Chapter 88 Piece by piece
CHAPTER 88
Piece by piece
Jane stood just inside the living room, still holding the bag of snacks, as she took in the sight of Ruby standing right in front of her alive with a warmth she hadn’t seen in days. For a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply looked at each other and then they both smiled.
“Come here,” Jane said softly.
Ruby didn’t hesitate. She stepped forward again and pulled Jane into another hug, just like making up for the days they hadn’t seen each other properly.
“I really missed you,” Ruby admitted, her voice softer now, but steady.
Jane held her just as firmly.
“I know,” she replied. “And I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner.”
Ruby pulled back slightly, shaking her head.
“No, don’t say that,” she said. “You were there when it mattered.”
Jane studied her face again and this time, she allowed herself to really see the change.
Ruby still looked like someone who had been through pain there was no denying that. But she no longer looked broken. There was strength there now, quiet, but growing.
Jane smiled. “I’m proud of you,” she said.
Ruby blinked slightly, caught off guard. “For what?” she asked.
“For standing,” Jane replied simply. “For trying and not giving up.”
Ruby didn’t respond immediately, but her expression softened. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Jane finally stepped further into the living room, her eyes drifting around as she took in the space once again and just like every other time It impressed her.
“Honestly,” she said, letting out a small breath. “This house…”
Ruby tilted her head slightly.
“What about it?”
Jane turned slowly, her gaze moving across the elegant furniture, the soft lighting, the perfectly arranged décor. “The beauty of this place never fades,” she said. “Every time I come here, it still feels just as stunning as the first time.”
Ruby smiled faintly. “I guess you’re used to smaller spaces,” she teased gently.
Jane laughed. “Very funny,” she replied. “My house may be small, but it has character.”
“I’m sure it does,” Ruby said warmly.
Jane turned back to her. “But this?” she added, gesturing around. “This is on another level.”
Ruby didn’t argue.
She just smiled and took Jane’s hand.
“Come sit,” she said.
They settled back onto the couch, and Jane placed the bag of snacks on the table. Nora, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward slightly.
“Should I bring plates?” she asked.
“Yes, please,” Ruby replied.
Nora nodded and moved quickly toward the kitchen. Jane watched her go before leaning slightly closer to Ruby.
“She’s really nice,” Jane said.
“She is,” Ruby agreed. “They all are.”
Jane glanced toward where Alex and Carl stood, still maintaining a respectful distance. She smiled slightly.
“You guys can come closer, you know,” she called out.
Alex exchanged a quick look with Carl before stepping forward. “Yes, miss,” Alex said.
Jane raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Miss?” she repeated. “Are we doing formal introductions now?”
Carl let out a small, awkward laugh.
“We’re just being respectful,” he explained.
Jane shook her head lightly. “You can relax,” she said. “I don’t bite.”
That earned a faint smile from both of them.
A few moments later, Nora returned with plates and some additional food she had prepared. The aroma filled the room instantly, making Jane’s eyes light up.
“Wait,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “You made food too?”
Nora nodded. “Yes. Just something simple.”
Jane looked at Ruby. “You didn’t tell me I was walking into a full feast.”
Ruby laughed softly. “I didn’t know you were bringing half the snack shop with you either.”
Jane grinned. “Fair enough.”
Everything was set on the table, the snacks Jane brought, the food Nora prepared. It was more than enough, but what made it special wasn’t the quantity. It was the atmosphere.
Ruby glanced at Alex, Carl, and Nora.
“Sit,” she said.
All three of them hesitated. “Miss Ruby…” Nora began carefully.
Ruby sighed softly, though there was a hint of amusement in it.
“If you don’t sit down right now, I’m going to be offended,” she said.
That did it. Slowly, and still a bit unsure, they all took seats.
Jane watched the entire exchange with a smile.
“I like this version of you,” she whispered to Ruby.
Ruby raised an eyebrow slightly. “Oh?”
Jane nodded. “Bossy, but sweet,” she teased.
Ruby laughed softly. “I’m not bossy.”
Jane gave her a look. “You just threatened them into sitting down.”
Ruby opened her mouth to respond then paused and laughed again. “Okay, maybe a little.”
Jane reached into the bag and started handing out the snacks. “This is for you,” she said, passing something to Alex.
“And you,” she added, handing one to Carl.
“And of course, Nora.”
Nora looked slightly surprised. “For me too?” she asked.
“Of course,” Jane replied. “Who do you think I bought them for?”
Nora hesitated before accepting it. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Alex and Carl also looked a bit shy, clearly not used to being included like this.
Jane noticed. “You’re all part of this house, right?” she said.
They nodded.
“Then you’re part of this moment too,” she added simply.
At one point, Jane leaned back slightly, glancing at Ruby.
“You really are doing better,” she said.
Ruby nodded. “I told you,” she replied. “I’m healing.”
Jane smiled. “I can see that.”
Ruby looked around the room briefly at Nora, at Alex, at Carl. Then back at Jane.
“I think being around people helps,” she admitted.
Jane nodded. “It always does.”
Ruby exhaled softly. “I still miss him,” she added quietly.
Jane’s expression softened. “I know.”
“But it doesn’t hurt the same way every second anymore,” Ruby continued.
Jane reached over, placing her hand gently over Ruby’s. “That’s progress,” she said.
Ruby nodded. “Yes… it is.”
The movie continued playing in the background, but at some point, it became secondary.nThe real focus was here, the laughter, the food and quiet healing happening in real time and as Jane looked around the room, she realized something important. Ruby wasn’t just recovering. She was rebuilding piece by piece, moment by moment and she wasn’t doing it alone.