The Return (Once Upon a Time sequel)

Chapter 22

And it wasn't going to stay inside for long, that was for sure. 

~Grace~

I was sitting on a log by the fire when Nate and Jade walked out of the training area. Nate was helping her walk and they both laughed as they joked around slightly. 

"No Nate, don't do that!!" Jade giggled as Nate playfully pushed her so that she would stumble sideways, only for him to catch her in his arms and pull her closer again, helping her to take another step.

I smiled, a closed mouth smile, as I watched them from afar. 

"Unbelievable." A voice spoke up from beside me, causing me to jump and look to my right. 

Peter was sitting next to me, staring at Jade and Nate in awe. 

"This seems so surreal. Having you here and looking at my daughter...Our daughter." He continued and I smiled as I stared at him, taking in every detail of his facial expressions.

"I can't believe it either." I answered, making him turn his head in my direction. 

His green eyes met my grey ones and they lit up with happiness and excitement. I smiled back and watched him as he briefly glanced at my lips before looking into my eyes again. The moment felt magical, but was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Both Peter and I turned our heads to face Jade and Nate. They stood before us, Jade leaning into Nate for support which he gladly offered. He looked better, more relaxed but by the look in his eyes, he still wasn't his old self which disappointed me quite a bit. 

"Hi there, I see you two are back on good terms." I spoke up cheerfully, holding onto Peter's hand and squeezing it slightly. 

Jade looked a bit bothered by my action but kept the smile on her face. She still was struggling with the fact that Peter was her father and I could totally relate. I felt the exact same way after I moved in with Snow and Charming. But my case was a bit different...

"Why, were we ever on bad ones then?" Nate asked confused as he stared down at Jade. 

"Pssss, no. She doesn't know what she's saying." Jade immediately replied, looking at me and giving me a warning look.

They probably didn't talk about the fact that it bothered her that Nate hadn't visited her. So I let it slide and just acted slightly offended. Nate shook it off and continued playing with Jade who was squeeling and giggling. 
I laughed but stopped once my eyes landed upon Alek, who was standing in a corner staring at them with a scowl on his face. He then continued with the job that Peter had ordered him to do, looking upset. 

"Uuh, sweetie, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked Jade who looked at me.

"Uhm...sure." She replied.

Nate helped her sit next to me and then he and Peter stood up to walk away so that we could talk alone. 

"I see that you and Nate are on good terms but what about you and Alek? You acted really childish with him earlier. Don't forget that Nate didn't visit you either when you were laying in bed. I don't see you holding a grudge to him." I pointed out, nodding in Alek's direction.

Jade's head turned in his direction and I saw sadness and guilt take over. 

"You're right...I should talk to him..." She sighed, looking down at her hands which were placed in her lap.

My index finger stopped beneath her chin and tilted it up so that she was looking into my eyes. 

"You can do it." I encouraged her.