"They don't know how our routine is, so you'll have to kinda help for the first couple days. Got it?" I asked and looked at the older kids.
"Got it. We'll be good Jule." Carter said as I nodded. "I know you will. I'm gonna give them a little tour and run down, then I'll come say goodbye." I said then looked at Corey and Devyn.
"Come on, I'll take you to your room." I said as they followed. "I left written instructions of their school drop off and pick up times. If there's ever a day you don't feel it's safe for them to go. Please keep them home." I explained as we walked up the stairs.
"They're usually pretty good about doing their homework but make sure it gets done. Uhhh...I don't care if you cook or order in just please make sure Juniper has a healthy lunch. The other kids buy it at school." I instructed, trying to make sure I covered everything.
"You are welcome to anything and everything you find, don't hesitate," I said then turned to look at them.
"Any questions?" I asked as they both grinned at me. "You're such a little mom." Corey said as I chuckled.
"Or an older sister who is terrified to leave them." I mumbled. "Hey, I know it's scary considering what's going on but if someone was going to attack you or the kids they would have done it by now." Corey said as Devyn scoffed.
"Real comforting, babe." She said then smacked him in the arm. "Listen...if I go missing too..please take care of them." I said and picked at my nails.
"Don't think like that, Jules. You're gonna be extra careful and nobody will take you." Devyn said then gave me a hug.
"Hopefully I find them." I said then pulled away. "Can't do that if I'm here though, so I'm gonna go say goodbye." I said then left them to get settled.
My heart was in my throat as I made my way back to the living room.
"Yeah, I'm close with Colby. We've been friends for a while." Nate explained. "Well I'M Colby's best friend." Juniper said as I laughed.
"Nobody is claiming that you aren't, love." I said then sighed and walked over to them.
"Are you leaving now?" Sam asked as I nodded. "Yeah, I'm leaving." I said as Juniper pouted her lip out.
"I don't want you to go." She said as I pulled her into a hug. "I know, sweet girl. I'll be back before you know it." I said and closed my eyes hugging her tightly.
I tried not to cry as she melded into me, holding on tightly.
"I love you." I whispered as she sniffled. "I love you too, sissy." She whispered as I pulled away.
"C'mere." I said and held my arms out so Sam would hug me. "You'll be back before Thanksgiving, right?" He asked as I nodded. "I'm gonna try." I said and gave him a hug.
"I love you." I said and tightened my grip. "I love you too, Jule." Sam said as we pulled away.
"Be safe, okay?" Carter asked and hugged me. "I will. You be safe, too." I said as he chuckled. "I'll try." He said then pulled away. "I love you." I said then ruffled his hair. "I love you, too." He said as I turned to Jenna.
She had a blank look on her face, but behind her eyes was worry. I knew she thought I was going to die or go missing, but as long as I had these kids to come back to, I was going to be as careful as humanly possible.
"I love you, Jen." I said then gave her a hug. "I love you too, Jule. Please try to keep in touch." She said as I hugged her tightly.
"I will." I said then pulled away and looked at Nate. "Guess we should get going then." I said as he nodded.
"We don't have much time before the plane leaves." He said as I nodded. "Okay guys, be good. Do your homework. Save all the attitude for me and Colby when we get back. Got it?" I asked as they nodded.
"Love you." I said then blew them each kisses as Nate grabbed my bag.
It was so hard to leave them and I could feel myself starting to regret the situation but knew I was doing it for Colby.
I couldn't lose him again.
"I'm proud of you." Nate said as we got in the car. "For what?" I asked as he chuckled. "You're getting back into it, even after everything." He said then shrugged.
"Plus, you're a good big sister for making sure they're taken care of." Nate explained. "Yeah, well." I said and shrugged.
I wasn't exactly happy about any of those things. I didn't want to go back into the crime world, where I knew they could hurt me.
I didn't want to leave my siblings, knowing I was the best person to protect them.
I especially didn't want to go into the danger while pregnant.
I didn't want to go into this knowing there was a possibility of failure.
Doing this meant I could lose everything and everyone I loved.
