What Life Holds

Chapter 51

Jess's POV

"James!!" I called out as I ran into his open arms. "Hey bambina." He greeted as I hugged him even tighter. I missed this. I missed my family's hugs, the protective aura I got from them. The last time I talked to Jem in person, I yelled, blamed him for my stupidity. I slowly let go but still held on to him, grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey Dylan." I said giving him a quick yet tight hug. "Hey there Jess." He said with his own sweet smile. "You know I always thought I was your favorite brother, but now I think it's Jem." I heard Jule say behind. I turned back to find his smiling wide making his dimples appear. "Hello Jule." I said smiling. "Nice to see you." I added crossing my arms.

"Hmm, nice to meet you too, little girl." He said, his blue eyes twinkling. Engulfed in his warm bear hugs, I felt my muscles relax as I felt the comfort and warmth rush through my veins. "I missed you so much." He mumbled as he placed a soft kiss on the side of my head.

"I missed you all too." I said pulling away. It's been two days since the war. Matt had not even let me place my foot on the ground. I was wheeled to the washroom and back. To say it was frustrating is an understatement, but I needed the rest. Although my muscles and bones enjoyed the softness of the fabric, my brain was thrashed with concern.

Speaking to my mom after months was honestly a dream come true. I can't imagine how happy my brothers might me, seeing and speaking to her after more than a decade. Today morning, I got Matt's exit pass and I was more than happy. Grace had left with her dad and brother in the morning to America. Matt had told me to go too, but I wanted to meet my family first.

So here I am, with my family, well at least half of it. "Jem, I'm so sorry about what I said to you earlier. I swear to God, I really didn't mean it. Those words came out in frustration, and I was blinded my anger. I really didn't mean anything I said. I really am sorry." I said looking deep into his hazel eyes.

"It's all forgiven. Besides, what siblings are we if we don't have an argument from time to time." He said waving his hand with a small smile. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have let you alone in the woods, I should have listened to Enzo and let him go after you." He said, his eyes suddenly turned distinct.

The air between us tensed, no one spoke a word and deep silence filled the corridor. Dylan's head, which was always held high, dipped down. "Dylan, no one will ever blame you, even Enzo. Matter of fact, he will be glad. You were the last piece for his plan to succeed." I said, hoping he might get over this incident. "Thanks Jess. Everyone might forgive me, but I can't forgive myself. At least not now." He said his eyes travelling between all three of us.

"You should go see mom and Enzo." Jule said, his brows still frowned. "I will." I said nodding. "But I have to give you both something." I said as I went through my bag, searching for Enzo's letters. "Here." I said giving Jem and Jule their white envelope. "Enzo wrote these for you all, even the others. He gave it to me, the last time I saw him." I said as I watched their reactions.

Confusion and guilt flooded their features. "Dylan, he might not have written you one, but he loves you a lot. He considers you a brother." I said looking into his dim blue eyes. "Thank you." He replied with a nod.

"Hey Jess." A soft feminine voice greeted me. "Rose." I said confused to which she offered a small smile. "What are you doing here." I asked. "Long story. How are you." She asked as she gave me a soft hug. "Well I can walk again, so I'm fine." I said chuckling, although I felt Jem stiffen and Jule draw a deep breath in, while Dylan looked everywhere but at us.

"How are you, you look like a... vampire." I muttered looking into her lifeless green eyes, her skin paler than before, and her eyes were rimmed red. If it weren't for her concealer, I'm sure I would have spotted deep and heavy eye bags too. "I have been better. I see you haven't lost your sense of humor." She said chuckling. "Never." I said smiling.