"No, I need to get this out, keeping it inside is driving me crazy," says Julie as she resumes her story, "Well Katie never showed, I waited almost till it was dark when I saw Uncle Michael's car, so I went up to it, he told me to get in his car, and he would take me to get some food, well that is not what he did. Once I was in the car something in him changed. He was not his happy self, but more serious, like something was wrong. When I caught wind of something not being right, I asked him if I could get out of the car, that I needed to meet Katie and she would wonder where I was. He told me that Katie would understand and no I could not get out of the car, and he locked the doors. Fear overtook me as I knew something bad was about to happen. I tried to fight to get away, I really did, but before I knew it he was on top of me and…"

"Oh Gosh, Julie," Jude wrapped his arms around Julie even tighter, which caused Julie to jump as she was still reliving that horrible moment she tried to put behind her, "I know where you are going with this, it is okay, come here. You are safe; he cannot hurt you I promise. Why didn't you tell me?"Julie could see the hurt and anger in Jude's eyes, but she was also relieved that he was showing his support.

"But what I don't understand is why he would do it, Jude? How could he do that to me, and why? After that, I felt so embarrassed, and he told me if I said anything that all of you would believe him over me. I was scared." Julie felt better after letting the words that were trapped inside her mind out. It was freeing, just like it is when she sat many nights on the porch in the swing as the rain poured down. All the fear that melted away made Julie finally feel like she could move past the horrible incident."I cannot tell mom; she would not be able to handle it."

Suddenly, both Jude and Julie hear the screen door shut. The scared feeling came back, along with the knots in Julie's stomach. How much of that did she just hear? As they both turn to look behind them, their mother stands there with tears rolling down her face before she asks Julie a question. "Is that why you don't talk to me much Julie?"

"Mom, I am sorry! I did not mean to hurt you; I just did not know how to tell anyone. I was too worried about you not believing me, or if I accidentally slipped up that you would criticize me since your migraines can make you moody." Julie says nervously as she stands up to walk to her mother, "I am not blaming you for being moody since I get migraines. I should have just told you; I was also afraid you wouldn't believe me."

"I am your mother Julie; I would do anything to protect you. Is that why you did not go to college? Did I deprive you of your dream?"

Julie hugs her mother tightly."No, mom, not leaving for college was my idea. I was not sure who I am, and I am still figuring it out. You were going through so much with the divorce and I did not want to add to the stress. Your depression had you in bed for months on end after you and daddy divorced. You had just started feeling better when it happened. I did not want to put you back in bed like that."

Jude walks up to his mother and sister and joins their hug."Look, I need to be honest. I am not only here because of the business trip. I am currently in the process of separating from my wife. I was too embarrassed to tell you both we have been having issues for a while now."

"Well, I guess everything is out in the open, right? Jude, I am sorry you are separating from Lindsey; that has to be rough. Julie, I want you to know I had no idea and I am sorry that, as your mother, I did not notice something was wrong when I should have. I promise both of you, things will get better and will be better. I know I may have not been the best mother to talk to, but I want to be there for both of you. You hear me?"

"Yes Ma'am." Jude and Julie say in harmony. They all hug once again.

Walking to the swing, they all notice the beautiful May afternoon. It was raining, but the freshness of the rain gave them a sense of relief. Maybe it was because there was no secrets to hide, just the comfort of a family in need to work through issues, and the assurance they had one another. They could all, for the first time since any of them could remember, just enjoy the rain.