Saw you crucify your mindHe was walking up the beach toward the house when I arrived. Shirt flapping in the wind, the huge smile showing every last one of his big white chiclet teeth. Hair blowing all over. When he saw me he quickened his pace and I ran down to him because I didn't feel like taking my time.
Your soul left unsung
Heard you death-defy your eyes
Saw you crawl inside the blind
What do you think?
It's nice. I'm always amazed at the pine trees, the cedars, in proximity to the shore.
We're used to bedrock.
Yes. That's it. The grin, widened, if it were possible.
You're going to get in so much trouble, princess.
That isn't my problem, Jake.
But it is, princess.
Can we talk about something else now?
Sure.
But he's no longer interested in the words, and I follow his eyes to where he is watching Caleb leave the house and quickly walk to his car. Breakfast is over, Caleb can make an easy, almost invisible exit and go home.
He shakes his head, the smile turning rueful now as he looks back at me, his hair over his eyes, which have turned dark and concerned.
Why can't you just stay away from the brothers Grimm, princess? At least with Lochlan he isn't trying to dismantle your soul, taking a piece every time.
My soul has been gone for a while now.
Jacob winces and turns back toward the water. You need to rethink this. This isn't good for you.
Caleb? I know a lot of the boys would choose dealing with Caleb over everything else. Somehow it's easier for them to manage.
Only because they can't fight me anymore.
They wouldn't fight with you.
You have a short memory, princess. Don't you remember the Zero the Hero dinner?
Yes but that was different.
How exactly?
That time I chose you.
And now?
Ben. I say it softly, with tears rolling down my face. Jacob nods. It would be bitter save for the fact that he made this decision for us. I would not have forced his hand the way he forced mine and things have changed so drastically I regularly check my driver's license to make sure my name is still the same but it isn't and yet the face is still the one I recognize.
Good. He's been good to you. He's selfless in a way none of the others are. Less controlling too. Safer.
I laugh. This has become a parody.
You should go back, princess. They worry about you.
I'm fine.
I know that and they know that. Maybe care is a better word than worry.
Do you care?
Yes, but I worry too.
You have just destroyed all of my hopes for Heaven, Jacob.
It's a different kind of worry, Bridget.