Chapter 53

 

 

Alex and Gaius returned home the following afternoon to find that Jack’s family had already arrived for their second visit to the city. Once they had dropped off their luggage and purchases in their room, they joined everyone in the neighboring home’s large den. Alex was humored to see that Jack’s friend Branden had returned, and that he was working diligently to attract Ahadi’s attention.

That night at dinner, Jack and Lauren announced their engagement, and Alex watched his mother and father’s immediate joyful response. Brenda did not try to stop the tears that flowed from her eyes, nor did Jack’s grandmother, as they both swept Lauren and Jack into tight hugs. Mike and his girlfriend, Shelby, were also filled with delight. They took to their feet immediately, and Mike gave Jack a tight hug, slapping his back as they embraced one another.

Jack’s moist eyes found Alex’s as he reclaimed his chair. She silently lifted her glass and inclined her head, giving him her wholehearted support. Just as he had for her.

Over the next two days, they alternated between time spent at the different facilities Jack worked in, and tours, sight-seeing, or shopping in the bustling metropolis. Alex and the other immortals assisted with the driving during each outing, intent on keeping Jack’s family safe and ensuring they were well cared for.

On Thanksgiving Day, they rose early and took Jack’s family to the Macy’s parade. Brenda seemed beside herself, and Walton could frequently be heard chuckling over his wife’s excitement. They remained throughout the entire event, and then the Nephilim drove everyone to the homeless shelter. Alex hugged each of the staff working towards food preparation and they returned her greeting with tight hugs of their own.

Jack’s family and Branden fell into place within the serving line. They spent the next three hours serving each soul who came through looking for a warm meal and a bit of fellowship with another, so they were not alone during the holiday. Alex and Gaius left the line after the last person was fed and circulated throughout the dining hall, talking with many they had come to know and care about.

She held several children, letting her aura wipe away colds, sinus infections, and congestion. Alex noticed Gaius frequently resting his hand on people’s shoulders and backs, letting his aura heal away maladies while he chatted with them. The other immortals were doing the same, and Alex smiled over the care and love she felt spreading around her.

When they took their leave, they drove to Nathan’s home for the traditional meal Elizabeth and Lauren had planned for their guests. Brenda, Jack’s grandmother, Shelby, and two of his aunts came into the kitchen, with several of the immortals, to help in whatever way they could. Soon, food was ready and they enjoyed a full course dinner, talking and visiting with one another.

After dinner, many went outside, lighting the fire pits and the outdoor fireplace to continue the fellowship in the crisp, evening air. Others remained indoors, moving to Nathan’s large den to chat there. Alex and Gaius helped to clean the kitchen with Sabina, Tomoko, and Heath, so Jack’s family could continue their time together without the worry of having to see to the chore.

Alex took a few minutes once they were finished to call her parents, Jameason, and then her brothers. She talked with Conner for quite a while, encouraging him for his thesis defense that was taking place the following day. He put Helen on the line and Alex did the same for her, sending her love and confidence through the line. Before she ended the call, Alex promised to see them soon and said her good-byes.

Alex trailed the mobile against her lips, breathing deeply to still her emotions. She looked up to see Jack standing just inside the doorway to the dining room where she sat. He said nothing, only extended his hand to her, and Alex slowly rose and slipped her palm in his. He lightly squeezed her fingers and led her outside to the home’s front porch.

Jack sat on the first step and Alex took her place beside him. She said nothing as she waited to see what he might say. Though Alex knew in her heart what was on his mind, because it had been on hers for weeks.

“Was that Conner you were talking to there at the end?” Jack asked, turning his head a bit and looking at her.

“Conner and Helen, yes. Their thesis defenses are scheduled for tomorrow, and I was sending them my love. I know it will go smoothly; they’re both so smart and passionate about their field of study. I just wanted to wish them well and hear their voices,” she said, smiling briefly.

Jack slowly nodded and looked down at her hand still held in his for a moment before he spoke again.

“You and Gaius have made a good balance of your work with the Nephilim and your human family this year. I’ve been real proud to see the life and stability you’re carving out for yourself. Though I know you still have a lot to learn, you’re settling in quite well, Alex,” he praised softly.

“Yes, it’s getting easier to live this new life I’ve chosen. And, yes, Gaius has made the changes easier to handle,” she admitted. “But then, so have you. You’ve been with me every step of the way, Jack. Your support through all these changes has meant more than you’ll ever know.”

“I wouldn’t have had it any other way, Alex. And now, we have to add a few more changes to that balance, don’t we?” he asked, smiling a bit more and smoothing his hand over hers.

“Yes,” she said quietly. Alex knew these words had to be spoken, and she was determined that Jack have the best send-off possible. No guilt trips, nor sadness whatsoever. So she swallowed hard past the knot in her throat and pressed on.

“Change can be good,” she went on to say. “And I am so happy for you, Jack. I love you, and I want you happy and safe, always.”

“I’m safe, Alex,” Jack chuckled. “And I am very happy. That’s thanks to you and Gaius, you know? You both kept your promise and made sure I was still with you in every way. And because of that, I met Lauren. I can’t imagine another path for my life now. Helping others every day, and getting to feel the love and grace that comes from that work… It’s beyond words.”

“I know,” Alex smiled.

“Alex, Lauren and I have decided to get married at the end of January, and we’re going to start searching for an apartment or house when we come back after Conner’s wedding next weekend. I love living with you guys and being a part of that fellowship too, but we’re going to need our own space,” he said.

Alex laughed and nodded her head. “Yes, you will. It’s not easy being a newlywed around so many with such keen hearing,” she confessed, both of them blushing at her words.

“No, I can imagine not,” Jack chuckled along with her. “I know from Sabina that you’re all coming back here after New Year’s. But you won’t remain in the city throughout the year, nor will you return after two years have passed.” Jack looked at her intently, and Alex nodded, knowing where his words were leading them.

“We can always talk on the phone, through video chat, or email though,” Alex said, trying to turn the tide of her emotions as her eyes grew moist.

“Hey, come here,” he said, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leaning his head over against hers.

“We are always going to keep in touch, Alex. Just like Wallace and Conner, I never want to wonder where you are or how you’re doing. Even if I can no longer be with you for each journey, I will be with you in spirit. Lauren and I will both pray for your success and safety on future mission trips, like the one we just experienced in Africa. ’Till the end, right?” Jack asked, and she could hear the smile in his voice past the emotion that was clogging his throat, too.

“Until the end, Jack. You will always have a special place in my heart and life until the end. I promise,” she said, turning and hugging him tightly.

“I love you, Alex. You’re like my sister now, and I will always find a way, just like your brothers. I promise you, I will,” he vowed, holding her to his heart.

“So will I, Jack. I can’t imagine having made this journey without you. Thank you for sticking with me, through thick and thin. For not running away and thinking we were all a bit crazy. And thank you for remaining my friend – one of my best friends,” she qualified. “I love you, too, you know?”

“I know,” he said softly and pulled her a little closer, as if he too was afraid of letting go.

They said no more for a time. Instead, they just held to one another, each shedding silent tears. Eventually it was Jack who pulled back, and he smoothed Alex’s hair away from her forehead with both palms. They smiled at each other and Jack nodded, then stood and helped Alex to her feet.

Jack tucked Alex’s arm in the bend of his elbow and guided her back inside. They found Gaius outside on the patio talking with several of the immortal men. Jack took her hand and placed it in her husband’s, smiling at them both before he bowed slightly and walked back inside to find Lauren.

Gaius looked down and saw how red Alex’s eyes were, and knew that she and Jack had just shared an important and poignant moment. He gently put his arm around her shoulders and slowly glided his hand up and down her arm, sharing his aura with her as she sought to calm her emotions. None of the others made a comment over the tumult flowing from her aura, they just continued with their conversation knowing Gaius was soothing her.

 

That night, when they lay in bed, Alex rolled to her side and placed her palm over Gaius’ heart. She said nothing as she stared into his eyes, but she connected with his mind and took him through the entire memory of her conversation with Jack. She shared it all, so he would understand where her heart was and what she was dealing with. When the memory ended, Alex watched his eyes, seeing them crinkle at their corners as he smiled tenderly at her.

Gaius rolled to his side then too and pulled her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin. He slowly stroked Alex’s back, sharing his aura with her still, as he murmured his love.

“I promise, my love, we will always remain in touch with Jack. Just as we will with the Groabans,” Gaius whispered. “You will never have to give him up or disavow your friendship. Never.”

“I know,” Alex answered quietly and snuggled closer. “I love him, Gaius. And despite my own sadness over leaving Jack behind, I’m also so happy for him. I love him enough to want him to be fulfilled in every way. And he’ll have that with Lauren.”

“Yes, he will,” Gaius agreed softly.

“Jack was once brave enough to let me go, and so I’m trying to follow that example and do the same for him,” Alex said as her tears came regardless of how strong she was trying to be.

“I think,” Gaius began, as he started to sweep the moisture from her face, “that Ganymede chose your mortal companion very, very well. And because of the loving, brave, and generous soul Jackson Campbell is, you and I have both been blessed. We now have a brother and friend whom we love and cherish. And, Alex, I’m sad to leave him behind as well,” he added.

“There are very few humans who have been given access to the Nephilim as Jack and your family have been granted. All of our immortal brethren value and cherish the gift that Jack is, too. We’ve all been made better by loving him, you know?”

“I do,” Alex smiled, though her tears were coming harder now. “Sorry,” she breathed.

“Stop apologizing,” Gaius chuckled softly and pulled her in closer. “You and I will take one day and one challenge at a time. This will be yet another challenge, but we’ll make it work for all of us. Alright?” he asked, and felt her nod against his chest.

Gaius gently swept his chin across the top of her hair as he conceded that it would be a challenge to say good-bye to Jack. For he had come to love Jack just as he did his immortal brothers. The two of them had helped Alex make it through the fire and back, and that unique journey had forged a bond between the two men that Gaius knew he would carry with him until his dying day.