Lost

Chapter 8 - King

Caleb and Ace's similar blue eyes met through the cold fog, concern clouding the former's vision as he saw the state of his friend.

Yesterday, Ace and Caleb agreed to meet at the kindergarten so Jodee and Caleb could see each other again and so Ace started to feel a little more comfortable with Caleb being a continuous member in Jodee's life. Caleb had shown up about thirty minutes before school was in session as he knew that Ace and Jodee came with about ten minutes before school. He knew that he was being extra cautious, but Cal didn't want to take any chances of not being able to see the little girl. He needed her sweet innocent little joy right now.

Due to the crazy night the two Chambers siblings had with their father the previous night they were late and the bell would ring soon. But Ace didn't give one shit about that — he wouldn't even make Jodee go to school today, but unfortunately he and Cal had business to take care of and it couldn't wait.

"Is she okay?" Caleb asked, walking over to his best friend who was holding his little sister. Caleb put a delicate hand on Jodee's back to check on her but she didn't even move, cuddling into her brother more.

One of Ace's arms circles around Jodee's butt, while the other one wraps itself safely and protectively around her back, pulling and holding her tightly into his chest. Jodee's arms were looped around her brother's neck and her head rested on his shoulder, her eyes clearly stained with tears as they looked out, blankly. Her little girly backpack was slung across her big brother's shoulders.

"Yeah, she's alright. Right, Jo?" Ace murmured back, hiking her up a little on his hip and moving some of her hair so his lips were almost touching her cheeks, his warm breath fanning her.

Jodee made some whining sounds, shaking her head and began to sniffle against her brother's sweatshirt. She didn't want to be moved. 

"Are you good?" Caleb directed his question to his friend who was clearly sporting a few more bruises than what he had last time he saw him — just last night.

Ace nodded his head sternly. "Tell you later." He mouthed to Caleb so Jodee wouldn't hear. Ace knew that her hearing that would just trigger another reaction from the little girl which in turn would just continue to make this harder than need be.  

"Baby? C'mon, it's time to go to school, sweetheart." Ace's voice went up a few octaves to speak to his little sister with affection written along his face and his words.

"No...." Jodee moaned, clutching her brother harder.

Ace sighed, pulling her away from him — to which she protested a lot — He kneeled down and set her on her feet, but still allowed her to have her arms wrapped around his neck.

He smoothed some hair out of her face, kissing her head. "You have to go to school, Jodee. So you can be a smart little girl! Don't you want that?"

Jodee nodded her head sadly, before realizing what she had done and immediately shook it. "No! I just want you." She sobbed.

Ace's thumb came up to brush a tear from her eyes as he kissed the front of her nose, sending her a goofy grin. "Well I want you to have all the knowledge in the world! But you can't do that without school. Do you think you could try for me?" Ace asked softly.

"Maybe..."

"C'mon, say hi to Caleb and then I'll walk you in to see Miss. Byrd myself." Ace bargained.

Jodee seemed to accept his terms, but made sure to add a condition of her own. "Only if you carry me in!"

Ace closed his eyes for a second before nodding a little sadly. He wanted her to be independent but also knew that she was a scared little girl that needed comfort. And he would be more than happy to supply that comfort for as long as she wanted it — and he hoped that continued well into her adulthood.