alec arrived at Rob's office to find the director studying numerous pamphlets and catalogues. "You wanted to see me, Rob?"

Rob looked up at Alec. "Yes. We've done as much of the filming here as possible. It's time to move camp."

Alec sat down. "To Hawaii?"

Rob shook his head. "No, I think I've found somewhere better. It won't cost as much, and it's a lot closer to home."

"Oh? Where?"

Rob smiled a little. "Angel Grove. Jason's home town."

That night....
After some discussion, Rob conceded to let Anne come as well, with Sarah, Danni and Tyler. Jason had just finished packing his bag when Danni looked in. "Jason, can I come in?"

He glanced around, and smiled at her. "Sure."

The fourteen year-old wandered into the bedroom. "Are you glad to go home?"

"A little," Jason confessed. "Part of me wishes I could stay here, too."

"You could," she said eagerly. "You could stay here!" Jason smiled sadly and he sat down on the bed. "I would love to, Danni, but I can't. My home is Angel Grove. I'll come to visit, though."

Danni sat down beside him. "It's really great, having an older brother. I never did like being the oldest."

Jason pulled a face. "It's weird for me, to suddenly be the oldest. I've been so used to being stuck in the middle."

Danni slipped her arm through his and hugged him quickly. "Do you think you'll ever be able to forget about what that creep did to you?"

"I doubt it," Jason said softly. "Maybe one day Ill be able to forgive him, though." He shook his head. "I'll never forget. I've got too many scars to forget."

"Can I see?"

Jason hesitated, then decided she was only curious. Biting back his own hurt, he lifted up his shirt to reveal the multitude of scars covering his body. Tears filled Danni's eyes, and overflowed. "How could anyone do this? It isn't right! Why couldn't anyone stop him from hurting you?"

Jason quickly dropped his shirt and pulled her close in a warm hug. "It's okay. That's all over. He won't ever be able to hurt me again." _Providing they catch him._

Jason shoved the thought brutally from his mind. Sure, he had seen Alan that one afternoon, but it had been the only time. Alan would be a fool to try anything now....

Danni wiped the tears away. "I love you, Jason." She hugged him again, tightly, then got up and hurried from the room.

A day later, Angel Grove....
Jason felt almost guilty, riding in a limousine. He'd suggested Rob simply call a taxi for him at the airport, but that had been unacceptable. A limousine had been called to transport Lou and Sam to their hotel, so it was only fair that Jason ride with Rob and his family in the second limousine. Still, he thought as he looked around the lush interior, it was a luxury he'd never experienced before....

"Can anyone see inside this thing?" he asked nervously as the car rolled past a small group of teens that he knew.

Rob fought back a smirk. "No. You don't have to worry. No one will see you."

Jason reddened a little and sank back into the soft seat. Anne frowned lightly at her husband, then reached across to pat the boy's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, the novelty wears off quickly enough."

Rob lounged back in the seat. "Now why shouldn't I let my family have the occasional pleasure? What's wrong with that?"

Jason smiled to himself and looked out the window just in time to catch a glimpse of the school.

"Is that where you go to school?" Danni asked curiously.

"Yeah," Jason answered simply. _Not far now._

"Take the next left," Rob ordered the chauffeur abruptly, and both Jason and Anne stared at him incredulously. Rob shrugged and offered his wife a sheepish smile. "Sorry, honey. Some things just aren't forgotten."

Anne had to smile. "That's okay."

"There," Jason said automatically, and the limousine came to a stop out the front of his home.

Rob looked wistful as he stared up at the white-washed home. "Doesn't look much different..."

Jason lifted his shoulder bag up off the floor. "Uh... Thanks for the lift."

Rob chuckled, then. "Oh, no problem. I'll send Alec to pick you up tomorrow morning at six-thirty."

"Don't worry," Jason said as he climbed out of the car. "I can walk. I know the way, and it's not far."

Again, Rob laughed. "I'm not worried about you getting lost. I just want to make sure you get there on time."

Confusion filled Jason's eyes, and Rob shook his head. "Don't worry. Just be ready at six-thirty."

Jason conceded, though he was still confused, and headed up the path to the house.

~*~

Her face lit up, and she hurried from her room. "Jason? You're home!" She threw her arms around her younger brother in a bear hug. "We missed you!"

Jason smiled a little. "Same. Where's Mum?"

Amy grinned as she pulled him into the kitchen. "At work." Jason's jaw dropped. "Mum got a job?"

"Uh huh. Said she wasn't going to sit around on her butt taking hand-outs. She put together a resume and went downtown, and got herself a job as a waitress in a little cafe. She said it's tiring, but she likes doing it. Plus, she said she's got a really good boss. So what about you? Tell me everything, Jase."

Jason shrugged as Amy poured out some Coke. "There's not that much to tell."

"Oh, right," Amy snorted. "For the past four or five weeks you've been making a movie with one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, and you say there's not much to tell? C'mon!"

Jason smiled. "Okay. It's been just about the greatest five weeks of my life, especially since Rob found out who I am. You know I was staying with him?"

"Yeah, Mum said."

He grinned at her. "I've got two little sisters, and another little brother. It's so great, Amy!"

Amy leaned over and hugged him warmly. "I'm glad you're happy. Just don't forget about us, okay?"

"You?" Jason asked. "Not a chance. Now Max, maybe...."

Amy snickered. "He won't admit it, but I think he misses you. Man, it's so weird.... Thinking that you're just my half-brother."

"I'm trying not to think of it like that," Jason said softly. "Because, then I'll start thinking that I don't really belong here, or there."

Amy watched him worriedly. "Did you have trouble with his... I mean, your father's wife?"

"Anne? No. I thought I would, but she was really happy to meet me. Kept trying to reassure me that I was as much a part of their family as any of the kids."

The front door opened again, and a less mature voice called out. "Amy, I'm home!"

Amy grinned. "Max, come and see who's back!"

A moment later, Max's scruffy head appeared around the kitchen archway, and he pulled a face. "Great. He's back. Does that mean I have to share a room again?"

The head vanished again, and Amy shook her head. "Rotten little brat...."

Jason had to smile. "Some things never change." He let his voice rise enough for Max to hear. "One thing's for sure, my new little brother is a nice change. Tyler isn't anywhere near bratty as Max!"

"Drop dead!" came Max's retort from the family room.

Jason laughed softly. "Pleasant, as always...."

Amy leaned over the bench. "So is the movie finished?"

"Huh? Oh... No, there's still about five or six weeks to go. We're filming the rest here in Angel Grove."

Amy's face lit up. "Sam Neill is in Angel Grove?"

"Yes," Jason said, rolling his eyes. "And no, I am not telling you where he's staying. You aren't gonna go camp out with your friends."

Amy opened her mouth to speak, and Jason cut in. "No, he is not staying at the Sheraton. Don't ask."

Amy sighed. "You can't blame me for trying."

A small smile flickered across Jason's lips. "Don't bug me too much about it, and I'll see what I can do about getting you onto the site. Rob will probably let me bring some friends around at some point, so it shouldn't be too difficult to arrange. Just promise me that if I do manage to arrange it, you won't do something embarrassing like faint if you get to meet Sam."

"On a first name basis, are we?" she teased.

Jason sighed. "You don't work next to someone for five weeks on an equal level and get away with calling them mister for too long. Rob started clouting me over the head every time I called him Mr. Carter."

Amy watched him wonderingly. "Do you think you'll ever be able to call him dad?"

"I don't know," he said quietly. "Maybe... It'll probably happen when I'm not even thinking about it." He looked up at the clock. It read five-fifteen. "When does Mum finish working?"

"Five o'clock, most nights. She'll be home in five or so minutes."

"Good," Jason murmured. He hesitated, then looked at Amy worriedly. "I saw Alan, Amy."

"Daddy?"

"Yeah. Rob and I were in a cafe, and I just looked up, and he was across the road, just watching me."

"Are you sure it was Daddy?"

"I'm sure. He.... He looked pretty angry." Amy looked away, clenching her jaw. Jason sighed. "I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have told you."

"No, it's okay," Amy murmured. "It's just hard to deal with, that's all. I thought that if he'd cared about any of us at all, he would have stayed in town and done what he was supposed to do. When he took off, I felt like he'd abandoned us."

Jason got up and went around to his older sister. "I'm pretty sure he still cares a lot about you and Max, and Mum. But it's like what we used to learn at karate class. Anger clouds a person's judgment. He's really angry at me and it's screwing up his judgment."

"But it's not your fault!" Amy said in a strained voice. "You couldn't help it that he wasn't your dad! It's not your fault, it's...."

"No one's fault," Jason interrupted firmly. "Don't blame Mum, Amy. She made a mistake. She couldn't help that. Nobody's perfect."

"I wasn't going to blame Mum," Amy said softly. "I was going to say, it's Dad's fault for not being able to accept you just for who you are."

Jason sighed. "It'll work out eventually. It has to."

Amy couldn't hide her concern. "Things don't always work out happily, Jason."

He smiled weakly at her. "How much worse can it get?" She didn't reply. They both knew the answer without saying.

~*~

Amy promptly hit him across the back of the head. "Max, will you knock it off? Daddy isn't around anymore, you can quit being such a brat."

Jason smiled calmly. "It's okay, Amy. He's just jealous because he's not my only little brother anymore."

"Sure," Max growled. "What's to be jealous of?"

"Oh, nothing," Jason replied casually. "Just that Tyler's a hell of a lot nicer than you, demon-boy."

"That's enough," Melissa interrupted, her voice taking on a warning tone. "Jason, your brother is not a demon."

Jason snickered. "Sorry. My mistake."

Max stuck his tongue out at Jason, who threw an M & M at the younger boy.

"Watch it, Max," Amy said with a grin. "He'll fight back, now."

"You can't fight back," Max said pompously. "If you do, Daddy will...." The child broke off abruptly, watching Jason almost fearfully.

Jason regarded Max with pain-filled eyes. "What? He'll beat the crap out of me, just like he used to? He's not here to do that now, Max."

"I'm sorry," Max whispered, tears filling his eyes. "I didn't mean that...."

Melissa sighed heavily. "All right, that's enough. I think it's time all three of you went to bed. Jason, don't you have to be up early tomorrow morning?"

Jason stood up. "Yeah. Alec will be coming to get me at six-thirty."

"Then it's time to go to bed. Go on, all of you."

~*~

"It's okay," Jason murmured. "It was just a slip-up. I understand. Just... Quit acting so damned high and mighty, okay? It's starting to get on my nerves."

"Okay," Max mumbled. "Jason...?"

"Mmm?"

"Do you really like your new brother more than me?"

Jason stopped, then went over to lean against the double bunks. "I'm trying to not to.... But face it, Max. You aren't doing much in favour of yourself."

"I know," Max conceded. "I can't help it. When Dad was here, it was like he was always mean to you, and I thought I had to be as well so he wouldn't stop loving me. It's hard to stop acting like that."

"I know what you mean," Jason said quietly. "I understand. Just try not to be such a little beast, okay?"

"I'll try."

Jason sighed with relief. "Thank you."