"H-Henry..." Evie breathed out, "L-Look... l-let me explain..." All she could do was stutter each time she spoke.
"Please. Please tell me this is some kind of mistake and you two are drunk?" Henry stood in place, having difficulty to approach the older twin.
Evie looked as flushed as ever, her face soon began to turn as pale as a ghost. She was about to respond, but she felt as though the feeling of discomfort silenced her. Jacob noticed Evie was struggling to answer. He knew what he had to do. Not just for the sake of Evie, but for the sake of himself. Even though his heart was throbbing, signalling him to come forward with the truth, his mind thought otherwise. Jacob closed his eyes for a second before making himself play things off.
"Huh? Isn't that Rose?" Jacob slurred his words, pointing over at Evie, beginning to stumble back, pretending his legs were becoming wobbly, swaying backward and forward as though he was trying to keep himself balanced, "Then who is that?" His eyes squinted as he leaned forward, "Evie?! Ugh, disgusting!" He wiped his lips frantically, looking disgusted.
Jacob used this method before when he used to fool around and it worked once or twice back then, so he was praying it would with Henry. Jacob glanced over, seeing Henry give him a skeptical look. The young man was beginning to feel frantic towards the failing results to where he ended up rushing over to Henry, planting a wet and sloppy kiss on him. It made Henry freeze by the feel to where it took him a few seconds to bring himself back to his senses to push Jacob away.
"Hm? Oh! G-Greenie... I'm terribly sorry!" Jacob cocked his head to the side, his face becoming flushed, "I thought you were, Rose." He chortled, "Where, oh, where is my Rose?" He continued his act, beginning to make himself look like a complete idiot. Especially feeling like one, too, for what he saw himself doing.
"O-Okay, Mr. Frye... L-Let me help you sober up..." Henry held Jacob by the shoulders, shivering by how distasteful that experience was, wiping his lips on his sleeve, "I-I'll go retrieve Rose..."
Henry walked him to the bed before heading off to go get Rose who was more experienced at sobering people up. Jacob sighed deeply, rubbing his face, feeling his frustration rise to the very top. Once Henry was out of sight, Evie walked up to Jacob slowly, but was signalled to stop about a foot away from him.
"Don't. You. Dare." Jacob growled, holding up his hand to stop her in her tracks, "I shouldn't have done this... I knew I shouldn't have done this!" Jacob grumbled, gripping onto his hair with both hands, before having them drop to his legs, "I'm so relieved it worked..." He exhaled, exasperated.
"Why did you do that, brother?" Evie questioned, staring steadily at him with disbelief, "Why did you help me-"
"I didn't help just you, sister dearest." Jacob stared daggers towards her, anger boiling inside him, "I did it to officially put things to an end." A deep sigh escaped his lips before he fell back on the bed.
"Why though? Why did you..." Evie fell silent, still trying to wrap this whole mess around her head to figure out what just happened.
He sat up, his eyes looking straight into hers, "Just by the look you had on when Henry saw us definitely showed our love for each other is not strong. Not as strong as you thought." His glare was still plastered on his face, "You're still married to him and you're still in love with him." He shook his head, huffing out a chuckle, "I knew... I knew in the back of my mind that nothing good would come of this. And so did you." Jacob scoffed, looking at her with disbelief, "And look! Nothing good was about to happen just minutes ago!" He stood up, his feel of anger not leaving.
"Jacob... I do not love that man." Evie protested.
"Oh, you don't, do you now?" He folded his arms, eyesbrows furrowing out of annoyance as a chuckle escaped, "Well, this is not the first time I've heard this, now is it? So why do you keep saying such nonsense when, in all honesty, you're still his?" He pointed in the direction Henry went.
"Jacob... marriage is nothing easy, alright?" Evie sighed lightly, "You'd never understand the situation I'm in."
He walked over to the window, looking through it blankly, "Look... I'm sorry. I know I would not comprehend the situation you're in. And I do not want to make this hard for either of us anymore." He turned looking back at Evie, "So I've made my decision... I'm moving on." Jacob gave her a serious look as he approached her, trying to lessen his feel of frustration, but being unsuccessful at it, "I am officially done here, Evie. We are officially done here. Do you understand?"
Evie growled, beginning to become just as frustrated, "Jacob Frye-"
"No, Evie. This ends here." The twins heard footsteps approaching them, "That's our queue." Jacob chuckled, heading back to the bed, "Our time ends here." Jacob lied down on the bed, awaiting for Rose's presence, "Just... just go back to your husband, darling sister." He rested his arm over his eyes, shielding his eyes so he no longer had to look at Evie so he could restrain himself from making the same mistake he did just minutes ago.
"Jacob..." Evie called out faintly with a huff, falling weak by the words, but held herself together once Rose arrived.
"Is everything alright?" Rose walked in with a tray of food, water, and medicine, "I don't recall Jacob being drunk when he walked up here." She walked towards the younger twin, sitting beside him after setting down the tray.
"I shall take my leave." Evie said quietly, "I'll see you both downstairs once my brother's sobered up." She waved, heading towards the stairs. Rose nodded with a soft grin.
"Oh! There's my pretty little Rose!" Jacob said boisterously, sitting up, looking at her with a childish grin.
"Jacob Frye, I thought you had a higher alcohol tolerance than this. What in the world has happened?" Rose scooted up to him with a scoff, placing her hands on his frame to make him lie down to place a damp rag over his forehead.
"Oh, pish posh, I'm not that drunk, Rose." He laughed heartedly, resting on his elbows.
"Says the man who awkwardly kissed his sister and brother-in-law?" Rose giggled, shaking her head, amused, "You're always the type to do the strangest things." She smiled at him gently, "Which is one reason why you are so dear to me. You are a man that is different than the rest." The young woman laughed softly, giving him an eskimo kiss.
"Are you calling me a sore thumb, Ms. Rose?" He chuckled, scrunching up his nose.
"I precisely am." She stuck her tongue out teasingly.
"Well, I shall take that as a compliment then." He smirked, taking the rag off his head, sitting up straight to give her a gentle peck on the lips, "Now please tell me you are the Rose Moore."
"The one and only, Jacob Frye." She gave him a peck in turn.
"Good. I'm very glad my lips finally met the Rose Moore." He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder.
Rose did her usual routine, helping the younger twin sober up a bit before getting ready to return to the party. As she did, Jacob stared at her as though his eyes were fixated only on her. His mind wandered per usual, trying to place the pieces together to finally be healed by his past wounds and to finally take his steps forward to the woman who has always been beside him. In yet, his mind and heart still battled, leaving him in the dark.
"And... there." Rose smiled, "You should be feeling better in just a bit. I'm going to return to serve drinks while you get a bit better to come back down, okay?" She placed her hand on his cheek and kissed his forehead, "Holler if you need anything." Jacob nodded, watching Rose head downstairs.
Once she left the room, Jacob sat up, his feet landing on the floor, resting his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together as he leaned forward, contemplating on his next move. He already made his decisions, so he wondered to himself on why he was still struggling with his mind and emotions. The young man already knew what to do and how things were laid out, but he still felt something was missing. He felt he was missing one piece of his heart, but he just didn't know what.
Jacob dressed up into his new attire and headed downstairs, seeing everyone all happy and filled with joy. When his foot landed on the last stair, his eyes landed on Evie unintentionally. He saw her with Henry, talking and smiling. It stung him a little, but the choices were already made, so he smiled softly and walked around, interacting with all the other guests before seeing Rose being all cheery with the guests, serving drinks. He smiled softly then chuckled mischievously, creeping slowly towards Rose to grasp her from behind.
"Oh! Jacob..." Rose breathed out a laugh, "Are you feeling better?"
"Fine and dandy." He grinned, "And I'll be taking that from you." Jacob took the tray, handing it to Sarah, "Mind taking care of the rest?" He grinned at Sarah, "I'd love to have a dance with my fair lady."
"I don't mind at all!" Sarah grinned from ear to ear, "It's your day after all. Have fun, chap. I'll just be standing here, waiting to hear wedding bells!"
"Sarah!" Rose felt flustered by the words.
"Well, you might not have to wait very long." He smiled teasingly at both the lasses.
"Jacob!" Rose covered her reddened face while Jacob and Sarah smiled as happily as ever.
"Now, let's see how well my lass can dance, shall we?" Jacob swayed back and forth, holding Rose from behind.
Jacob twirled Rose to the center of the floor and everyone made a circle around them, surprised by the sudden move. The song was a little fast pace, but the rythm was soothing and care free to where they danced serenely along with the song as smooth as silk. Everyone appeared to admire the sight of Jacob and Rose as they swept across the room, moving rythmically to the music. The two just gazed into each others eyes as they danced, beginning to completely forget others were there. They were both so fixated on each other to where they felt they were the only two living beings on earth. Their dance came to a complete halt with the music slowly ending and Jacob holding Rose in his arms, bridal style. The two stared gently at each other, a soft smile crossing their faces as their dance ended with a loving kiss.
The younger twin was so lost in the little wonderland him and Rose were in that he didn't notice he was being stared at by Evie. The older twin just sat back, ignoring Henry completely as the feeling of hurt swarmed deep inside her stomach to where she wanted to regurgitate on what she just saw. She knew it was wrong of her to feel jealousy towards the woman who was in his arms. And she most certainly knew in the back of her mind that it was wrong to have those feelings for him still linger inside her, but she knew it couldn't be helped. Evie yearned for this man for so long that she felt stung by the words and the sight of what has been happening. The older twin didn't want to give in to her desires, but she also didn't want to give up. After coming forward to each other, she didn't want things to end. At least not like this.
Jacob and Rose jolted once hearing cheers and hoots surround them, both of them finally coming back to their senses, remembering there were guests. The two young adults snickered as Jacob set Rose down. They both bowed as the crowd continued to applaud, whistle, and cheer, soon asking for an encore. Jacob looked at Rose, both declining the request. Rose was beginning to head back to the bar, but Jacob held her hand firmly, signalling her to follow him.
"Where are we going?" Rose questioned, "Shouldn't we be staying inside and socialize with everyone? Plus, I need to continue serving-?!"
Jacob silenced her with a kiss, "I think those lads and lasses will do just fine." He chuckled softly, "Your friend seems to be taking very well care of the guests and my sister is just as important as I am today." He pointed inside, "Plus, if anything, I would love nothing more than to continue my important day, with my very important lady." A chuckle escaped his lips, "Care to share the rest of the evening with me?"
Rose's face was covered with blush and all she could do was nod with a smile, "So, what is it you were wanting to do?"
Jacob didn't respond, he just led her to a white carriage nearby and helped her up. Rose was given nothing, but silence during the trip. It was peaceful and quiet. The full moon shining down on the two while the night sky showed some stars twinkling in the night sky. The young lass was a bit anxious by the silence, but patiently waited for a response. Once they reached Big Ben, Rose looked over at Jacob with her head slightly tilted, lost on why they ended up there. Jacob helped her off the carriage and looked at her with gentle eyes and a soft smile.
"What are we doing here, Jacob?" Without a response, Jacob wrapped one arm around Rose and released his grappling hook, leading them both to the very top.
Rose wrapped her arms tightly around Jacob's neck, burying her face in the nape of it, tensing up, "It's okay. I've got you lass." Jacob whispered with a faint chuckle, "I'll never let go. I'll always be here for you. I promise."
Rose looked up at the young man, her heart racing a mile a second. She felt safe in his arm to where she had the courage to look around. It astonished her on the view she saw when they were lifted up from the ground to where it was breathtaking. The city lights gleaming, the moon shining, the stars glistening. Everything appeared so beautiful around her, but the one thing that caught her eye the most was the man that was before her. She knew Jacob is a very important person to her. She knew he meant everything to her. She even knew she fell in love with him the first time her eyes landed on him. But she never knew her love for him would be this strong. Rose closed her eyes slowly, her smile growing as she held onto him firmly with love. She never wanted to let this man go, but she had a gut feeling there will be a time where she'll have to. So she cherished this moment whole heartedly.
"Well, here we are, lass." Jacob released her once they landed on the top floor, "I know this isn't anything extravagant, but I wanted to take you to one of the places I come to when I'm needing some time away from others." He leaned against the railing, looking out towards the city, then turning back, looking towards her, "It's something simple, I know, but-?!"
Rose shushed him with a passionate kiss, leaving him speechless for a moment. Jacob chuckled lightly as a smile came across his lips before kissing her deeply in turn.
She separated their lips slowly, looking deeply into his eyes, smiling happily as ever, "Thank you so much for bringing me up here." Rose giggled softly, "It's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as what I have right before my very eyes." Jacob cupped her cheeks and kissed her softly as a small chuckle left his lips.
"Oh, you..." Rose laughed lightly.
"I know..." He paused, trying to think of how to begin, "I know I haven't been straight forward with you lately. And I'm deeply sorry for that." Jacob began, "I'm not that great with words when it comes to such a feeling as this." The young man began to fumble with his words, "But now that things have become clear... I just wanted to say... I..."
The young man began to struggle with his words. When he looked into Rose's sky blue eyes, glanced at her jet colored flowing hair, saw her fair colored skin, and looked at those beautifully rosy pink lips, his mind made himself see a resemblance of Evie. At that very moment, his chest ached harshly. He had those three words stuck in his throat. The young man could barely breathe. It made him feel as though those words were making him suffocate. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to breathe to stop his heart from throbbing so he could come forward to taking the next step, but it felt as though those words were too big to escape his throat. Jacob opened his lips slowly to release those words, but when he was about to speak, he ended up collapsing.
"Jacob?! Jacob!" Rose continuously said his name, trying to wake him, but the young man was out for the count, only hearing Rose's voice fade in the distance.
Jacob groaned, rubbing the back of his head, "W-What the devil...? Where the hell am I?" He sat up, finding himself in an unfamiliar area, "What the bloody hell...?"
The young man found himself on a couch in a livingroom. It looked elegantly beautiful that it made Jacob feel poor. He wondered on where he was and how he ended up there. The walls were white and looked as though they were freshly painted. The aroma in the room smelt like lavender. The decor looked like it was from a royal lineage. The room made him feel even poorer than he already felt that it made him feel uncomfortable. As he was about to leave, the fireplace suddenly caught his attention as flames suddenly ignited. While he approached it, he saw a portrait of a man and a woman holding two babies that looked like... twins...
"What the devil is...?" Jacob was surprised and confused on the portrait, "Is that... is that Evie and I?" He questioned himself.
"Yes, it is you and Evie." Jacob jolted by an unfamiliar tone from behind.
"M-Mother...?" Jacob stuttered with shock, once his eyes met his mothers, "W-What...? Am I... Am I dead?!" He panicked.
"No, no, no, sweetheart!" His mother, Cecily, replied with a concerned chuckle, trying to reassure the younger twin, "This is just a dream. You're just unconcious right now."
"Unconcious...? What happened?" Jacob gave her a look of perplexity.
"You fell unconcious when you were about to confess to the young lass." She replied, sitting down, gesturing him to sit beside her.
"I did? Why?" The young man was confused, trying to remember the whole scene.
"It appears everything you thought were cleared, clearly are not." His mother responded with slight amusement and concern, "It appears you're still struggling with the past and with your feelings." She placed her hand on his chest.
"But-" His mother silenced him, placing her index finger on his lips.
"I know what you're going through, darling." She placed her hand gently on his cheek, "And I know love can be very rough and very harsh. After all, I've been through some struggles as well, but that's what makes it stronger." She smiled softly, "Love has its hard moments, yes, but that's how it shows how strong your love can become. If you're able to make it through any obstacles with the one you hold and love so dearly, then that means your love with them will last a life time, dear." Cecily stroked his cheek with her thumb, giving him a caring look.
"I... I know, mother... it's just... There are two women that are very dear to my heart, but there is only one piece missing and... I don't know what fits there." He looked down, sighing deeply.
"Jacob..." Cecily lifted his head up by the chin, looking at him steadily with a faint smile, "The only way to know, is to take one step forward at a time. There is so much ahead of you." She grinned softly, "A young man like you will figure it out. I just know it."
"But... how? How will I figure out this whole charade?" He looked at her with confusion.
Cecily shook her head with a giggle, "Just like your father. Always struggling to figure out your emotions." She looked at him with a gingerly smile, "And just like your father, your emotions are like sleeves. Even though you try to hide them as best you can, they always appear most in front of the one you care so dearly about." His mother cupped his cheeks and kissed his forehead, "There's something in our old house in Crawley that just might help you."
"There is?!" Jacob was filled with hope.
Cecily nodded, "Return to Crawley, clear your mind, and search for that last piece. It just might help you, love." She closed her eyes, "I know you'll make the right choice. And with that choice, it will not make me love you beautiful twins any less."
"What do you mean...?" Jacob looked at her, curiously concerned.
"Go now, love. Go find that missing piece." She hugged him tightly, "I'll always be beside you two. Always remember that." As she released him, she vanished into thin air.
"What? M-Mother?! Where are you going?!" Jacob shouted, concerned, "Don't leave! I still have so many questions!" He looked around, but no longer saw any sight of her, "Mother..." He huffed out a sigh, frustrated and lost.
"Jacob. Please wake up..." A voice called out.
"Huh...?" Jacob froze for a moment, hearing the voice in one direction, "Rose...?"
"Please, Jacob." Another said seconds after.
"Evie...?" Jacob heard in the opposite direction.
"Please wake up." The young man was stuck between two voices calling out to him. He was in a slight panic, wondering to himself on which direction to head to. By impulse, he followed the voice his heart led him.
"Ugh... What the bloody hell?" Jacob groaned.
"Jacob! Oh, thank God!" He was embraced once he sat up.
"Huh? Rose? W-What happened?" Jacob rubbed the back of his head, "Wait, are we on the train? How'd we get back here? How long have I been out?"
"Your sister seemed to have been near. She got Henry and he helped us get you back here safely." She looked down, "You've been out for two and a half weeks. You looked deathly pale and I was worried sick when you just collapsed like that. Evie and I have been taking turns on taking care of you. I'm so relieved you're okay." Rose smiled with relief, embracing him again, "I'll go get the others. I'll be back soon."
"Wait..." Jacob grasped Rose's wrist before she could even take a step away from him, "I'd like to inform you on something." He looked down as he spoke.
"What is it?" Rose was conflicted, turning her heels to look at him.
"I have something very big to tell you, but there are some things I'm having to clear before I can even tell you." Jacob's eyes slowly looked up to meet with Rose's ocean colored eyes, "So I'd like to apologize for my recent behaviors and my uncertainty on so many things lately." A small sigh left his lips quietly, "But I promise you I will make it up to you when I return." The younger twin kissed the back of her hand, looking at her with gentle eyes.
"Okay..." She smiled faintly, "You know I've always told you I'd wait patiently." She snickered, "And I'll continue to do so." Rose kissed his forehead, "Take as much time as you need, love. There's no rush. We have all the time in the world after all." The young woman stroked his hair softly, "Now let me get the others. I'll be back shortly, okay?"
Jacob nodded and released her hand, his hand suddenly becoming cold once they separated. A deep sigh left Jacob, lying back down as he tried to sort things out in his head. His mother told him something in their old home could help him figure this all out, so he was going to follow the suggestions, even though he knew it was nothing, but a dream suggesting him such. He was a bit amused that he was going to do what his dream told him, feeling a bit ridiculous by the thought of the sudden near future action, but he thought to himself on what was there to lose.
As he was sorting things out, closing his eyes, someone embraced him tightly, startling him. His mind went straight to the assumption of it being Rose again, but this time it was Evie. The older twin gripped tighter, showing how relieved she was that he was finally awake. Jacob was dumbfounded for a moment, wondering what the whole fuss was about. But he didn't say anything, he just hugged Evie in turn. As he did, his chest tightened and he felt he could barely breathe again. He didn't understand the whole issue, but he turned a blind eye once his mind and heart came to an agreement, leading him to knowing the truth.
"I'm so glad you're awake!" Evie cupped his cheeks, looking at him with relief, "The doctor said you've been working yourself to exhaustion! You had me worried sick! I thought I was going to..." She swallowed the words her emotions did not want her to release, "I'm just so relieved you're awake..." She buried her head in the nape of his neck, holding onto him tightly.
"I'm okay, Evie... I'm here. I'll always be here." Jacob whispered, stroking her hair gently, hushing her lightly to calm her worries.
"I'm glad you're awake, Mr. Frye." Henry walked up towards them.
Jacob smiled faintly at him, giving him a nod. The young man was thinking of what to say to them. He was a bit concerned, but knew if he wanted everything to be cleared, he had to take that leap of faith. He tried to amuse himself to calm his nerves which helped only a little. After everyone spoke to him and the doctor informing them he'll be just fine, the whole room was silent for several minutes before Jacob broke the silence.
"I... I have something to tell all of you." Jacob looked at all three of them, "I'm going to go away for a bit. Let's say a little vacation." He looked down, trying to think of his words carefully, "There are some unfinished business for me to take care of back at my hometown so I'd like to ask if all three of you could take care of things while I'm away."
"You're going back to Crawley?" Evie was surprised, "Then I shall come with. I don't want anything-"
"No, Evie... This is something I have to handle alone, okay?" He looked at her with a look of concern, "Please understand. I'll return soon after, alright, dear sister?"
Henry grabbed hold of Evie's shoulder, stopping her from protesting. Evie sighed lightly, her eyes falling shut as she nodded her head. Jacob looked at Henry and smiled at him with a nod as a thank you. The younger twin had difficulty on explaining his reasoning, but was able to keep it simple enough to keep his main purposes to himself. As he finished his explanation, he stood up and requested they all leave so he could get ready to leave. He packed a few clothes and other items and was soon about to leave the train to get onto the other that leads back to Crawley, until something crossed his mind.
"Should I...?" He was stuck in his tracks, debating on risking it or not, "Sod it..." Jacob unlocked the safe and picked up the stack of letters he did not open, "Here's to hoping this will help..." His hand trembled as he looked at the stack of letters in his hand, slowly setting them in his bag, "Alright... time to go." A sigh escaped his lips as he strided his way through one box car to the next, meeting with the others that were outside of the train, standing near the one he was going to board on.
"You have everything?" Henry asked.
"All set." He held up his bag to show proof.
"Are you sure you're going to be fine going alone?" Jacob nodded to a worried Evie.
"Travel safely, love." Rose brushed her lips gently on his cheek.
Jacob tensed up a little by the soft kiss and the intense stare he could feel coming from Evie, "Th-Thanks everyone. I'll be back soon once... once everything's sorted out." He smiled, heading onto the train.
As he took a step on the train, he was tackled from behind, stumbling forward, catching his footing. He turned, surprised and amused by Evie's actions. Jacob turned and hugged her tightly in turn. He kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair before releasing her.
"I'll be back soon. I promise." He kissed her cheek, "I love you, sweet sister of mine. Always remember that." He whispered so only she could hear.
Evie's heart leaped by his words as a soft grin ran across her face. She tried to stay composed so she wouldn't be questioned. She stepped back as he was walking into the train. Everyone shouted their good-bye's, waving him off. The young man wanted to kiss her. He wanted to take her with him. He wanted things to be easy for the both of them. But he knew it could never become easy for either of them. So he just tried to keep his mind cleared so he can sort things out with ease, hoping the answers he has been trying to figure out were waiting for him in Crawley.
Jacob was debating on reading the letters on the way there, but he had a gut feeling, telling him to wait until he reached his hometown. Boredom began to creep up on him to where it was leading him into a deep slumber. He was inches away from falling asleep until a loud sound came from the conductor informing them they were reaching their destination. As the train came to a complete stop, Jacob sat up with a groan, trying to keep himself awake to get off the train. Once he stepped foot off it, he was soon called out from a passerby. He froze in place, surprised on who approached him with a huge smile.
"Well, if it isn't my good old friend Jacob Frye."
Notes:
My apologies on my lack of writing. Still struggling with writer's block and the holidays that are near are not helping, BUT their endings are coming near to a close. Let's see how things will turn out for our dear young Sir Jacob Frye. Mishaps will be arising again soon, but will it lead him to happy endings? Until then readers...