Family Don't Break

CHAPTER 37

JACK'S POV:

As soon as Alex comes out, the boys flock over to her. They're all asking if she's okay, asking how she is. They see her like an older sister, so of course they were worried. She brushes them off, insisting that she's fine. She takes a seat on a chair, grimacing a bit. The boys stare at her, not saying anything. We're all afraid that if we do something wrong, she'll shatter like a glass figurine. Shards of her that we can't quite put back together, and even if we do, she'll be cracked and imperfect.

"You guys are never this quiet." Alex chuckles. Her smile breaks the ice, giving us a feeling of normalcy. "So, have you guys been treating Peter good?" she asks. "Yup. He and Les got off like a shot. Those two have basically been inseparable." Finch explains. "And Peter's been staying with the Brooklyn newsies. He's already selling papes like crazy! That gap toothed smile is a crowd pleaser," Jojo adds.

"Davey says he and I are like siamese twins, whatever that means." We all laugh at Les's statement. "Oh! Alex, while you were gone, Davey tried to teach me to sew!" Ike shows Alex the sloppily mended hole in his vest. "It's not great, but it's a start," Ike continues. The boys share stories of what she and Race missed. She listens to each one, the sparkle never fading from her eyes. She seems so alive, so herself.

I can tell there's more going on in her head than I can see. Behind those bright eyes is a whirlwind of memories and thoughts. She's not gonna be herself right away, I know that. I know what places like that can do to you. They leave scars, and not just physically.

The thing is, over time, you stop seeing those scars as ugly. You wear them like a badge of honor. They show just how strong you are, what you've survived. Scars tell stories, both good and bad. They become a part of you. It takes time of course. You don't heal overnight. But eventually you learn to love those scars. And while Alex learns to love those scars, I'll be by her side. She ain't going through this alone. She's got all of us to support her.

We're here for the laughter and the tears, the nightmares and the dreams, the joy and the sadness, the love and the hate. Family don't turn it's back on one another. So no matter what comes are way, we'll get through it. I know we will.