Frightful Reunion

Ch11

Jerry guides you inside, your feet shuffling along numbly as he gently helps you lower onto the couch. His hand caresses your cheek, tucking a finger under your chin in attempts to bring your focus back to the present. You meet his eyes, but it immediately overwhelms you.

Tears threaten to spill over the brim, your breath hitching in your throat as you open your mouth to speak, unable to find the words.

The damn breaks and a single tear streams down your cheek as your chest continues to ache.

You squeeze your eyes shut and move to turn away, feeling the warm drops run down your cheeks uncontrollably. Jerry wraps his arms around you and sits beside you, quickly bringing you across his lap to comfort you as best he can.

He runs his fingers soothingly through your hair, pressing his lips to the top of your head and repeatedly whispering that it would all be ok. But every time you close your eyes, all you can see is the look of utter agony on your dad's face, as if the realization that your life was linked to Jerry's was worse than a death sentence. Although... with their history together, you couldn't exactly blame him; you had just really hoped he would still love you.

The void, long-distance stare that left his eyes so dark and cold, felt so foreign to you. He had always had such warm, loving eyes. They seemed like a distant memory now.

The tears seem to finally slow down, but Jerry keeps you close, the both of you clutching onto each other in near desperation. Suddenly, you start to feel as though you had been selfish. It was so emotional to think about not having any family anymore, but Jerry had been alone for... well you weren't really sure how long to be honest.

"At least I have you..." You whisper, your lips ghosting along his skin where you were still nuzzled in the crook of his neck.

He squeezes you tighter in reassurance. "Always."

With a sniffle, you wipe your hands across your face, smearing away the last of the tears. Jerry runs his thumb across your cheek, studying your eyes before smiling softly and pressing a long, gentle kiss to your forehead.

Your stomach begins to rumble, which makes Jerry chuckle as he easily stands with you, holding you in his arms bridal style as he carries you into the kitchen. He sets you down on the counter before reaching into the fridge and pulling out a large, gallon jug of red liquid. Seeming to hesitate, he takes a deep breath before placing it on the counter next to you.

Brows furrowed together, you cautiously reach out and pick up what you assume used to hold milk, knowing full well what it now contains. Every inch of your being screams out for you to chug the entire container, the smell prickling at your senses before you even pop off the cap. Your mind wants to fight it, but you made a decision, and knew what the consequences would be.

Slowly, you bring the jug to your lips, part of you savoring every second as the liquid pours into your mouth and runs down your throat, but the other part of you hated how good it made you feel.

After a few moments, you put the jug back down, trying to pace yourself even though your entire body ached for more.

Jerry sighs, crossing his arms as he leans against the opposite counter, his brows knitted together as he glances between you and the jug. "It's easier if you just drink it all."

Pursing your lips, you glance down, running your thumb along the seam of the plastic handle, the internal war on your old human instincts fighting in vain against your new urges and needs.

"Hey..." Jerry whispers, ripping your attention back to reality as you meet his soft gaze. "I know it's hard." He stays leaned against the counter, obviously trying to give you some space, his arms coming uncrossed briefly before gripping the counter in restraint. "I can promise you... It will be much worse if you don't drink it."