Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Eight - Engaged

Amorio paced in front of them, scoffing as he tried to find his words. Jade looked off to the side, seemingly indifferent to Amorio's theatrics. Alex frowned. This wasn't what he had imagined when they became engaged, but after everything he had done to her, the least he could do was offer her this protection.

"Okay, let me get this straight," Amorio finally said. "You modeled for this stupid ring, and after Alex breaks your heart, you get hurt because of him. And you decided, 'Hey, let's marry him anyway?'"

"Amorio," Craig scolded.

"Don't, Craig. This is a lot, even for Jade."

Alex opened his mouth, but Jade interrupted. "Dad, I love you, respect you, and thank you for all the sacrifices you've made on my behalf, but this isn't your decision. I know you've seen the negative parts of my and Alex's relationship, but you haven't seen everything. He will protect me. He loves me, and I love him. And that's enough for me."

"So, you're doing this out of fear?"

"No matter the reason, it's my choice, and I don't want to hear anything else about it," Jade's voice rose. "It's time I go to Omega 5 with Alex. The longer I wait, the further behind I'll be. If anything, Alex is a saving grace. I got into Omega, and I'm not going to hide from the opportunity for an education."

"Jade, no, you need more healing," Amorio argued.

"I have healed. I'm getting stronger every day. But hiding here, enduring the taunts of the neighbors you promised wouldn't treat me like Inanis did—I can't. If I'm going to be abused and mocked, I might as well get something out of it."

Amorio's shoulders slumped. "Wait, what?"

Craig crossed over to Amorio and placed a hand on his shoulder. "She's ready, Amorio. I think doing what Jade wants is the best thing here, okay?"

"Okay," Amorio replied, defeated. "In the morning?"

Jade nodded. "Okay, well, your boxes are still down here. We'll ship them out, but what about money? How will we send you any?"

"You don't," Alex said. "I'll take care of that." Amorio started to argue, but Alex continued. "Jade wrote most of my songs. It's her royalties." Jade smiled at him. "It's seriously the least I can do. Plus, if she's going to be my wife, I'll make sure she's taken care of."

Craig broke the following silence and led them into the kitchen. He divided the soup between them and sat next to Amorio. Amorio and Craig exchanged occasional glances. Jade eventually spoke, breaking the silence.

"The only thing I don't know is... what if I don't have an ability after all?"

"The machine is never wrong," Alex replied.

"But what if it is?"

"Then you'll come here," Amorio explained. "You can study medicine and expand that garden of yours." Jade nodded, but the answer didn't seem to satisfy her.

"Until the people here destroy it, too," Jade whispered.

"The people of Solsper are nothing like the people of Inanis. I know you heard some things, but—your grandfather has been treated with the utmost respect."

"Well, grandfather owns the most famous weapons shop and training facility. It's different, like Craig and his café. They didn't even let me try to make a difference. They took my medicated plants and used them when I gave them to him, then turned around and destroyed my garden. No one will ever respect me like they do Craig or Grandfather."

"I do," Alex said. They all glanced at him. "I respect you, Jade. Maybe that's the turning point—seeing us together in the papers."

"Maybe," she replied, eating her soup. The rest of dinner passed in silence until Jade excused herself and Alex for the night. She changed into a nightdress that exposed the scars on her back. "They don't know about them," Jade said, aware of Alex's gaze. "I'd like it to stay that way, okay?" Alex nodded.

"You don't have to be alone anymore, okay? I'm here. I'll take care of you." Jade smiled, turning her head away.

"Dean Turk from Omega 5 told me there won't be any reporters when we arrive, but you should know that students will likely talk about us."

"Yeah, I figured. Are you regretting saying yes?" Alex shook his head.

"Being with you is never the wrong choice." Alex crossed to her and sat on the bed beside her. "All I've ever wanted is this, but it will be dangerous. I promise." He grabbed her hand. "I will protect you." Jade's lips parted, and he took the opportunity to kiss her. "I love you." Jade gave a weak smile. Alex placed his hand on her face. "You're safe with me, okay? I promise."