EPISODE HUNDRED AND TEN
THEME: It hurts so much
CHICAGO: JAYLEN’S APARTMENT
Jaylen had stayed quiet all through the flight. When his uncles and aunts had bid him goodbye, his mind was too preoccupied to pay them attention. But he felt grateful that they didn’t decide to probe him.
Entering his penthouse, he dumped his bag on the floor and flopped himself into the beanbag next to the couch. He tried to hold back the tears but they flowed regardless. Every spiteful word that was said to him came rushing through his thoughts and it only made him yell out loudly.
All his life he had tried to avoid being the black sheep or being the cause of any form of trouble. But no matter how much he tried, everyone of them always had one thing or the other to say just to make him feel guilty.
Lorelei’s refusal had been the most hurtful of it all. He had expected her to understand where he was coming from and why his thoughts felt jumbled at the point. But it was obvious he was on his own and he no longer had a family to go home to. His heart constricted at the thoughts and he was hurting all over again. Jaylen didn’t stop the tears this time around as he heaved heavily.
“Hey there son.” His father’s voice sifted into his ears.
Jaylen sniffed, wiping the tears in his eyes as he looked up to see his father’s figure standing with a wide smile on his face.
“Dad? How did you get here?” Jaylen asked as he sat up abruptly.
Carl smiled as he took a seat in front of him. “How are you feeling?”
Jaylen shook his head. “I am overwhelmed dad. I feel lonely, almost like the whole world is turned against me. And it’s all yours and mom’s fault.” Jaylen whined.
“There is no way your mother and I would put you in harm’s way. It’s what the Moon Goddess wants.”
Jaylen flared up at the last sentence. “Don’t tell me it is the Moon Goddess want. I have been at the receiving end all my life. What did I ever do wrong? Why do I always have to be the one to bear all the burn. Why won’t you and mom stand by me for once? I am just like every of your children, why won’t you love me the same way and protect me? What did I do wrong?” The tears flowed freely and he couldn’t stop it.
“Jaylen, Jaylen!” Rosalyn called out, shaking him vigorously. Scared that something had gone wrong with him, she had come into the house to find him struggling in his sleeping position and crying profusely.
Opening his eyes to reality, Jaylen looked around him trying to find his father. Only then did he realize he had been dreaming.
“Jaylen.” She mumbled.
“Rosa…” Jaylen glanced up at Rosalyn and he leaned into her. He wailed hard.
“Shhh, that’s okay. Cry it all out.” Rosalyn prompted.
They both remained like that for a few minutes before Jaylen eventually calmed down. Rosalyn helped him up into a couch before she headed towards the kitchen to get him some water.
“Here you go.” Rosalyn said as she handed the glass of water to him.
“Thanks.” He muttered in a coarse voice.
Rosalyn waited for him to feel more relaxed before asking him any questions. She had left the office to come see him at home when she didn’t hear from him. She could tell something was wrong, when he had ordered for the plane out of the blues.
“Why did you return in such hurry?” She inquired.
Jaylen heaved a sigh as he intertwined his fingers. “It all felt strange and unfamiliar. I had to return to where I feel more at home.”
“How?”
“They wanted me to become the Alpha, Rosalyn. And it only means that I am expected to leave my whole life here and become the Leader of the Fortress. To cap it all Jayden doesn’t seem to be finding any of it funny.”
Rosalyn nodded in understanding. “I know all of this is a major reason to leave, but what has Lorelei got to say about all of this?”
Fresh tears laced Jaylen’s eyes at the question. “She broke up with me saying if I can’t stay then there is no way she could come with me.”
“That must have hurt a lot.”
“It did Rosalyn. It hurts more than the words Claire had said to me. It hurts more than the pains Jayden had inflicted on me. It feels like my heart has been ripped apart.”
Rosalyn sighed as she watched Jaylen struggle with fighting his tears back. She had known him to be a joyful person despite the situations surrounding him. Ever since they have been working together, this was the first time she would see Jaylen look so vulnerable. He always had his shit together with a hopeful mind but she could tell he had been really hurt. If it were up to her she would storm the Moon Stone Fortress and make all of them see just how much they are hurting Jaylen.
“You really don’t have to let them get to you to this extent. They have been away from your life for a whole decade, nothing should surprise you about their attitude. They don’t deserve your tears.”
Jaylen gulped. “Do you wan a honest truth, Rosa?” He muttered.
“Yes.”
“I have never felt so loved and happy all my life like I did within the few months I spent at the Fortress. Especially with dad and Lorelei.” He sniffed back the liquid running down his nose.
“I believe whatever you feel for Lorelei is real and you both would get back together in due time. She is your mate, don’t forget that.”
He shook his head. “That is if she ever decides to move to Chicago.” Jaylen groaned as he made an attempt to stand up.
“Easy.” Rosalyn mumbled as she held his arm in support.
“Thanks.” Jaylen responded as he steadied himself on the floor. “I think I reek, I should get changed.”
Rosalyn held her nose in emphasis. “You really do.”
And that got Jaylen laughing really hard. “Come on, it’s not that bad. You are just being dramatic.”
“Ready?” Rosalyn asked when Jaylen returned from his room looking fresh from the bath.
“For what?” Jaylen inquired with a confused look on his face.
“I am taking you out.” Rosalyn replied with a shrug.
Jaylen groaned inwardly. “I don’t think I am interested in that Rosa.”
“Actually, I am not giving you an option. You have to come with me whether you like it or not.”
“And if I insist?”
“Bet it with me. I will get you bundled into the car trunk.”
Jaylen chuckled. “Okay. Fine…let me quickly head in and change.”
“No, you won’t play smart with me. We are heading out right this minute. Now, out of the room.” She ordered with a playful twinkle in her eye.
Jaylen raised his hands in surrender. The both of them left the house throwing jabs at each other.