Chapter 7
Spencer shot a quick glance at Janie before speaking up. “I suppose I started this mess, so I thought I’d come over and interrupt”
He barely in
finished those words b
before another v violent cough wracked his body.
Janie’s heart skipped a beat with worry. And so did Noah. “Mr. Alvarez, you alright?” He bent down. Traning closer in Spencer
Spencer just shook his head. “I’s not a big deal.”
Noah shot a worried look at Spencer, then a glare at the Jenkins and Tyler, clearly funsing.
ing a young girl a hund time without even feeling a little bit ashamed of it The way they talked about Miss
He thought, Seriously, they’re just giving a Janic and Mr. Alvarez is just gross.
But the Jenkins a and Tyler frowned, clearly not in the mood for his interruption.
Spencer didn’t bother the cold shoulder. He cleared his throat before went on. “Miss Junie was merely t there’s been any misunderstanding. I take full responsibility”
To assist me with my condingh. If
Janie paused for a second. Wait, is Spencer actually trying to back me up? she thought, feeling quite touched. Too bad it wasn’t really necessary though
The Jenkins and Tyler were all completely speechless. There was no way they’d buy that Janir actually knew anything about aura and medicine.
If anything, they were even more convinced that she was just after Spencer’s status and looks, trying to lure him in on purpose.
o their surprise, Spencer seemed to be falling for it.
And, to
Karby sighed deeply and wondered. If only Janie had grown up with me she wouldn’t have turned out like this. Guess it’s time to step up and teach
her some manneri
She gave a forced smile and replied. “Well, if it’s just a misunderstanding, then we can all breathe easy?
“Sounds good to me” Spencer’s voice dropped, colder now. “Then, don’t you think you should all apologize for slandering a young Lady?
Janie blinked, caught off guard. Was he really defending her? It hit fer a bit unexpectedly–no one had ever had her hack like this, no one had ever believed in her or stood up for her.
And now, Spencer’s words made Kaily and Ryan feel like they were trapped in a corner. Even Tyler looked pissed too,
Thir. Alvarez, you’ve got it
at it wrong” Ryan quickly backpedaled, “It was just a little sibling squabble, nothing about slandering-
“A little squabble, huh?” Noah snapped, unable to hold it in anymore. “It was you guys ganging up on her, and now you’re just sitting here acting like it’s no lag dral
Spencer didn’t try to stop him, clearly, he was on the same page.
Janie couldn’t help but glance at then, feeling quite touched
Kathy, on the other hand, was furious. “What are you
Spencer didut budge. “Just calling it like it in
least, there were some decent prople aroumst
even blabbering alsuset”
“You have no idea how klar…” Kathy blurted out, but choked on her words, realizing she was about to shoot herself in the foot. She stappel hier mouth shut, trying to keep it together
Jaur’s ryn
cated with sarcasm Oh, the Tamily nex” thing, buli? What a joke.
“Grabrad, famh your thought,” Janie sailsweetly, watching Kathy’s face went from red to purple.
İryan quickly stepped in, trying to smooth things over. “Mom’s just upset, Janie, don’t take it to licant?
He shot a quick glaner at Spencer and Noal. “And, uh, to both of you gentlemen, this is family business. You must have misunderstood”
Yeale, loud and clear that they weren’t welcome to voice their opinion
Janie let out a smirk. They werent getting away with this. Not on her watch..
The gentlemen were just speaking up for what’s right.” She sureted, “ling you two? You’re so caught sip in your own liule bubble. No wonder you
12:08 PM c
Chapter 7
Kathy and Ryan’s faces were practically livid. Now Janie wasn’t giving them an inch in front of ever
But Tyler kept himself quiet. In situations like this, he’d prefer just taking it all in and letting the tension
Janie couldn’t help but smile. She turned to Spencer and Noah, giving them a grateful not “Thanks for having my back. Sorry for the “family” drama by the way.”
She then threw in a little smirk. “But honestly, no need to go overboard. It’s like preaching to a brick wall.
Spencer held her gaze for a second longer, then nodded, his voice quiet but firm. “Miss Janic, sometimes it’s better to just stop playing nice. He leaned back to his wheelchair, lening Noah wheel him over. “We’ll take our leave now?”
His word made her freeze for a second before hugging a faint smile on her face. “Yeah, I guess so” She murmured. “Take care then,”
Kathy’s face turned red with fury. Wasn’t that a slap in the facet Shed just been tearing into Janie, and now this?
She felt a wave of regret coming at her, but she wasn’t about to admit it.
“Yeah, you’ve got it right, Miss Janie. Noah, not giving two hoots, looked straight at Janie. “No need to explain. We’ll leave you to it then.”
Janie gave him a small smile and nodded. “Catch you bater
“Peace,” Noah added, throwing up a casual hand wave.
The others, still standing there, were clearly choking on their own words. They weren’t exactly thrilled about being interrupted.
And that’s when the storm rolled in. Zion was back, his fists clenched, eyes blazing, happened to hear the conversation. What the hell’s going on here!”
He tried to block the way, but Noah gave him a bored look. “What a joke,” He muttered, rolling his eyes. “Keep talking, you’re just digging yourself
“No way I’m taking this from you!” yelled Zion.
Noah shrugged, unfazed. “A minute ago, you were out of here. Now you’re back to playing the tough guy? Don’t trip on your own shoes.”
Spencer, chill as always, watching die drama unfold. “I would say that’s a nice burn.”
“And what the hell do you know!” Zion’s turned to Spencer, his face bret–red. “You’re just a crippled freak in a wheelchair-
Before he could even finish that sentence, Noaly’s fist met his face with a sickening thud, sending him to the ground.
Don’t even think about it Noah grunted, his face twisted in disgust.
Januar was stunned. She glanced over at Spencer, who was just sitting there like it was all some kind of boring TV show. Then she looked at Zion–he was writhing on the floor, with his family swarming around to help him up
Seemed like this had really taught him a lesson
“Oli my!” Xena let out a cry, running over to check on Zion. Hut a glimpse of Spencer caught her before that. The guy was ridiculously good- Jocking. It was like she just realized that.
She blushed, wiped her eyes, and put on her best damsel–in–distress act. “How could you do this to Zion‘ He didn’t mean-
Noah cut her off, deadpan. “Oh, please. Save the drama. If you care that much, why don’t you help him up instead of standing there crying?”
Xena shut up, as if star’d just stred on a rake. She turned on her heel and stomped off toward Zion, looking like she couldn’t get out of there Last
on of line!”
“This is ridiculous!” Hyan üldat keep it in any longer and stepped forward, trying to act
ing to act all high and mighty. “You guys are way out of
Nosh dolnyt bat an eye. “Didn’t Lay a hand on you. We’re just giving Miss Janie the respect she deserves. You trying to act like a clown or what?”
“How would you ? Kathy was trembling with rage while the others glaring at Spencer and Nush, and Xena let out an even louder scream.
“Why are your just standing there, Janie?” Slar glanced at Speiwer, “Is this your fiend?”
“Friend?” Zion rolled his eyes, Probably just .
Camather gold–sligger trying to ge a piece of the pie
Spencer dide’t even flinch. He looked at Zion coldly. “You’re trally asking for getting slapped around”
immediately clammed up. It was a rare sight to see him actually
ng in fear.
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12:09 PM c
Chapter 7
Everyone was tense, but no one dared to push it any further.
“You got a problem with us? We’re just backing up Miss J.
Janie.”
– Noah stepped up. “You keep running you
or you finally going to shut sip?”
“We’ll let you slide today” said Spencer calmly. “But there won’t be next time.”
“Exactly” Noah agreed. Just keep that mouth of yours in check.”
He wheeled Spencer away in triumph. Watching them leaving, Jante couldn’t help but gran. Finally, someone had her back.
Zion, now back on his feet, was fuming “Mom! Who do they think they are, just decking me like that?
Kathy snapped. “Shut up!” She was done with the nonsense.
Janie, come help Zion our called Xena.
“Why
waste your breath on her?” Zion stopped her. In just a few minutes, he’d been knocked around and ripped into a major hit to the ego.
He shot Janie a look full of pure hatred as the humiliation got to him. “Guess I was right. You really did manage to reel him in, huh?”
Janie crossed her arms and grinned. “You’re lucky we didn’t just let Mr. Noah have another round
d with you.”
Zion’s face turned red with rage. “You think this is funny? Keep messing with me, and you’ll regret it.”
“What’s your problem, Janie!” said Nena, “How c can you just stand there and watch Zion get beat up like that?”
Janie gave her a look like she was crazy. “Don’t push me to beat you up, too. Everyone’s got
their limic”
Xena froze, looking completely thrown off. She immediately turned to Kathy for help. “Mom, did you hear that?”
Kathy looked like she was about to say something, but Ryan quickly cut in “Haven’t wished you a happy birthday yet. Tyler. He grinned, “Enjoy your eighteen while it lasts, alright?”
Tyler blinked, then laughed it off. “Thanks”
“Oh right,” Kathy quickly switched gears, “Let’s all wish Tyler a happy birthday!”
As everyone else chimed in with their well wishes, Janie stayed silent.
She wasn’t a fan of Tyler, so why would she bother with a “happy birthday” for him?
Kathy noticed the silence and felt the tension creeping in Janie’s cold shoulder was starting to get under her skin, and her disappointment was growing by the minute.
And Tyler! He was losing patience too. Janie’s lack of manners was rubbing him the wrong way. Honestly, what’s the point of being pretty if you’re not going to be decent? he wondered.
Seeing this, Ryan let out a quiet sigh, then turned to Tyler. “Tyler, you’ve been hanging around long enough. Go chat with the other guests”
Tyler gave a quark nod, bid his goodbye, and left in a hurry. Not once did he spare Janie another glance.
Once he was out the door, Kathy and Ryan exchanged an embarrassed look, but neither said anything. It wasn’t after a moment when Ryan spoke up “Mom I’m stepping out for a bat.”
Xena immediately jumped in. “And Zion and I’ll go take some fresh air?
Kathy was quickly to jump on board. But Janie got up without a word and strolled out like she couldn’t be bothered to stick around.
Ryan and Kathy let out a sigh, looked like somer had just crushed their heart.
“Mom, don’t let
ii get to you? Ryan patted Kathy’s back, trying to ease her frustration. “She just got back, right? We’re not close enough yet.”
“She does need same i
some proper guidance, Kathy sighed, “but so does Zion Ugh, how did things end up like this?”
Ryan could not answer this question. He just let out anather heavy sigh.
Meanwhile, instead of leaving the party with the Jenkins, Jane decided to take a walk.
And it wasn’t long before she ran into Spencer and Noal. Spencer flashed her a gentle smile, and for a second, it felt like the whole vibe around them shifted
3/5
12:09 PM
Chapter 7
“Miss Janie greeted Spencer. “Guess we’re crossing path again.”
Janie was a little surprised. “Well, what are the odde“
Spencer grinned. “Care to join me for a w
Janie didn’t hesitate. “Sure.”
Noah hurried off after a policy Jamie, but his thoughts racing.
as just love at
The more he mulled it over the more things didn’t add up. Mr. Alvarez was clearly treating Janie differently. Noah wondered if it was first sight. Then again, Janie was undeniably stunning that Mr. Alvarez wasn’t exactly the type to get swayed by a pretty face.
Noah shook his head, feeling like he was overthinking it. Whatever the case, to him, Mr. Alvarez always had his reasons, and they were usually solid. No point strekking over il
“Miss Janie” Meanwhile, Spencer was the first to start the conversation. “I owe you an apology for what happened today. Because of me, you were draced into unnecessary trouble”
Jane blinked in surprise before quickly shaking her head. “No. It wasn’t your fauk
She glanced away, her expression clouding over. It was her fractured ties with the J
Jenkins family–relationships that were never meant to be.
A faint sadness crept into her eyes. From the start, she had told herself not to expect love or approval from others
But in the face of her parents and siblings–the people who were supposed to be closest to her–she couldn’t stop herself from wishing, just a little, for the warmth of familial affection
She’d been starved of love for so long that she’d foolishly longed for something she could never have. This was her reality, and maybe, in some
was what she deserved
Spencer studied her for a moment, his tone softening. “Miss Janie, I assume you’ll be leaving soon!”
Janie didn’t expect such a question, but she didn’t hide what she had on her mind. “Yes”
Neither of them pressed further on the topic.
“Alvarez” Janie broke the silence, “I don’t know how to deal with your illness yet, but I promise you. I’ll work hard to figure it out”
Spencer shook his head lightly “Tve lived with it for so long that it hardly matters anymore. Don’t trouble yourself on my account. I’m already grateful for wour you’ve done
arse didn’t speak a word. Her resolve only strengthened. T
I will find a
nd a way to he
to heal him,‘ she thought, –
-no matter what it takes.
tit takes
Shed been handed this rare chance, and it had to count for something. It needed to have a purpose. For her, that purpose was clear–Spencer. He would be ber fint and, maybe, her most important one.
She wound with Spencer a little longer, chatting idly as the evening stretched on. When she noticed how late it was, she bid him goodbye and made
When the got back to the Jenkins‘ house, the whole family was waiting in the living room, looking like they were about to hold a full–blown trial.
mue! You’re finally ekď” Xena shot up and rushed over, her face painted with concern. “Where did you go! We were so worried?”
Jarar udemtepped her outrenched band, her voice steady and detached. “Just went for a walk?
in the
Zion, sprawled on the c still rubbing his sorr barkside as he let out a nagy laugh. “Worried? Who’s worried about her! She wondered off in muddle of the night–prutally up to no gol
Say Tes more” Elluari snapped, his brow furrowing in disapproval.
„Z200 just shruggend, his smog stark still plastered on his face
ick wave. “Janie, don’t just stand around like a statue–conte take a seat.”
Janur didit argue, walking forward without a word, her expression unrealable. Kally’s face softened just a bit, while Xena, now looking dejected,
Now only Janie was standing in the muddle of al
like she was on t
12:09 PM
Chapter 7
Kathy cleared her throat, her tone sharp but measured. “Janic, where were you just
“I said this before, I just went for a walk,” Janie repeated, her voice as neutral as before,
Kathy’s jaw tightened, and she took a slow breath, clearly trying to keep her cool. “Alright. Look, both you and Zion were out of line tonight. Just apologize to each other and be done with it, okay? You two are siblings–you need to get along.”
Before Jane could even open her mouth, Zion scoffed loudly. “Apologize? For what? I didn’t do anything wrong! She’s the one with no manners, acting like she’s too good for this family!”
Frank’s face turned beet red as he slammed his hand on the table. “Nonsense! Do you even hear yourself?”
Zion flinched but still held his ground, glaring defiantly, “Dad, you weren’t there! You didn’t see it! She to him like… like that! It was humiliating, a total disgrace to the family!”
e was all over that sickly Spencer guy, clinging
His voice rose as he pointed accusingly. “And then she had the nerve to hit met Me! Your son! Just because of that invalid. Oh, and let’s not forget, his lackey–yeah, that guy–be beat me up too! You don’t believe me? Ask Mom and Ryan! They saw it!!
Janie’s expression remained neutral, but for a fleeting moment, her gaze sharpened, as if something inside her had shifted.
The room went quiet, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Kathy and Ryan exchanged awkward glances, while Xena looked between everyone, clearly wanting to say something but holding back.
Finally, Janie broke the silence, her voice cold and steady. I’ve already told you–I wasn’t clinging to anyone. I was helping him, plain and simple. So quit dragging people into your little hissy fit
Zion’s face darkened, “What?”
“As for hining you?” Janie’s tone turned even icier, her eyes meeting his without a flicker of hesitation. “You deserved it.
