unwanted

chapter eight

uncertain

The kids ate quickly and with a lot of whining and complaining, then they ran off to play again.

Come to find out that the oldest one who was always getting into trouble the most, was a girl. When Grammy made her take off her cap, she'd had the most beautiful curly blond hair.

Jess's mouth dropped open. Don't know why. She hadn't been any different at that age. Guess because Fritz was so breathtaking, she wondered how she could have ever thought she was a boy.

Julian smiled and gave her a nudge with his shoulder. His second since sitting down next to her. The first nudge had been at the speed she'd use to make sure she got the seat next to Adrian.

Guess she'd been too obvious about it. Now everyone at the table probably thought she liked him, and the truth was that she like being around him.

She didn't understand it, but he had a calming effect on her. It was almost like he had Savion's gift, except for stronger. He didn't just calm her nerves he calmed her pain as well.

For the first time in months, she could breathe without it hurting and she knew it was because of him.

From the time she'd woke up, the effect had been there but now, with him this close, it was stronger.

She should be demanding answers from him, but she was just hard press to stay out of his arms, as it was, she touched him every chance she got.

By the end of dinner, it was clear that he knew the effect he was having on her. Smiling softly at her, he took her hand in one of his. "You've had a hard time of it, haven't you sweetheart?"

Nodding, she moved closer to him until he tucked her close.

"You're an alien?" Julian asked, his face hardening.

"Of course, he's not. You don't really believe there's aliens, do you?" Sean answered then asked.

Jessica reached for another piece of cornbread. "He just has a calming effect on people. It's sweet, not something to be afraid of."

"Aliens are real, believe me. I've met them, I've seen their giant spaceship. Some of them even have gifts like your friend here, so I'll ask again. Are you one of them?"

"Julian, he doesn't look like them." His dark brown hair and golden-brown eyes were proof of that.

"I was born and raised right here. My dad farmed this land and my mom passed away when I was thirteen. After high school I wanted to see some of the world, but I wasn't army material like my dad was, so I joined the peace core. Afterwards I always knew I would end up back here doing what my family has always done. Farm the land. I was barely back states side when people started getting sick. By the time I got home my dad was already gone. I'm as down to earth and as human as they come. Jessica is right. Ever since I was a small child, I've noticed that I have a calming effect on people."

He looked down at Jess, who was still tucked into his arms. "I will admit something seems different with her. Like I know her. Like I recognize her. It's like I'm not just calming her, I'm trying to heal her.

Jess nodded against his chest. "It's true." She looked backed to Julian. "If I'm touching him the pain is bearable. Just being around him makes it almost bearable."

"I'm glad for it, baby, but it makes no sense." He looked back at Adrian. "You don't happen to have a tattoo or birthmark somewhere, do you?"