MCSM: A Rather Ridiculously Ravishing and Romantic Anthology

Act XII: Jesse

Lukas awoke with a jolt, Jesse was already up and helping her brother take down the dirt shelter they put up. His head ached so slightly, Jesse was checking his temperature. "You alright?" he asked. Lukas groaned "Yeah. I'll be fine," then he stared at Jesse, working away. "Your sister really has a huge heart, y'know that?" He smirked and chortled "You know something about huge hearts. Look at yourself." Jesse handed him a small mirror and Lukas grimaced at the redness of his face.

"Ugh... that was so, gross... but moreish somehow." Jesse winced at Lukas, "Whoa! I dunno if you noticed, but that guy is watching us!" then he pointed at you. Petra wasn't present, she wasn't with them right now. Jesse helped him up and packing away the last of their stuff, began heading down to a small stream, rushing currents and clear as ice. "Clear enough, should be safe to drink." Jesse supposed, cupping some water in his hands and taking a tentative sip, smacking his lips together, then nodding in approval. His sister went ahead to fill up a flask, and as an added measure, added some iodine to purify it. She then offered it to Lukas, he willingly took it and took a long sip, sighing at the revitalising chill, then gasped as she gently embraced him. "Oh it's just so good to have you back..." she sighed. "Yeah, me too. Again, I am thankful for your efforts. So nice to know you care enough to risk your life for me." She broke away from him, and replied "Hey, it's the least I can do. Now come on, let's go home."

Petra was still missing, this really worried Jesse. What he didn't notice was that whilst they were asleep, she slipped away and started heading home without them. "Petra?! You around here?" He shouted which echoed throughout the woods. No answer except a retreating flock of birds emerging from a giant rock formation which had a small cave and a dim glow emanating from inside. "D'you guys think she'll be in there?" This immediately caught Lukas' attention. "Maybe. That's the only kind of natural shelter for miles. Jesse, are you sure we should follow her? She must be really heartbroken right now." Jesse glared at him, "She's our friend. We can't just ditch her. C'mon guys, let's go find her."

The rock formation had a convenient stairway carved into its face, so they could go up. When they reached the top, the light glow had disappeared. "Petra? You in there?" Jesse softly called into the extending cave. No answer. "Perhaps we oughta-" but his sister grabbed his arm. "She's our friend sis. It's something we have to do." He replied, dragging her arm away and fixing her an 'I'm serious' expression, for her to nod and agree. "Could be dangerous." Jesse drew a sword if there are any mobs about, then they tentatively crept down the dark cave.

After 3 minutes of aimless wandering about, Jesse finally was greeted by a warm glow. "Petra!" he exclaimed, but Jesse and Lukas grabbed him. "Calm down. She may still be sad, even angry." Jesse fixed them a resentful look, then it turned into an apprehensive one. "I hope for our sake, we shan't have to say yes to the second word." He backed behind a corner then peeked very slowly. He saw a small opening, dimly lit by a dwindling torch. And on the floor, sat and sobbing away, was Petra.

Jesse had never seen her cry before, she was always the tough girl. The loss of her father really hit her; she is shedding so many tears that a puddle was noticeable. Jesse tried to approach her, but she held a hand up in a 'don't come any closer' gesture, and he froze in place. "Petra, I-" she stopped him. "No, no." She spoke in a heavily demoralised voice. "Petra, I know you're upset, but we need to go NOW."

Petra suddenly got up and tearfully lashed at him. "You don't get it do you? You have no idea how this feels! I just lost my last family member! I'm alone now! You- you've got your sister! He's got his mother! I've got nobody!" Jesse winced, straightened, then began to reply "You got us!" She rebuked him. "You're not my family! You're just my friends." Her voice faltered. "I know you care about me guys, but this is way out of your assistance. I'm sorry but you can't help me here..."

Jesse saw the anger and sadness in her eyes, then approached her more, softly whispering "Hey, of course we can help you. I love you Petra. I care for you. You shouldn't have to take this pain yourself, let is help you," patting her gently on the shoulder. She sighed "I appreciate that, and yes I love you too Jesse. But this isn't on your back, it's on mine. You shouldn't have to bear this." But Jesse nodded in disapproval. "No, you don't understand. I have to." He sighed and dipped his head down, then continued. "You helped me get over Reuben. Now let me help you get over your father."

"But Jesse! He was merely your best friend! This is different, my father, my real family, it's all gone. All my cousins vanished and I never knew my mother." Her voice was distraught now. "But you. You may consider yourself real lucky. You've got a twin sister you can love and take care of; I got nothing now." At the sound of twin sister, Jesse dropped her head in despair. "You're right, that's why you must come with us. You still have us, remember?" She lifted her head at Jesse's words, then replied "I guess."

"So?" Jesse said, holding his hand out to Petra, "why don't we go home together?" Petra was reluctant to take it, but knowing she can't keep the tough girl act for any longer, gave in and took it, before dragging him in a warm embrace. She caught sight of his sister gently hugging Lukas. "Yes, let's go home." She whispered into her ear, which made Jesse smile very broadly. Before they began to walk out, Petra instinctively kissed him, absorbing his warmth, she sighed slowly and held him closer. Jesse nodded, then holding her gloved hand, began leading the group out of the cave and back to town. "But why? Why are you doing this?" Jesse stared at her before answering "Because I care."