| Jake was at the airport to pick me up when I arrived. "Hey, bro! How ya doin'?" I greeted him with a hug. "I'm doing just fine, Jess. How's the leg?" he asked. "Good, Jakey. Tay wouldn't let me do anything stupid, " I told him, "Even though Zac had that ass kicking coming.." I laughed. Jake chuckled. "Heard all about it, already, Jessie. Taylor's crazy in love with you, you know. He called as soon as your plane took off, wanting to make sure I didn't let you get off that plane alone." he smiled at me. "That guy's got excellent taste in women.." he joked. "Jeez, Jakey...you're as bad as Zac." I scolded, shaking my head. "Hey! I speak the truth..how was your week? Did he let you out of the bedroom?" "JAKE! God! Yes!" I giggled. "Knock it off..." He threw my bags in the back of his truck and held the door for me. I hopped in and shut my door, before Jake could. He looked at me strangely. "Don't spoil me, Jake. You're my brother.." I teased. He laughed and started the truck. We drove to my apartment talking about many things. I gushed about Tay's family, especially the kids and jake told me about taking care of my apartment and all the things we had lined up as far as training and sponsorship went. He actually went to Drew and got funding from the radio station for me, as long as I agreed to be give the station an exclusive interview, right before the competition. "Oh my god! Jake! You are a genius.." I hugged him. "I can quit my night job for that kind of sponsorship.." |
| "That was the idea.." Jake said. "I don't want you out alone that late at night, neither does Tay. not without knowing where Eric is, Jess. he would have killed you." "I also changed our gym memebership, owned by the same people but on the other side of town..." he went on. "Damn, Jake! I feel bad being off on vacation like that and you're here workin' your ass off.." I smiled at him. "but you were right. I did need it." "I know you did." he said and ruffled my hair. "I want you to stay at my place tonight, Jess. I got more to tell you.." he said and the smile left his face. "Jake, what's wrong?" I asked. "Soon enough, Jessie. We're here and you better call Taylor before he loses what's left of his mind." he said. I went inside and called Taylor, glad to hear his voice. We talked for a little while while Jake brought my stuff in and started gathering blankets and pillows. I hung up with Tay and turned to Jake. "Now what is it that can wipe that smile directly off your face in 2 seconds flat, Jacob?" I asked. "Sit down, Jessie." he said and motioned to the couch. I did as he asked, he seemed greatly distressed. "Jess, I know where our mother is." He stated flatly. |
| I sat there, stunned, for a few minutes. Jake sat next to me resting hs arms on his thighs, just looking at me. I shook myslef into coherence and asked, "Jake, how? I mean... WHERE is she?" I asked incredulous. "Jessie, listen to me, okay? " he asked and I nodded. "Okay," he began, "I've been looking for her for YEARS, Jess. I never could find her.." he stood and went to his desk in the corner of the room. "This came here while you were with Tay." he handed me a yellow envelope. I opened it at his urging and read the telegram inside. "Dear Mr. Lee, As you know we have been following your request to locate your mother as best we can. Unfortunately we could not find her before she passed on. Your mother passed away two days ago in London, England. You are named in her will. You are required to attend the reading and you may do so by telephone as you are listed as her only living relative..." The rest of the letter gave telephone information etc., so that Jake could get the information he needed. "Jake? Only living relative? What does that mean?" I asked. He closed his eyes and went on. "Jessie, she left me a fortune and this letter....." he handed me another envelope. My dearset Jacob, I know you have been searching for me, as was your father. I wanted to come to you but could not as you were still searching for Jessie, too. I am leaving you my waelth as it is rightfully yours. Your father earned it, he would have given all of it to Jessie and seen that nne went to you as you are a male, and should earn your own fortune. That's what he used to tell me anyway. I have seen Jessie, and I know you are her friend. She has grown very beautiful and will have no troubles, I've also seen her picture in the papers here, with that young musician. Even in pictures I can tell they have found love and I know he will take care of her. Jake, you and Jessie are full brother and sister, the man that she thinks is her father found out about her before your father did..it's all very complicated..and I am too sick to write it all down. If she needs you I know you will be there for her, in ways I could not. Take the money and take care of yourself, Jake. I leave it to you with all the love I couldn't give you while I was alive, Mom |
| I sat staring at her letter, getting angrier by the moment. "This does not explain shit! What am I an afterthought? I don't want her damn money, but she could have written to me.." tears streamed down my face. "She saw me in the papers but couldn't WRITE.." Jake put his arms around me and hugged me. "Apparently she had a lot of mixed up phobias about gender issues, Jess. She expected you to marry Taylor for his money first, then because you love him. You'll marry him, but not for his money, Jessie, but because he's your life. She apparently didn't realize that men marry for money these days too..." he chuckled. "So I was thinking, I have money and a new career, and you are going to be the biggest Fitness America star this world has ever seen. Let's move out of this FROZEN STINKING STATE..soon as this competition is over.." he grinned. "And where were you thinking of moving to, brother of mine?" I asked sarcastically. "I was thinking...TULSA...but if you don't want to..we can move somewhere else.." he said. "JAKE!!! TULSA!?!?" I hollered and threw my arms around him. "You're serious?" "Dead serious. I've wanted out of this frozen tundra land for years..." he grinned. "Oh god..Jake let's do it!" I squealed and hugged my wonderful brother again. |