Realize (COMPLETED)

28.

(Note: Alternate POV's in this chapter)

LM

The hours fly by and before I know it the storm has ceased and the sun is shining brightly in the sky. The roads are just about cleared and we're waiting to take Jennie and Ella to the hospital.

Yesterday, between doting on Ella and worrying about Jennie, we somehow remembered that it was Christmas day and exchanged gifts. We're a pretty simple family that enjoys the holiday more than the giving of gifts, but each of us took turns ripping through wrapping paper like children. This year mom and dad, or I should say mom, bought me new porcelain plates, sturdy pots and pans, gold silverware, and wine glasses...I know this stuff cost a fortune but mom played it down saying she got them for a good price. I know my mother—she's as over the top as her spawn, Rose. Speaking of her, she broke out a huge box filled with brand new clothes, shoes, and "manly" accessories as she calls them. I don't think a fanny pack is very manly but she promises that it's all the rage amongst men in my age group. Jisoo bought me a nice sweater and Bambam forked over a book of coupons to the restaurant.

That's my brother.

Jimin gave me books. He always gives me books.

Mom, Rose, and Jisoo cooked up a hearty breakfast after all the gifts were open. I couldn't be more thankful for it, you know with everything that has happened food was the last thing on all of our minds. As day turned into night, we spent time reminiscing on past Christmases and what we looked forward to in the coming months. Our annual trip back to Beaverton was coming up in the summer...I'd love to take Jennie and Ella along to see my old stomping ground.

A small whimper interrupted my thoughts and I look down at the wiggling little bundle of joy currently lying in my arms. The bundle that I'm absolutely in love with... Her black, curly hair is lovely set against her pale skin. Her eyes are pools of chocolate like Jennie's. She has the most awesome birthday, and her mother is the one to thank for bringing her into this world.

It's the next morning and they both seem to be doing well despite the odds. I feel like Dr. Dara was trying to scare us when she said the baby may have deformities. She was wrong...Ella is perfect. Rose, Jisoo, and mom have been fawning all over her like she's the most precious thing they've ever seen. Really she is, truly a blessing in disguise. Even Jimin and Bam go all goo goo eyes around her...I have a feeling that this little treasure will be a soft spot in all our hearts.

"Lisa, we've been given the go ahead to transport the girls to the hospital. We need to make sure they're both bundled up tight. Bam is going to go bring the car around."

"Alright dad." I pass the baby off to my sister and go upstairs to wake Jennie.

I stand in the doorway and watch her sleep. It's truly amazing to see her so docile while this very room seems to protect her from outside burdens and troubles. Looking at her now, no one would think that she had just gone through something as life changing as giving birth. Sometimes I wonder if her life would have turned out different—would I ever have gotten the chance to meet her? If she'd never been hurt by those despicable people, would we ever have crossed paths?

I shake my head to clear the angry cloud that was sure to form just thinking about how much pain she's endured. I'd kill them all if I could...

Rubbing a hand over my tired eyes, I move quietly into the room, stopping when I reach the side of her bed. I stand there for a few minutes longer reaching out to smooth her hair from her beautiful face. I hate to wake her while she's sleeping so peacefully.

"Jennie baby," I softly shake her "wake up love."

She moans and stiffly turns over. "What's wrong?"