chapter eleven
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Weeks had passed, and Serena had been fiercely trying to distract herself from persistent thoughts of Paul, only to find that her attempts had failed miserably. Frustration boiled within her, leading to her declaring a desperate plea.
"I must be going insane," she exclaimed, her panic evident in her tone as she turned to Rachel, who was casually enjoying her dinner. Rachel looked at her with a mixture of disbelief and concern.
Rachel, continuing to eat her dinner, responded with a slightly amused tone, "Insane, as in you're acting completely illogical."
Serena shot her sister a warning glare, narrowing her eyes, "Watch it, Rach."
Rachel sighed, placing her utensil down, and turned her attention towards her sister. "Okay, I can only be helpful if you share what's going through your mind."
Serena lowered her hands that had been anxiously running through her hair, admitting, "I'm seriously considering giving this all a chance. I'm even willing to try..." she admitted, placing her hand on her forehead. "Honestly, I hate overthinking these thoughts."
"Then stop thinking," Jacob sauntered into the house, completely drenched from the rain. "What's going on here?" he asked as he shook the water from his hair.
Rachel replied, "Well, Serena is contemplating the entire imprinting situation with Paul." She decided to finish her dinner, relieved to pass on the stress and worry of dealing with Serena to Jacob.
Jacob's expression darkened, his annoyance growing. "You've got to be kidding me," he said, his hands slamming against his head. "He hurt you, Serena! Don't you remember the pain he inflicted upon you? Are you seriously considering going back to him after everything?"
She let out an exasperated sigh, her fingers gently rubbing the bridge of her nose. "No, Jake, I'm not forgetting it," she explained, her voice tinged with irritation, "I won't ever forget the pain he inflicted on me," she added. "But," she continued, "Rachel mentioned something earlier. She pointed out the need to face the issue at hand, rather than running away from it. Because I've already run enough."
Jacob's sharp gaze met Serena's, as he raised a challenge. "What makes you think he won't just run away again?" he asked, his arms crossed and a confident expression on his face.
Rachel immediately interjected, giving him a stern look of disapproval, signaling, "You're not helping the situation right now."
Serena responded, a hint of frustration in her tone, "I honestly don't know, Jake. I can't help but wonder. If we're being honest, we can't just blame Paul entirely. After all, I did decide to pack up and leave. But, if this doesn't work out," she began, leaning on the dinner table, "it's done, officially over."
Jacob furrowed his brow, perplexed by the sudden change in Serena's stance. "Since coming back home, you were eager to get away," he noted, "but now, just a short chat with Rachel, and you're ready to reconsider?" His sister shook her head, echoing his skepticism.
"No, Jake," Serena immediately countered, her voice firm. "I'm not planning on just jumping into his arms. This imprinting isn't going to fix all my problems, but it is making me confront reality. I've been unable to move forward with my life, constantly haunted by the past that I never properly addressed. Maybe this is a chance for both of us to speak our true, authentic thoughts."
Jacob mockingly shook his head. "Oh, that's just great," he replied sarcastically. "It appears to me that you're just crawling right back into his arms," he continued, his words dripping with disappointment. Yet, he conceded reluctantly, realizing that the imprinting was a profound matter. "This is your final chance," he emphasized, "and I support your choice," he added, "but don't expect me to be happy if it turns out well."
His words hung in the air, the weight of his disappointment evident. He genuinely wanted the best for his sister, but the memories of her heartbreak still haunted him.
"Serena," he continued, his voice softening slightly, "I want you to be happy, but I can't shake the memories of those sleepless nights when I witnessed your pain."
After listening to his speech, a flicker of determination replaced the hint of uncertainty in Serena's eyes. She took a step closer to Jacob, her voice filled with resolve.
"I understand your doubts and hesitation, Jake," she spoke, her gaze unwavering. "I'll be cautious, I promise. I don't want to relive those painful nights again."
Upon hearing her response, Jacob's gaze softened. He recognized the determination in her eyes and appreciated her assurance.
"Alright," he conceded, his voice less guarded now. "I trust you, Serena. Just be careful, okay? I can't bear to see you hurt again."
With a small smile, Serena nodded at Jacob's trust. She was reassured and determined, yet there was a tinge of vulnerability in her expression.
"I'll be careful," she assured, her gaze holding his. "I don't want to go through that pain again, I promise."
Rachel chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement. "Jake is supposed to be the youngest, but here he is, acting like the oldest," she mused.
Jacob, overhearing Rachel's comment, shot her a playful glare. "Hey, I'm just looking out for our sister," he retorted, his tone filled with mild defense.
Serena laughed, patting Jacob's shoulder. "We know," she replied, her voice warm. "Just teasing, lil brother."
Jacob chuckled, a hint of a pout on his face. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked, feigning annoyance.
Serena and Rachel, their voices blending together, affirmed his suspicions in unison. "We are," they declared with identical grins.
Jacob sighed in defeat.
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