EPISODE TWENTY SIX
THEME: What changed his mind?
MOON STONE FORTRESS
IN THE PACK HOUSE
Jaylen twirled Claire around in his arms, he had almost forgotten there was another member of the family he hadn’t seen. She had grown so big that he could hardly recognize her.
Claire held onto her elder brother tightly, she had almost thought she would never see him again after all the past years. No one talked about Jaylen, it was almost like he was dead to them. Day and night she felt guilty, blaming herself for the hurt he had to suffer the day he was forced to leave the pack.
“Are you crying?” Jaylen asked in amusement, lifting her face off his shoulder.
“How could you stay away for so long?” She wailed, still holding on to him.
Jaylen decided to tease her. “It’s not like you did ask after me.”
Claire slapped his chest lightly. “It’s not like you made yourself any visible.” She mirrored his response.
He laughed and hugged her tightly. “I missed you so much munchkin.”
Claire was back to crying again. “I missed you more. How could you be so cruel and not come home even for a moment.”
“I had business to handle Claire.”
“No, you are just cold hearted.” She insisted.
Putting her down, he made her circle round by holding her hand up. “Wow! You have grown so much! How old are you again?”
Claire squinted her eyes at him, trying to figure if he was joking or not. “That had better be a joke.”
Jaylen chuckled as he pulled her cheek. “I was just pulling your legs.”
Tired of their little reunion, Gabriella sighed and cleared her throat. “I am standing right here you two. And I am not so strong legged like you.” She tossed at them.
“Always dramatic.” Claire muttered under her breath which caused Jaylen to chuckle out loudly.
“What’s funny?” Gabriella asked, eyeing the both of them.
Jaylen shook his head, turning the both of them around and he placed his hands on their shoulders. “Can you two beautiful women accompany me to my room please? This one right here is fagged.”
Claire smiled along with Gabriella. She held on tightly to her brother’s waist almost scared that she might be dreaming and he would fade away soon. She had tried moving on without the presence of Jaylen but it had been the hardest decision to make.
As much as she loves Jayden, she despises him for making Jaylen leave home. She doesn’t care what would happen now, one thing she was certain of was-She wouldn’t be losing Jaylen again.
Gabriella opened the door to the room in a super dramatic manner. Jaylen took a quick look at the room and had to resist the urge to scoff. It was just as bland as an hotel room would be, white sheets and white walls. It was well arranged with furniture and some flowers to make the room more homely. His grandmother had made it seem like it was one of a kind.
“Go ahead.” She urged with her face hiding a smile.
“It’s just a room grandma.” He muttered, walking further into the room with Claire behind him.
When he pulled the curtain aside, his mouth went wide agape. The window was facing the beautiful garden and lake he had loved to play in while growing up. He remembered begging his father for the room but had been told it was too risky for a boy of his age to be in such massive room
“Grandma.” He whispered.
“I told you that you would love it. Carl wanted you to feel at home.” Gabriella said.
Claire didn’t understand what the fuss was all about as she peeped next to Jaylen who was busy catching sight of the lake.
“Oh wow.” She smiled widely, remembering how much Jaylen loved the lake.
“Thank you Granny.”
“You should thank your parents instead.” Gabriella looked towards Claire and she cleared her throat. “Can you excuse your brother and I for a moment?”
Claire pouted and stomped her feet. “But I don’t want to.” She looked pleadingly towards Jaylen.
“I am still here munchkin. You can check back later.” Jaylen assured her.
“You promise?”
“I promise.” Jaylen pulled her to himself and he kissed her forehead. “You would get tired of seeing me, cause I have no plan of leaving.” He teased.
“Alright, I trust you.” And with that Claire sauntered out of the room leaving just Jaylen and Gabriella.
Gabriella sat on the edge of the bed giving him a serious look. Jaylen stood by the window not turning to her.
“Just ask whatever it is on your mind Grandma. Stop staring at me like that.” He said.
“I want to know what changed your mind after you had clearly told me you weren’t going to come.” Gabriella said after releasing a sigh.
“I had a rethink.” He replied with a shrug.
“I need the truth mister.” Gabriella insisted.
Jaylen paused and heaved a deep sigh. “Rosalyn told me I needed closure and that coming here would put an end to the constant pain I keep causing myself. She thinks coming would help release me from its clutches.”
“I see you consider Rosalyn’s advice better than mine.”
Jaylen turned around with his mouth agape. “Really Grandma? Is that what this is all about?”
Gabriella chuckled. “Just kidding. I am so glad you decided to listen to someone’s advice. There are so many things unknown to you. And I hope you find a space in your heart to forgive everyone.”
“I have nothing against them.” He snorted.
“You are such a terrible liar, Jaylen.” She accused.
Jaylen threw his hands out in the air. “What would you have me do? I am here now. I guess I have done the best I can.”
“No one says you aren’t, I just want you to be more open-minded from now on.”
Jaylen took a closer look at his grandmother. Whenever she spoke in parables it only means one thing. There was more to what he thinks he knows.
Standing up, Gabriella head to the door. One hand on the door knob and she looked back at him. “You will always be loved Jaylen. Just keep that in mind.”
Jaylen stared at the closed door in confusion, he had no idea what she was pointing at. Was there something they weren’t telling him yet? It was all confusing and he didn’t know what to think first.
Sitting on the bed, Jaylen knew what he was meant to do first. And that was getting some good sleep as his head ached so badly.