When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

08: Are You Tired?

"ATTORNEY ADORN," I SAID AS SOON AS she answered my call.

We were already at Jarzaiah's house. I thought it would just be a small get-together, but apparently, being low-key wasn't in our family's dictionary. My cousins, siblings, and in-laws were all here. Even Amelie, Arron, Chase, and Joy had shown up.

"Yes, Ren? Franco and I are on the way—we're walking," she said, laughing.

"Do you happen to know where Hunter is? I can't reach him. Same with Jenna."

"What?!" Her voice rose in surprise, followed by a long silence. "Wait. Kuya told me he's going back to Italy for some reason. But he didn't say he was with Jenna. She told me she just wanted some time for herself, so I didn't want to bother her."

I slowly nodded. "Okay..." I sighed. "Thanks, Attorney." Then I turned to Elimae. "Hunter's in Italy."

Worry clouded her expression. She pulled out her phone, her hands trembling slightly as she typed. Before I could say anything, she suddenly wrapped her arms around me, burying her face in my chest.

"Do you want to go inside?" I whispered.

She nodded.

I glanced at everyone still chatting outside and just gave them a small nod. They were busy preparing the barbecue, and it was still early for dinner. I guided her into Marcus' house.

When we reached the living room, I sat down, and she clung to me tighter, eventually sitting on my lap as quiet sobs escaped her. I didn't say anything. She needed to let it all out, and I was there to hold her while she did.

"I-I'm worried sick about her..." she began, her voice trembling. "D-Did I ever tell you that Ate and I were never really close?" She looked at me, tears streaking her cheeks.

I gently wiped them away.

She hugged me again, and I returned the embrace.

I loved it when she held me like that. "You can tell me everything, my Eli..."

"We have different mothers..." she whispered between sniffles. "But she never made me feel that way. She's the one who sends me to school, who bought me my motorcycle. She never buys anything for herself. She gives love so freely, even though she was deprived of it when she was a kid."

I was caressing her back.

Her tears kept falling. "She's never been like this before. She always checks up on me. She's never ignored my calls. That's why I can't stop thinking... what if something bad happened to her?"

"Shh..." I murmured softly. I reached for my phone and dialed Erazius' number. They were just outside, but I didn't want to move, Elimae was still holding on to me tightly. "We'll handle it, okay?" I told her gently.

"Yes, Ren?" came Zius' voice on the other end.

"Can you come inside? Bring Imil, Archer, and Marcus."

"Okay."

I ended the call and continued to stroke Elimae's back until she started calming down. A few minutes later, I heard footsteps. I turned and saw the guys entering, their expressions immediately changing when they saw Elimae's red, puffy eyes.

"Marcus, you still have that locator device, right?"

He nodded. "Yes, why? What happened, Elimae? Did Ren upset you? Should I punch him?"

Elimae let out a small laugh and shook her head.

"Can you and the others try locating Jenna? We're worried, she hasn't answered any calls or messages," I explained.