Saving You

SEVEN

Jacob...

"Tell me about your childhood, Jacob." The lady asked again.

I looked down and fumbled with my hands. It would have been better if I had a knife to play around with.

"It was fine. It wasn't good, but it wasn't bad either."

"What makes you think it wasn't good?"

I looked at her like she was the most stubborn person in the world. Of course, I didn't answer.

My parents taught us wrong, and acted more like teachers than what they actually were. From the moment I was born, I was surrounded by death, and I grew to like it. Unlike the rest of my brothers.

Hate the sin love the sinner?

Yeah, it's the opposite for me.

"I think it's because of the parents. Isn't it always?" She looked at me calmer, than she was before, "what does the child know? They have to be taught. Guided..."

"And your parents didn't do that."

"They left it all to my brother."

She nodded and exhaled, into the chilly room with lemons in the air.

"Why do you think you are here, Jacob? Your friend might have pushed you to come, but why do you think your here?"

"The same reason he thinks? That I need to get over the death of.... of my sister."

"And yet, we havent really talked about her, have we?"

I looked at her, astonished but guilty, for a reason. She had eyes that whispered 'see?'.

"No, we havent."

"Death is normal for all people, but it seems like you have been around it more that others. Her loss, in particular, has wounded you so badly that you pushed it out to the point you dont realize it exists."

She got up swiftly and extended her hand for me to shake, once again.

"I'll see you again this week."

Her smile only pushed mine farther down.

Victoria...

"I haven't seen David around, or Liam or Logan... or Ethan and Noah."

Charles didn't open his eyes but hummed.

"Are they okay?" I asked. "They haven been home."

And his eyes shot open now...

"They're adults. I'm sure their fine." He said, "why are you worried anyway?"

I frowned.

"I just am." I sighed and looked around the room. "This house feels a little small, doesn't it? Or, squished is the right word."

Charles hummed again.

"Do you have any thoughts on moving out? To a bigger house, that fits all of us?"

"Tori, the Cruz' aren't staying forever. In a couple months, they'll be going back to Los Angeles."

I looked down again at my feet.

"Do they have to?" He chuckled lightly, "can't you and Aaron stop flirting and get married already?"

His chuckled morphed into a deep laugh. I stayed still, wondering what was so funny.

"I know you like him." I accused, and he smiled wholesomely.

"Who wouldn't?" He answered.

I smiled with him.