Stephan(68)

“How?” Everything he said was true and I hadn’t even noticed.

“It took me time to figure it out and my family helped me. My mum was so hurt you wouldn’t go out or do things with her, but when I asked her she told me she understood. It would be hard for you because you put your trust in us and we let you down like everyone else important in your life. You loved us but were scared we’d break you again. Brand told me I had broken you. When he explained it, I saw what I’d done. You were coming out of your shell and we broke you because we gave you things you thought you’d never have.”

I could feel the tears running down my cheeks as I stared, stunned, at Stephan. Everything he said was true. It made me wonder. “Why do you love me? I haven’t done anything special for you to fall for me.”

“How the hell could you say that? You have given me so much. I have learned so much.” He raised his hand, stroking my cheek, brushing away my tears. “Before you I didn’t know what love was. You’ve shown me. Jade, you love people unconditionally, even people who don’t deserve your love, like your grandfather and mother. You cleaned your grandpa’s house and cooked his meals. I bet you even did his washing.”

I had. I did everything I could to show him I wasn’t useless and I could help him. I’d done the same for my mother. She never cooked, cleaned, or washed anything, I did it all. I had wondered once if she thought fairies came in and cleaned after her parties and so on.

“My mum loved me in her own way. My Grandpa was so used to being alone.”

“No. Jade, don’t you see that even now you’re finding the good in them where there was none to begin with. You’re giving them a second chance. Neither deserved all the chances you gave them. You taught me I take the love of my family for granted—my commitments to friend also. You do it in slight ways though so we almost don’t notice. Like, going to rugby practice knowing I would follow you. You didn’t once get cranky when I’d been with my friends, you’ve even said I should go out with them. You let my mum take over and treat you like her own personal doll. I know she bought you things you’d never worn before and wouldn’t have if she hadn’t gotten it for you. Then there is me. You have accommodated me with everything. Like now. We are on the way to a university I want to go to. You’d follow me anywhere. I know you didn’t like Newcastle, but you knew I wouldn’t either. You could go anywhere you wanted, but you’re here right now with me.”

Stephan leaned in and kissed me. I let him. I was in a daze. How did he know all these things? I hadn’t even figured out most of them. I opened my mouth and tangled my tongue with his. Closing my eyes I let my passion for Stephan overtake everything. My brain felt like it was going a million miles an hour, it had just been blown up.

Stephan eased from me and I stared in front of me into space thinking over everything he’d told me. I still didn’t feel like I’d given him any reason to love me, I had no money and no family. All I could give him was my heart and showing him how much I loved him.

The flight attendant came and gave us food and offered us drinks. I took the wines. I needed them. I got a book out and pretended to read. Every now and then I would look at Stephan, but mostly I stared blankly at the book and thought everything through.

I was surprised when the pilot came over the intercom to tell us we were landing and the time on the Gold Coast. I had decided some things though. I was going to make sure Stephan knew I loved him. I was going to tell his family too.

*****

Stephan





The plane landed and I was getting worried about Jade, even Derick was staying quiet cos he could see something was up. Even as we got off the plane Jade seemed to be in her own world. Crap, maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. I was shocked though, she’d finally said she loved me out loud. I came back with a smart comment and then felt guilty. When she’d asked I told her. I thought it might help to keep her mind off the flight, but it worked too well.

We waited at the carousel with a trolley for our luggage. Jade’s pink luggage came around first and as I went for it she grabbed it, struggling with the heavy cases my mother had helped her pack. Taking them from her I shook my head and placed them on the trolley. “Why did you get them? Derick and I are right here.”

“I can pick up suitcases. I wanted to help.” She nibbled on her bottom lip and I honed in on the nervous reaction.

Nodding to my brother I knew he’d get I was telling him to watch for our luggage. I gathered Jade against me. “Thanks for your help, little bit. Derick and I can take it from here.” I leaned down brushing my lips over hers. “I love you.”