Walls

Chapter 31 part3

Jace's POV

"Hush, babe. He'll be fine. Just trust him on this one okay? You know him. He got this." I tried to comfort Danielle through the phone.

She has been crying. She read the letter that Jason left for her. He accepted his place.

"But I just wished he allowed me to talk to him before he left." She replied still crying.

I honestly have high respect for the guy. He genuinely loved Danielle to be able to disregard his own self for her.

"Maybe he knows it will be harder for him that way."

"Okay, I'll try not to worry about him. I just wish him well. I wished I knew this beforehand. I love Jayson, he's a really nice guy. I hope the best for him."

"I know, babe." After an exchange of I love you, we hanged up.

I let out a sigh.

Okay, I'll admit. I knew this is coming. He told me. But I cannot tell Danielle, not yet. Jason and I talked about this. He already got the plan, he just wanted to make sure so he talked to me.

*flashback

The moment Jason visited me in the hospital, I knew we are going to talk. So when my parents asked Danielle to have breakfast with them, the opportunity of being alone with Jason, I grabbed it.

"I'll be fine." I said.

"I'm here." Jason said, probably sensing this as an opportunity. "You know I don't take breakfast. I'm fine with coffee." He told Danielle.

My mom finally get to convince Danielle and soon, Jason and I were alone.

"So?" I opened up.

"Do you love her?" He asked.

What kind of question is that? I have risked my life for her. Of course, I do! But I understand him. He cares for Danielle.

"I do." I answered.

"Do you genuinely love her?" He asked again.

"I do genuinely love Danielle."

"Even beyond her stubbornness? Her hard headedness? Her irrationality at times? Her mood swings?" He asked looking outside the window. I can feel the heaviness in the air

I smiled. He really knows Danielle. Maybe even more than I do. He cares for her. But I am more than willing to get to know her more and love her through it all.

"I do love her through and beyond all of those."

"Very well, promise me." He said shifting his gaze on mine. "Man to man, promise me. Promise me that you will never, ever, under all circumstances let her get hurt. Promise me that you will protect her at all cost, including your life. Promise me that you will always make her smile, that you will understand her all the time, that you will love her with all your heart. Promise me, that you will be the man on her side whether she feels strong or weak. Promise me, you'll do everything for her. Promise me, you will surpass what I would do for her, just to see her happy. Promise me, man. Promise me, Jace. Over your dignity, promise me."

"I promise to do all of those. I promise to make her happy even if it costs me my all. I would do everything for her. I would never let her get hurt. I'll guard her with my all." I respond while looking at him straight in the eye.

He nods as he looked away.

I can feel he is contented.

I know, he knows, I would do everything for Danielle. I love her way too much to hurt her. And I know and understand he just needed to hear it himself.

"I will leave. After you get discharged. Slowly though. I plan not to let Dani notice it. It would be harder for me if she would know. It would also be hard for her. I needed you to hide it from her as long as necessary. It's for her own good. She worries way too much. I trust you to take good care on her."

"I just needed time and space to move on. Dani is such a wonderful lady and its hard to forget her. I hope you understands how lucky you are to have her."

"I'll still get in touch. I would keep an eye on you. I swear, if you hurt her, you'll regret it. I'll take her from you and I would never let you go near her or have her again."

I just nodded.

I sincerely wish well for Jason.

"Just, wherever you might go. Just take good care of your self. I'm sure that's what Danielle would wanted to make sure." I said.

"I can handle myself, but for Dani, of course I'll do."

"By the way.." I said. He turned and looked at me. "Thanks a lot, Jason." I said.

He smiled. Although I can hint bitterness, I know it was sincere.

He just nodded as he put his earphones on and walked towards the balcony as I grabbed the remote control for the television.

***