Jessie had never seen a more unorganized family. She'd first thought that hiding Tom and Sam's absence from their parents would be damn near impossible. It turned out to be stupidly easy. Every morning, Maxi and Freider would be in a rush to leave for work, wishing them good morning, asking about the others.

As it turned out, Kyle always left before everyone else, while Jerry was usually the one to leave the house last. Claiming Sam and Tom had either left with Kyle or went out jogging did the trick every single time. Dinner was the same. No one in that house ate at the same time unless it was planned weeks ahead.

In a flurry of early Christmas shopping, Maxi was almost never home, and when she was, she usually cleaned around or cooked. Freider always retreated to his office after work. No one batted an eyelash that they hadn't seen their children in days as long as the other children claimed they'd seen them.

Kay found the situation exceptionally weird. Jessie found it stupid, but she couldn't say she wasn't used to it. After all, her own family didn't give a crap about her.

As far as research went, she and Jerry retreated to their home library every afternoon to try and figure out the whereabouts of the new jewel. Tina often joined them, an unpleasant spirit lingering in the corner with her arms crossed over her chest.

Jessie tried to ignore her and her show of hostility, but the truth was she couldn't understand what was going on and it pissed her off. True, she and Tina weren't exactly friends and barely exchanged any words since Tina was so quiet, but she'd never gotten the impression that there was any animosity there.

Apparently, she'd been wrong. But for Jerry's sake, she refused to get into any sort of conflict with Tina. So Jessie just said hi and then minded her own business, only speaking to her if she was spoken to first. It became increasingly easy to forget she was even there as the research absorbed her.

Unlike they'd thought, Snitch Gravel's notes weren't that useful since they presented a thousand and one useless possibilities of where and what each jewel could be. From all his notes, it was obvious that he thought there were more than four.

While Jessie went over lists and maps, Jerry had started reading on the history of France, correctly assuming he might find some information about a large jewel there. She'd never appreciated how the urgency of Sam and Tom's departure would make the entire research process so frustrating.

"Come on, give me something," she mumbled as she glanced over yellowing pages, trying to decipher Snitch Gravel's handwriting.

"Did you find any mentions about France?" Jerry asked, his eyes glued to the book in front of him.

"Yes, but it's mostly abbreviations and references to other pages I can't seem to find." She shuffled through the papers, when finally, her eyes rested on one she hadn't seen before. It looked like a family tree, so she pulled it out and studied it.

It was by far the strangest family tree she'd seen because it seemed to go the opposite way. The first names were Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, but Jessie was pretty sure they were the last king and queen of France and had been killed together with their entire family if they even had any kids at that point.

The people under them were the previous king and queen of France. So Jessie concluded Snitch Gravel was going backwards with the genealogy. The question was, what was he after? She found her answer at the bottom of the page in messy handwriting: French crown jewels? Sapphire.

Even with the question mark, this supposition was circled, as if this were his final conclusion. And Jessie had to admit that it fit. It would also explain the genealogy.

"Jerry, what do you know about the French crown jewels?" she asked.

"Not much. As far as I know, they're displayed at the Louvre." He lifted his eyes from the book. "Why? Found anything?"

Jessie pushed the paper towards him. "Snitch Gravel thinks the jewel might be a sapphire and part of the crown jewels."

Jerry took the page and squinted at it. "It is true that the crown jewels are sapphire based as far as I know. But I have no idea how old they are or if a gigantic jewel is part of them."

"I could look into that."

He nodded absently, his eyes still scanning the page. "I think he was on to something here. I should definitely check out the kings and queens. Maybe there's a mention." He raised his face and took in the library cases around them. "And I know just the book."

He got to his feet and walked to the library case on his right. Jessie twisted in her seat, watching him. Jerry stopped and rubbed his thumb across his chin.

"Darn it. Where's the mobile ladder?"

"You have a mobile ladder?" Jessie asked in disbelief.

"How else do you think we can actually reach these books?" he mumbled. "I think it might be in the attic and I can't take it down from there..." His eyes fell on Jessie and he froze. "I have an idea."

"What?" Jessie asked warily.

"I could lift you and you can get the book. It's the large one with the white spine."

"Um... okay? But how exactly are you going to lift me?" Even if Jerry was tall and pretty broad, he didn't exactly seem capable of holding anyone up.

"You can climb on my shoulders," Jerry answered casually.

Jessie bit her lip, trying not to start laughing. "Are you sure we won't fall over?"

"No, I'm not sure, but we can try." Jerry grinned and lowered himself into a crouch.

Jessie shrugged and hopped on his back, sitting herself on his shoulders. With shaky legs, he managed to stand without dropping her. For a few seconds, they didn't move, then Jerry took one step towards the bookcase. Jessie reached her hand out for the book, put pulled back once Jerry tipped forward dangerously. She giggled and he actually cursed, trying to regain his balance.

"We need to get closer," she pointed out and he took another step towards the library case. It was no use. "We need to get higher."

"I'll try," Jerry mumbled, slipping his hands under her thighs and pushing her up.

Jessie reached out again and managed to touch the book's spine, but she couldn't pull it out and Jerry was once again swaying dangerously.

"Just a little higher..." she whispered.

Jerry tightened his grip on her and lifting her the extra inch she needed.

"Jerry Grant! You take your hands off her this instance!"

Tina's yell tore through the room. Jerry jumped and drew his hands back, letting Jessie drop back on his shoulders. She waved her arms, trying not to fall backwards. He spun on the spot and she hit her back against the bookcase, but at least didn't fall off.

"We're not doing anything, we're just trying to get a book," he said almost defensively.

"Well, you should try getting it another way," Tina sapped. "I want her off you this instance!"

Jessie threw her one fleeting glance, but it was enough to see the fury etched on her face, the jealousy burning in her eyes. Ugh, what was wrong with her? But Jessie wouldn't lash out. She'd just focus on getting the book. So she glanced up and reached out her hand again.

"I can't let Jessie down," Jerry said, twisting towards the library again to give her better access. "I don't know how. I didn't think that far."

"I don't care, throw her off!" Tina positively shrieked.

Jerry turned his head towards her, but Jessie kept ignoring her, trying to calm the pounding in her temples and focus on the book. She was so close.

"Didn't you hear me?" Tina insisted. "I want you off my boyfriend this instant! Isn't Jimmy enough for you anymore?"

"What?" Jessie flung towards Tina, almost sending Jerry to the floor.

Screw being nice and friendly. If she wanted a war, she could have one.

Before Tina could retaliate, the door opened and Kyle came in. He froze the moment he saw her and Jerry and burst into laughter.

"What are you two trying to do? Build a human totem?"

Jessie felt Jerry relaxing under her, and she decided to continue ignoring Tina. She wasn't worth all the drama.

"We were actually trying to get a book, but failed miserably," Jessie said. "Jerry couldn't lift me high enough to reach it."

"I'm surprised he could lift you at all. No offence Jerry, you're getting better." Kyle strode to them and, with embarrassing ease, lifted Jessie off Jerry and put her down.

Jerry sighed and dropped on and armchair, stretching her arms and rolling his shoulders.

"What book do you need?" Kyle asked.

"The one with the white covers," Jerry answered, waving his hand in its general direction.

Kyle looked at it, then at Jessie, then wrapped his arms around her knees and lifted her off the floor as though she were a pillow. The feeling of stability was incredible after shaky Jerry, and as she reached out and grabbed the book, she wondered exactly how much force Kyle had. He'd never tested it out as far as she knew, but how much could he lift? A dresser? A car? A bus? Don't be stupid. He can't freaking lift a bus. Or a car.

"Hey? What's up?" Kyle asked, immediately picking up on her mood. As always.

"I was just thinking... How strong are you?"

He narrowed his eyes at her, then tossed her in the air. She shrieked with laughter as he caught her right before she hit the floor.

"I'm that strong." He grinned. "Do you guys need any more books while I'm still here?"

"Yeah, Jessie should get some history encyclopedias while you're at it. This book is in French," Jerry said, grabbing the book from Jessie and returning to the desk.

Kyle picked Jessie up again and started walking along the row of books, letting her pick up whatever she wanted. Soon enough, she had enough books to keep her occupied for a while, so he put her down. She couldn't help but notice the sour expression on Tina's face as she watched them, but Jessie decided to ignore it and focus on the positives in the room.

"What are you up to?" she asked Kyle.

"I'm heading for the agency. Jimmy called me over for some administrative bullshit, so I'm not taking Kay with me. Please look after her when you finish your work here."

"Why didn't you bring her in here?" Jessie asked, surprised.

"My parents unfortunately ganged up on her and I couldn't. I don't know what the hell is wrong with them, but I'm not sure I like it. Anyway, I told her to come here after she gets away."

Oh. Bummer. Poor Kay. But Jessie couldn't help but feel grateful that it wasn't her.

"Kyle, you're worried," Jerry said, getting up from the desk and coming next to him and Jessie. "What's going on?"

"It's just..." He stopped and looked at Tina who was still staring at the lot of them like they were something recently dead. "Tina, are you alright?" he asked, frowning slightly.

"Yes, of course. I'm going home. I'll be back later." She turned away pointedly and left the room.

Kyle instinctively glanced at Jerry who watched her longingly, but made no move to follow.

"What's going on?" Kyle asked warily.

"I don't know what's wrong with her. She's usually so nice and sweet and now, all of a sudden, she's acting like a..."

"Harpy," Jessie supplied the word. "Jerry, I think it bothers her that we're working together."

"I know it bothers her, but why?" Jerry bounced his fist off his forehead. "It's not like you're trying to kill me while we're working or anything..." He stopped because Kyle had unsuccessfully tried to pass out a snort of laughter for a cough.

Jerry quirked an eyebrow, obviously awaiting an explanation.

Kyle tried to pretend he couldn't tell, but finally sighed. "Look Jerry, I think that Jessie trying to kill you hasn't even crossed Tina's mind. It's something else she's worried about, but I don't see why. I mean it's obvious that you two are just friends, and Jessie does have a boyfriend who happens to be your exact replica, so why would she even want you in the first place? Your charming personality?"

"Ha, ha!" Jerry said sarcastically. He froze for a second then slapped his forehead. "She's jealous? Why on earth would she be jealous?"

Wow, Jerry really was an innocent little flower, but Jessie had to admit that she was just as confused as he was. "I don't know. Does it seem to you like I'm provoking her in any way?"

"Of course not. You're acting as usual. I really don't see why--" Jerry stopped, squinting at Kyle. "What?"

"I didn't say anything," Kyle said defensively.

"No, but you got that exasperated all-knowing look. Out with it."

"I have a theory, but it could be wrong..."

"What?" Jessie and Jerry both asked, annoyed.

Kyle took in a deep breath as if the subject was exhausting him. "Jerry, you look just like Jimmy, and Jessie, you're Jimmy's girlfriend. I mean I can tell the difference between you and Jimmy, no problem, and I bet Jessie can too, but it seems to me like Tina can't or at least not that well anyway." He paused for a second and actually looked uncomfortable for once. "My guess is that when she looks at the two of you, she actually sees Jimmy and Jessie and..." He stopped again and scratched his head, obviously searching for his words.

"That's stupid," Jessie mumbled.

"Agreed," Kyle said with a nod. "But you and Jimmy... It's just too damn obvious you're made for each other. You shine together. And Tina must have noticed that, too."

Warmth filled her chest and she felt a sudden need to hug Kyle. She'd had no idea it looked like that from the outside, but she was glad that Jimmy at least seemed happy to be with her. He'd changed her life for the better, and she'd always hoped she'd changed his at least one bit. But if that miraculous shine Kyle saw extended to Jerry, it was a major problem.

"But Jerry and I don't shine, do we?" she asked, worried.

Kyle made an utterly bored face. "You're the most boring thing I've ever seen. But jealousy has its way of making things seem what they're not."

"Why couldn't you say all this while she was still here?" Jerry asked, looking towards the door as if hoping Tina would be eavesdropping on their conversation.

"It's none of my business," Kyle answered with a shrug. "Sorry, but gotta run." He waved before he hurried out, leaving a heavy air of awkwardness behind.

Jessie bit her lip. This was so stupid. She loved to hang out with all of Jimmy's brothers. They were cool, they were fun, Jerry included, and they'd always gotten along so well. And here was Tina, throwing dirt on what was a perfectly platonic relationship. Jerry felt like her brother, and they acted like siblings towards each other, teasing and poking fun. Why couldn't Tina see that?

Though, to be completely honest, what worried her more was Jerry's reaction to the whole thing. So she took in a deep breath and said the decent thing. "Look, if you want, we can stop working together."

"Don't be silly Jessie," he answered with a wave of his hand. "If we do that, we would only confirm that Tina has something to worry about. We're friends, we have many common interests and we will continue being friends. Tina is not going to forbid me from spending time with you or anyone else." And he headed back to his book, seeming completely unbothered by the matter.

Jessie sat down on the other side of the desk, watching Jerry as he opened the book and started searching for something in the index. It sucked that she was the reason he and Tina might fight, but she agreed with him wholeheartedly. Tina needed to loosen up. How she could confuse Jerry and Jimmy was beyond her.

"I think I need more fighting training," Jerry mumbled.

Jessie smirked, but said nothing on the subject. "Why are there so many French books in your house?" she asked instead. Not that it wasn't convenient, but it seemed like a big coincidence.

"Half the books in here belong to our mother," Jerry answered, flipping a few more pages.

"Your mother is French?" she asked, shocked.

"Half-French. Our grandfather was American, but our grandmother is French. She moved back to France after our grandfather died. Never met him."

Jessie nodded and focused on the book before her. She'd never noticed any sort of accent on Maxi, but that was only natural if she'd been born and raised in the States. But it explained why Jerry could speak and read French so well. It also didn't explain why the others couldn't. Though since Kyle hadn't actually grown up with his mother, she guessed that might be the reason.

Well, at least this time, once they got to France, someone could actually speak the language. Which was already great progress.

❄❄❄

Well then... did anyone see that coming? What do you think about the whole Jessie - Tina conflict? Do you see where they're both coming her? And would a Jessie bother you if you were Tina? Much drama to be had.

Also curious how many of you are wondering if Kyle can actually lift s bus 😅

I know this chapter is mostly transition but I hope you're still having fun.

Vote and comment for me.