Page 27 of Breaking
And for the first time since Sasha's death, Jenna felt like she had a purpose. She didn't have all the answers, but she had Dani and Dylan. And that was enough to start with.
Chapter 25
Jenna
Jenna sat at Sasha's dining table, papers spread out in front of her, a cold cup of tea forgotten beside her. The house still smelled like Sasha-lavender and old books-but the presence that had once made it feel warm was gone. Now, it was just Jenna and the weight of responsibility.
The social worker, Helen Marsh, arrived promptly at ten. A middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a no-nonsense attitude, she shook Jenna's hand firmly before taking a seat. "I appreciate you meeting with me on such short notice," Helen said. "I know this is an incredibly difficult time."
Jenna nodded. "I just want to do what's best for Dani and Dylan. They're terrified of being separated."
Helen offered a small, reassuring smile. "That won't happen since you have agreed to step in. Of course, there are checks to be done and paperwork. Sasha had begun the process of legally adopting them before the accident."
Jenna felt like the air had been knocked out of her. "She-she was going to adopt them?" She had known how much Sasha loved those kids, but this... this was something bigger.
Helen nodded. "Yes. She didn't get to finalize it, but it tells us something important: she intended for them to have stability, a forever home. Now, we need to decide what comes next."
Jenna rubbed her temples. "I want to take care of them. I promised them they wouldn't be split up. I just... I need to figure out how to make it work."
Helen's expression softened. "That's very commendable. Given your relationship with Sasha, and the fact that the children trust you, I believe the courts will be receptive. I'll help you navigate the legal steps. But I won't lie-it'll take time."
Jenna swallowed hard but nodded. "I'll do whatever it takes."
After Helen left, Jenna sat in silence for a long moment before steeling herself. The kids needed to know.
She found them in the living room, Dani curled up on the couch, Dylan pacing anxiously. Their heads snapped up when Jenna walked in.
"What did she say?" Dylan asked immediately, his voice tight.
Jenna took a breath and sat down beside Dani, motioning for Dylan to do the same. "She told me something important. Something I didn't know before." She hesitated, then forced the words out. "Sasha was planning to adopt you both."
Dani's face crumpled, fresh tears sliding down her cheeks. Dylan, however, shot to his feet, his body tense. "Then why didn't she tell us? She was just going to do it without saying anything?"
Jenna reached for him, but he stepped back. "She wanted to make sure it was all set before she told you," Jenna said gently. "She wanted you to feel safe."
Dylan shook his head. "That's not fair! She was supposed to be here! She was supposed to-" His voice cracked, and he turned away, breathing heavily.
Dani sniffed. "So, what happens now?"
Jenna squeezed her hand. "I told Helen I want to take care of you. I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen."
Dani nodded, but Dylan didn't say anything. He just sat on the arm of the couch, his back to them.
Jenna's phone had been vibrating on and off all morning, messages from Troy piling up. She hadn't had the energy to deal with it until now.
She scrolled through them:
Troy:Why the hell haven't you answered me?Troy:Are you serious? You just vanish?
Troy:Where are you?
Troy:Jesus Christ,Jenna, Answer me!Troy:I'm worried. Just text me back.Troy:I swear to God, if I don't hear from you soon, I'm calling the police.Troy:Jenna, please call me. I just need to know you are okay.
The last message hit different. She sighed and quickly typed out a reply.
Jenna:I'm in Chester. Sasha passed away.
She sighed and quickly typed out a reply, briefly explaining everything. It took less than a minute for the phone to ring. She hesitated, then answered. "Troy."
