The weight of secrets

Chapter 5

The next few weeks were a test for everyone in the Bellingham household. Though Jude and Jobe had started to speak again, their relationship was far from healed. Conversations were cautious, interactions brief. The tension hung between them, a constant reminder of what had happened.

But Jobe was determined to prove that he was serious about making amends. He threw himself into football, showing up early to every training session and pushing himself harder than ever. At home, he made an effort to be present—to eat meals with the family, to help out around the house. It wasn't much, but it was his way of showing Jude he was trying.

Jude noticed the change, though he didn't say anything. He was still guarded, unsure of how to let his walls down again. The betrayal had cut deep, and every time he saw Jobe, it was a reminder of the trust that had been shattered.

Their mother, Denise, continued to act as a bridge between them, encouraging them to talk and spend time together. She knew it would take time, but she refused to give up on the bond they once shared.

One evening, she called both of them into the living room. Jobe sat down hesitantly, glancing at Jude, who leaned against the arm of the couch with his arms crossed.

"I've been thinking," Denise began, her tone gentle but firm. "It's clear that you two are trying, but I think we need to address this head-on. Ignoring it won't make it go away."

Jobe stiffened, and Jude's jaw tightened. "Mum, I don't think—"

"No," she interrupted, holding up a hand. "You're going to listen. Both of you."

She looked at Jobe first. "Jobe, you've made it clear that you're sorry, and I believe you are. But apologies mean nothing if they're not followed by action. You need to show your brother that you respect him and his boundaries, even if it's hard for you."

Jobe nodded quickly, his throat tightening. "I understand."

Denise turned to Jude, her expression softening. "And Jude, I know you're hurt. You have every right to be. But holding onto that anger forever will only hurt you more in the long run. At some point, you need to decide if you're willing to let go of it—if you're willing to try rebuilding what you two had."

Jude didn't respond immediately. He stared at the floor, his mind racing. He hated how complicated everything had become. Part of him wanted to forgive Jobe, to go back to how things were, but another part of him wasn't ready to let go of the pain.

"I don't know how to just forget what he did," Jude admitted finally, his voice quiet but heavy with emotion. "It's not just about Lily. It's about trust. And right now, I don't know if I trust him."

Jobe's head dropped, the words cutting through him like a knife. He opened his mouth to respond, but Denise spoke first.

"Trust isn't something that comes back overnight," she said gently. "It's something you rebuild, brick by brick. And it starts with small steps. You don't have to trust him completely right now, Jude. But maybe you can try to trust him a little, just enough to give him a chance."

Jude looked up at Jobe, his expression unreadable. "What happens if I give you that chance and you mess up again?"

"I won't," Jobe said immediately, his voice firm despite the tears threatening to spill. "I know I don't deserve it, but if you give me one more chance, I'll spend every day proving that I'm worthy of your trust. I swear."

The room fell silent, the weight of Jobe's words hanging in the air. Jude studied him for a long moment, searching for something—sincerity, maybe, or remorse. Whatever it was, he seemed to find it.

"All right," Jude said finally, his voice low but steady. "One chance. That's it. And if you screw it up..."

"I won't," Jobe interrupted, his voice trembling with relief.

Jude nodded, his expression softening just a fraction. It wasn't forgiveness, not entirely, but it was a step forward. And for now, that was enough.

Denise let out a quiet sigh of relief, her heart swelling with hope. She reached out, taking both of their hands in hers. "You two mean the world to me," she said softly. "And I know it's going to take time, but I believe in you. I believe in both of you."

Jobe gave her a small, grateful smile, while Jude nodded silently, his gaze still fixed on his brother.

As the night wore on, the tension in the house seemed to ease just a little. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress. And for the first time in weeks, they all felt like there was a chance to heal, to rebuild what had been broken.

Because no matter how hard things got, they were family. And family, as Denise had always said, was worth fighting for.