“But you were. And now you can still be mates because you choose to be.”
Jewel closed her eyes and felt a small spark of hope, but she wasn’t about to fan the flame, not yet. “I’m tired. I need a shower and then a hot bath and then sleep. Can we talk about a possible reunion tomorrow?” Gem opened her mouth to speak but Jewel stopped her. “He’s intense, mom. He’s going to freak over all the bruises. He’s going to want me to answer questions and he’s going to want to touch me. I just can’t handle it tonight.”
After several minutes her mom gave a single nod.
“I’m sorry to push you. It’s only because I love you, Jewel. I love you in a way that you won’t understand until you have a child. But it’s the type of love that sometimes has to be tough. Please never doubt my love for you.” Gem gave
