Come Home

Chapter 41

Alice jumped down off the top of the fence, turned, and froze seeing the group of men standing on the porch. "Come on Little One," Dr. Roberts said calmly, "Come see what we have and then I'll make you something to eat outside with that little pony of yours. You can't tell me no either, I'm the one person that can overrule you, and you don't have to speak to them if you don't want you."

She sighed knowing it would be pointless to argue with him, so she started walking up to him and internally smiled when Zero followed right behind her. Justin chuckled and opened the gate for them both. The men stepped to the side as Dr. Roberts walked inside the house leaving the doors open.

She looked around and softly gasped seeing the fireplace mantle. Without thinking about it, she walked over to it and softly sniffled seeing Jack's urn in the place of honor. Seeing her hand tremble as she picked up the eagle feathers that were on each side of the urn, Axel walked over to her.

"Do you remember what I told you about eagle feathers?" he asked softly. When she didn't acknowledge him but placed a kiss on each one, he continued, "Our belief is that the feather is a powerful symbol that signifies honor and a deep connection to not only the bird but Mother Earth as well. It symbolizes trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, but most importantly freedom. It is revered as a sign of one of the highest honors. The eagle is the strongest and bravest of all birds, so its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, and strongest. The feathers are given and handled with great regard since they are a blessing to receive such honor. Silas and North are currently making an honor box to display the feathers and Jack with dignity and pride. Jack represented all that and more, so it was only fitting that I honor him with those feathers."

She carefully placed the feathers back where they belonged before turning and hugging Axel tightly. Before he could really register what happened she rushed outside with Zero following. Jasper and Jackson followed. She ran until she could no longer run and collapsed by the creek. Zero nudged her and she absentmindedly patted him. "I'm okay," she whispered as she laid back onto the grass and laid an arm over her eyes. "Go play, I'm okay."

He neighed before she heard his hoofs running letting her know that he went off on his own little adventure. Hearing a twig snap, she didn't think anything of it until she smelt cinnamon. Jasper sat down and gently lifted her head, setting it in his lap. He didn't try to move her arm off her face and tentatively ran his fingers through her hair.

Peppermint told her that Jackson sat beside them and just waited patiently. "Here," North's voice came from the distance but was approaching. "Something easy for her stomach and your breakfast. We're going to get the chores done."

"Thanks," Jackson said softly.

"Here Meine Leibe," Jasper said as he took a piece of toast from Jackson and gently pulled her arm away from her eyes. "Please just one bite."

She sat up and slapped the toast out of his hand. "Don't call me that," she fumed as she quickly stood. Jasper stood up as did Jackson. "You don't have the right to call me that! You lost that privilege!"

"I'm sorry, Alice," Jasper said as she slapped his chest then attempted to shove him away. He didn't budge thanks to his build, but he did take a small step back to try and make her feel better. "It was a habit but you're correct I no longer have that right. I apologize, Alice."

"I hate you! This is all your fault!" she shouted as she continued to hit him. "It's your fault!"

"I know," Jasper said sadly as he looked at Jackson.

Jackson nodded, "It is our fault."

"You shouldn't have pushed me away!" She shouted as she tried to shove Jasper again. "You should have just listened!"

"You're right," Jackson said. "We should have."

"You were supposed to be on MY side!" She shouted as she lunged at Jackson. "Mine! But you chose THEM over ME!"

Jackson started to correct her but then just shut his mouth. Now wasn't the time to try and explain anything, she needed to release all the hurt and anger in her before she would be able to listen to reason. Besides, she did have some truth to what she was saying.

"Take it out on us, Alice," Jackson pushed. "Let us feel the hurt and anger we've caused you. Show us."

"Yes, punish us," Jasper nodded, "please."

She screamed and punched Jackson as her vision turned red and all her mind could think was pain.