Acceptance

Chapter 5

                                                          

Jaz was surprised that sleep had come so easily. Then again, she'd come to a final decision, one that eased her mind. Perhaps that's why she'd had an undisturbed sleep, only waking as the first rays of the sun began to stream through her window.

She lay quietly for several minutes hoping to ready her mind for what was to come, realised there wasn't a damn thing that could truly ready her, gave a great sigh then got out of bed and began preparing for the day.

Showered, dressed and in the kitchen, Jaz had put coffee on and made a start of breakfast before anyone else made a move to get up. Putting up a large platter of pancakes, bacon, eggs and an assortment of fruits along with a warmed jug of maple syrup, soon got feet moving down the stairs.

While Eli didn't live with them, he usually had breakfast with them and today was no different. Emma arrived with Phia in tow, both were invited to breakfast. Jaz watched Phia, while they all ate, giving her a nod when she piled a second stack onto her plate.

Part way through breakfast Jaz spoke up, "Jacob will be here soon. I need some time alone to talk with him. We'll go to my room, so please give us some privacy. You'll find out all my secrets soon enough."

"Why Jacob," asked Phia.

Jaz remained silent for a moment contemplating what to say. "Jacob has been my strength all these years. There were times that if I didn't have him, I think I'd have gone crazy. My brothers won't be happy about his part in all this, but I needed someone and he was the only one I trusted."

The morning went all too quickly, Jaz could feel her nerves getting the better of her. Jacob arrived just after one o'clock, taking Jaz into his arms. He held her for what seemed like several minutes before pulling back and looking into her eyes. Not a single word was spoken, it wasn't needed.

Cade poured a mug of coffee, placing it on the table. "Jacob, mum said you two were going upstairs to talk. I thought you might want a coffee to take with you."

Jacob smiled, "Thank you Cade, I'll take care of you mother for now. They're busy at the main house, but they're likely to show up a little early." He picked up the coffee and followed Jaz up to her room.

Everyone looked at each other when they left, all feeling a little lost, not quite sure what to do with themselves. Emma soon got them moving doing something... anything to keep them busy. No one spoke of what was to come, they were all worried about Jaz, knowing that no matter what she had to say, they'd support her.

Eli sat on the steps on the back porch thinking over the years he'd known her. As far back as he could remember she'd been there. She'd always been a part of his life in some way or another. He thought of what she did, her being a Healer and of how much she did for those that needed her. She had always been there for every single member of the Pack. Always.

He pushed him memory searching, trying to remember when others had been there for her, but until recently could think of nothing. She had always done for herself never asking for help beyond what she needed as a Healer. Eli realised just how much he'd taken her for granted and if he had, just how much had the rest of the Pack.

Cade came out to give him a cold drink, startling him. "Eli, what is it?"

"Cade if I'm right and I'm certain I am, the Pack has a great deal to answer for in regards to the welfare and wellbeing of your mother."

"What do you mean?"

"What he means," Emma interrupted them, "is that Packs have a tendency to take advantage of their Healers. They expect them to always be there. Sadly they tend to forget to give back even a small part of what their Healer gives to them."