Jaded Hearts (The Jaded Hearts Club)

by Olivia Linden

  She ended there suddenly, but I knew that wasn't the end. I had so many questions about Julian senior and Ana, and my own mother. I looked at my aunt and followed her pensive gaze to my latest visitor. Julian stood in the door way, almost as if she had expected him. He looked great for a man who was beaten to a pulp days earlier. I watched as he limped gingerly but confidently up to my aunt who, to my surprise, gave him a tearful hug.

  "I'm sure you two need to talk. Jade, we can finish our talk whenever you're ready." She gave me a light kiss before she left quietly. My body was raked with emotions as I continued to stare at him blankly. "You look like you've seen a ghost." He tried to make light of things, but it didn't work. I burst into tears as all the last few weeks of turmoil overtook me.

  "Why did this happen? I'm so scared. I don't want to go home." My fear had finally reared its ugly little head. Without any answers as to who, what, when, where, or how, I was not sure of anything.

  "Ay, Dios! Please don't cry mi amor. I will take care you if you will let me. I have many questions myself. I should have taken you away with me from the beginning. Please, give me a second chance. I don't trust anyone else to keep you safe." He held my hands, and kissed each one gently as he pleaded for a chance.

  "I don't know what to do Julian!" My voice shook with pent up emotion.

  "Just follow your heart this time" he whispered. If only it were that easy.

  THE END (FOR NOW)