AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No,” Crucinda says again. We all look down at her, and she has her eyes opened as far as they can. “No more violence, Jase.” Her hand trembles, and tears run down her face as she reaches for my hand. “Please.”
Gripping her hand softly, I sit down on the bed and kiss her palm. “Okay, pebble.” It’s a lie. I’m going to take so much enjoyment in dismantling my father. I can’t wait to rip into him. But first, I have to get things squared away with my brothers and pebble.
John and Joey come closer, and I see John’s lower lip trembling. He hates to see women and children hurt. Joey is a different breed altogether. He looks down at her with disdain, and I realize he looks at everyone he doesn’t know like that. It’s upsetting, but Crucinda doesn’t even flinch.
“Hello,” her voice breaks as she tries to swallow. “You…” A cough comes out, and I fret.
“Don’t speak, Cru, it’s alright. John, Joey, this is our step-aunt, Crucinda. Pebble, this mean bastard is the youngest and the one that got a two-day pass to see you, Joey. The one over there about to cry is John.”
We all laugh, and Queenie comes in. “So, I’m willing to stick around, or I can go get something if y’all need me.”
Looking away from Crucinda, I nod to Queenie. “If you can get someone to help Crucinda, that would mean a lot. Then, of course, you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”
“You got it.”
“I’ll go with you, Queenie,” Joey says but then turns back and bumps me out of the way. He sits down and looks at Crucinda. I see the exact moment he realizes she’s not the enemy. He knew this for a long time, but it’s finally settling into him.
“I’ve hated you for so long, I don’t know how to love you. But I’m hoping that you’ll give me the chance. And…” He bends down and lays his head down on her chest gently. “And you’ll forgive me for being a part of killing the only family you had.”
I fully expect Crucinda to not forgive us. She once again surprises the hell out of me, but it endears us to her. “There’s nothing to forgive.” Joey’s head snaps up, and he looks at her.
“How can you say that?” he whispers.
“Your father made me the bad guy, Joey. You were only following his lead. It’s alright. I hope we can get to know each other better soon.” Crucinda puts a battered hand on his face, and Joey bursts into tears.
He’s never done that before.
Ever.
He hugs her tightly, and she whimpers. I pull him back, and he looks chagrined. “Sorry, I…I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Crucinda’s smile is tight, but it’s full of happiness. “It’s no problem. I’m glad you are willing to give me a chance to be in your life.”
Joey gets up and vows to us he’ll be back shortly with help. As Queenie and Joey leave, John comes over, and while he doesn’t sit down, he gets on his knees so I can sit back down near Crucinda.
“You have every right to hate me.”
She shakes her head and looks at me. “I’m not mad at y’all,” she whispers. John looks like he wants to say more, but he keeps quiet as Crucinda peers at him.
“You know, you have your mother’s eyes.” Slowly, pebble takes her hand and pushes it through John’s bangs. “And her hair. Pitch black with that blue undertone. It was one of her best features.”
John is still as she holds her hand against his face. “Thank you.” He gasps out and takes her hand in his. “Thank you.”
That’s all he seems to be able to say, and I don’t blame him. Crucinda is way too gracious. “John, you and I should go get some food started. Let’s let Crucinda rest.”
He doesn’t argue as he gets up and kisses her forehead. As he walks out, I turn to my pebble. “We don’t deserve you.” That’s all I can say as I rush out of the door, and she sees I’m on the verge of a fucking breakdown.
Eighteen
The door closes after them,and I lie here, wondering what the hell is going on. I mean, I know what’s going on. I’m not in my home anymore, and I’ve met my other two step-nephews, but what am I doing forgiving them? A chuckle leaves me, and I know I’m being stupid.
Of course, I’m going to forgive them.
I have to.
They are my only family, and they don’t deserve my wrath.
Jason got me out of the line of fire with his father, but can I trust him?
