Chapter 39
Tessy’s POV
I lingered in Jackson’s arms, savoring the warmth and comfort. Time stood still as we swayed gently, the world outside fading away.
Finally, he released me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Come with me. It’s cold out here.”
I nodded, feeling so warm.
We walked into his home, the lake house, my favorite place now. The cozy lake house’s wooden facade glowed golden in the moonlight. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of old books and wood smoke.
Jackson led me upstairs to his room, a sanctuary of memories and creativity. “Wait here,” he said, exiting the room. The last time I didn’t get a glimpse of his room. I wandered, taking in the treasures that filled his space.
A framed photo of little Jackson caught my eye. I giggled at his chubby cheeks and mischievous grin. “He’s so cute!” I exclaimed.
Next to it, a picture of his parents beamed with warmth. Jackson’s resemblance to his mother was striking same bright smile, same sparkling eyes.
My gaze roamed, drinking in the beauty of his photography. Snapshots of sunsets, mountains, and rivers adorned the walls. Each image told a story, each one a testament to Jackson’s talent.
Then, I saw them. Pictures of me.
The ones he’d taken here, at the lake, made me blush. But one photograph stole my breath. It was from the school dinner party, months ago. I never knew he’d taken it.
In the photo, I laughed with friends, my hair shining in the light. Jackson must have captured the moment without me noticing.
My heart skipped a beat. Does he really like me?
Jackson returned with a steaming mug and handed it to me. “Drink this. It’ll help with your cold.”
“Thank you,” I said, inhaling the soothing aroma of herbal tea.
As I sipped, Jackson settled beside me. “So, what do you think of my humble abode?”
“Well your room reflects you… you,” I replied, smiling. “I love your photography.”
Jackson’s eyes sparkled. “Photography and saving people that’s my life.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Saving people? You mean, as a doctor?”
Jackson nodded. “Yeah. I know it sounds weird, but I love medicine. My parents were doctors, and I grew up seeing the impact they had on people’s lives.”
“But photography is your passion,” I observed.
Jackson leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “It is. But I couldn’t choose between the two. So, I decided to do both.”
“Why medicine, then?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Jackson’s gaze drifted to the window, where the moon cast a silver glow. “My little sister passed away when I was a teenager. She had a rare disease, and the doctors couldn’t save her, my parents couldn’t help, a big loss to us.”
I reached out, taking his hand.
“After that, I knew I wanted to help people, to make a difference. Medicine was a way for me to honor her memory.”
My heart swelled with empathy.
“But photography… it’s my escape,” Jackson continued. “A way to capture beauty, to freeze moments in time.”
I smiled, understanding. “You’re talented, Jackson. In both medicine and photography.”
“We’re going to be good doctors once we’re done with school,” I said, with conviction in my voice. “And I’m sure your little sister will be proud of you.”
Jackson’s eyes welled up, and he smiled. “Thank you, Tessy. No one’s ever said that to me.”
He rose, walked to his desk, and opened a drawer. A small, framed photo lay inside.
“Her name was Emily,” Jackson said, his voice trembling.
I took the photo, and my heart broke. Emily’s bright smile and sparkling eyes mirrored Jackson’s.
“She’s beautiful,” I whispered.
Jackson nodded, his eyes shining. “She was.”
We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound of the crickets outside.
Then Jackson spoke, his voice filled with emotion. “You have no idea how much your words mean to me, Tessy.”
I looked up, meeting his gaze. “You deserve to hear them, Jackson.”
At that moment, our connection deepened. We shared an understanding, a bond forged through shared passions and vulnerabilities.
Jackson’s gaze softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You know, I’m glad you’re here, Tessy. But I can tell something’s been bothering you. Want to talk about it?” Is he a god or something? How come he can read me so well despite me being a bit distant from him? As a friend I am not even close, I turned him down and at the end of the day, he became someone I could rely on.
I took a deep breath, hesitant. But something about Jackson’s gentle tone put me at ease.
“Family drama,” I said, waving my hand dismissively. “But I feel better now.”
Jackson’s expression turned serious. “Anything you need to talk about, I’m here. No judgment.”
I smiled, feeling grateful. “Thanks, it’s kind of complicated but don’t worry too much about me,” I assured him, I didn’t want to be a burden to him anyway.
“No matter how complicated it is, I am here to listen to you, I already told you a few things about myself to you.” He moved closer, “But it’s also fine if you don’t want to share with me, when you are ready, I will always be here for you, trust me.” he assured me and I felt safer.
“Thank you.”
His eyes locked on mine. “I mean it, Tessy, I am here for you so know this truth tonight, you’re not alone.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound of the crickets outside. I looked at him again, he is really a kind-hearted person, I just hope he finally gets someone who will love him in return. But one question kept troubling me, why have feelings for me? A lot of girls are out there? Why me? I made it clear I couldn’t be with him yet he is still good to me, I feel so guilty..
“You know, I’ve been wanting to ask you something.” He said in a low tone and fixed his gaze on mine.
My heart skipped a beat. “Okay, what is it? I am all ears.”
Jackson’s gaze drifted to the window before returning to mine. “Why did you come here tonight?”
I hesitated, unsure how to answer and I asked myself, why did I really come here? Why him out of everyone on my list? I came up with no answers…
TBC..