Shattered

23: The Promise

The next months passed much too quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was the end of July, and next, it was almost the day that three had been dreading more than they were willing to admit.

  In a solemn silence, Brooke, Brianna, and Jacob sat around the small television, as Jacob flicked through the channels. Each tried not to think about the next day, but it was hard not to, when it seemed that no one could think of anything cheerful to say. It was the last night they had together as a 'family.' At least the last night for a while. They had not spoken of it the entire day, but they had not spoken much anyway. The mark on the calendar confirmed their sorrows, and small array of luggage in the hallway was like a weight on their shoulders.

  As he flicked through the channels, the word 'Worthington' caught Jacob's attention. Curious, he turned it back to the channel he had heard it from, and listened attentively to the female news reporter.

  "That's right, folks," she said, "It was confirmed just a few minutes ago. Convicted murderer Robert Worthington was found not guilty. His son, Bradley's defense was convincing enough for the jury. So much so, that it was a unanimous decision. The real question here is, is Robert really innocent, or was his son forced to lie for the sake of his father? Channel 9 news contributor Frank Thompson weighs in. Good evening, Frank."

  Jacob changed the channel, and avoided looking at the two sisters. They did not know what to feel, exactly. Mostly relieved that their father was not a murderer, but also conflicted, they both remained neutral. There was a time to talk about a subject like that, but it being their last night with Jacob, then was not the time.

  The morning crept upon them, and each struggled to get up. Fully dressed, but half asleep, they stood around in the kitchen. It was much different than the night before; they seemed to have more to say than they could handle. For Brooke and Brianna, it was like saying good-bye for forever. It was like losing another member of the family. Jacob assured them every few minutes that he would be home soon. Deep down in their hearts they knew he was right, but they had begun to feel pessimistic about it. What if he did not come back? How could they handle losing him?

  "Hey I got you something," said Jacob to the sisters. He quickly left the kitchen, and returned a moment later with something hidden behind his back. "Ta-da!" he said, revealing to them a stuffed skunk.

  He handed it to Brianna. "I named it Jacob," he said pridefully. 

  "Clever," Brooke laughed, as she watched Brianna stare sadly down at the stuffed animal.

  "I thought it was," said Jacob, who could not help the jubilance that he felt on that summer morning. 

  Suddenly, Brianna rushed toward Jacob and threw her arms around him. It was about the dozenth time she had hugged him that morning, but he did not mind in the least. It was comforting to him to know how much he was going to be missed.  

  "Don't forget to be awesome, Brie," said Jacob, as she cried silently into his chest. "I'm not trying to be funny. You are an incredible young woman. You're going to be taller than me by the time I get back."

  "But you're like seven feet tall," Brianna mumbled through her tears.