The Price Of Love

Chapter 36

Jay's POV

I stare up at the ceiling.

That's all I've been doing for god only knows how long. I've lost track of time.

It's strange being back.

Before I lay down to stare at my ceiling and drown in self-pity, I took a minute to just look around my room.

This room has always been my own. It used to be a nursery. Then a space-themed room that was every toddler's dream bedroom.

Then a Harry Potter-themed room that every Hogwarts fan would have been jealous of, although I had no friends or siblings to show it off to. Then I turned eight, and the walls were painted white. I was too old for childish bedroom themes apparently.

Being back after six months felt so strange. I needed a minute to remind myself that this is my bedroom, not the one back in Wisconsin.

My phone beeps, and I sigh, knowing it's Talia.

Grabbing it, I read through the three unanswered texts I've received in the last seventeen hours.

Talia: Hey, have you picked up the triplets yet?

Talia: Are you back in New York yet? Was your flight okay?

Talia: Everything okay??

Talia: Please let me know everyone is alright.

In my defense, my phone died on the way here. That three-hour phone call came with the consequence of most of my battery life.

I charged my phone when I got here, and I heard my phone buzz for the last two texts, saw it was Talia, and ignored them because I didn't know what to say.

How are you supposed to tell your girlfriend your baby brother got shot dead over text? How can I be expected to type something like that out?

Knowing Talia is probably at home worried sick since it's still unknown to her whether Clayton is alive or not, I force myself to respond to her.

Me: Something happened. I'll explain when I'm home. Please forgive me if I don't respond to your texts. A lot is going on. Clayton is fine.

I sent the text. Tossing my phone onto the bed beside me as I groan, guilt eating at me. She's at home worried sick about my little brothers, and I made her wait fucking seventeen hours for a response.

I quickly grab my phone.

Me: I love you.

I then toss my phone back on my bed and get up.

I can't be lying here all sad and pitiful. I have a house full of kids who need someone to talk to.

Running my hands through my hair, I take a deep breath, force myself to be okay, and then leave my bedroom.

It's just gone ten p.m. I've been lying down staring at my ceiling for a total of six hours, although I swear it felt like ten minutes.

I stand outside my bedroom at the end of the hallway, wondering which one I should check on first.

Clayton.

I nod to myself, before walking down to the opposite end of the upstairs hallway, past everybody's closed bedroom doors, and going up the narrow staircase leading to the third floor.

I look to the right, seeing Sage's bedroom door is closed, but light shines through under the door. He's in there. I'll check on him next.

I turn left, and knock on Clayton's bedroom door, waiting a few seconds before I push it open.