"Why in the world did you choose a hotel, Evie?!" Jacob shut the door quickly behind him, baffled by the location she chose to speak, "And why the devil did you use Rose's name no less?!"
"With the position you and I are in at the moment, I didn't want any more conflict to rise. So—"
"So you think us meeting at a hotel won't cause a rise?!" Jacob interrupted with a disbelievable chuckle.
"It's private, secure, and quiet." Evie stated, "If we had a conversation on the train, passengers could have overheard us. If we had a conversation in public it most definitely would have caused something if listened in on."
"Now when you mean passengers do you mean your husband?" Jacob growled, "Speaking of which, would you mind explaining to me on why you lied to me about your separation with Henry?" Jacob glared at Evie.
"That's one of the several things I'm going to talk to you about, alright?" Evie looked straight into his eyes, a look of seriousness on his face, "So please understand why I chose here."
"I told my life story to you on the train and you almost revealed what I did nine years ago!" Jacob pointed out, "So your story best have a greater reason than mine or else I walk." He spoke sternly, "I do not want things to worsen anymore and I certainly do not want to be forced to hear anymore of your ridiculous lies. I've heard enough of them and look where its led me." He farced, "Christ... led me to kissing a married woman who is my fucking sister!" Jacob bellowed with a glare, "Things are already arise and I most certainly do not want things to get worst than they already are."
"I know... I know... so lets stop this bickering so we can get to the point." Evie looked him seriously, trying to keep things at bay.
Jacob rolled his eyes, a little miffed to Evie's statements. Her points were valid in a way, but it didn't keep him away from hesitation. He had a feeling in the pit of his stomach, telling him nothing good will come of this. The young man tried to keep a bit of a distant, trying to keep himself concentrated to think of what to tell her once she's finished telling her side.
Evie looked over at him, sitting on the bed, her legs crossed as her hands rested on them, clasped together, "Anyway, seeing as to how I've finished sorting things out, I assume it's my turn to come forward?" She chuckled lightly, looking up at her brother.
"If you're willing to come forth truthfully on your end, then I feel things would officially be cleared between you and I." Jacob smiled faintly, "But if you don't... then I'm going to put an end to things here and now. Do I make myself clear?" His expression became cold sober as he sat across from her on the sofa.
"What do you mean by put an end to things?" She looked at him with entanglement.
"Meaning; I'm going to put an end to the love I've had for you and erase the feeling completely." Jacob looked at her firmly, "Meaning; I'm going to see you as nothing more than a sister, as the way I'm actually supposed to see you." His lips began to tremble as he paused for a moment, finishing his last explanation, "Meaning; I will dismiss the thought from my mind that this ever happened in the first place. Every ounce of love. Every moment of affection. And every confession that has happened between you and I." He had to forcefully look back over at her as he tried to stay composed, hiding the sharp agony he kept feeling as he clarified his statement, "Agreed?"
"Agreed..." Evie breathed out heavily, looking down, biting her bottom lip, thinking on where to even begin, "Well... seeing as to how you came out to me, I assume it's my turn?" She looked up at him with a frail cackle, her face suddenly becoming hot by the memories as the feeling of embarrassment began to rise, ridding the sharpness in her chest that was caused by her brother's request, "The time it officially became clear was the time father... the time father passed."
"Excuse me?" His face became febrile once hearing her confession, "You had feelings for me the past five years?!" His voice cracked as he questioned, floundering at concealing his disconcert.
"Six actually... seeing as to how our birthday is near." She tittered awkwardly, looking away, failing at camouflaging hers as well, "Though who's counting?" Evie hid her face, feeling like a complete idiot for how things were already turning out.
"Christ, Evie..." Jacob bit his bottom lip, trying to grip himself back from placing a forced kiss on her lips, most likely knowing he'd jump her if their lips ever met, I have to hold myself back... I'm trying get through this to let go of the past so I can move forward. Cerebration transverse himself, endeavoring to keep himself composed as he put effort into looking at her as she carried forward.
"Well, it appears you and I fell the same way... Just different time periods." She clasped her hands firmly together, covering them between her legs, every muscle tensing up tightly as she held in her breath, struggling to envisage of what to affirm next.
"It appears so..." Jacob chortled quietly, trying to ease his pounding heart.
"So... there's my confession to you, brother." The young woman shut her eyes as she laughed, unable to continue for a moment.
The young man cleared his throat, pulling the collar of his shirt, trying to breathe, "I-Is it getting stuffy in here all of a sudden or is it just me?" Jacob stood up, striding over to the window hastily, "Y-You wouldn't mind me opening a window, would you, dear sister?" He glanced over at her for a second, soon turning his head to avoid her gaze, unable to keep eye contact with her.
"B-By all means, brother..." She shook her hand in his direction, signalling him to go right ahead, trying to keep herself together, but both still continuing to successfully unsucceed.
Jacob tried to open the window quickly, but his fingers kept fumbling to open it, "Fuck!" He mumbled, irritated by how clumsy he suddenly got.
"B-Brother, let me assist you with that." Evie walked up to him, her hand grazing the tip of a couple of his fingers, leading him to jump back, "B-Brother?" She opened the window, looking over at Jacob, "Is everything alright?"
"E-Everything's fine, Evie! Everything is grand! Just grand fucking-tastic!" He held up his hands, backing himself into a wall, "Shit!" He murmured, looking behind himself, swiftly looking in front of him, seeing Evie approach him, "E-Evie... please don't come towards me right now. Please continue onward about your story." Evie didn't listen.
"Jacob, I won't continue unless you sit and listen to me clearly, alright?" Evie slowly reached out for one of his hands which ended up making him flinch.
For Christ's sake... why the hell is this fucking happening right now?! Jacob asked himself in his mind, looking up at the ceiling as Evie led him to the couch, sitting beside him, This isn't good... Dear God this isn't good...
Jacob's eyes wandered everywhere else just to avoid Evie's sky blue eyes which always enchanted him. He knew deep down, if he looked straight into her eyes, he wouldn't be able to hold himself back after what he just heard. The young man looked straight ahead of him, staring nervously at the wall, trying to clear out his mind as he was waiting for his sister to continue. As he tried his hardest to keep himself away from the desires he has had for so long, he flinched when he felt warmth touch his hand, feeling a tight squeeze follow after. Jacob squeezed back delicately, trembling by his fear of doing something unforgiving.
"Are you alright, brother?" Evie spoke softly, staring at her brother who still made no eye contact with her.
"A-All is well, Evie..." He mumbled, "Just proceed, please..." He bit the inside of his mouth, distracting himself from the feel of her soft skin.
"Alright..." Evie spoke softly, feeling a deep stab in her chest by her brother sounding impatient, "Well, the time the odd emotion began was on... on our fifteenth birthday." She looked down, releasing Jacob's hands, soon squeezing her hands hard.
"H-Hold on one moment..." Jacob stuttered, "W-When did it even occur?"
"Do... Do you remember when you helped me up?" Evie struggled to ask calmly.
"Kind of...?" Jacob responded, trying to recollect the moment.
"Well, it appears my heart seemed to have pounded out of my chest when you placed a soft kiss on my forehead and I never really understood why..." Evie bit her bottom lip before looking over at Jacob, "Though after recollecting that moment, I recall I haven't been myself around you as well as I should have since then." A titter escaped her lips.
"Well, you have certainly hid it well then..." Jacob scoffed, his head tremulous.
"So... it started like this." The young woman squeezed his hand.
Jacob flinched lightly before squeezing her hand in turn, listening while recalling the memories with her.
1862
Fall
Evie was agitated by Jacob's advancement on their altercation. She knew she should be proud of his win, but something within her formed her mood forceless. The young lass consistently had the upperhand when it came to training, but this time, it left her slightly speechless and analytic on the reason it irked her. The young lass tried to embalm that irritation because the cogitation about herself seemed childish to her to react in such a manner, but a part of her was unable to hide that emotion. Evie ended up trying to act her mature usual self to blot out that immature thought.
"Happy Birthday, Evie!" George said, boisterously, "Where's your brother by the way? It's time for you two to blow out your candles."
"Hm? Oh, Jacob was near his friends last I saw, I'll go get... him..." Evie turned and saw something that ended up tightening her chest.
"Cheers." George smiled before turning to put the candles in the cake.
When did Jacob get a girlfriend? Evie gripped her chest, trying to rid the feeling, I know he's a charmer to the ladies, but he's never looked at a lass in that kind of way, nor held one in his arms that way either. The young lass continued to grasp her chest as she approached the scene, discomfort surrounding her.
"Ahem... George is about to bring out the cake and father wants to know if this means you'll be staying out late this evening." The lass spoke, using her father as an excuse to get an explanation out of him. As Evie appeared in front of them, it ended up making him suddenly drop Emily in the process, Heh... what a clumsy bloke. She hid her giggle as she thought to herself, Serves that wench right... Her eyes widened slightly by the sudden use of words she never expected to use to a lass she knows nothing about, Wait, what is wrong with me?
Evie walked away, continuously questioning herself about her own thoughts. She glanced over her shoulder, awaiting for him to catch up. Once seeing Jacob pick the lass up, kissing her on the cheek, it made her ask even more questions on why it irked her so abruptly.
"Really? Did you really have to interrupt me?!" Jacob growled as he reached Evie.
"I just wanted to inform you before you run off with that wench." Evie spoke calmly, speeding her pace a little, What the devil is wrong with me this evening? She questioned herself, continuously feeling shocked about her thoughts.
"Evie!" He grabbed her arm, making her turn, which made her flinch for a moment, "Don't be so rude! She has not done a single thing towards you!"
I know she hasn't, brother... She thought to herself, groanig faintly with frustration, I don't understand what is wrong with me this evening! Evie scowled up at him, "I know she hasn't towards me, but as your eldest sister, I feel you should be more cautious on who you spend your evenings with, brother." The young lass responded firmly, I guess I'm just being overprotective right now... that must be it... The adolescent thought, her heart knowing the truth, but her mind sending her emotions straight into denial, throwing away the feeling, incinerating it completely.
Evie looked at him calmly, but could sense he felt a negative aura surrounding them both, "Goodness, Evie... what has tied your knickers in a knot?" His eyebrows knitted in disbelief by the cause of her sudden remark, "This is unlike you."
I know, brother... She sighed deeply, "It's nothing for you to worry about, brother." A smile came across her face as she yanked her arm away, "Let's just go have cake and inform father on how you're going to spend your evening before you leave." Evie turned her heels, leaving Jacob behind, making him feel dumbfounded.
As the evening passed by with fun and games with family and friends, the twins were happy with what was given and what has been happening throughout the evening. After the cake was completely gobbled up and gone and all the presents were opened, Jacob strided off to go extend hanging out with his friends which led Evie feeling left behind. Evie glanced over at Jacob every now and again, a feel of loneliness and one other emotion she still couldn't comprehend rushed passed her each time she saw Jacob with Emily. The young lass never understood those emotions which left her feeling uneasy throughout the night. Everything appeared to happen smoothly for everyone that attended and was filled with nothing, but joy. Or so Evie used to think before she witnessed something she never expected to hit her so harshly in the chest.
So they are together... Evie thought to herself, grasping her chest as it made her feel as though her heart sank just by the sight, Why do I feel so hurt towards this? Her heart pounded, deafening her from the cheers and hoots that left everyone's lips, Goodness, why does it hurt so much? She thought, bolting once seeing her brothers face turn crimson as their lips separated.
"What the devil is wrong with me tonight?" The young lass questioned herself as she ran to the abandoned barn to release her tears of pain, "Why did that hit me deeply in the chest? Why did it contuse so abundantly?" Evie continued to question herself, leaning against the barn, sliding down to the ground, landing into a fetal position.
"Evie...?" Evie jolted by Jacob's voice calling out to her, leading her to rush to the roof to conceal from him, "Evie! I need to talk to you!"
"You two get into a quarrel?" Someone questioned once she reached the top of the roof.
"Benjamin..." Evie froze once seeing him sitting on the roof, "It's... it's nothing, just a bit of awkwardness between him and I." She smiled gracelessly.
"You know he won't stop searching for you until he finds you." He chuckled, glancing over at Evie before looking back up at the night sky.
"I know... but please don't tell him I'm up here." She pleaded, "I just... I just need time away from him to clear my head."
Benjamin nodded as a sign of understanding, "Be my guest." He chuckled scarcely, patting beside him, still gazing up at the sky.
"So, why are you up here? Aren't you Jacob's best friend?" Evie sat beside him, peeking over at him with a curious look, "Shouldn't you be his wingman right now?" She cackled comparatively, looking up at the sky with him.
"My sister has been around him all night. He's in good hands." He looked over at her, amused, "Or so I thought." The young lad responded, looking down, seeing a frantic Jacob, "Never knew you two were so... close." He glanced over at Evie.
"We're not... not that close." Evie spoke lowly, looking down at her hands blankly, trying to clear her mind.
"From the looks of it, you two seem to be." Benjamin responded, sounding mischievous, "You know... he never stops talking about you." The lad brought up, "I don't know if it's admiration or..." He paused for a moment, looking over at Evie, "Never mind..." He shook his head with a scoff, "Anyway, I'll leave you be with your own thoughts while I help your brother stop fretting." He stood up, about to head down, but was held back.
"Do you mind staying for a bit?" Evie grabbed lightly on his sleeve, tugging him back.
Benjamin looked at her quizzically, curious on why she'd want him by, but he didn't question. He sat back down beside her and patted her head gently before lying back. Evie sat there, looking up at the sky before looking back at Benjamin who looked so peaceful as he lied back, resting his eyes.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Benjamin spoke which made Evie jump for a moment, one eye peeking up at the awkward looking teen.
"Pardon...?" Evie looked at him nervously, a bit taken aback.
"It looks like something's on your mind." He sat up, "Care to share?"
Evie scoffed, shaking her head, a bit surprised and embarrassed on how he seemed to have been able to read her like a book, "Well... I've been a bit curious..." She ceased for a moment, examining his features, "How long has my brother been seeing your sister?"
"I didn't even know they were." Benjamin chuckled, surprised, "So that's news to me." He looked back down at the adolescent who continued to frantically search for Evie, "If anything, I bet he's not even really seeing her." The lad added, "Last I heard, he wasn't even interested into any of the lasses at our school."
"Really?" Evie was a little startled by the response.
"Truly." He scoffed lightly, "Why the sudden question?"
"Well... I saw him kiss Emily so I assumed..." The lass drifted.
"Ah... typical of my sister to do that." A cachinnate escaped his lips, "Anyway, why the sudden question? Jealous?" Benjamin smirked.
"What? No! Of course not! It's just..." Evie paused.
"Just...?" The lad waited, his smirk still plastered on his face as he closed in the gap.
"Just..." Evie looked into his amber colored eyes, suddenly feeling buried as he moved in closer, her not even knowing she was following suit, "Just..." Before she even knew it, their lips met gently, but she jerked back, once realizing what happened, "I-I'm so sorry, I... if you'll excuse me!" She bolted soon after.
Present time...
"So I take it you actually didn't find interest in him?" Evie nodded slowly, looking away from him, "Well, that lie certainly doesn't shock me." Jacob chuckled faintly, "As for the kiss... Well, I... I happened to have found interest in him at the time." He mimicked the response she gave earlier, "Should have known just by the look you gave me when you answered." His eyes narrowed as he shook his head, "Proceed..." He crossed his arms.
"Jacob... look... I'm sorry-"
"Save it, Evie. Your story telling is for you to switch every single lie you told me into nothing, but the truth. Understood?" Jacob glared at her fervently.
All Evie did was nod before continuing.
Nine Years Ago...
Evie had difficulty on training with Jacob when he gave her pointers. She tried to remember what he stated to her when he was showing her certain moves. It was challenging to her. She couldn't focus clearly so she sighed deeply, giving up today's practice and headed home, stopping at a shop to get groceries for tonight's dinner, hoping Jacob would stay to have dinner with her for once seeing as to how father has been away for quite some time. While she was heading home, she saw a commotion ahead of her. As she approached the scene, she saw it was none other than her ex, hanging by his feet, passed out.
"Jacob..." Evie growled, her hand clenching tightly onto the bags, "Oh, you are certainly going to get a lecture this evening." While she walked away, she threw a dagger at the rope, which cut within a matter of seconds, hearing a thud, not even looking back to see if he was okay.
Evie reached their home, seeing Jacob wasn't home yet which left her alone with her thoughts on what to say to him when he returns. She was both irritated and a bit happy at the same time. Irritated that he did such a childish thing to her ex, but also happy he did that. It made her feel warm inside by how he showed his... kindness in a way, even though he could have done it in a more reasonable way. Though Evie didn't technically have much of a complaint as a little giggle left her lips with the thought of John's reactions towards Jacob's actions. The adolescent clear her throat and stood up straight once she heard the door open.
Speak of the devil. The young lass thought as she saw him walk in, "Brother...?" Evie folded her arms, a look of irritation on her face, "Mind explaining why Johnathan was dangling from a building with a piece of paper stating, Keep your hands off Evie, or else you'll end up in the same position as him?"
Jacob went straight into denial which left her a little amused by his reaction.
Present Time...
"You sly devil..." Jacob looked over at her with narrowed eyes and a smirk, "You knew this whole time in yet gave me the death stare. How dare you play it off as such." He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Hey, you started it by doing such a thing to him, brother." She scoffed, shaking her head with a smirk of disbelief.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah... continue." He gestured her to continue.
Nine Years Ago...
As the twins bantering came to an end, they began to cook dinner together. Evie glanced over at the struggled twin, laughing lowly, amused by his actions. He looked so motivated to cooking up something, but as she examined his work every now and again, she stopped him once he burnt his food the third time.
"Three strikes, brother. You're out." Evie took all the supplies and pushed him out of the kitchen with a look of beguilement.
"But... but... fine..." He groaned as he resigned, sitting on one of the chairs at the table, watching her cook.
As Evie cleaned up Jacob's mess, she was diverted by his work, wondering what he's going to be like in the future. The thought suddenly struck her in the chest which left her questioning. Her mind suddenly thought of what he's going to be like as a husband for his future wife. If he's going to be rough around the edges. If he's going to be mature, gentle, supportive, and kind. If he's going to be better at cooking. Several thoughts crossed her mind which ended up striking her in the chest, hard.
Would I be left behind...? Would he still be around when he marry's someone? Where would that leave me...? She thought to herself as she cooked, suddenly feeling a little down by the thought, not even realizing she was humming until Jacob questioned.
As the past of their mother and grandmother were brought up, the area felt heavy on both of them. When Jacob comforted Evie, that evening. She felt safe. The young lass didn't understand the emotions she kept receiving when her brother was always near, so all she did was brush it off, trying to calm herself down. The night ended with nothing, but silence.
1868
Winter
Evie was devastated by the news of their father, but she knew she had to be strong. After all the support she's received by her brother, she felt it was her turn to support him. The young woman noticed he was struggling after hearing the news about their father, so she always stood near him, trying to be strong for the both of them. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, their bond became stronger, as did Jacob's and their father. Evie felt fortunate on how their closeness became heart warming, until one evening...
The young woman was walking towards her fathers room to check up on them, but stopped in her tracks once hearing Jacob's voice rise out of anger, "Hold on one moment, are you stating I'm having to marry someone of your choosing?!" She froze by the sudden shout.
Evie walked a little closer, eavesdropping on their conversation which was drowned out a bit by the creeks she was making as she crept her way to the room, "You are to marry her by the end of this fall." The adolescents heart dropped by the sudden statement.
What...? Evie clenched her chest tightly, Jacob's... Jacob's having to marry someone? She was hurt by the thought.
"By the end of this fall...?" Jacob scoffed, "No! I refuse such requests henceforth!"
"I'm sorry, but you have no choice in the matter, son!" Their father stated firmly.
"Don't you ever call me son! If I'm not able to choose my own path, then I'd rather be left behind to rot on the streets than be your son!" Jacob shouted at their father before briskly turning around, storming out of the room.
"Jacob!" Ethan yelled out, but Jacob didn't stop, he left the room with anger.
"Is it true, father...?" Evie entered with a look of anguish.
Ethan nodded slowly, closing his eyes tightly as though he was struck harshly by the reactions of his children.
"W-Why must he marry someone of your choosing? Why must he marry so soon?" Evie approached him, her hand still gripping her chest as she looked at him with a look of sorrow.
"This... This has been carried down in our family tree for generations, Evie." Ethan responded, "Please understand this."
"But... you married mother out of love and not out of a forceful marriage so why..." Evie's words trailed off, looking at her father with grief.
"Evie..." Her father clenched his weak hands tightly, looking down, feeling nothing, but sharpness plunging into his chest by the point that was given to him, "I..." He looked over at her, her look not changing at all, the room falling silent for several minutes before he beckoned her over, "Will you please bring me a piece of paper, a pen, and an envelope?" Ethan requested.
Evie nodded, a look of hope crossing her face as she hurried to find the items. When she searched around she noticed Jacob, sitting on his bed looking frustrated as ever. She wanted to approach him, but before she even could, he rushed up and headed out of his room which led her to hiding from him. The look of irritation on his face pained Evie, because even though he showed nothing, but anger, she knew there was affliction behind that animosity. Evie wanted to go after him, but she was glued to the floor, something obviously holding her back, but she just didn't know what so she just stayed behind and helped their father.
"Thank you, daughter." Ethan smiled gingerly, patting her head softly before writing.
"Do you mind if I ask what you're writing, father?" She asked, cocking her head to the side.
He paused for a moment, deep in thought before looking up at her to answer, "This family has been through arranged marriage after arranged marriage for several years now and..." Ethan sighed gently, "And after reflecting the thought of arranged marriage placed upon you two made me think... I'm no better than your great grandfather." He stated with a faint scoff, "I promised myself I would never come to this, but after seeing that glare of acrimony. That look of hatred. That look of frustration. All of those emotions shielding the one emotion I never expected to see to this day, suddenly appear on my sons face as he dashed out of this room." Ethan looked up at Evie with a pained expression hidden behind a weak grin, "So I'm going to negotiate with our allies."
"How are you going to do that, father? You know they will not be happy about this." Evie stated.
"I know, Evie..." He sighed deeply, looking down, "But your brothers happiness compared to our allies is much more important and much more stronger. You know that quite well, Evie." Ethan chuckled lightly.
Evie gave a crooked smile before turning it into a more genuine one as she watched her father continue writing. She was in disbelief on their father going to such lengths, but that's one thing she adored about him. As weeks passed by, Ethan ended up staying up longer than usual which worried Evie. The young lass had to keep a close eye on him as she took care of him alone most of the day seeing as to how Jacob stopped assisting and George was only able to assist every now and again if not doing missions.
Things became a little rough for the lass which led her to countless worries. As Ethan was becoming weaker by the day, she ended up having to call the doctor. When the doctor checked on him, he gave news that neither of them wanted to hear. Evie stayed by his side the whole time, barely getting a wink of sleep.
"Evie?" Ethan nudged her gently, speaking weakly, "Evie, wake up..."
"Hm? Oh... yes, father?" She stretched with a yawn, "What is it you need, father?" The adolescent looked up to her father sleepily.
"With the amount of time I have left, I'd appreciate it if you could give this to Jacob next time you see him." He spoke gently, having difficultly on finishing his sentences as his breathing continued to weaken.
"What is it?" She looked at the folded up paper wondering what it was.
"It's... it's something that will bring a smile back to that young man's face." His chuckle led him to a cough, "So please... give that to him." He smiled weakly, "That's all I ask."
"I will, father... I will." Evie smiled painfully with tears sliding down her cheeks, feeling a sharp piercing pain hit her in the gut, leading her to feel as though their father is nearly reaching his last breath, "Please continue to rest. I'll call for the doctor to check on you again."
"There's no need for that, Evie..." He laughed lightly, waving his hand slowly, having difficulty of moving, "I'll be better when I wake, okay? You should get some good nights sleep as well." Ethan smiled, "You've been taking great care of me the past few weeks, so please... regain your strength. I'll be fine in the morning." He gestured her off to go to bed.
Evie was very hesitant on leaving her father be, but she knew she couldn't refuse his orders or else it will be a nuisance to him having to bicker with her so she gave in and walked down the hall. She sighed deeply, her mind making her fret over the outcomes and circumstances that she didn't even realize she ended up in Jacob's room.
"Hm?" When she lied down, a musky scent entered through her nose, making her jerk up, "How did I end up in Jacob's room...?" Evie questioned herself, confused, yet didn't mind as the scent calmed her.
She was a bit concerned of if her brother would find it odd of her sleeping on his bed, but she recalls he rarely ever returns home before morning. Evie sighed deeply as she lied back down, hugging one of his pillows, admiring the scent of her brother. The lass felt a bit odd by the smell, but she brushed off the emotion, hugging the pillow even tighter, burying her face in it, imagining she was embracing Jacob. Her heart began to race by the thought, yet also calmed her nerves which ended up helping her drift off into a deep slumber.
Coldness washed over Evie, awakening her from her deep slumber. Everything was blurry as she blinked several times to help her eyes become more focused on her vision. She heard birds chirp, making her turn her head, following the sound, soon leading her to be blind for a moment by the bright light from the sun entering through the windows. As she woke, she looked around, noticing she was still in her brother's room, completely forgetting where she fell asleep. Her eyes landed on the sight of her brother, making her jump out of bed with a racing heart. The lass felt bad and embarrassed of what happened that she fled the room to go check on their father.
"Father?" She called out to him while trying to calm her racing heart, "F-Father...?"
Evie slowly walked up closer to him, worried sick by the sight of his skin being pale. Once she placed her hand on him, she covered her mouth, holding in her whimpering as tears began to slide down her cheeks. She closed her eyes tightly, tears overflowing, covering her face. The lass bolted back to Jacob's room, nudging him roughly to wake him up. He was half awake when she pulled him up and rushed him to their father's room. Once they entered his room, they both were in tears. Evie wiped away her tears, trying to stay strong, soon handing Jacob the piece of paper.
The reaction she saw on his face when he read the paper made her feel like she got stabbed deeply into her chest to where she could barely breath. Evie picked up the paper his hands weakly tossed to the side. When the lass read it, some tears continued to shed with a very painfully faint grin crossing her face. She was both happy and sad at that moment. Happy that his engagement was cancelled and sad that their father passed.
Dear Mr. Ethan Frye,
I am happy to inform you that we have come to an agreement on the requests from both sides. If the brotherhood is willing to increase our strength and security, I hereby state, that our arrangements on marriage from now and in the future, will no longer be needed to serve this family nor the others. I'm looking forward to working beside you and the brotherhood, hand in hand, from this day forth.
Evie dropped the paper and wiped away her tears to sit beside Jacob, comforting him the way he has comforted her. The twins were in severe pain to where they didn't know what to do at that point. Evie was lost on what to do that her legs made her rush out the door to find George and fetching a doctor to come to their house. After given the news, George informed them on the day of his funeral which left them numb as they awaited for the day to come.
The day finally arrived and everyone said their good-bye's to the man they all looked up to, feared, and viewed as a father figure. Everyone was torn, but not as torn as the twins. Evie stared blankly at their father's casket before glancing over at Jacob who was doing the same. When her eyes looked at his, she could tell there were several emotions hidden beneath that blank stare. There was an urge deep inside her that made her want to hug him tightly and tell him everything will be alright. They both just have to stay strong and stay together as the years pass.
Jacob... I want to help him. I want to help him terribly so, but I don't know how to get through to him... Evie sighed deeply, her eyes looking everywhere on the ground, trying to think of what to say and do to help him heal, I need to do something... but what? I guess when we walk home I'll come up with something.
Once the funeral came to an end, she walked over to her brother and suggested they go home. Though when she did, she felt stung by the way he pushed her away. Concerns crossed her rapidly to where she rushed to him, worried sick of what he was going to do. She didn't want him to leave on his own, knowing he would do something reckless with the amount of emotions she knew he had hidden beneath that blank expression. As they came to a complete stop in their tracks with Jacob in her arms, tears were about to escape her eyes, but she held them back after hearing her brother breathing heavily as he began to tremble. Just by that, she knew he was beginning to reach the edge of breaking down to which led her to say those three simple words. Three simple words that were difficult for her to say since her heart was overflowing with feelings shes never felt before. Her heart pushed those words right out of her throat, leaving her in shock, yet happiness warming her up from the depths of her heart.
"I love you." She buried her head in his back, tightening her grip, "I love you so much, Jacob..." With those final words, she felt she confessed to him.
Present Time...
"W-Wait a moment... a-are you telling me when you said those words, they were..." Jacob fell silent.
Evie nodded, "Those were words of confession, brother..." She looked at him sheepishly, biting her bottom lip as she clenched her hands tightly together, her heart beating out of her chest.
"Dear Lord..." Jacob looked away, standing up, pacing back and forth, covering his eyes after coming to a halt, "I thought... I thought you were saying it in a family kind of way." He looked over at her.
She shook her head with a weak laugh, "Those were words of confession, Jacob..." A faint grin came across her face, "Ever since I've seen you at your most vulnerable state, it made me realize why I kept feeling these unrecognizable feelings around you. I have loved you for so long that I realized I continued turning a blind eye and I apologize for that, brother." She chucked lightly, looking up at him with just a few drops of water sliding down her cheeks, "I have loved you for years and I didn't even realize it." Evie wiped away the tears that continued to fall, "But I knew in the back of my mind, it was wrong, so I buried them. Which is... which is what actually led me to marrying Henry." The lass bit her lip as she looked down, "It felt wrong. I knew. But my feelings began to rise again to where I felt I needed to take that big step to erase those feelings, in yet, it appears to have just make matters worst."
Jacob looked at her, his heart becoming heavy after hearing those words. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to make her his after hearing such words leave her lips, but he held himself back. The young man knew he couldn't do that to her. He couldn't do that to Rose. He just knew from the back of his mind he could not take such a step. So he stepped back and reeled back the emotions he had towards her as tight as he could as he continued to listen. Jacob sat across from her, looking at her, awaiting for her to continue.
"Well, seeing as to how my confession has come clear, I assume it's my turn to come forth on my time in India?" Jacob nodded as a light chuckle left Evie's lips.
Winter
1869
Evie was amazed once seeing the sight of India. The sculptures. The architecture. The surroundings. Everything there was breath taking. A huge grin spread across her face once stepping foot onto the land. She was looking forward to seeing what her new home was going to be like, but once the word home came to mind, her heart sank by the thought of her brother. Things did not end well, of course, but just the word of home struck her hard, making her feel as though the wind was knocked out of her. She tried to recover herself with the thought of a future she'll be having with Henry.
"Welcome to your new home, love." Henry smiled, gesturing her into their new home, "I hope you like it."
"I love it!" Evie looked all around, seeing the designs and everything around her as he gave her a tour, "It's breath-taking..." She closed her eyes with a smile, smelling the scent of cinnamon suddenly entering her nose, "That smell reminds me of my grandmother's desserts." The lass smiled softly, "I remember Jacob and I always watched her bake. Jacob would always try and sneak one off of the tray and then getting hit on the back of his hand for trying to steal one." The young woman chuckled gently, "The look of happiness and irritation on that lad's face was amusing. Something that always seemed to have placed a smile on my face each time. How I miss those days so..." She sighed deeply, looking down, "His ruffled hair before he began slicking it back. His amber colored eyes that always changed either lighter or darker depending on his mood. His sly smile whenever he succeeded on getting his ways by persuading others to do his bidding. How I miss it so..." The young woman closed her eyes tightly, holding back her tears as memories overflowed inside her mind.
"Love..." Henry wrapped his arms around her, concerned deeply, "He'll come around. I just know it."
He kissed her temple gently. When he did, she didn't feel much by his affection. It was nothing compared to the affection she felt with Jacob. The young woman tried to shift her focus onto the man she just married, but the thought of her brother kept washing over it. She struggled to get him off her mind, so she wanted to try and begin assisting Henry on missions, but once hearing such words leave his lips, she was shocked.
"W-What do you mean I cannot go on missions with you?" She questioned, baffled.
"I'm sorry, love, but here, it will be more difficult than what we've gone against in London." Henry began, "With the wilderness around here, it will not be safe for you. I'm deeply sorry, love." He placed his hand on her cheek, "Plus, you're needing to stay home to have our children." Henry looked down at her torso then back up at her.
"Are you stating I'm supposed to stay behind and bear children?" Evie looked at him, hurt, "But... I thought we were going to work together." She added.
"I'm sorry to have sprung this on you so late, but after returning, I recalled it is unsafe for you, love. I don't want anything horrible to happen to you." He looked at her with worried eyes, "Just the thought of harm placed anywhere on you worries me to pieces. I'm sorry, love. I truly am." He cupped her cheeks, looking straight into her eyes, showing how concerned he is about her safety, "Please understand this, love."
Evie looked down, heartbroken, but nodded to his request. She couldn't believe such a request, in yet she felt she should have expected this. The young woman looked back up at him, giving him a crooked smile before her lips were met gently with his. Henry released her face, leading her to the bedroom, asking her if she is alright before consummating. Evie nodded slowly, smiling gently, though truthfully smiling faintly as her heart was slowly sinking. The lass was happy, but she felt something was off. She didn't understand the issue, but once Jacob came to mind, she slowly learned it was a mistake.
The evening Henry and Evie spent together was peaceful and quiet. They held each other after their intercourse. Henry fell asleep within seconds while Evie turned, looking up at the ceiling, lost in thought. She closed her eyes, holding in her emotions as her mind was filled with nothing, but Jacob. It killed her. It felt so heart-breaking to her that she didn't understand it fully. Her heart knew the answer, but her mind made her blind when burying it deep inside her, making the images of Jacob vanish, replacing them with the times she spent with Henry.
Days passed by slowly, leading her into a somewhat depressive and lonely state of mind. She missed home. She missed missions. She missed London. But most of all, she missed Jacob. Evie felt the only way to help her keep herself at bay is sending letters to Jacob almost everyday, hoping he would send letters in turn, but she received nothing. Months passed by a little quicker as she fell into a blank state of mind. Everything just in the motion as she was left home alone, being expected to bear Henry's child ASAP, but they had no luck which led Evie into a deep state of depression. She never understood why they struggled to have a child. She blamed herself each time she failed to get pregnant, making her feel it was all her fault which turned her depression into a more severe state.
A couple years past to which they gave up. Henry stayed out much longer than usual, leaving her alone in an empty house. Each time a day passed by her, she began to feel empty. She read more. She wrote more. She cooked and baked more, offering friends her meals. When night fell, she always ended up eating alone. Whenever she looked at her food, playing with it out of boredom, it ended up reminding her of the times she went through something like this with her father and brother which led her to barely eating anything. But after tears escaped her eyes, she recalled the times she ate with Jacob when they were kids.
"Brother..." She mumbled.
Evie buried her face in her arms, wiping away the tears as a faint smile crossed her face, remembering the times she had a happy childhood with her grandmother and brother. She missed those days so much to where she just wanted to go back in time to relive those moments. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Months turned into years. It made her feel as though her life was flashing through her eyes to where she didn't even realize she had attempted suicide until she woke up in her room with a doctor beside her, checking her vitals. She sat up, looking at the doctor, cocking her head to the side, giving a questionable expression before speaking.
"What happened...?" She looked at the doctor, then herself, seeing her arms were bandaged up, feeling a piercing pain from both sides, "Ah... geez... what happened to my arms?"
"Do you recall what happened earlier, Mrs. Green?" The doctor questioned.
"N-No. I don't recall a single thing." She looked back up at him, "Do you mind explaining to me on what happened?"
"It appears you tried to commit suicide which explains why your arms are bandaged up right now." The doctor pointed out, "Do you have the slightest recollection on what led you to doing such a thing?"
"I tried to kill myself?!" Evie yelped in shock, "W-When did this happen?!"
"Your husband rushed to get me late last night. You were bleeding to death." He responded calmly, "It seems you slit your arms with your blade." The doctor pointed over at one of the blades George made for her.
Evie tried to recollect on what happened. She struggled to remember, but once seeing the blood on her blade she became pale. The image of her placing her blade on her arms reminded her of the piercing pain as she recalls digging them deeper into her skin. It terrified her after remembering such a scene to where she buried her face in her hands, beginning to cry.
"I... I remember now..." She muffled, "I... I was holding the blade in my hand, admiring the structure of it..." Evie went into a fetal position, hiding her saddened face, "Before I knew it, I was... I was so deep in thought that I lost myself during the process. My whole body became numb which worried me greatly that it appears my mind wanted me to see if I could feel anything anymore." The young woman continued, beginning to choke on her words, "Then... when I pierced that blade into my skin, I couldn't feel a damn thing..." She murmured, trying to hold in her whimpering, "And it seems I tested it out on my other arm, still not feeling a single bit of pain..."
The room was silent for several minutes. Evie cried into her upper arm, trying to keep herself under control seeing as to how the doctor was still there. She wiped away the tears that continued to pour out. The aura in the room became heavy to where the doctor spoke up faintly.
"Thank you for informing me, Mrs. Green." He nodded, "I'll prescribe you some medication to help you with the pain, I'll return shortly after speaking with your husband." All Evie could do was nod.
Present Time...
"Jesus Christ, Evie..." Jacob looked at her with severe concern, "You... why the bloody hell did you try to commit suicide?!" He rushed beside her, gripping her hands weakly.
"I don't know. I didn't even realize it until I awoke." Evie looked over at him, biting the inside of her cheek as she tried to stay strong, "I have the slightest clue on what came over me. I... I'm sorry, brother. I... I don't know what happened."
"Evie..." He held her close, tightening the embrace, "I'm so sorry... I..."
"It's not your fault, brother..." Evie chuckled faintly, closing her eyes tightly, burying her face in the crook of his neck, grasping onto his jacket.
"Evie... you can stop now if you want..." Jacob spoke softly, "I think it would be for the best for you to end your story here. I don't need you to tell me the rest-"
"No... I'll keep going until the end." Evie looked up at him with a faint grin, wiping away the left over tears.
"Really, Evie, you don't-"
"I know, brother... I know..." She placed her hand gently on his cheek, caressing it softly, looking into his eyes gently before looking down, "Anyway..."
Fall
1872
As the years continued to pass, Evie came forward to Henry about their marriage. They both agreed on separation, though Henry felt they should just see how they feel being apart. If things continued to worsen, he agreed to ending it. It hurt both of them, but with the rough years they've been spending together. Well, more like barely spending time together. They came to an agreement on seeing how their year apart would be. As Evie spent time with a friend she met when she moved here, she was finally able to spend time training and being free as days passed.
As months passed by, Evie and Henry were getting on better terms again. They were getting closer like they were before. They were spending time together like back then. And they came to a point of an agreement of putting things back in place and start fresh. But there was one thing Evie requested, and that being able to go back to London to patch things up with Jacob.
She feared his reaction of her return which led her to writing one last letter to send before she planned to head back home for the time being. As fall of 1873 arrived, she felt it was time for her to return, using their birthday as an excuse of returning home, in yet she felt would be of no use, seeing as to how Jacob began to hate the day he was born. Evie was filled with concern, but with the support of her friends and Henry, she took that big step and walked forward, heading back to London, hoping for a decent reunion with Jacob.
Present Time...
"So... that's what happened." Evie looked over at him with steady eyes.
"Christ... now I feel like a fucking prick..." He looked at her, shaking his head with a faint laugh.
"You're not, brother. You're not a prick at all." She cupped his cheeks, "We just... we just seemed to not have realized our feelings until we went our separate ways." A light chuckle escaped her lips that smiled faintly.
"No... I am a prick. I should have... Christ... I..." Jacob shut his eyes tightly, "I am so sorry for how things have been turning out, Evie..." He buried his head in the crook of her neck, embracing her tightly as though holding onto her for dear life, "I'm so glad and so relieved you're still breathing and sitting right beside me. God, Evie, I'm so glad your here."
"Jacob..." She held him tightly in turn.
"Well, this certainly... certainly cleared things." He smiled faintly, releasing her so he could look into her eyes, "I'm so blessed to have you here." He closed his eyes with a crooked grin, cupping her cheeks and kissing her forehead.
"I'm so blessed and so happy to be beside you again, brother." She looked up at him with a gently look and a soft grin, "How I've missed you so..." Evie wrapped her hands around the back of her neck, staring deeply into Jacob's amber colored eyes, feeling as though she was being buried alive by his peacefully steady stare.
Without any thought given, Evie slowly decreased the gap between them, close to reaching his lips. As they were just inches apart, Jacob grasped onto her wrists, lightly pushing her back. Evie was struck with a sharp piercing pain in her chest, lost on why he was pushing her away from him.
"I'm sorry, Evie. We shouldn't do this." Jacob looked at her, his eyes lowering down, looking at the lips that were about to meet his, then looking back up, staring into her eyes, "We shouldn't. We can't. Especially with the state of mind you and I are in. Especially with the classification you and I are in. We shouldn't." He bit his bottom lip, trying to keep himself away from that tempting kiss.
"Jacob..." Evie looked at him with pained eyes.
"You know as well as I do... we shouldn't. You're married and my sister no less..." He looked at her with a look of sorrow, "I'm sorry, Evie... I'm sorry..." Jacob sighed deeply, standing up, rubbing the back of his neck, "Let's... Let's head back to the train and try to sleep this off." The lad smiled faintly, holding out his hand, "Okay...?" He sighed lightly, "I will always be here for you as the brother I am supposed to be. I will never forget this love. And my love for you will never fade. I promise."
"Jacob..." The look of pain never left her eyes, "Please..."
"Evie... please don't make it any harder than it already is..." Jacob looked at her with the same expression, "You're still married, and sound happily about it. I don't want to ruin it for you. And... I certainly don't want to ruin things the way my life is trying to turn towards."
"Happily, huh...?" She chuckled lightly, shaking her head, "Just because it sounded like Henry and I are getting on better terms does not mean I'm happy about the marriage." The young woman looked up at him, "My love towards a certain man can never appear to be broken even if I try to break it into little tiny pieces to make it vanish so I can move on."
"Evie..." Jacob faltered by her words, "Please don't do this..."
Evie stood up which led Jacob to stepping back, she slowly approached him until he backed into a wall. Jacob looked away, not looking into the eyes that always captures him. The azure colored eyes that continue to drown him. In yet he failed once Evie cupped his cheeks, making him look straight at her, keeping him away from what hes been avoiding. The looked in her pained and gentle eyes, made his heart ache. It killed him so deeply to where he soon felt enchanted and lost, suddenly following her lead of closing in their gap.
"No, no, no... I cannot do this to you... I cannot do this to him... I cannot do this to her..." Jacob grasped Evies arms, trying to fight himself back from going any further.
"Jacob..." Evie looked at him, drowning out the words, him and her, as she stared over at him with a look of anguish in her eyes, one of Jacob's weaknesses, "Let me ask you something then..." Her arms dropped to her sides as she looked up at him, while Jacob did the same with a light nod, "Do you still love me?" She questioned with a firm tone, keeping her eyes on his.
Jacob was silent for several minutes, unable to speak. He knew the true answer from the bottom of his heart, but it was stuck in his throat. His heart was pounding so hard to where it deafened him as though it was trying to push the word upward to help it escape, but his mind made him clench his teeth, making him bite his tongue. The young man could barely breathe as he felt he was suffocating by the words his heart tried to continuously push out, but his mind held them back. His heart knew the emotion. His lips knew the word. His body knew the answer. But his mind held him back as best it could to where he felt he was asphyxiated. He closed his eyes tightly as he looked down, holding in the overwhelming feelings, clenching his hands tightly to where they turned pale. As he felt seconds turn into minutes. Minutes turned into hours. Hours turned into days. Days turned into months. Months turned into years. His heart burst and his mouth opened slowly, coming forward to both himself and to Evie.
"Yes... alright? Yes..." Jacob huffed out as though catching his breath, "I do, Evie... I still do..." He rested his hands on the back of his neck, looking up at the ceiling before his body became limp as his eyes landed back to hers, "I love you... and even though I've tried several ways to move on... my heart always leads me back to you."
His expression turned into a look of a man falling to pieces. Jacob looked down, rubbing the back of his neck as he peeked up. The young man didn't know what was to come and he certainly did not expect to be pushed back and pinned seconds after.
"Evie..." Jacob muffled as Evie planted a rough kiss on his lips, "We... need to... talk..."
"We have, Jacob..." She muffled into the kiss, suddenly unbuttoning his vest and unfastening his belts removing his jacket and vest.
"No... I really... need to..." He moaned each time the kiss became deeper, "tell..." Jacob could barely breathe which made it difficult for him to speak.
"Brother... why not let your body speak for you for once?" Evie chuckled faintly before diving in for another passionate kiss.
"Christ... Evie..." He muffled, trying to control his urge so he could come forward of what happened between him and Rose, but with each rough and passionate kiss, the thought cleared out of his mind, leading his body to follow suit as the night continued to pass.