by J Gaines
“Amias embraced what he was; he chose to be with people like him–”
Jasmine interrupted him. “I don’t think he ever had a choice. He did what he had to do for you, and Virgil, and everyone else. I don’t think anybody ever really knew what he wanted deep down. I didn’t.”
“He saved us for a time.”
Jasmine nodded. “He did save us. But he sacrificed everything to do it. And he didn’t know about Iris.”
“Do you think his decision would have been any different? It would have only made him more determined to do what was required. Kaden would have hunted her the way he did Amias. He would have taken her from you.” There was a pause, and John knew he’d gone too far. “Have you seen any sign she may have abilities?”
“She has them. I don’t need to see a sign of them.”
“How do you know?” John watched her intently.
“Mother’s intuition.”
John took a long breath. “Even more reason to bring her home where she’ll be safe.”
Jasmine’s smile faded. “Safe from what? Kaden’s dead, Xavier’s dead…”
“There’ll be others… there always are. One day someone will begin asking questions, which will lead them on to where you are, and why you’ve gone. And then they’ll keep on asking them until–”
“It doesn’t matter, it’s only you and Mia who know she exists. And I trust you with both of our lives. We’re happy where we are. Iris is happy.” There was a finality to her sentence that stopped John’s next question. He took another breath and watched Mia and Iris returning.
“Max and Sophia have asked after you.”
Jasmine smiled. “How are they?”
“Good. They’re both in America working for Victor. In many ways, Kaden killing Olivia saved all of our lives. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back in regard to Victor’s involvement.” He paused. “I think he was in love with her for a long time.” Jasmine nodded and John changed the subject. “There’s also the question of Olivia’s money. It’s a considerable amount.”
Jasmine turned away and smiled at Iris who was now running towards them. “We don’t need anything. If you feel you must keep it, then give half to the hospital that looked after Iris and me. The rest Iris can decide on when she’s old enough.” Suddenly Iris rushed into her arms, knocking her backwards. They both laughed, and John smiled.
They lay on their backs looking up at the sky, now darkened with clouds. “You were right, Mummy.”
Jasmine sat up, and then got to her feet. “Come on, darling, we need to go, or we’ll miss our flight home.”
Iris’s face screwed up comically. “Can’t Uncle John and Aunt Mia come with us?”
Jasmine shook her head and smiled. “Not this time, darling.” She embraced John and then Mia, and watched as Iris did the same.
“What’s the matter, Aunt Mia, why are you crying?”
Mia sniffed. “Because I’m going to miss you.” She wiped a tear away. “And because you remind me of your daddy today.” Iris looked at Jasmine, unsure of how to respond. Jasmine held out her hand and they waved goodbye as they walked down the hill. As John and Mia watched them walk away, the first drops of rain fell.
Chapter 34
Jasmine watched the people around her as they came and went. She didn’t like airports. Iris sat beside her and held her hand as their flight status changed. Jasmine had noticed that Iris had been unusually quiet for the last hour.
“Our flight is boarding. Come on.” They got up and walked towards the busy check-in area. Jasmine held tightly onto Iris’s hand as they were surrounded by hundreds of people. There was a slight pull on her arm and she turned to Iris. A tear was trickling down from one of her eyes. “What’s wrong, darling?”
“My head hurts, Mummy.”
The End
