Splinters: Part One

Part One | 2

I shook my head. "None of us blame her."

"That's what I said, but she's... She's having a hard time, but I'm helping her."

"What else did you say?"

"I didn't say anything. What could I say?" He shook his head. "J's getting better," he repeated. "That's all that matters. And once she's better and ready to live on her own, I'm letting her move in with me."

I gaped at Jake. 

"She'll be eighteen in a year anyway, Brayden. Besides, St. Anne's can't hold anything against her. Sixteen is the rule."

His eyes were pleading for my approval, but I couldn't give that to him. Jake was like my brother and I wanted the best for him, and this wasn't a good idea. Jake's always cared about her in a way that none of us could understand. I knew he'd do anything for her. 

At first, I thought it was just puppy love. Now, he was destined to keep her safe, but I had a feeling that wouldn't happen. J was sick and there wasn't a cure for her. She was too far gone and as much as Jake wanted to help her, he had to know that he couldn't. She needs more than he can giver her. 

"Jake, I know you want to help her, but... even I know she's not okay."

He didn't answer me for a long moment. He kept his eyes on a particular spot on the floor as he bit the side of his lip. He inhaled and then exhaled deeply.

"She goes by Jenny now."

"Jenny?"

"Jenny."

We sat together, saying nothing, reminiscing about all the times we had here at St. Anne's. Now Jake was gone. Now I was soon-to-be gone. It really did feel like a goodbye.

"Brayden?" a gentle voice spoke, knocking on the wall.

Jake and I looked up to see Melissa standing with Net, Odera, and Greg.

"Oh, hi." I got up from my position and went to them.

Jake got up as well, stuffing his hands in his pockets. I gestured them inside.

"Um, this is Jake."

Jake held out his hand while I continued.

"Jake, this is my... um, Melissa, Greg, Odera, and Annetta."

"It's nice to meet you." Melissa told him politely with a bright smile.

Jake nodded. "You too."

Melissa sighed, propping her hands on her hips. "Well, Brayden?"

I nodded. "I'm ready."

She smiled. "Okay."

They all left the room. I turned to Jake who gave me a proud but sad smile. Then I hugged him.

"I wish you the best, Brayden." he said quietly.

"You too." I whispered.

My eyes began to sting as Jake and I pulled apart. I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs to say goodbye to Jo, Riley and some other kids that are still here. Jake and I trailed down the creaking stairs and down the hall, and lastly, took a left into the dining room where everyone was eating.

"Say goodbye to Brayden!" Sister Patricia said, waving her hand to me.

All the little ones did the same, but everyone who actually knew me got up from their chairs and came to me, murmuring their goodbyes. I hugged Jo once more.

Jake left the same time as me. He began walking down the side walk, away from me. I put my bag in the back of Greg and Melissa's SUV when Jake called out to me.