Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
Jessica's eyes are still a little red, but she's sitting up. That's progress. Olivia stands beside me, offering a small, reassuring smile. It's weird, bringing Olivia here, but she insisted.
"Hey, Jessica," I say, pulling up a chair. "Glad to see you're doing better."
She offers a weak smile. "Hey, Ethan. Thanks for coming back."
Olivia steps forward, her voice soft and professional. "Hello, Jessica. I'm Olivia Adele. I'm Ethan's landlord, and I've heard about your situation."
Jessica looks from Olivia to me, a hint of apprehension in her eyes.
"Olivia's a good person, Jess," I tell her. "She's got a big heart."
Olivia nods. "I do. And I wanted to see how you were doing. Ethan tells me you're quite the artist, too. He's shown me some of your sketches."
Jessica's cheeks color slightly. "Oh. Yeah, I… I like to draw."
"It's a wonderful way to express yourself," Olivia says warmly. "My company dabbles in art acquisitions. Perhaps, when you're feeling up to it, you might show me some of your work?"
Jessica looks surprised, then a little shy. "Maybe. I'm not sure if they're very good."
"I'm sure they're fantastic," I chime in. "You've got a real talent, Jess."
She manages a small, genuine smile this time. "Thanks, Ethan."
We chat for a while longer, easy conversation flowing between us. Olivia asks about her brother, her parents, and Jessica answers haltingly, sharing small memories. It's tough, I can see the pain in her eyes, but she's talking. That's what matters. Olivia just listens, offering quiet support and a kind word here and there. It's… nice. Less awkward than I expected.
"So, Jessica," I start, my voice a little softer than usual. "Olivia and I were talking. About… well, about what happens next."
Jessica looks between Olivia and me, her expression a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She's holding my gaze, looking for reassurance. I give her a small nod.
Olivia steps in, her tone gentle. "Jessica, I know this is a lot to process. Losing your family… it's devastating. But you don't have to go through it alone. I'd like to offer you a home, if you'd have me as your guardian."
Okay, this is going to be interesting. Olivia's already got Jessica hooked.
"Will… will that be okay?" Jessica asks, her voice barely a whisper. She's looking at Olivia, then back at me, like she's seeking my approval, or maybe just making sure this isn't some weird setup.
Olivia's smile widens, genuine and warm. "Oh, Jessica, of course it's okay. You're no trouble at all. Honestly, I'm just glad I can help. You're welcome to stay with me for as long as you need. We can take it slow, get you settled."
Olivia turns her full attention to Jessica, her voice softening further. She's got this way of making people feel like they're the only ones in the room. "You know, Ethan mentioned you love to draw. I was thinking, maybe we could set up a little art corner in my apartment? Plenty of natural light, and I've got some decent canvases I don't use anymore. And if you ever want to get out, we could take a trip to the Met, or even just walk through Central Park. Whatever you feel up to. No pressure, though. Just… whatever feels right for you."
Jessica is listening intently, her earlier apprehension starting to fade. She's leaning forward slightly, a flicker of interest in her eyes.
Jessica's eyes flick to mine again, searching. That trust is still there, that quiet reliance. She takes a deep breath, her fingers tightening on the metal bed rail, which I notice is still slightly bent. After a thoughtful pause, she nods decisively.
"Okay," she says, her voice gaining a quiet strength. "I… I'd like that, Olivia. Thank you."
Olivia beams, a subtle but genuine smile that reaches her eyes. She squeezes Jessica's hand, a silent celebration of this small, hopeful step forward. It's a moment of relief, and I feel it too. We've sealed it. Jessica's agreement.
Sometime later…
Paperwork shuffles across a desk. Olivia, ever efficient, handles most of it, her pen flying across forms. I'm mostly there for moral support, occasionally signing a line or two. Medical checks follow, doctors poking and prodding, but Jessica handles it with surprising stoicism. She's tougher than she looks.
Soon, a small hospital bag is packed. Jessica, looking more like her old self, walks steadily between Olivia and me. Olivia's arm is loosely around her shoulders, a comforting presence, while I walk on her other side, offering a steadying hand if she needs it. We pile into Olivia's sleek car. The drive to Olivia's place is filled with light chatter, Olivia asking about Jessica's favorite music and movies, trying to ease the nervous energy buzzing in the air. It seems to be working. Jessica's starting to relax, a small smile playing on her lips.
…
* * *
We pull up to my apartment building, the familiar brick façade a comforting sight after everything. Olivia's place is just a few floors up, and it's… nice. Way nicer than my dump. It's warm and cozy, filled with books and photos. Fresh cookies, smelling like heaven, are waiting on the kitchen table. Jessica looks around, a little hesitant, but her eyes are taking it all in, touching a framed photo here, a plush armchair there. There's still sadness there, I can see it, but it's softer now.
"So, what's the plan?" I ask, trying to sound practical. "We need to get you caught up with school. Tutors, maybe? And we should probably swing by your old place, grab your stuff. Anything you want to keep?"
Olivia nods, her gaze on Jessica. "No rush, though. Take your time. We'll figure out what you want to do next. College, maybe? Or that art thing you mentioned?"
Jessica looks at me, then Olivia, a little more color in her cheeks. "Yeah, art. I'd like to do that."
"Great," Olivia says, her smile genuinely warm. "And to help you get started, and maybe just for some extra spending money, I've got a part-time barista gig open at my coffee shop downtown. You know, build up some independence." She raises an eyebrow, glancing at me. "You too, Ethan, if you're looking for something other than… whatever it is you do."
I laugh. "Definitely. I can do that. And Jess, I'll be around. You know, checking in, making sure you're not getting into too much trouble." I give her a thumbs-up.
Jessica beams, a real, bright smile this time. "I'd love to, Olivia. Thank you." She looks less like a victim and more like… herself. It's good to see.
Olivia, with a flourish, starts pouring coffee. It's her "special blend," the stuff that smells like trouble and looks like swamp water.
"My own recipe!" Olivia beams. "What do you taste?"
Jessica, ever polite, takes a sip first. Her eyes go wide. Her face contorts. She sputters, coughs, and starts making these wild gestures, trying to fan her mouth.
"Whoa, Jess, you okay?" I lunge forward, too late, waving my hands.
"Jess!" I shout, mouth agape in horror.
Olivia just chuckles, completely unfazed. "What do you taste?"
Jessica manages to get a gasp of air between coughs, but a laugh escapes her. "It's… it's… something!" She's laughing now, tears streaming down her face.
I can't help but laugh too, shaking my head and facepalming. Olivia's coffee is legendary for all the wrong reasons. We're all doubled over, giggling.
***
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