Here is another chapter.

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Time slowed once more, as if my brain needed a "photograph," a keepsake to give her strength in the rough times to come. Jesse, he was leaving today he stood at his motorcycle with the black bag pack on. His long hair touching his shoulders as his Ma and Celia wait with me by the front door, Miles and his pa are with him talking in low whispers.

I hated to see him go, worry and dread filled me we're in dangerous times, but he said this couldn't wait. The pain I carry in my chest is inexplicable. Seeing him leaving from me hurts a lot. Even though I want to hold him and keep him by my side for a longer time, he has to do this even with the danger we're facing.

Jesse stood in front of me, my eyes burning with unshed tears. His husky voice chimed in gaining my attention. "You soothe with your love, with your silliness and outright cheek; I love you for it. You soothe with a caring that never relents, never gives up. One look from you and I am whole, the rain stops, the wind ceases. You are a perfect summers day in a floral garden, fresh rain on the petals. Yet you forget that I've never had that before, not like this, so how can my mind not tumble and fall?" the words low whispered only to me. He continued, "I will be back never worry about that, I am coming home to you," I prayed he did.

I did everything for the next week to forget he was gone, cleaned and re-arranged our room. Helped Mae and Celia with the washing, cooking, anything to keep my mind focused. I was hoping he be home today, it was the eighth day, so he had fresh clothes on the bed for after his shower.

It was still early in the day, so I walked from the room in my jeans, sneakers, and a light tank top since we're fixing the garden today. Mae said it just needed some love, Angus and Miles are building on to this place making it look more like a Snow-White castle.

Celia just gave me another look telling me to sit and have a small bite to eat, but it is painful to be away from Jesse. I sighed sitting, "I am just not hungry, my stomach and chest hurt," moaning like I was sick again, and in some ways, it felt like I was.

Mae looked worried, "I am sorry, my dearest. Jessie is due back today after you will be right as rain. This is why we always stick with our mates, we never wish them to hurt,"

I felt a small snap in my temper, grumbling. "Than why did he up and leave, he knew it hurt me like this. Is this payback for leaving to see my grandmother one last time?" it hurt, he knew it hurt me, was whatever he needed to settle so important.

Miles was the first to answer, his tone relaxed but firm in a stern way. "Finley love, it was not meant to be intentional. Young and dumb," I just ate a few bites before helping Mae do the dishes. I was being a baby over this, it was a little pain and I have felt pain.

The sun finally shines above the sky after dreadful clouds covering it for weeks. It seems to have had a gorgeous makeover while hiding behind in its private room. The yolk looking sun has turned from yellowish brown to golden. Everyone is coming out and enjoying the warm and beautiful day, feeling the gentle heat.

The ivy is a right pain but I've gotta admire it anyway. It doesn't care what the obstacle is, it just goes right up and over. Without it the wall would still be beautiful, how could natural rock not be? But with the ivy, it's right up there with my favorite things in life. I can't let it take the wall down though, and left unchecked that's what will happen. So pruners in hand and gloves on, I take a careful look. It'll bounce back no matter what I do, but I want it to still be healthy when I'm done, not look like some lawn-mower went over it.

Celia was dealing with the jewel of the Garden at the very center is an apple tree, Mae is tackling the plants and flowers putting good soil down, it was looking better by the time they went in to start supper. I just cleaned up and headed in with them, washing my hands up to the elbows so we could cook. Now I was feeling giddy he was going to be here soon, I wouldn't be moody or in pain.

I glanced out the window, thinking I saw something, but it was only a flash. "Miles!" calling with a tone of panic, something was out there.

He say's, "What's wrong, I am right here," in a soothing tone, but my face is pale. "Something is out there, I saw a flash of clothing," he vanished saying nothing, Angus with him as Mae went to her own room returning seconds later with guns, I took one if they found us this time was different.

I walked with them to the open door, but once close enough yelling was heard. I bolted out with Celia, the gun was up as Miles and Angus are hauling ass to us. But behind them, the Brotherhood materialize from the forest, too many to take on, too many to count.

We are divided, I try, god help me do I.

A cold, dead voice called out. It was as if the dead were speaking it made every hair stand on end, "Give up now, we only want them," Mae was in his grasp, I panicked.

My eyes travel to Celia who was now behind Miles.

Jesse, he lunged from behind taking him down, his Ma rolled to her left getting her gun. It was not working this time, too many for so little of us. I am out of ammo, only my knife to attack this means getting closer, my eyes follow Jesse he is in kill mode. I let out an anguished cry seeing Celia being held up by her hair, his long un-natural fingers curled in it. "How about now, we take just her, we leave this one and the rest in peace. All we want is her," now they point at me.

We are done for, in no way will we make it out, one for the better of four was worth it. Celia would be safe. I drop the knife at my feet, "You let her go, and I will come willingly,"

This pleased them as he tossed her into a rock, Miles snatched her right up but so much pain on his face. "Finley, no," he warned.

"They have too many, we will not win. Me for all of you, I can live with that," trying not to make eye contact with Jesse.

But his voice bellows, " You touch my girl, I WILL KILL YOU ALL!" his voice grew louder and louder than it was cut off, I turn seeing him dead in the grass.

"You tell Jesse I love him more than I ever could myself. I have to, my ma is safe now," she was, by all means, my mama, she was always there for me and always would be. Her anguished cries tore through the night, Mae joined in.

The fear traveled in my veins but never made it to my facial muscles or skin. My complexion remained pale and matt, eyes as steady as if I were shopping for shoes. Letting out an understated sigh and turned to leave, showing that I wasn't afraid to turn my back as the Brotherhood followed behind me.

I was doomed…..