Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(12)

“Well, you know he needs to pass the friend sniff test before he’s even considered to meet the rest of the family,” Jared proclaims teasing her.

M?qīn is pleased. If anyone will give her insight to Henry, Jared will. She knows better not to press me for information. M?qīn does not scare me, but she sure does scare Jared.

A few minutes go by before anything else is said. Nǎinai starts singing again to help take the edge off the paranoid anticipation hanging in the air and I join her this time. M?qīn and Nǎinai smile sweetly at me and everyone else starts singing too, even Jared, though he’s not sure of most of the words.

The next day, New Year’s Eve is met with the finishing touches of food and decorations along with a lot of silence and prayer before starting to enjoy the feast. Though it is not part of any tradition, Nǎinai starts to pray and bless the whole house and each person individually while giving gratitude for all the joys we have all brought to each other this past year. I think Nǎinai has created her own tradition as a joining of old and new. She respects her family and ancestors, but also accepts the beauty of change eagerly. She is a beautiful, loving, yet spunky, older woman. I don’t dare call her old. She has the life force of a twenty-something.

Maggie and Jared come home with me tonight for New Year’s Eve. I think Maggie’s nerves are getting to her about Henry and M?qīn is not helping. I’ve always been able to calm Maggie and distract her when she needs it.

After taking Sadie to the park for one last little stroll before calling it a night, the four of us pile into my king-sized bed after putting on our pajamas. As the night rolls over into the new day, we toast to the new year with glasses of champagne under the covers. Maggie refrains from telling me where she and Henry are meeting at first. She’s afraid that Jared will tell M?qīn, not like it’s really a big deal.

“I’m not going to tell M?qīn,” Jared says for the sixth time trying to reassure her. “I love your mom, but you are my girl. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“I know,” Maggie replies meekly.

“If he tells her, I’ll kick his ass for you,” I assure — we all know I can kick his ass.

Jared introduced me to self-defense classes not long after meeting him, but I was fanatical about it. I never wanted to not feel safe, secure or in control after my run in with Dean. Thanks to my obsession, I’m well versed now and not afraid of anyone.


“See! Emma’s got your back too,” Jared presses.

“Ok. Fine.” Maggie takes a breath. “We’re meeting in front of the library.”

“Ooo, how romantic,” Jared taunts in his usual manner.

“Stop it,” Maggie tries to command in a hurt tone.

She’s not good at faking or lying.

“Be nice you two,” I scold playfully.

“Will you come with me, Emma?”

“Me? Why?” I say confused. “You’ve never needed me with you when you’ve met guys before.”

“I know. But . . .” Maggie hesitates temporarily. “I don’t know. It would just be nice. Besides, I can’t bring Jared along. Henry might think we are dating.”

“If I tag along, he would probably just think I’m dating Emma.”

“True,” Maggie nods her head in agreement.

“Ok. But, I swear, if you tell M?qīn . . . .”

“I know, I know. Emma kicks my ass,” Jared answers for her.

“You know, he might like that too much. I’m going to have to find another scare tactic,” I comment grinning.

“That could definitely be a big possibility,” Jared confesses.

We all laugh. I think the champagne has gone to our heads.

A few minutes later, we kiss each other goodnight, even Sadie. Jared lays in the middle of the bed with Maggie on his right and me on his left. Sadie is across the bottom of the bed with her upper body strewn over my legs.

“Here is to a great new year full of happiness and new beginnings for us all,” I declare, turning off the light.

“Here, here,” Jared responds.

“I love you both,” Maggie states with a yawn.

“Love you, too,” Jared and I say in unison.

Sleep falls upon us easily and quickly.





Five


Even fast asleep surround by the two most important people in my life, the only two people I really trust and feel safe with, I wake after having the nightmare of my parents death. Thankfully, I don’t wake screaming. I don’t know if the accident really occurred the way that I dream it, but because of it’s timeless unchanging depiction, I fear that it did.

I roll slowly to check my phone that sits on the nightstand, careful not to rouse Jared or Maggie. Right on schedule. Only five hours of sleep as always. Sadie and I exchange glances before getting out of bed. I change into my workout clothes, feed Sadie, have my morning clay water, and then we make our way off to the park.

I check on Jared and Maggie when Sadie and I return. They’re still resting peacefully. Sticking with my morning workout routine, I hit the rebounder that sits in the office as Sadie watches. Today, I close the door to minimize the sound from disrupting the sleeping beauties in my bed, and I also strap my phone to my arm to listen to music through headphones. About an hour later, my stomach begins to grumble as my energy level starts to feel depleted. As I stretch, Sadie takes her turn on the rebounder. She mostly just lays on it, but the thought of getting her on a larger trampoline and what she would do humors me. Looks like my turn around from the nightmare is even faster.