Present Day

Raine was shaking inside watching Travis, her longtime crush and the one boy whom she fell for head over heels, approach her lunch table. Her friends were quietly encouraging her and building up her confidence knowing how clueless she becomes whenever Travis is spoken about or around. It was the last day of another school week and they were all enjoying a meal together discussing the ongoing problem with Taylor and other developments surrounding Selby. During the week, Raine ate lunch with Travis on Tuesday and Thursday. Though she spent the entire lunch period in silence and her one-sided conversations, she still felt happy just eating with him. He accepted her lunches but only eat a few bites then threw away the rest. When he first did it, her face heated in mortification and her heart ached painfully. She ignored that in hopes that he will come around. Now watching him approach her, she wondered when is she ever going to see him smile. Travis moved like the weight of the world on his shoulder but pride won't let him show his pain. His brown eyes were on her and Raine felt like she was under a microscope. She took good care in not dressing too provocative and not giving off the 'fuck me' vibes. Makeup was a no these days, she went natural and not only felt good about it but to show Travis the real her.

"Excuse me everyone but can I speak to Raine, please?" Travis asked her friends.

"Sure, dude," Harem answered for the group. Raine gave him a small smile of thanks and grabbed her backpack. Travis already gave him a nod of thanks and led the way out of the school's cafeteria. Giddily she followed him down the hall and into an empty classroom. So many things were running through her mind but the only thing that was at the forefront was Travis giving her a chance. 
Standing before him as he eyed her, Raine squirmed under his scrutiny. 

"You don't have to do this anymore," he said gruffly.

"Do what?" she asked confused about what he was saying. Travis made the distance between them even wider and tucked his hands in his jeans. Boldly, she took in his body, though he wasn't an athlete he had the body of one. He was taller than her by a few inches but the way he stood and the expression on his face made her feel like a bug. 

"We both know what I meant. Being fucking charming in front of your friends was my part being played. I'm giving you a cop-out?"

"A cop-out?" Raine repeated trying to wrap her mind around his statement.

"I know your IQ isn't that low to mimic a parrot so let me tell you outright," he countered. She flinched outwardly by his gruff insult but stood her ground.

"I need you to fuck off. Leave me alone. Tell your friends you won whatever bet you all have running and leave me the fuck alone. I don't need your type of playing with my head again. You rich entitled spoiled bitches are one of this world's biggest regret. Stop ordering food for me like I'm a beggar. I don't need your company with you yapping in my ears constantly. Stay away from me. If you approach me again I won't hesitate to embarrass you in front of the whole student body. I'm not playing your games. I. Don't. Want. You. Girls like you make me sick."

Raine's eyes never left his as he harshly told her off. She heard every word he said and tried not to let them affect her but they did. Her heart was in pain, her mind was begging her to release the pain in her heart but she refused. What she couldn't stop were the tears rolling down her face. The guy she wishes to have something with basically called her a vindictive coldhearted bitch in one breath after her efforts of showing him the real her.

Travis turned his head away from her, not wanting to see her cry. He attempted to leave the class but her pain-filled voice stopped him. 
"Who did it?"

"What?"

"Who hurt you?" Raine asked over a lodged sob in her throat. It was only a second but to her felt like hours before he answered her.

"Not only dumb but delusional too. No one hurt me, I'm just immune to sluts like you. Great wardrobe change though, still didn't hide who you are."

Brushing past her, Raine got one last touch of the warmth and the scent of his cologne before he left the room, slamming the door behind him. She flinched by the loudness and that was her cue to let it all out. Wrapping her arms around her stomach, the most pain-filled scream echoed in the empty classroom. Her loud hacking sobs filled her ears, making her deaf to the world around her. Falling to her knees crying for a guy she never really had, Raine wanted to know why he was cruel to her, she did everything to prove to him that she wasn't like the girls who used him. 

What went wrong?

What happened?

Was it wrong to go after the person she loved?

Why was he spouting such bullshit like that?

Why would she and her friends scheme such a cruel act on someone?

Why? Why?

What the hell is happening?

Strong arms cautiously wrapped around her body, the low whisper of her name brought her out of her chaotic thoughts before she felt herself being lifted. Opening her blurry eyes, she cried even harder when she saw the faces of all her friends. Trey was the one who held her, Mischa and Alec's faces were thunderous, Elijah was on his phone talking quickly while sending worried glances her way and Harem was standing behind Erica and Ayanna comforting them as they comforted her.

"Trey take her to my house. Ayanna, go to her house and pack a weekend bag. Erica, go along with her, please, and thanks, babe. Harem take her car to the house. Mischa, Alec, you're with me," Elijah ordered when he came off the phone.

"Don't. Don't hurt him, please," Raine whimpered.

"They won't," Trey whispered against her temple. Clutching onto him tighter, she nodded for good measure and accepted each comforting statement from her friends before they left the room. 
Closing her eyes, she allowed Trey's steady walking to comfort her even more, She knew the lunch bell was about to ring when she heard numerous voices of her schoolmates, voicing their loud questions towards her current situation. She didn't care she was far gone in disbelief and pain to focus on them all. 

"Here we go."

Trey placed her on her feet to open the front passenger door and placed her in the seat. Raine couldn't look at him, she was still trying to wrap her brain around what happened. 
"This isn't healthy, Raine. I've been quiet for too long. That cunt doesn't deserve you. You've been crushing on him so long and learned things about him no other person has. You take his insults, change your style, placed yourself in a one-sided friendship only for him to brutally insult you in the most hurtful way. When will you say enough is enough, Raine?"

"Someone hurt him. That's why he's lashing out. I-I have to try, Trey. Let him see that all girls aren't the same. Call it my love for him or a glutton for punishment, or me being foolish but something is telling me not to give up on Travis. I'll be fine Trey. You guys can't always protect me," she said in a broken voice.

"The fuck we can't. You're more than my friend, our friend. You're my sister and I protect you no matter what, even if it's from yourself," he growled.

"Let me do this. One more chance. If... If... I fail and he truly doesn't want me then I will give up on him. For good," Raine countered. Trey clenched his jaw tightly, all he wanted to do was knock Travis the fuck out for hurting her but she was headstrong and independent. He can't always protect her. 

"One more chance he gets. No more," he grudgingly agreed.

"Thank you, Trey," she whispered. Once more that lost look took home on her face, reaching out, he wiped away the silent tears rolling down her cheek. He silently wishes the boys to deal with the rugrat accordingly. Rounding his car, he quickly took his spot behind the wheel and sped out of the car park. 
It was ten minutes into their drive when Raine took note of their route. The way to Elijah's house was filled with middle-class to high-class homes, booming businesses, and a glimpse of the popular mall.

"Why are we going to Elijah's house?"

"He called in reinforcements. You can't handle this on your own. We all know how taken you are with Travis so it will help by getting advice from someone who was in your shoes nearly thirty years ago," Trey answered.

"I meant to call Miss Janine but I wanted to try it my way first. I messed up, I did something wrong," Raine said. The stress of thinking she screwed up marred her face. Trey reached for her hand and held it tightly, comforting her as he drove. 

"By the end of the weekend...."

"End of the weekend?" she asked confused.

"You know how Elijah's mind works when it comes to you girls. You need support, love, and clarity about what happened with Travis. Miss Janine is the one person you need to talk to, get things off your chest. The girls will be your support team..."

"Girls you mean Ayanna and Erica, right?"

"Along with Taylor and Stacia. I understand why he will take this problem and spin it into something good. You girls need each other. We watch each of you closely. Don't think we're just stubborn clueless guys. We care about you girls a lot," Trey answered. Raine sighed and clutched onto Trey's hand placing her trust in him for the rest of the drive.

Upon reaching Johnson's residential home, they found the large metal gates open and a worried Janine in her work slacks and blouse waiting for them. Driving to a stop on the driveway, Janine made her way to Raine's side and quickly ushered her out of the car and into the house. "Trey!"

"Yes, ma'am," he answered jogging behind the two women. 

"There are two grocery lists on the breakfast bar along with the house credit card. Can you fill those out for me and deliver them to the respective houses? Eli agreed to stay out of the house for the weekend so he's taking it as some 'me-time' at the hotel in the next town. Knowing him, he will probably call Justin," Janine said.

"No problem. Ayanna and Erica should be here soon. What of Taylor and Stacia?" he asked.

She shook her head in amusement and looked his way while fixing a quick meal for Raine. "You know, Elijah and the boys can never get anything past you. You and I both know Elijah handled their situation already," she replied with a playful smile.

"You're right," he agreed before turning his attention to Raine.

"I'll see you in a few. Need anything?" he asked wiping away a stray tear. 

"No. Thanks, Trey," she said softly.

"It's our job, pretty girl." Placing a kiss on her cheek and giving Janine a quick hug, he left the house to complete the errand he was given. 

Watching her best friend leave, Raine allowed Janine to fuss over her. A bowl of Italian Chicken meal along with fruit juice was placed before her. Checking below the mixture of well-seasoned chicken and stir-fried veggies was brown rice, a fave of hers whenever she visited the Johnson household.
"Eat. I'll head to the guest house and get things ready. If you need me during that time come get me. I notified your mother that you're here. Didn't you tell her about your crush on Travis?" Janine asked softly.

"No, ma'am. She knew I was focused on my studies and college planning, so I guess she wanted to respect my need for space. If I told her, she would have expected to see him on our doorstep anytime soon. You know how she is always pushing me to go out more," Raine answered with a sad chuckle.

"We must have the most responsible kids in Spencer. You kids always stick together. No wild parties at any of the houses, no invites to outsiders, always studying and following the rules. Nothing is wrong with enjoying yourselves. College and a grown-up life are always there. High school days are monumental."

"Tell me about it," she scoffed in return. Janine grinned knowingly and gave her a quick hug. 

"I'll leave you to eat. The girls will be arriving soon," Janine said to her before disappearing more into the large mansion. The guesthouse she spoke of was new. The two lots behind the Johnson home were for sale, Mr. Johnson bought them both and with the help of his wife, they extended the acreage of their sprawling mansion and built a four-bedroom guesthouse on the far side of the property. The newly built house had its own swimming pool, game room, three baths, stocked kitchen, and informal dining and living area. The kids mainly use it when a sleepover is planned or whenever the family dropped by. 

Raine tucked into her meal when her hunger spoke louder, she was reminded of herself being excited to see Travis in the lunch hall and unable to eat. The thought of him made the fresh tears that were forming burn her eyes, she flinched outwardly with the memory of his insults. Her hand shook at the thought of giving him up to ease the pain and stress of making him see the truth. 

"What if.." she said to herself with a heavy sigh. Travis was the only guy who caught her attention when her attention grasped the mystery of men. His dedication and focus captured her, not to mention his eyes. She will admit she fell for those rich chocolate eyes that showed his strength and intelligence every day. Even when the jocks pester him, he stood his ground. Sophmore year the jocks took their stress out on him, she didn't know what was going on until she took the back way to the library and saw them bullying him about some paper or money. She didn't quite catch it, all she was focused on were the busted lip and bruised cheek on her Travis. By the time she got closer to them, Travis already hightailed it but that didn't stop Raine from giving the footballers a tongue lashing. She pointed out the overhead camera to them and threatened to eloquently explain to their coach why they were close to being off the team. Travis will never know that she was the one who called off all the jocks and stopped his bullying. Part of the perks of being one of the popular kids with connections in the school. That wasn't the first thing she did for Travis without his knowledge. 
College grade and advanced science books were added to the school's library after a request to Eli Johnson. He had unlimited access to the computer lab thanks to her observation of him needing much time on a PC for his researches. Bryan Winshall sponsored the school's computer lab, he gave Travis unlimited access after she asked him. Her family knew how much she liked Travis and wanted to help him in any way she can, Raine knew they will be so pissed when word gets out of his rejection of her. Though he doesn't know of all the things she did for him and his only request in return was for her to leave him alone, maybe she should honor his request.

"Maybe it's for the best. This isn't supposed to hurt so much," she said to herself. Giving in made her heart and head ached in disagreement. 

'Car in the driveway.' The voice of the security system brought her out of her pity party. A monitor was set up on the far side of the kitchen near the pantry. Camera B showed Ayanna's car pulling into the garage, along with her and Erica leaving the car with bags in their arms. Leaving her nearly empty bowl on the table, she rushed to the side door and greeted her two friends. They both held onto her and simply stayed quiet, it was just what she needed, her mind was too crazy at the moment. 

"Miss Janine went to prepare the guest house. Come in," she said with a weak smile. Ayanna gave her hand one last squeeze and walked in further but Erica was a little bit more apprehensive. Raine giggled at the realization of her friend's position. "If I know your boyfriend as well as I do, I'm sure he has either a hold over his mother or traded something in order for her to behave upon meeting you. Miss Janine is not your average mom, overall she's really down to earth. Most of the time she is more of a best friend that a parental figure," she explained.

"Thank God for dat. I thought dat boy was goin' crazy when he tell me to go wid Ayanna," Erica exclaimed with a little huff. Raine and Ayanna chuckled at their friend's action and escorted her further into the house. Erica didn't hide her awe when they showed her around the opulent home. With their bags in the informal sitting room, they showed her the family photos proudly displayed on the mantle and walls. The girls told her where they took the pictures and even little stories about the occupants of them. 

"I knew I heard voices in here. Swore my age was playing catch-up with me." 

"Trust me, Miss Janine, age is running away from you. I love that top," Ayanna complimented as she rushed to the older woman's side. Janine gave her a warm hug and began fussing over her hair. Her eyes moved to the new face behind the little girl she knew since she was nine. "Oh. My. God. Elijah's girlfriend," Janine shrieked rushing to Erica. "So natural. Who does your hair? Oh my word, such lovely skin. I overheard him telling his father that you're from the Caribbean. I've never met anyone from there officially. Ooo! I love that jacket, you are so gorgeous. My son chose well," Janine gushed. Erica looked down at her outfit of a white graphic tee, jean shorts, and thigh length dashiki print jacket then back to Elijah's mother. The photos she saw of the woman certainly didn't compare to her real-life appearance. Her long dreadlocks were loose and flowing over her shoulders, her face fresh of any makeup, her flawless dark complexion was radiant. The woman looked more like a supermodel than a mother of three kids. Dressed in loose cotton shorts, a cotton tunic,  and bare feet, Janine looked more like an older sister.

"Black really doh crack," Erica said aloud still in awe of Elijah's mom.

"Your accent is heavenly. Tell me more about your island," Janine gushed, even more, pulling Erica with her to the kitchen.

"Miss Janine?" Ayanna called out. The woman looked over her shoulder at her son's friends, the two girls raised an eyebrow and tried their best to hide their grin. Clearing her throat, she fixed her posture and gave Erica her best motherly smile. "Welcome to my home, Erica. Are you hungry? I can fix you a snack," she said politely. It was taking everything in her not to question the girl her only son was head over heels with. Leave it to her husband's child to give her a warning and having reinforcements all including her own daughters. 

"Uh. Wah happen dey?" Erica asked eyeing Miss Janine closely. Her demeanor changed in a snap. Janine began to fidget with a giddy smile on her smile, taking in everything about the Caribbean beauty. Elijah warned her not to make the girl uncomfortable with her extremely enthusiastic behavior but she couldn't help it. He allowed a girl in his family home without him around, he didn't even have his little bitch of an ex at the house, only at his sister's. She wondered why for a long time and she thinks she figured out why.

Before any of the girls can answer Erica's question the security system announced a new arrival to the house. Craning her neck to peek at the security monitor, Janine's heart ached upon seeing Taylor and Stacia leaving the car Harem left in their care. They were all told of Taylor's situation and the need to be there for the fragile but strong blonde bloomed for Janine. 

"Go into the kitchen and get some snacks ready. Shaye should be home soon. I'll go get Taylor and Stacia," she said pushing them gently towards the kitchen. Making her way to the side door, she heard Taylor reassuring her friend about their upcoming weekend and making new friends. 

"Aunt Janine!" Taylor greeted, bounding up to her when they both saw each other.

"Hi, sweetie. Did my boys make you rush out of the house?" Janine asked. 

"H only said Raine needed us and to pack for the weekend at the main house. What's wrong? Is she hurt?" Taylor returned with an also concerned Stacia behind her. Janine liked the redhead for her little Harem but sense her struggle in accepting help and affection.

"Physically, no she isn't. Emotionally, yes. The boys all decided she needed this weekend after what happened at school. Let's go to the kitchen," Janine said softly. Leading them to the kitchen, she came upon the sight of Ayanna and Raine watching Erica slice ripe and barely ripe tropical mangoes she usually juices into a large bowl.

"What's going on?"

"Erica saw the mangoes and went crazy," Raine chuckled. Taylor rushed to her side and gave her a quick hug before talking quietly to her.

"Ah miss eating mango chow, yuh ain't mind dat ah use them, right?" Erica asked in an uneasy tone. 

"It's okay. You want anything else to go with what you're making?"

Erica leaned her head to the left in concentration. "Half ripe pineapple wud be good. Chive and onions if yuh have. Ayanna already get de salt an' peppa fuh me," she said. Janine quickly got what she needed and chased the girls to the table to give Erica some room to work. Keeping to her son's rules, she kept her questions non-intrusive with Erica with girls chiming in also with their curious questions about her home island. By the time Erica was finished, six medium bowls were filled with 'Ah real Trini mango an' pineapple chow' in front of them. She made enough for Shaye and Eli which she stored in the fridge. 
Janine looked down at the bowl filled with different shades of yellow, the scent of hot pepper, onions plus the ripeness of the fruits made her stomach growl. Chuckling at her open appetite she took a bite of pineapple and mango that was dressed with the basic seasonings and groaned in delight. 

"This is perfect. You have to come over again and teach us about your local foods. Elijah will love this. He's not much for artificial foods so I always have to search for a healthy snack for him."

Erica beamed under her praises and her friends before she can take another bite of her own chow they began asking her about the different foods and so forth. They all lost track of their conversations that they nearly missed the security system announcing the arrival of her husband's car. No one missed the way Janine's eyes lit up and the wide smile on her face as she watched on the camera Eli getting out of his car then helping his daughter out. He turned to the camera above and smiled. The two had a connection that was hard to explain but believable when you see it. To the girls, it looked like Eli knew his wife was watching him and shared that loving smile with her.

The cheerful greeting of Shaye filled the lower level in the house. "In the kitchen," Janine shouted rising from her seat. In ran Shaye, straight into the arms of her mother, and began talking a mile a minute explaining to her the new convenient plans for the upcoming weekend. "J. I swear our kids are too mature for their ages. This whole assigned weekend was too precise to be thought of after a few minutes. Do you think Elijah will want a corporate job? " Eli shouted from the sitting room.

The girls chuckled at his question, they all knew a desk job wasn't for Elijah, he was too much of a laidback, free spirit type of guy. 
Shaye finally noticed the girls and rushed to their sides, that's when she saw Erica. "Hi. You're Erica, Elijah's new girlfriend. I'll be watching you, missy. No one hurts my big brother. Mari ain't here so I have to protect him now," the little girl said in a stern voice. The threat could have been taken seriously but she was cuteness overload. Erica wanted to coo at how adorable she was but didn't want the little girl to feel slighted. This was her big brother after all.

"I doh have ah problem with that. I promise to be ah betta girlfriend for Elijah," Erica said firmly.

"Good."

"Hello girls," Eli said greeting everyone before narrowing his gaze on his wife. "There's my gorgeous wife," he said softly, closing the little distance between them. Raine watched on with a sad smile as Eli wrapped his arms around Janine and murmured a private greeting to his wife, the blushing smile on her smile told them all that it was explicit or something awfully romantic. He brushed his lips on her neck, placing a soft kiss there before claiming her lips in a heated and bruising kiss. Ayanna, Raine, and Shaye were all used to their show of love, no matter where they were but it gave Raine hope to see them like this. She eyed the newcomers and noticed how dreamy their eyes became. Eli and Janine are living testaments that love is for everyone and could overcome any hurdle. 

"Welcome home," Janine said trying to catch herself.

"Thank you, love."

Eli's eyes roamed the room before it landed on Raine. She lowered her head in humiliation knowing how she took care of a guy who rejected her soundly. Squeezing his wife's shoulders, Janine followed his gaze and so did everyone. Patting his chest in understanding, she motioned for the girls to follow her while her husband motioned for Raine to follow him out on the patio. He didn't say a word as they each claimed seats on the plush chairs nor when their silence lapsed into ten minutes. 

"I'm not mad at you, Raine. I want to know what's your next step," Eli finally spoke. 

"I'm conflicted at the moment."

"From what Elijah explained when he saw you in that classroom, it seems like this guy, Travis broke your heart without him even knowing it."

"That and humiliated me," she whispered. Raine gazed at the neatly cut lawn and lovingly tended floral and herb garden on the far left of the property. The main house pool was custom designed with stone and wood signatures that only Janine and Eli can produce.

"Tell me what you can remember. Focus on his body language and words," Eli said getting lost in his own memories. He listened as she struggled to recap everything that happened between her and Travis. She mused on certain words he used and commented on his actions, once or twice he heard the hitching of her breath but she trudged on. 

"Someone hurt him in the past. A girl with the same affluent background as me. Me getting close to him reminded him of her. He lashed out to get rid of me," she said softly.

"It's not easy to trust again when it happens again. You want to nip it in the bud the best way you know-how. There can be underlying feelings but only time will tell and also your state of mind."

"I-I wanted to ask Miss Janine how she did it. How she fought to have you by her side," Raine stated boldly. A tender smile graced his face, green eyes shine as he played with his wedding band. The wedding band was accompanied by a promise ring he shared with Janine. Over the years they had it cleaned and resized, renewing the promise they made in that park. 

"We fought for each other. We both had obstacles to cross and it wasn't simple ones. Those obstacles were created by family and society but we made it. On our way to becoming this happy-in-love couple, I wanted to give up," he confessed.

"Why?"

"Because I love her. She was about to lose her family because of me, a low-class white man from the wrong side of the city. Family meant a lot to Janine and for her to choose me over them at the age of seventeen, I felt unworthy yet proud. This gorgeous, sweet-hearted woman chose me. Me, a broke man with a head full of dreams," he answered with a watery smile. 

"Do you still feel... unworthy?"

"On those days when I have a heavy mind of what-ifs, then she will simply say, 'I'm in love with you Eli Johnson'. It's never I love you, it's I'm IN love with you. Both of us are in this together forever. Did she tell you guys that it was she who did the first proposal?" he said with a grin.

"What?! No! She didn't," Raine exclaimed.

"It has always been our little story. We revealed everything to Marielle on the day before she married Jayden and handfasted with Carson. It helped her walk down the aisle to them. You remember how scared she was leading up to the wedding."

"Yeah. The press wasn't letting up and she was scared that their marriage will destroy the twins' careers also the stigma the families faced."

"They reminded us of ourselves still fighting society as we made our way in the world yet protecting the love we had. We only had my family and Justin's to back us up but, they had so many people on their side and still do."

The two stayed in silence once more, thinking over the thoughts and memories in their heads. For Eli, he still hurt upon remembering the things Janine's own family and friends said and did to her, through it all she stayed by his side. They didn't just love each other, they were IN love with each other. After all these years. He still did little things for her to show his love and he still thanked her for marrying him and blessing him with their kids. She didn't have to do or say much to show her love. Janine shows it in the way she looks at him, touches him, and cares for him immensely. To this day, she still cooks him lunch for work and dinner at night amidst his protests. From artfully made spam or jelly sandwiches to dishes he sees online, Janine always makes sure he eats well. His Janine.

Raine, on the other hand, wanted to give the feelings she had for Travis another chance but can her heart take another lashing? Was he worth it? Should she play savior to an already closed-off guy?

"Can you tell me how you two did it? I don't know if I should ask Miss Janine to tell me from a woman's perspective but I think you will be better. After all, she wanted you," Raine said with a grin.

"Thanks. That's good for my ego but you're right. She wanted me as much as I wanted her, we just had to cross some bridges to get there." He can hear his wife's unbridled laugh through the open patio doors coming closer towards them. His body thrummed with anticipation of her touch, a kiss, something, it has been this way for years and he will never give it up. "Sorry for interrupting, baby. Here are some drinks and snacks to tide you over till dinner," she said coming onto the patio. His body relaxed when she placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it affectionately before kissing his head.  "Try this. Your son's girlfriend made it for us," she gushed. Eli raised an eyebrow at the bowl she pushed towards him and began to eat, no question asked. "Mango and pineapples? Nice," he said taking more quick bites. 

"I'll go tell her you loved it. Everything alright out here?" she asked eyeing Raine with full concern.

"It will soon. I'm about to tell her about us," he said softly. Janine looked into her husband's warm green eyes, eyes she fell in love with the first day she saw him, now they're married with kids, living their forever. 

"Okay. Thanks for doing this," she returned with a kiss at the corner of his mouth.

"It's what we do. We take care of them," he said aloud giving Raine a playful wink. Her laugh warmed both Eli and Janine, they hated to see that lost hurt look in her eyes. Janine left the two to chat and head back to her other girls. 

"I guess all great stories start with sad parts. For my family and me, it was life-changing. For Janine, as she told me after it all, it was life-changing for her too. Talk about Fate stepping in." Eli took a deep breath and got comfortable in his seat, with Raine doing the same too.

"Here I go."