Fracted (Book #2)

Chapter 14: So Close

The seven of us sat in an oval at the center of the room. A perfect circle never existed, it's too cliché for people to think that there will ever be a some sort of perfection. To me, it just looks highly appealing.
"So," Jackson began, "today has been... interesting. I don't think we can flee from all the surprises that await. Wether it's bad or good, we'll stick together. That's the only thing that kept us friends.
"Yeah, we know, Jackson. Without your jurisdictions, we would been dead." Ace said.
"You kept us alive, Jackson." Sarra said.
"No, if it wasn't for Jess you guys wouldn't even be alive. I wouldn't even be alive." he said.
"Because you taught me well," I say to him, "Thank you. I wish you were my only real family."
"That won't be necessary. But thanks though."
"No, really. My brother's a monster."
"Jess! Manners, please!" Mom shouted.
"Will it ever occur to you that I do not care?" I came out with a bluster.
She sighed, full of anger, "If your dad sees you like this, you'd never see the brightness of day again." Everyone was quiet. Even Jackson.
"I... don't... care."
"Fine, I'll be outside if you need me." she said. She stepped out of the door and slammed it shut.
"Jess," Eiffel tapped my shoulder, "what was that all about?"
"Didn't I tell you already?" I threw my hands wildly, ignoring.
"Calm calm calm," Robert said, "you need to eat so you can calm your nerves."
"You're right," I said. I extinguished myself and snatched a bag of mini-donuts from the bag next to Ace. I munch on five pieces of plain donuts. The others start eating as well, making a lot of noises by digging through the bags like savages.
"Do they even taste good?" Eiffel looked disgusted.
"Yeah, starving." I said, crumbs fall from my lower lip. I notice her right hand, there was a sapphire ring on her index finger. I swallow and said, "I like your ring. It's nice."
"Thanks. Sky gave it to me," She picks up with her two fingers a donut from my bag. "She said it will protect me no matter what. That she'll always be with me."
"I wish I had a sister like yours," I said clearly, "except he'd be a dude. Okay fine, a brother."
"I want my sister so badly." Tears slip down her bright cheeks and she swallows. I sat closer to her and rubbed her shoulder.
"Stop crying. We'll find her and you're gonna be together once and for all. Just... trust me. Us." I said in a soft, comforting tone.
"I have to trust you," she said, wiping off her tears. "I have to trust you, because you're my only hope."
She sounded forced, as if she doesn't want to me to help her.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes. No. I don't know." And she cried more and more. So she stormed out of our hotel room, bawling her heart out.
"Someone's gotta go get her." Robert said.
"Do you want me to--" Ace said, getting cut off by Jackson.
"Well someone has to." he said.
"Should I?" I said, unsure.
"She's your girl," Robert said, "You said it yourself." You have got to be kidding me!
I ran through the door, terrified of the thought of Jackson kicking my ribs. I dash across the hallway, turned, struggled to breathe, and there she was. She was inside the elevator, an empty room. The doors close in, and I made a run for it. I've seen her press the button while crying. Her sobbing echoed.
"Eiffel, wait!" I stretch my hand out, it was a pointless hand motion, despite being thirty feet away from her. I see her head shake. The doors close. Too late.