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

Chapter 41 - The Mirror

Jackson: I don't know. I can't think. For god sake, she killed the leader of Wizards...and she is not herself for days, now.

"Hey!"

Jackson turned towards the main door and let out a sharp breathe. Madeline stood at her door, staring at him, bewildered, holding the end of the strap of her sling bag.

(Over the phone) Jereff: Jack! Jackson! Why did you stop?

Jackson: She's here.

He kept his eyes on her and cut the call.

Madeline(softly smiling):What's wrong? When did you come in? Why do you have your gun in your hand?

Jackson: Where were you?

Madeline: Oh! I just went to check on Cleo.

Jackson: Maddie! What happened last night? Be honest, with me. I...I am sorry, I couldn't receive your call, yesterday. But, I am here, now.

Madeline: (shrugging) Nothing significant. I'm fine. Why do you look so worked out?

Jackson: (in a stern tone)Your door was open, there is a broken mirror inside your room, there's a broken vase scattered on the floor, your phone wasn't reachable. You CAN'T EXPECT ME TO SIT ON A COUCH AND EAT OUT OF A BOWL OF POPCORN.

Madeline shrieked out at his sudden change of tone. She kept staring at him, as her eyes started to show signs of disappointment.
Jackson studied her dismay and moved his eyes away to try and control the storm inside him.

Jackson: (trying to deviate off the topic) How...how is Cleo?

Madeline kept silent. Kept his bag on the counter with a loud thud, trying to express her anger and thumped past Jackson to go inside her room.

Jackson followed her: Madeline, hey I am sorry.Maddie!

Madeline flounced towards Jackson: Sometimes, I may have ways to deal with my own demons. Sometimes, I may take some time to deal with it myself. I DONE WITH PEOPLE PITYING ME, EVERY SECOND. I DONE WITH PEOPLE TREATING ME LIKE A DELICATE PIECE OF GLASS.

Tears started to roll down her cheeks: I am done being miserable. The more I want to get out of this, the more I get dragged into the pit. JUST LEAVE ME, ALONE!!

Jackson's looks further softens as he walks up to her and wraps her into his embrace. One hand across her shoulder and the other brushing her hair, she did not revolt, as she continued.

Madeline in a lower, quivering voice: I can't sleep. However hard I try, I can't. It...it haunts me. Everything haunts me. *sobs* I can't do it, anymore.

Jackson: That's why you called me, yesterday? I am sorry, I wasn't there for you.

Madeline shut her eyes as more tears streamed down her cheeks. She hugged him back.

Jackson: Why didn't you tell me earlier? You were going through this shit.

Madeline: I did not want to add up to your baggage. I did not want you to go through the same thing Jake went through. Spending his days, collecting the miserable shit of me. Look, where he ended up.

Jackson: You are not miserable. You'll never be. You are the most strongest women, I ever met. Sometimes, it's okay, to let out the turmoil, within. And, you need to get out of the guilt trip. You are not the reason he died, okay?

Madeline: I am sorry, I snapped out. I shouldn't have.

They pulled themselves out of the embrace, as Madeline rubbed her tears with both her palm.

Jackson: It's fine. I will never bail out on you, ever again. You just need to promise me, to never feel miserable. You are not. Okay? (cupping her cheeks with both his hands) This too shall pass, Maddie.

Madeline dried her tears and looked up at him: "Ever again?" you say?

Jackson(trying to deviate her question):..Erm... What's with the mirror?

Madeline turning her head towards the broken mirror and spoke in a calm tone: I needed something, to calm myself. And, this mirror used to make a mockery out of me, everyday, mimic me every time I battle. It used to make it worse. I destroyed it.

Jackson kept looking at her with a concern visible on the crease of his eyebrows.

As, she gazed down, her eyes fell on the box lying near the broken mirror
Madeline: What's that?
She walked up to the box and kneeled down to pick it up.

Madeline: Doughnuts? (She looked up at Jackson, who was standing where he was) Was that you?

Jackson, standing by the door of the bedroom:(shrugged) I thought a sweet treat can help. You love them, don't ya?

Madeline smiled and her face glowed up at his response.

Jackson: (pointing his thumb at the main door) Maybe, I should get going. You better take some rest, have some food. Anndd, if you need me, I'll just be a call away.This time, no mistake. I promise.

As, Jackson turns his heel to leave, Madeline stands up.

Madeline: Wait!

She instantly, bit her lower lip and twitched her nose, shutting her eyes,

Jackson turns back at her, and waits for an answer. She opens her eyes and looked up at him. She took a brief moment, took deep breaths, when Jackson stood here, playfully narrowing his eyes at her. She takes long steps towards him, wraps her arms around his neck and crashes her lips onto him, leaving him unprepared and puzzled..