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5. Going Places

"Everly, are you okay?" Jesse's voice came from behind Everly. He stood leaning against the door hoping to keep out his brother. He could smell him a mile away but didn't want Everly to worry. She didn't understand.

"Why did you come back here?" Everly answered without turning around.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed pretty sick when we left and I didn't want to go to bed without knowing you were feeling better."

"I was feeling better. I was asleep. I was hoping to sleep everything off, but I guess not."

"Listen, you can go back to sleep. I won't bother you. I'll just keep watch."

"Right, sure you will." Everly turned around looking at Jesse. "What's your deal?"

Jesse took in a quiet breath. He didn't really feel the pull, just more the muscles moving with the motion. He hadn't felt a deep breath in many years. He thought carefully for the answer. "Just quiet, I guess."

Everly rolled her eyes. "You don't seem to be quiet. You seem to just hide. Something just doesn't sound right."

"Thanks."

"Well, I tell it as I see it."

"I thought you like to blend in?"

"Doesn't mean I don't speak my mind. I try to stay away from people so they don't have to hear me speak it."

"Interesting." Jesse's brow scrunched and his fingers hit his chin. He was still trying to figure her out. "Really you should go back to sleep."

"What about you? Aren't you tired?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for answering. Plus your dad should be here soon." Jesse crossed his arms and kept his back on the door pulling his face forward to look at the wall just next to the window. He began regretting reaching out to her. He should have known better. He would only put her in danger. He was borned into a world of chaos and survival. On the outside it seemed extravagant and perfect. He suffered through until he could find a way out. The Channings were what he needed. He kept it all to himself.

"Jesse?"

"Yeah. Are you okay?"

"Sorry, just my thoughts running away with me." He chuckled softly trying to make light of the haze his past put into his mind.

Everly stared at Jesse trying to read him. She couldn't figure him out and it was frustrating. He's the only person that didn't treat her like a shiny new toy. It was as if they had met before but she didn't recall meeting him when she would visit.

Jesse put his head back against the door. He took a deep breath for show hoping he didn't seem too dramatic. It was meant to be shallow and not a sigh. He almost forgot how to breathe when he was around Everly. He turned to her watching her stare at him. He gave her a big, cheesy smile. Everly broke her stern look laughing. Jesse couldn't help but to continue to smile. He almost melted at the sound. It warmed his soul or whatever was left.

A ding went off on his phone.

Your girl looks mighty tasty. I understand the appeal. Do you mind if I take a bite out of her. I mean we are brothers. Mom always taught us to share.

Jesse's brows creased deeply concerned by his brother's words. He let his fist hit the door. Everly jumped at the sound.

"Not a good text, Jess?" Everly spoke softly hoping not to irritate him further.

Jesse turned to respond to Everly. The door downstairs opened and closed. Jesse opened the door carefully walking into the hallway seeing James standing in the foyer heading toward the kitchen. Jesse felt a pang of relief. He returned to her room.