Chapter Three #2
“Yes, he—uh, Robert. He was the closest thing Derek had for a best friend. He cares. I—I know,” Jenny said, clearing her throat.
I assumed she felt the same thing I felt with Robert regarding her. Not that it mattered. She just lost her husband, and she was still mourning. I didn’t need any powers to feel her pain.
“Where is Chris?” I asked, wiping my eyes. Jenny’s tears seemed to have started on her face and ended on mine.
“He’s at the training center,” Nick said.
“Andrew, are you sure Jay will be okay?”
“No doubt in my mind.”
I nodded and walked up to the baby. Another one dressed in blue. Had I truly just brought a baby boy back to life? No. No. There was no way he’d been gone . . . Right? But I couldn’t go back to check, so keeping my eyes off this one was hard. I needed to hold him. “Can I pick up Jack?”
“Sure. He prefers it to the playpen anyway,” Annie said.
As I played with him, happy to feel the warmth of his skin, Jenny kept staring at me. She waited until I was done with the baby. “You know, Ryan—”
“Alexa.”
“Right . . . Alexa, as a healer, you might be able to take care of your own memories.”
“I meant to ask you about that.”
She nodded. “A few years ago, I realized I was being hypnotized because of my own healing powers. You should be able to do the same.”
“I’m glad for the confirmation. I think I’d rather get there on my own terms.”
“I understand.” Jenny nodded again. “Just be aware that fear can be strong enough to stop us from remembering things as a way of protection. And that’s normal, but at some point you may be forced to ask for help.”
“You think I’m in danger not knowing everything?” I could feel her concern.
“Not just you.” She glanced at Kevin. “You’ll be better off once you have all the information you need to keep everyone safe.”
“I’ll ask for help if things get bad. Thanks, Jenny.”
***
Andrew took Beth to my apartment in the middle of the night to get some of my belongings, since I couldn’t go back home.
After the explosion, Annie and Nick’s house became almost everyone’s home.
The baby stayed in their room while Kevin and Chris took over the nursery, and Jenny had the guest bedroom.
Which she was now going to share with me.
Beth, Andrew, and little Elisa slept at their own home, though.
They could leave in a pinch through the portal, so they felt safe enough.
While the group planned the best way to rebuild the Org and figured out how to end the problem with the government, they mostly hung out here or at the training center. They couldn’t risk being captured.
I woke up earlier than everyone and decided I could make breakfast. My instinct told me I could make some pancakes, eggs, and bacon without burning the house down.
“And she’s back!” Kevin said. “You love to cook!”
I smiled. “I figured as much.”
Nick added some extra boards to the table in the dining room and made it long enough to seat at least ten people. He finished as Beth, Andrew, and Elisa walked in from the portal that opened in the living room.
“Like old times,” Chris said, smiling. “How’d you know to cook your usual spread?”
“I just knew I could?”
“I call BS. You’re you; you just don’t want to be you,” Kevin said.
I frowned. “What?”
Chris laughed. “Ignore him. He needs caffeine.”
The doorbell rang, and Nick went to answer it. We had a clear view of the entrance thanks to the open layout between the living room and dining room.
There he was! Jay took a big gulp before smiling at Nick . . . Was he almost fearful?
I made a leap and ran straight into his arms, relieved that he was okay. I barely got to hug him before I was pulled away and lifted off the ground.
Kevin wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, and even after I was back on the floor, he refused to let go of me.
“Get off me!” I yelled. “What is wrong with you?”
“You can’t go jumping into strangers’ arms!” Kevin said, reluctantly loosening his grip.
I shuffled my way out of his arms and stepped away. “You’re insane. He’s not a stranger.”
I turned to see Jay still standing by the door, looking at my exchange with Kevin. Why did he seem so amused? A second ago, he looked like he was ready to run. Now he was trying to hold back a laugh.
“Well, Ry, it’s nice to see you, too.”
“I’m sorry. Who are you?” Nick asked, frowning.
“That’s my friend from last night,” I said. “Come in! I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Jay looked at Nick and raised his eyebrow, walking in. Nick did not look welcoming in the least. They stared at each other for a few seconds before he reached out his hand to shake Nick’s. “Hey, man, I’m Jay.”
Nick hesitated but took Jay’s hand. I was sure he only did so for my benefit. “I’m Nick. And how, pray tell, do you know where I live?”
“Ryan told me if I was ever in trouble, I could come here.”
Nick’s head snapped in my direction. “You gave out our address?”
“I guess,” I said, shrugging. “Sorry?”
Kevin went up to Jay and grabbed the front of his shirt. He slammed him back against the door and pinned him there. Jay didn’t resist. He just said, “Calm down.”
“Who the hell are you?” Kevin asked.
“I’m not here to fight you, man.” He held up both hands in a defensive posture. “Put me down and I’ll talk.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“You don’t have to trust me. But since you’re all capable of taking me out in no time, I think you’re safe. I just wanted to make sure Ryan was okay.”
I pulled Kevin’s arm. “Let him go.”
Kevin spun his head to look at me. “You can’t just trust everyone who says they’re your friend.”
“I trusted you guys. Should I assume you’re all lying as well?”
“We’re okay. He’s not.”
“That’s enough, Kevin,” Annie said, holding the baby. She pulled Jay’s arm with her free hand. “You’re welcome in my home.”
Jay smoothed his shirt as soon as Kevin released him. He didn’t look at Kevin; he just stared at Annie. “Thank you.”
As he smiled, the baby reached for Jay.
“No,” Kevin said, stepping in front of Annie and the baby. “If you’re Ryan’s friend, how come I’ve never heard of you before?”
“She didn’t have to tell you everything, you know. I am her friend, too. But in my case, she told me about the rest of you.” Jay smirked, clearly testing Kevin’s resolve.
“Impossible. I refuse to think you had any time to spend with her. She was always with me or at the Org.”
“Are you sure?” Jay lifted an eyebrow.
“What the hell does that mean?”