Chapter 11 Free for a moment

Seething quietly, Jenny nodded. Her father sighed, accepting the gesture. He rose and placed a large hand on her shoulder, attempting to reassure her. His touch felt eerily similar to Julius's, and she suppressed a shudder.

"You know your mother loves all her children, including you, dear," he added, a note of sadness in his voice. "This family means the world to her, and your behavior weighs on her. Do this for her. Give her some peace."

Jenny glanced at the fallen photograph on the desk—a cherished family portrait from her childhood. The memory of that day was vivid: a visit to the park under the perfect weather, with puffy clouds drifting lazily across the sky, occasionally letting the bright sun peek through. She had felt overjoyed to wear a beautiful blue dress that matched those of her mother and Jessica. Her father and Julius had donned suits, their ties coordinated with the dresses. Following the photo session, they had enjoyed a picnic, basking in the pleasant sunlight.

The picture was a favorite of her mother's, displayed in several parts of the house, encased in fine wooden frames. Now, a crack marred the glass, slightly warping the image.

Jenny hung her head in shame.

"Look at me, Jenny," her father instructed. She obliged, meeting his now warmer, more paternal gaze. He softly brushed his hand over her cheek, an attempt to comfort her.

"Tomorrow, I want you to speak with your mother and apologize. It would mean a lot to her—and to you as well."

Jenny rolled her eyes.

"I mean it, Jenny," he cautioned. "You know she's not been well."

"Fine," she mumbled. He tucked her hair behind her ear and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"You can go to your room now." A dismissal. That suited her fine. She stood quickly, shaking off his hand, and headed for the door. As she left, she couldn't help but mutter under her breath.

"This is so incredibly unfair." She pretended not to hear his sigh as the door closed heavily behind her.

........

Sunday morning. Jenny was tugging off her pajama bottoms when a sudden knock on the door startled her. She stumbled, her legs tangled in the fabric, and caught herself on the closet wall to keep from falling.

"One moment!" she called out, silently hoping it wasn't Julius at the door. The thought alone brought back unwanted memories of his touch on her skin, clawing at her chest. Nighttime was sleepless unless Richard stayed in her room, keeping her fear of Julius's intrusion at bay.

She quickly grabbed her robe, fastening it securely around her, and hurried to open the door. She wondered if it might be the house doctor again, or perhaps one of the staff coming to refresh her towels and sheets. When she opened the door, Richard stood there, a faint smile on his lips. Jenny wondered if he was as relieved as she was about their father and Julius's impending departure that week.

"Good morning," he greeted, his voice still rough with sleep. Jenny grinned back, leaning casually against the doorframe, aware of how her robe dipped slightly at the front. Richard kept his focus unwaveringly on her face.

"Good morning," she replied, resisting the temptation to reach out and touch him. The rules between them were different during the day. At night, he could come to her room unnoticed and help her drift into sleep. By day, touching him or thinking about the comforting scent he carried when he removed his jacket and joined her in bed were things she could not afford to indulge.

"Your presence is requested," Richard stated, his professional tone belied by the way his eyes lingered on her. "In the courtyard. Your father and brother are nearly ready to depart, and Sharon would like the family to bid them safe travels."

Knowing she would have to see Julius once more before he left soured Jenny's mood, but she tried to maintain a hopeful outlook. It was merely a brief farewell, surrounded by family. He couldn't do anything to harm her with them watching. Sometimes, she half-wished he would slip up, just so her parents would stop perceiving her as the source of conflict.

Richard nodded once before turning to walk back down the hallway. Jenny leaned out to watch him go until he disappeared from sight. She then closed the door and rushed to her closet to dress for the day. With the weather turning colder, she chose warm tights, a skirt, and a sweater. After quickly styling her hair and applying a light layer of foundation to cover the faint bruise on her cheek, she hurried down to the courtyard.

"Oh, Jenny," her mother exclaimed as Jenny stepped through the front door and hurried down the grand steps. "I'm so glad you made it. We should wish them all the luck we can before they leave."

Julius and her father stood waiting, both clad in nearly identical black suits and heavy wool coats. Jenny shivered against the chill wind sweeping through the courtyard, regretting not layering more warmly. Julius's gaze swept over her coldly, but she couldn't discern his expression, so she focused on ignoring it.

"Goodbye, Father," Jenny said, approaching him. When he opened his arms, she stepped forward, allowing him to embrace her. "I wish you all the luck in the world."

"Thank you, Jenny," he replied, releasing her. The positive business prospects for the trip had buoyed his spirits, making him seemingly overlook the tension between her and Julius. "But we won't need much luck—we have our charm and cunning to rely on."

Jenny sensed her mother's eye roll behind her, yet she couldn't help but smile at her father. Despite his occasional harshness, moments of kindness like this reminded her of his better side.

"Goodbye, Jenny," Julius said. As she stepped away from her father, she noticed Julius extending his arms for a hug. Though hugging him was the last thing she wanted, with her parents watching, she felt compelled to demonstrate that she wouldn't let him affect her.

"Good luck, Julius," Jenny said, moving in for a brief hug. She attempted to withdraw, but his arms encircled her. She felt his fingers pressing against her through her sweater and gloves, as if his fingers were claws.

"You'd better behave while I'm gone," Julius murmured, his face buried in her hair to hide his words from their parents. "I've got some of my guys at school keeping an eye out for me. Remember that."

She tried to pull away again, but he held her tight for a moment longer. When he finally let go, their parents looked on as if witnessing two estranged siblings reconciling. Jenny resisted the urge to spit on Julius's expensive leather shoes.

After her mother embraced them both once more, they climbed into the car, and the driver pulled away. The sky seemed instantly brighter with Julius gone, and Jenny inhaled deeply, relishing the feeling of easier breathing.

"See ya," Jessica called, her shoes clacking loudly on the front steps. Jenny and her mother turned to see Jessica striding down, head down as she typed on her phone. Her hair and coat flowed behind her while a staff member hurried after her with a small black bag.

"Jessica," her mother frowned, "you didn't come to say goodbye."

"Yeah, sorry," Jessica replied, glancing up briefly before returning to her phone. "Camelia is going through a breakup and needs me."

"Oh," her mother said, her frown fading. She smiled at Jessica, who reached the bottom of the stairs just as another car approached. Jenny couldn't help but wonder if Jessica had timed this to leave after their father and Julius. "Well, it's lovely that you're being a good friend, darling. Just let me know if you need anything, and Camelia is always welcome here, if she wants."

"Thanks, Mom," Jessica called, getting into the car. The staff member quickly placed her bag in the trunk as Jessica rolled down the window. "Cam's an emotional vomiter, though," she added, making both Jenny and her mother cringe, "so it's probably best she stays home."

Her mother bit her lip. "Yes, perhaps that's best."