Mount Olympus [5]

Rayah

Jace comes home and I swallow, not saying anything as I eat.

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Jackie

I smile at Nic and kiss him quickly, "Morning, babe."

Jace

My eyes meet Rayah's and I sigh, a little guilty from leaving last night. I walk to her and kiss her forehead, "Happy Birthday."

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Nic

I smile back, "Morning. How are you feeling?"

Rayah

I nod and sigh, "Thank you."

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Jackie

I shrug, finishing breakfast, "Good. Alright."

Jace

I sit across from her and sigh, studying her, "I don't like this, Rayah. I feel like I did something wrong but I don't know how to fix it..."

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Nic

I nod and kiss her cheek again, "Good. You wanna stop and see Halee before we go to Rayah's?"

Rayah

I shrug, "S'Alright."

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Jackie

I take a deep breath and shake my head, "No. If I see her the more I want to do is take her home..."

Jace

I study her before nodding and heading upstairs to change, not really feeling any better.

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Nic

I sigh and nod, "Alright."

Rayah

I watch him go before finishing my food.

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Jackie

I nod and flash to Rayah's, holding the gift behind my back, "Happy Birthday!"

Jace

I change, planning out something to say, but find Jackie there when I walk down the stairs. Swallowing, I push the thoughts away and check on the kids instead.

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Nic

I chuckle, flashing after her. I bid my sister-in-law happy birthday before watching Jace walk out of the room. Confused, I excuse myself and walk towards him.

Rayah

I glance at Jace before dismissing any thoughts and hugging Jackie. She gives me a card, not the gift yet, and I smile at it, laughing.

Nic

I find Jace with the kids and stand in the doorway watching him make sure they're alright before turning to me. He looks away, avoiding my gaze.

"What's your problem?" I ask, studying him, "You look... traumatized. More so than what you went through could have done."

"I don't want to talk about it," he says, "And I'm not traumatized. I just have a lot on my mind."

Rayah

I smile and Jackie sets her gift on the coffee table, running to find the boys, "C'mon guys. We're doing gifts."

Nic

Jace nods and I lead him into the room. He pulls a slender velvet box from a hidden spot in the wall and follows me.

Rayah

I roll my eyes at Jackie and she sits next to me, covering my eyes, "No peeking."

I raise an eyebrow and nod, "Fine."

"Who goes first?" She asks

Nic

I look at Jace and he sets his gift for her in her hands without a word. What's up with them?

"That's from Jace," I tell Rayah, since he wouldn't do it himself.

Rayah

I open my eyes and look at Jace for a moment before hesitating to open the box.