Chapter 109

Chapter 109
VERA'S POV
It was a cool evening when she was laid to rest. I stood quietly beside her grave, not really sure how I felt. She hadn’t been the best mother, but she still said "bless you" when someone sneezed. That had to mean something. Still, I never understood how she could watch me suffer at the hands of her boyfriend. It made me doubt if I was ever truly her daughter. But even with all that, I never wished death on her. Not this soon.
We were slowly becoming friends, trying to fix things between us. She really cared about Jessica, even though she stayed distant. She hadn’t been sick, and she wasn't the type to take her own life. Yet, she died so quietly. According to Jessica, she lay down beside her one night and never woke up.
Thanks to Jack, we had gotten the chance to make peace. But I thought she'd do more. Maybe say sorry. Maybe try to be a better mother. I thought she would at least try to be present, to make up for all the time lost. Instead, she chose eternal rest. Was she at peace with how she lived her life? Did she think I forgot everything her boyfriend did to me? She should have fought harder. She should have tried to rewrite her story... our story.
I stood alone, glad that Jack was talking to some people and not hovering over me. Nathan was with Jessica. She wasn’t crying loudly like most people would expect, but she looked pale, too pale. That kind of pain is quiet. I know it. It's a horrible, hollow ache. One that makes you feel numb.
She wasn't grieving because she missed her mother in the usual way. Jessica was mourning everything she never had. The birthdays and achievements that went unnoticed. The hugs she didn’t get. The pain she hid. The nights she cried alone, thinking she was the problem. The days she stood alone at school gates waiting. The ceremonies she attended without her mother. It all hurts.
I'm glad Nathan is there for her. Though I’m still surprised by how close they’ve become. Since Jessica started visiting my old apartment more, they must’ve bonded quickly. Even if their friendship becomes something more, I trust Nathan not to hurt her. She deserves someone who will help her heal.
I didn’t expect my father to show up. But he came, with his new wife and two kids. I guess he wanted to pay his last respects. That probably meant something to my mother, wherever she was.
When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I thought Jack had returned. But it was my dad.
“Hi,” I said quietly, glancing past him at his new family.
They stood a bit away, watching us. I could tell from their faces that they were talking about me.
“I didn’t expect to see you,” he said, looking nervous. His hands wouldn’t stay still. He rubbed his beard, shoved his hands in his pockets, pulled them out again, then ran them through his greying hair.
“Same here,” I replied, keeping my voice flat.
“I’m sorry, Vera. It shouldn’t have ended like this,” he said, stepping closer and squeezing my hand gently.
“Well, it did. It’s too late now. I just hope she found peace.” I crossed my arms. “Looks like you’re doing fine with your new family.”
He looked back at them, rubbed the back of his neck, and swallowed hard.
“Yeah, I guess,” he said softly. “I’m glad you have Jackson. Your mom trusted you with Jessica. That says something.” He finally smiled a little when our eyes met.
I gave a small nod. That’s when I felt Jack’s hand wrap around my waist. I didn’t have to look to know it was him. His touch, his cologne, it all calmed me instantly. I leaned into him.
“Mr. Santos?” Jack greeted, shaking my father’s hand firmly.
“Thanks for helping with everything. Would you like to join my family for dinner later?” my dad asked. I was about to protest, but Jack noticed and stepped in.
“We already have plans. Maybe some other time,” he said politely, giving a quick smile before guiding me away toward Jessica.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“No need,” he said, pressing a kiss to my cheek. But then his voice shifted. “If that bastard had shown up today, I would’ve ripped out his eyes and fed them to him.”
I almost asked who he meant, but then it clicked, Jessica’s father. My mother’s boyfriend. The man who nearly destroyed my life. He had vanished right after Jessica was born. No one knew where he went, or if he was even alive.
“I’m fine,” I said. “I’m not crying, am I?”
We reached Jessica just in time to hear her softly speaking to Nathan, trying to get him to leave her alone.
“Tears don’t mean pain is over. I…”
“Let’s go get the kids into the car, man,” Jack cut in, pulling Nathan away before he could finish. Once they were out of earshot, I looked at Jessica.
Her head was down. She wouldn’t look at me.
“She didn’t know I stayed in touch with him,” she said, her voice cracking. “She always said we were better off without him. But I still talked to him. I’m sorry, Vera. I know what he did to you. And now I’m a reminder of that. Every time you see me, it must hurt.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“It’s not our fault,” I told her. “We were just unlucky. Come here.” I wrapped my arms around her tightly, gently rubbing her back. “No matter what happens, remember someone loves you. I’ll always be here. You’re my sister. We’re family.”
We stayed like that for what felt like forever. I didn’t let go until her sobs faded. I kept my own tears in check. I couldn’t break down now. She needed me to be strong. She was right, everything did suck. Nothing was going to be the same again. But maybe… just maybe, it could still get better.
“Hey, Vera?”
Hearing Hannah’s voice, I slowly let go of Jessica and handed her a handkerchief. She wiped her face and blew her nose. Then I turned to face Hannah.
I expected her to say something kind, something comforting. But the look on her face made my heart drop.
“Malone is nowhere to be found,” she said.
My shoulders slumped.