n

n

n

"I will never be with you, TJ.

"

nJeremy heard her as he closed the door. Her low voice filled with resentment made him feel like a thousand daggers got lodged in his heart.

n

"I know,

" he spoke under his breath rubbing his chest. He leaned on the wall closing his eyes. The pain in his heart escaped as a sigh.

n

"I know, I'll never be with you. But still, be with me for a while.

"

nHe saw how much damage he had done to her unwittingly. He knew he broke her. He won't expect her to stay with him forever.

nHe cried tears of remorse.

n

"I'm sorry. Please allow me to atone for what I've done. I'll even offer my life.

"

nHe wiped the corner of his eye.

nHe knew it all and yet he still wished for her to be with him. Even it is for some time he wanted to call her 'his wife'.

n

"Just let me look at you for a little longer.

"

nHe walked to the reception and informed Mr. Davis that he can visit Jerlina now.

nJerlina walked to the window as soon as Jeremy left the room. She opened the window and a gentle breeze caressed her face.

nClosing her eyes, she took in the scent of roses when she heard the knock at the door. Subconsciously her face twitched thinking Jeremy was back.

n

"Missy...

"

nThat affectionate voice made her head turn immediately.

n

"Uncle Pat!

"

nHer face lit up with a smile and she walked to the door and got the basket from his hand. Even her voice got higher out of excitement.

n

"You brought me fruits!

"

n

"How are you feeling?

" Mr. Davis patted her back like he always does. That pat will be filled with affection and adoration.

n

"I can get discharged today,

" Jerlina didn't want to show her troubles to this man who loved her like family. Well, he calls her 'Missy' and treats her like a Lady from the yestercentury, and considers him as her servant which she finds odd.

nBut still, she considered him family.

nWhenever her step-mother refused her food, she'd be too shy to ask anyone else, but as if he could read her mind, he'd always feed her. He taught her to ride a bike and he was there with his wife for her graduation ceremony.

nIn many ways he was more a father to her than her father ever was.

nShe pulled a chair for him to sit.

n

"I heard TJ was keeping you safe for the past month and when I heard you were in the hospital, my heart almost stopped, Missy. I thought the gangs finally...

" Mr. Davis patted his chest shaking his head.

n

"You should stop getting so worried for me, uncle.

" Jerlina patted his hand.

"Has Aunt Becky's knees gotten better?

"

nJerlina wanted to change the topic. She couldn't believe how someone smart like Uncle Pat could think that Jeremy was the one who protected her from other gangs.

nShe knew the gang-leaders give the impression that they all hate each other and let their foot soldiers fight, when in truth, the leaders wine and dine together like friends. Even if it was some other gang who came after her, it wouldn't have happened without Jeremy's knowledge or approval.

nShe firmly believed that Jeremy created her 'marked by gang' problem for the sake of his sister. And he is using that problem to keep her close with him for the sake of Emma. He even acts like her guardian angel

"protecting

" her from the mean gangs when he himself is a notorious gang leader.

nBut she was glad Uncle Pat bothered enough to search for her.

n

"She needs a replacement surgery. We went to the doctor...

"

nReminding of Aunt Becky, Uncle Pat started to talk about his wife enthusiastically. Jerlina sometimes wouldn't be able to comprehend the love the couple hold for each other even after fifty three years of marriage.

n

"Everyone must have asked for their salaries, right? Uncle, assure them that I'll pay them within a week somehow.

" Jerlina said with a sigh.

nThe glassworks company is a very small cottage industry level workshop. There are only five employees including Mr. Davis and they are a tight-knit community. The workshop doesn't make much although the quality of their products is better than any commercial product out there. The shop doesn't make income enough to pay the salaries of the workers and Jerlina uses part of her salary for their salaries.

nWith her not able to work the past month, she didn't know how she will pay the dues and the salaries. She felt guilty for not paying the workers since she knew they won't have much savings to get through this month without their salary.

nHer loving Uncle Pat did understand her plight and assured her that they can wait for a little longer. After talking with her for a while, he asked if she wants to stay with him for a while.

nJerlina was touched by his request, but she didn't find it surprising. She felt a little embarrassed for thinking of leaving them all to go to her mother's town.

nEverything as it is, she knew she won't be comfortable staying with uncle Pat as she knew the couple will try to treat her like royalty which would make her feel awkward and there is the other thing.

n

"I'll be staying with TJ for the time being.

" Jerlina forced a smile and Mr. Davis eyes widened with surprise.

n

"That's really good... You'd be a lot safer with him...

"

nJerlina couldn't believe why Uncle Pat insists on this and why this makes him this cheery. She knew he wasn't this happy when she said she is moving in with Gerard.

nUgh, Gerry... why am I thinking about him?

n

"Of course I'll protect my wife! You can rest assured, Mr. Davis.

"

nThat grating voice made Jerlina exasperated. She wondered if he is eavesdropping her conversations.

nScum!

n

"You're married?

" Mr. Davis almost jumped in joy.

"Missy, why didn't you tell me?

"

nAgain, Jerlina couldn't figure out what Uncle Pat was thinking, He was very excited to learn of her wedding.

nIt took a lot of efforts for Jerlina to send off the very excited elder home. Jeremy offered to drop Mr. Davis home and Jerlina rolled her eyes by how perfectly that monster could act.

nIn the evening, Daisy took Jerlina to the garden. Taking a walk in a place filled with the scent of roses was therapeutic for Jerlina who liked roses. Some roses were planted in the ground and they grew as shrubs having bunch of flowers. Some of the roses were potted and they were small and they had the most pleasant scent.

nShe finally got an idea how to give a proper burial to her child considering the situation she is in. She was willing to do anything for him, but fate resorted her to this state. That doesn't mean she can give a sloppy funeral to her baby.

nShe still will do everything the best she can for her baby.

n