Jenny stood in front of the cafe. It was five in the evening. Fifteen minutes before mom and her lover arrived. She didn't know whether she was going to go in or not. Jasper said that he'll arrange something for her. She was anxious and excited about what he's going to do.
A hand taps her shoulder. She jumps, startled and turns back. She sighs in relief and places her hand on her chest as she sees who it is.
“Jacob?? What are you doing here? Did you follow me??” She asks him, raising her eyebrow. She was relieved it was him, not her mom.
“I didn't follow you Jen. I usually come here after work for a nice cup of coffee.” He tells her.
“Wait. Work gets over at 5?” She asks him.
“Yes. On Saturdays it does.” He shrugs.
“Ohh..I see..sorry for doubting you.” She looks down, embarrassed.
“It's okay! Don't look down..” he lifts her chin up so that she could face him. She looks at his eyes.
She felt as if time stopped as she looked at him. He gave her a big smile and she couldn't look away. His green eyes look so mesmerizing. They were trapped in each other's gaze. She could feel herself inching closer toward him.
*Will he kiss me??*
She closes her eyes as she feels his warm breath on her face.
Jacob's heart flutters as Jenny closes her eyes. She was so cute! He also closes his eyes and cups her face in his hands. He could feel both of them getting closer.
“Jenny!”
Jacob opens his eyes. What was he doing?! He mentally slaps himself as both of them break away.
Jenny looks at Jacob before turning towards the voice. It was Jasper. Jeff stood beside him……. wait... Jeff stood beside him!?!
She immediately runs to them and hugs Jeff. He hugs her back.
“Oh my God! Is this real?!?!” She asks him.
“Yes! We're real.” Jeff kisses her forehead as Jasper pats her back.
She pulls back. She was so excited! She starts jumping in excitement as she holds their hands.
“Oh my god! Oh my god! You guys are really here!! I thought you'd send someone here or come in a way only I could see you! But you're actually here!!!” She squeals, happy.
“Calm down Chocolate! Calm down!!” Jeff holds her shoulders as he stops her.
“By the way...who is he?” Jeff looks towards Jacob who was looking at the trio. Jenny's face turns red as she remembers the kiss they almost had. Jeffrey smirks.
*Come on Jeffrey. You know who he is!! Don't tease her.*
*It's okay Jas! It's not everyday that I get to tease her!*
Jeff smiles at him and Jasper rolls his eyes.
“That's Jacob. My friend and co-worker.” Jenny tells, looking down. She felt embarrassed. Why did she do that? They're just friends…but it felt good. Having him close to her like that. She felt happy.
*Wait?! What?! Jenny!! What are you thinking?!*
________
Jacob looks at Jenny as she runs toward two men and hugs the younger one. He felt jealous? Why? He shouldn't feel that. He is just a friend to her. But he couldn't help but think about her. He wondered who the two men were to her. He couldn't help but smile when he saw how happy she looked when she saw them. She jumped in happiness. She was so happy. He felt happy. He didn't know he was staring at them till Jenny turns around and motions him to come over. He nods as he walks over to them.
“Jacob, meet my brothers Jeffrey and Jasper.”
Jacob nods as he shakes their hands in greeting. After the introduction, they have a little conversation before Jenny speaks up.
“I think we must go in. It's almost time.” Jenny says, looking at her phone. She then looks up at the guys.
Jacob looks at her, confused. Then it dawns upon her. Jacob doesn't know anything. She looks at Jeffrey and Jasper. She didn't know what to do.
“It's okay. Let him come.” Jasper whispers.
“Is it okay?” Jenny whispers back. Jeffrey gives her a nod, patting her shoulder. Jenny sighs.
*He's going to know everything soon. I guess.*
“Were you guys meeting up? I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you. I should leave. Good day.” Jacob smiles as he slowly walks away.
“No! Stay.”
Jacob turns to see Jeffrey holding his wrist.
“Are you all sure? It's a family meeting. I don't want to interrupt.” He asks, unsure.
“It's okay, you can stay.” Jenny smiles at him. He nods as he gives a smile. Jeffrey leaves his hand.
“Okay.” He agrees.
Then they all walk in.
The cafe was full, except for two tables at the corner. The four went and sat at the one at the corner. Jasper and Jeffrey on one side and Jacob and Jenny on the other side. The table towards their right was empty.
They all then ordered their drinks. Since mom didn't arrive yet, Jeffrey decided to talk to Jacob.
“So Jacob, how old are you?”
“I'm 18.” He answers.
“So you finished high school?”
“Yes, I just graduated.”
“So you're not going to study further? Only work?”
“Yes. I like working at Ava's. She recently made me a full time employee. So I'm good.” He smiles.
Before Jeffrey could open his mouth, Jasper shuts him.
“Kid! We're just hanging out! Don't start an interview here!” He swats Jeffrey's head.
“Ow! What was that for?! I just wanted to know him better!” Jeffrey whines rubbing his head. Jacob and Jenny start laughing.
“But seriously Jeff. Stop.” Jenny smiles, remembering the past. When the two of them had fun like this. It was more fun now, since Jasper and Jacob are here with them.
She looks at Jeff and Jasper. The two are in their human forms today. Is it forever? She hopes so. Before she could talk, they hear the door open.
They see mom and a man walk in. Of course Jacob doesn't know who it was. He immediately looks down at his coffee and takes a sip. But then he looks at the siblings staring at the couple.
“Umm….guys? You don't have to stare at them like that.” Jacob whispers, since the couple sat at the table next to them.
The three of them look at him, wide-eyed. Then they realised. Jacob doesn't know anything. They agree with him as they take a sip of their drinks.
“How do you like to spend your time at the cafe Jacob?” Jasper asks him.
“Since I come here alone, I just order my drink and sit here for half an hour. I like listening to the music they play here and the people chattering. It calms me.”
“That's nice. I like that too!” Jasper smiles at him.
Jenny doesn't pay attention to the conversation happening. Her eyes are fixed on her mother and the man. She knew him. She knew who he was.
“Uncle Ben.”
The guys look at her.
“Who?” Jeff asks.
“Uncle Ben. He's Uncle Ben.” Jenny replies, her gaze still on the couple.
They guys follow her gaze to the man mom was talking to.
“Who's Uncle Ben? Why don't I know him?” Jeff asks her.
“Mom started getting him home after you...— she paused and glanced at Jacob. He was looking at her. She then looks at Jeff. Jeff understands as he nods and asks her to continue— She got him home when dad wasn't there. She told me he was her friend and I was to call him Uncle Ben. He is fun to be with and he always used to get gifts for me. I didn't know things were happening between them... ” Jenny whispers. She was still looking at the couple.
“Wait! Jenny?! That's your mom??” Jacob whispers, surprised.
Jenny nods. She doesn't care if Jacob gets to know....she was hurt.
“She looks so young...you told me she is 40. How?!” He whispers. He didn't want to talk about anything else. He now saw what was happening.
“I don't know. Genes I guess..” Jeffrey whispers.
They become quiet as they watch Ben caressing mom's hands as they talk about what was happening at home. Mom said that she was really tired of everything. And that she wanted a break. Ben just caresses her hands, telling her everything will be alright. He then stands up and leans down to kiss her forehead.
“Jenny, how old is he?” Jasper asks her.
“30”
There's silence again. Tears suddenly start falling from Jenny's cheeks. Jacob immediately sees it and wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her close to him. He whispers that everything will be alright.
Jeffrey reaches out for her hands and he holds them, caressing it. He felt bad for her. He wasn't going to stay here for long, but Jenny was. She'll have to go through the pain. But he promised that he'll make everything better before he leaves. And he only had 12 days. He looks at Jasper.
*We have to work fast.*
Jasper nods.
*Don't worry Jeff. Everything will be fine soon. Just look at these two!*
Jeff looks at Jacob comforting his sister. He could see the care and love in Jacob's eyes. These two might not realise yet but they're slowly falling in love. He smiles as he caresses Jenny's hands.
The moment is interrupted when Jacob's phone rings. He picks it up.
“Hello? *silence* Yes? This is Jacob. *silence* the hospital?! Is everything alright??...”
There was silence as he listened to what was being said on the other side. He immediately stands up.
“What?! I'm on my way!” He shakily says as he runs towards the door, Jenny, without thinking, gets up and runs after him. They didn't gather anyone's attention, especially mom's. She was still busy talking to Ben.
Jeff looks at Jasper.
“Let's go.”
Jasper nods as he places the money for the drinks on the table and both of them leave.
****
What do you think happened?
See you in the next chapter!
Love you loads 💓
Betty 😊