My eyes sting with tears, and I nod. “Me too, yeah me too,” I whisper as tears trickle down my cheeks.
She looks away. Unlike me, she’s better at controlling her emotions.
I promise you, Heaven, you’ll always have me.I think tomyself.
“Eat up. We have to head to class soon.” I smile gently. She nods, as composed as ever, before she picks up her fork. I sit back, watching her, glad she’s eating. I need to be there for her and Allie. I need to get stronger not only for me or Jayce, but for everyone.
Under the Falling Rain
Jayce
“Words well spoken,” Dad says, a small frown on his face. “I do agree. Finding someone who fits and is able to handle the pressure is going to be hard.”
“Gramps, you’re getting out of shape sitting at home. You should try for it,” Theo suggests with a smirk.
Grandad raises an eyebrow. “I think you were looking in the mirror rather than at me when you made that assumption,” he counters with an equally cocky smirk.
“Ooo damn, Grandad burned ya!” Ares snickers. My lips twitch slightly.
“But it’s not a bad idea…” Mom says, her face serious, just as the two waiters place our drinks down.
“It’s not for me, it’s a big responsibility, and call me selfish, but I like to spend time with my woman and my daughter.” He wraps his arm around Grandma’s shoulders and looks over at Mom, giving her a small smile.
“The house would be quiet if Grandad left. It would mean Grandma would leave, too, and with Dad gone, Mom would be all alone,” Renji adds.
“Do you think that’s why Mom was given two mates?” Theo whispers loudly, making Renji choke on his drink, causing Carter to slap his back and Dad to frown.
“That was a test for me. Nothing to do with your mother,” he growls. Dad’s chill, until it comes to Mom anyway.
“Do you have someone in mind? The way you said that makes me wonder?” Grandma asks me now.
I shake my head. “No, I mean there are a few people, including both you and Grandad that would fit the role, but I know it’s a job that’s going to take its toll. It won’t be easy,” I answer truthfully.
“That’s a job Leo can deal with, you know? Finding a replacement. Who put you in charge?” Ares remarks, downing his glass and pouring himself another from the jug.
Your small dick energy is really getting fucking annoying. What the fuck is your problem?
He looks at me, about to answer, when Dad speaks first. “Ares,” he warns.
“Jayce isn’t wrong, though. We need a headmaster who sticks around, one who can deal with everything,” Renji muses.
“You know who’d make a good headmistress?” Theo asks, sitting forward as he picks up his glass.
“I worry about what you’re about to come out with,” Mom says with a small, amused smile.
“My Mama,” Theo says, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Small but feisty, smart and level-headed. Strong andsassy.”
“Agreed,” Grandma says. “Raven has always been strong.”
“And if Mom was in charge, you’d be breaking all the rules,” Ares says.
“Exactly my thought, and look at you boys putting forward your own family!” Mom says suspiciously.
“So what? The Rossis are ok to put themselves forward, can’t we?” Carter remarks, but it’s spoken lightly as he smiles slightly. “Honestly, it’s not a job I’d love for anyone.”
“Yeah…” Dad sighs. Just then, food arrives, and we all dig in. The other four bicker and muck around whilst we talk and discuss the latest, and soon the evening passes by quickly. Eating, laughing, joking.
Times like this are those moments where I miss home, but for the first time, I’m also looking forward to heading back and training with her.
