If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 24 - Precious Lives

A few minutes later, a silhouette appears from the dark hallway leading to the room. The hallway wasn't completely dark, but was just illuminated enough to show the floor, but not the faces. The silhouette gets clear with each passing time, Madeline enters the open door, with Sarah's hand on hers, as the kid looked innocently clueless about the undeniable tension in the room.

Jackson jumps from his chair and kneels down to hug her little body into a tight embrace, closing his eyes, as if leaving out a sigh of relief. Sarah manages to hug him back, although her tiny hand reaches only half way through his shoulder.

Madeline's POV:

When I reached the room, he was holding up a stern expression, but as soon as, he saw Sarah, his expression softened up, in a blink. He ran up to her and hugged her with, which feels like he used all the strength he had. His hug was so strong, yet so caring, making sure not to hurt the little body of the kid. This is not the Jackson Claros, I learnt of. He was the Rex, I....knew. No, he wasn't the gruesome gang leader, but the caring, loving man. I could not help myself but keep staring at him. I missed that face for a long time. I missed him. I kept absorbing in the curves of his face, every detail that defines him, every movement, every crease, even the rhythmic movement of his chest, as he inhales and exhales. For some unknown reason, I kept taking in the details in his emotion, until he looked up to me. When he did, I realized, the feelings are no longer mutual. His look was rather blank. Sometimes, his eyes did show a hint of pain, but he managed to cover it up, well. He loosened up his embrace and loosely held her little shoulders, as she stood near him.

Jackson: Are you alright?

I remember that part of him, loud and clear.

Sarah: Why shouldn't I be?

Jackson: You should not be going out with any stranger.

Sarah: But, Madeline said you are friends with her.

Jackson left out a sigh.

Jackson: It may not be true, every time a stranger says you that.

Sarah: Duh! I can take care of myself. I am my Dad's strong girl!

Jackson: Yes, you are, princess. But, you know, how worried your Dad is?Don't ever go with any stranger again. 

Sarah: Hmm...okay.

Jackson: Can you give me a word?

Sarah: Promise.

Jackson carefully placed a kiss on her forehead. I felt a lump in my throat. I felt guilty for what I did. I actually threatened him, using the life of an innocent kid. I can feel myself crying from inside, but I dare not let a tear in my eye.

Mr. Alvarez: You may take the kid with you, Madeline.

Madeline came towards Jackson, and held the kid softly by her shoulder, avoiding any form of eye contact with Jackson. As Jackson sat on his kneels and Sarah merrily waves at Jackson and goes away, like nothing happened. Jackson kept staring at the kid, as she walked away, hand in hand with Madeline.

Mr. Alvarez: Now, you tell me.

Jackson composes himself as he stands up and turns towards Mr. Alvarez., and crosses his arms.

Jackson: Before I move to the real deal, let me tell you everything. The person I will be talking about was my friend. Not long after, we had an alliance, the cover started to rise. Everything stared to come clear.

(past)

(discussions over the phone)

Jackson: C, come back.