Page 65 of Rejection and Redeemed

Fran looked at his stern expression. “Thank you.”

“We’ll be back,” Christine said, kissing the side of Jacob’s head.

As Jacob watched them leave, he felt tears come to his eyes. One slipped out that he quickly wiped away. So many people looking after and caring for him, this was what a real family looked like. It was something he’d not had since his mother died. He was overcome with emotions.

Fran moved and sat on the bed next to Jacob and put his arm around him. “I’ve got you,” he said softly, kissing Jacob’s sweaty head.

Jacob leaned into him as more tears fell.

Fran held him as Jacob cried, before making use of the bucket.

Fran gently wiped Jacob’s face.

Jacob moved and lay on his side, knees pulled up. “What do you do for fun?”

Fran looked surprised for a moment. “Honestly, not much. Because I was single, I worked a lot, and did lots of overtime, and because of that, I don’t really have a lot of friends. Well, I have friends, but not close ones, except for Rob, Ezzy, and now Finn. But I like reading, drawing, and vegging in front of the TV. What about you?”

“Spending time with Joe. Honestly, he was the one person who made my hellish life better. I could just veg with him. Play video games, not worry about anything I said or did getting back to my dad. But I like reading as well.”

Jacob moved his head and threw up into the bucket.

That was how they spent their time, chatting about themselves, in between Jacob using the buckets and Fran cleaning them out and wiping Jacob’s face.

About an hour later Christine and Clairmont walked back into the room, with the butler carrying two boxes of the water Fran asked for.

“Thanks for these,” Fran said, as Clairmont put the boxes down on the coffee table, opening the box and bringing a bottle over to Jacob.

“I’m going to retire; do you need anything before I go?”

“No thanks, Clairmont. Thanks for your help,” Fran replied.

“Thanks, Clairmont,” Jacob said weakly.

Clairmont nodded and patted Jacob’s leg and with a last night, walked out.

“You should rest as well,” Jacob said, looking at Christine.

“Nonsense. Now, I know your Fran won’t leave your side, so he’s going to sit in that chair and rest while I look after you.”

Fran looked ready to protest.

“Don’t make me use my mother voice,” she said.

Fran grinned. “Okay, but I’m staying right here.”

“As you should. Now, Jacob, try a little of this water,” she said, picking the bottle up and unscrewing the lid.

“I’m too tired to try,” Jacob said softly.

Christine moved around the bed and got closer to his head. “I’ll do all the work, all you need to do is swallow small sips.”

After a few sips Christine took the bottle away and replaced the cap. “Well done.”

Jacob took her hand. “Thank you for being here.”

“Oh, sweetie. I couldn’t be there for my Fintan when he needed me. I know I'm not your mother, but I can help you through this.”

Jacob nodded. “Do you know how the Alpha got on with the men in the cells?”