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I sigh, fully aware of how unapproachable I've been lately. “She's not a burden,” I state firmly.
Jack pauses, searching my face. For what, I don't know. “Then what is she?” he finally asks.
A part of me grateful for the chance to vocalize my feelings, yet uncertain about how to articulate the complexities of my relationship with Natalie. "She’s… amazing, Jack. She really is. But it's complicated. With all this going on, I sometimes wonder if I’m the one bringing too much chaos into her life."
Jack shakes his head. "She doesn’t care about that. She’s in this with her eyes open, man.”
I manage a half-smile, knowing the truthfulness of his words, but it doesn't ease my guilt. “Yeah, she’s something else. I mean, she's Nat. I’m just... I worry I’m not giving her what she needs.”
“I think what she needs is a break—you both do,” Jack interjects. “Maybe you could take a break together.”
It's a brilliant idea, and I practically kick myself for not thinking of it sooner. “You’re right,” I agree, excitement brimming within me for the first time in a while. “We could go somewhere special, an escape just for a night.”
Jack squints at me, his expression pinched. “Careful—that’s my sister you're talking about, remember?”
I laugh, a genuine sound that feels surprisingly refreshing given the weight I’ve been carrying around. “I know. I'll keep the details to myself.”
“Good Lord,” Jack mutters under his breath, rubbing a hand down his face. Then more seriously, he adds, “Just promise me that you're really serious about this? That you're not just playing with Nat?”
A serious moment passes between us as the weight of his plea draws years of history, of brotherhood trust, up to the surface.
“Honestly?” I pause, a realization dawning on me even as I speak, “I care about her a lot, Jack. Too much. I think I'm in love with her.”
The word hangs in the air, more significant than I intended. Jack looks shocked at first, then his expression shifts into something deeper, more reflective. The truth is, it surprises me too. Saying it out loud, admitting it to Jack, to myself, makes it more real than it’s ever been.
The silence stretches too long for my comfort. I have no idea what Jack is thinking. For all I know, he's taking so long to answer because he's contemplating the most gratifying way to kill me. And I wouldn't blame him, considering everything.
To my surprise, Jack raises his brow, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he nods slowly. “Well, then. That’ll do.” He laughs, shaking his head as if in disbelief. “Actually, I think it’s good—you and Nat. You’ve got something special. If you love her, then she deserves to know that. Especially now, with everything that’s going on. It might give you both something solid to hold onto.”
His words echo in my mind as we continue our lunch, switching topics, trying to give the heavy conversation a moment to settle. It's genuinely good advice. It could be just what Natalie and I need; a romantic night away from everything, a chance to recharge and reaffirm the feelings that have been growing between us. It will give me an opportunity to tell her I love her.
As we part ways, Jack claps me on the back, a brotherly gesture filled with warmth. “Take care of her, Jules. And take care of yourself too. You’ve got people who care about you, don’t forget that.”
Driving away from the diner, I feel a mixture of resolve and anticipation stirring within me. Planning something special for Natalie sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Maybe it’s time to stop letting chaos dictate our lives, and start creating our own peace, however fleeting it might be.
Settling back at home later in the evening, with the mission of planning something truly special for Natalie, I feel light, bubbly—like my very bones are buzzing with excitement. Or maybe it's nerves. Planning a romantic escape requires far more effort than the usual dinner and a movie. It needs to be unique, something memorable that will offer us both a genuine break from our worries.
I start by looking up various date ideas, browsing through endless lists of suggestions. Many are the standard fare, but I’m looking for something deeper, different. After an hour of searching, I find myself drawn to the idea of a secluded cabin getaway. It’s the perfect blend of intimacy and escape—remote enough to feel like we're stepping out of our lives, but comfortable enough to relax completely.
The idea solidifies as I explore options for cabins nearby. I find one nestled beside a lake, surrounded by woods, offering privacy and a picturesque setting. It boasts a cozy interior with a fireplace, a small dock, and promises of starlit nights. This could be the perfect place for us to unwind and reconnect, away from the ever-looming pressures of our daily lives.
The more I think about it, the more perfect it seems. We could take walks by the lake, maybe go boating if the weather allows, or just stay in bed the whole time—if that's where the trip takes us. It would be a chance for us to talk, to laugh, and just be together without the outside world intruding.
But then, there’s the matter of Aria. The thought of leaving her overnight, even with trusted friends, stirs a familiar surge of reluctance. It’s a hurdle I hadn’t fully considered, too caught up in the excitement of time alone with Nat.
Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that Aria enjoys her time away from home. She’s getting tired of being confined to the house day after day. It’s just the safety concerns that make me pause; but I can hear Natalie’s voice in my mind, reminding me that Aria will be okay, that I can't do everything alone and I need to trust the people in my corner.
With a decision made, I mark the upcoming weekend on my calendar. Tomorrow, I’ll start the preparations: booking the cabin, arranging Aria to stay with family, and planning the small details that will make the getaway special for Natalie. I want everything to be perfect.
I can already imagine Nat’s reaction, the joy and surprise in her eyes. It’s a moment I find myself eagerly anticipating. This weekend will be about us, a chance to strengthen our bond.
After realizing how long I've been lost in planning and daydreaming, I glance at the clock. It’s getting late, and I need to put Aria to bed. The day has slipped by quicker than expected, riding a high of good emotions that I haven't experienced in a long time.
As I get Aria ready for bed, I think about how I'll explain the upcoming plans to her. I want her to be excited, and not feel like I’m taking a vacation without her. If she has any sort of hesitancy about this, I’ll shut down all the plans.
But I’m really hoping she’ll wingman me here.
When Aria hops under the covers, I can tell she's feeling much better than this morning. Her fever is gone, and a healthy shine is beginning to return to her eyes. I might as well tell her now, then.
