Thank God For Rue

Jacob quickly left his room. Tore through the hotel looking for Rue. The longer he couldn't find her, the more his panic grew.

Of all the days for Brandy to be away! She was probably still not talking to him for how he acted the other day.

Okay, he had been a bit extreme but this morning Josie had given a scream and Jacob didn't have a clue, what to do.

He ran outside and headed to town. Perhaps Petra could be found. Or even Gyn would suffice. He would even settle for CG without thinking twice.

He let out a breath when he spotted Rue. Leaving the café with a bag or two. He walked towards her with haste.

She had a frown on her face. He had given her some space since he and Billy had nearly come to blows and Ruechari had asked to be left alone.

He had been busy and so had she.

"Ruechari, please come with me. I need you desperately in my room right away."

"To tell me that, you ran all this way? When will you get it through your thick head? There is no way you are getting me into your bed. I won't fall for your sleazy trick-"

"It's not about me, it's about Josie. Please, Ruechari, come quick!"

By the look on his face, Rue knew he spoke true. "Is Josie injured or sick? What do you need me to do?"

"Kinda Rue. I'm not sure how to explain it to you."

Jacob took off at a hellish pace. Leaving Rue to follow in haste.

"Jacob, which is it? Is Josie injured or sick?"

Jacob sighed and didn't answer right away. Perhaps he was searching for the right thing to say. The hotel was in their view...

"It would just be better to show you, Rue."

Ruechari followed him up the stairs. Grabbed his arm before they quite got there.

"Jacob I need to know what I'm about to see. What is wrong with Josie? Calm down and tell me, please."

Jacob's face turned blood red and Ruechari had to hold in her laugh at what he said.

"She's small so I figured it would not happen so soon. And Brandy is away today. So, Rue, I didn't know what to do. Cause Josie.. has well... has gotten her, oh damn Rue. Don't make me say it, I don't want to."

Ruechari grinned. "Men. I can handle this. No need to make a fuss. Now you should leave us. I will have some supplies sent up to the room. I know just what to do."

"Oh thank God. I'll get out of your way. I really owe you."

"For something so natural. You don't seem to know much about women at all."

Ruechari couldn't help but have a laugh at Jacob's expense. Her laughter put him on the defense. But it was pretty cute the way his face was as red as a beet. Ruechari found it kinda sweet.

"I know enough, but this is different, Rue. Josie is still just a little girl."

"Well, not anymore. Jacob relax. It's not the end of the world. Josie is just growing up."

Jacob sighed. "I sure don't have to like it! I think I need a drink."

"No, you don't! Not in my bar! Make yourself useful, but don't go far. I'll take care of Josie. And tell her what she needs to know. Now go."

Jacob grinned, "Thanks again. I really do owe you."

"Yeah, yeah so you say. I'll collect someday."

Jacob gave Rue a quick peck on the cheek. That sneak! Rue couldn't help but smile. She didn't like being at odds with him. It felt good after such a long while. 

As Jacob walked away, "Thank God for Rue," she heard him say.

She opened the door and peeked inside. It seemed Josie was trying to hide. From beneath the blankets popped up a head.

"Didn't you hear what I said?! Go away Jake! Oh! Sorry Ruechari, my mistake. So I guess he sent you instead. I would rather be dead than listen to my brother stammer and sputter. He used words like the birds and the bees. Oh please!"

Josie scrunched up her face and then buried herself once more. Rue closed the door. She went over to sit on the bed. Patted the spot, which contained Josie's head.

"Your brother loves you, Josie. I'm sure he tried his best but why don't you let me fill in the rest?"

Josie sighed and reemerged. "Okay, Rue. It's better coming from you. But becoming a woman is messy I do say! How long will it be this way?"

Rue pulled the girl close. "Josie, it's both a blessing and a curse. You now have the power to create life. To carry a child when you become someone's wife and that part is a gift indeed."

"I just wish it didn't have to be so messy! My stomach hurts, Rue! Oh, this is the worst thing I've ever been through! Jacob complained I'm in a mood!"

Ruechari grinned. The young girl's face looked so grim. But being almost thirteen, this would certainly seem, like the worst thing.

"I'll make you some tea, my people taught me. It will ease the cramps away. We'll get you all cleaned up Josie and then I'll say what I have to say."

Josie snuggled in. "I'm glad your here, Rue."

"Me too, Josie. Me too."

"I wish you and my brother could just stop acting crazy and court each other. He talks about you a lot, Rue. I think he's in love with you and well, I really like you too."

"And I, you, Josie. But as for your brother, things aren't so simple. I doubt we're right for each other."

"I know he may never say but I know it's for you he really wants to stay. He's a real catch, Rue, and I'm not just saying that because I feel I have to. No one is more caring or loyal. You'd never have to doubt him, Rue."

"It would be nice if that were true."

"It is! Sure he's been with other girls but they all knew what they were getting into."

"That's what I fear, that I do too. And I can't be so free, and neither should you be with your body."

"You mean you're saving yourself for your wedding night?"

"That's right. For me, anything else would be meaningless. I want to know the man that I'm with, is the man that I love above any other. To his children, I'd wish to be a mother. This is not a gift to throw away. Maybe I shouldn't say..."

"No, Rue. I like your view. You're right, it's easy to get carried away." Josie thought of Ferdinand's son and what Jacob had ended before it begun. Felix loved to sneak kisses between sets, she liked the way he made her feel but it wasn't love, it wasn't real

"Well, the man who gets you Josie will be lucky indeed. I'll be right back with the things that you need."

"Ruechari? Thanks for helping me. And I hope you work things out with Jake... for his sake."

"No one knows what the future holds, but I must admit I like him a little more because of the love he has for the sister he adores."

Rue had a bath sent up and explained the rest of what to do to Josie. "When you're all set I'll send up some tea. Just take some time to rest and soon you'll be at your best."

Ruechari found Jacob pacing the hotel, door to door. "Settle down will you, you'll wear out my floor."

"How is she? Is she okay?"

Ruechari grinned. "She'll live to torment you another day."

Jake sighed in relief. He loved her smile though it was brief.

Rue gave pause to what Josie had to say. Was she right to keep pushing Jacob away? Was it just her own fear, which kept him from getting near? He had chosen to stay, but is that enough?

Rue gave Jacob an expression he couldn't read. "What?"

"Nothing. I just like you better when you're not acting all tough. If Josie should need me, you know where I'll be. I'm sending to your room some herbal tea. It should help her immensely."

"Thank you, Rue." 

She nodded, turned and he watched her walk away. Wishing he could figure out a reason to make her stay.