Eagle Crest Hallows [2]

Jace

You don't really know?

I cross my arms and look down, swallowing. Composing myself, I glance back at her expectantly.

"Can we talk in private?" I ask.

Rayah

Charlie grins at me and I shake my head again, still pissed off.

Jace asks if we can talk and I nod, looking over at him.

Jace

I lead her into the kitchen, but say nothing, hoping that she'll explain on her own.

Rayah

He says nothing and neither do I, standing awkwardly. I decide to speak. "I...I'm sorry....I don't know...." I stuttered, unsure what to say.

Jace

No, no, no. Apologies mean guilt. Guilt means -

"Tell me the truth," I whisper, afraid to hear my emotion in my voice.

Rayah

I hesitate, "I don't know what the truth is, Jay..."

Jace

"H-how do you not know? It's either you're cheating or you're not..." I say, trying to keep calm.

Rayah

I hated that word. Cheating.

"Jay, I--" I didn't know what to say and I looked down, unsure.

Jace

I look away again.

"Please answer the question," I beg.

Rayah

I look up at him, "Um..." I bite my lip, "Uh, Yeah...?" I say, my voice cracking, unsure if I really was or not.

Jace

I bottle up everything I'm feeling and go numb, unable to look at her. I run a hand over my face and look down.

"Why? Since when have I not been good enough?"

Rayah

"Jace, I don't know....I just...." I stopped, unable to talk. "Nevermind," I choked, looking down.

Jace

I swallow and leave the kitchen, sitting on the back porch with my head in my hands.

Rayah

He leaves and Riley walks in the kitchen, Logan following Jace. Riley looks up at me, "Momma, what happen?"

I look down at her and sigh, "Nothing, Sweetheart." I pick her up and set her on the counter, getting her something to eat.

Jace

Logan comes up in front of me and sits on my lap, forcing me out of my feelings.

"What are you doing, Lo?" I ask, wishing he had a jacket on, "It's too cold out here. Go back inside."

He doesn't move, looking up at me. I look away, seeing Rayah in his eyes, and take a deep breath.