Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 106: To the End

Sara drove them back to her apartment, made some tea and sat with Janice on the sofa. "I'm listening, Janny— to the end." Janice leaned back, crossed her legs and held her cup near her face. The warmth was a comforting sensation.

"Years ago I got involved with the cartel. I worked my way up to second in command. The leader was impressed with my certain skill set and found a lot of ways to put it in use. Honestly, until recently I craved the power I had within the group."

She could see the confusion on Sara's face, but as she said she would listen to the end. "When Roger's body was found, it caused a lot of issues for the cartel. It brought on an investigation that could bring down the entire network. I decided we could frame Siobhan to take the fall in connection to the cartel. It would be easy to lead the police in that direction. I have my ways."

Sara felt her chest tighten and it showed in her expression, unintentionally. Janice's eyes began watering, "I knew I would lose you when I told you this." She started to stand, but felt a gentle touch to her hand. Sara's voice soft, "You haven't lost me, Janny. Do I like that you are framing my best friend's wife?" She scoffed, "No, I don't, but Janice you have changed. You freaked out today because you let yourself see them as people instead of an obstacle. You saw the love, the connection and what they have overcome. I know you've been closed off for so long— you haven't truly felt anything until... well until you let me in."

Janice didn't understand exactly what was happening, but her heart leapt in her chest as a small smile pulled at her lips. She whispered, "and I'll never get how you did it, but I'm safe with you— I feel at home with you." Janice let out a heavy sigh, "I don't want you caught up in this. You make me want to get out of the cartel for good, but those types of actions come with consequences. But, I think I can make a play for the leader, clear Siobhan's name and cut ties— completely."

Sara felt breathless, "That sounds really dangerous. Why have you kept this to yourself for so long? You need support. I can't imagine how lonely it's been— you don't have to do everything alone anymore. I'm with you— let me help."

As Sara and Janice resolve to take down the cartel and Bennie, Siobhan and Vivian are settling for bed and discussing a problem of their own.

"Bon, with this legal stuff, I don't know if we should bring Ciara's sibling into the mix. It's a lot and we have just settled into a rhythm again after everything we have been through."

Siobhan slips under the comforter, lying next to Vivian. "I know, but I just keep thinking about Ciara's sister not being settled. How she must be feeling so scared and alone without any of her family. Think about the struggle Ciara has had with us and we both are doing all we can to support her. What if it could help Ciara, too?"

Vivian smirked as she wrapped Siobhan in her arms. "When I met Ms. Siobhan Serpent, she wasn't such a kid person. I knew somewhere there was a mother's heart— there was a glimmer I noticed deep in those gorgeous grey eyes. Everyday I see another reason to fall even more in love with you." She kissed Siobhan reverently on the lips before resting her head on her chest. "You've come so far and I'm beyond proud of you, baby."