Jack & Erica

"How can I be amazing? You've only known me a couple of weeks."

"Why should that matter? You are one of the strongest women I've ever known. I've seen the way you are with your children, the way you care so much about everyone around you. I know what you've been through, and I've seen how strong you've been through it. I don't have to know you for a long time to know what kind of person you are, beautiful."

"I haven't had compliments like this since my actual husband passed away." I told him "It's been so long I guess....I guess I just don't know how to respond to kindness anymore." I sighed "I think you're an amazing person too, the way you came to help us and bring us out here to safety...thank you."

"Well hopefully I can help you get used to it," I said and smiled at her. "How could I not come help you? I lost my mother the same way. Peacekeeper's came and... it went too far. And even if that hadn't happened, my father and grandfather both would roll in their graves if I hadn't done anything. How could I just stand by knowing what was happening to all of you and not do anything. I just wish we had known what was coming in time to stop it."

"So do I." I said, still looking down as I unpacked. I didn't trust myself with this man, he causes me to come unglued "I'm sorry about your mother, she raised a good son."

"Thank you. She was a wonderful woman. Am I making you uncomfortable? I can leave if you'd like."

"No." I told him and shook my head "No, you aren't making me uncomfortable."

I smiled. "Good, I'm glad. I'll stay as long as you want me to then."

Jack

"Alright." I said and took the few dresses I had left and put them away "What district were you from?" I asked.

"I lived in five. Things got pretty bad there sometimes. I still remember... everything. Like it was yesterday."

"We won't forget, we'll just learn to live with it."

"That's what you have to do. It gets easier with time."

"What are your rules here?" I asked "What do we need to do?"

"You don't need to do anything right now. Take some time to relax, however long you need. Then when you get used to everything you can help. What do you like to do?"

"Anything, really. I've done it all."

"Not what you can do, what do you like to do? There's a garden if you like to do that, or if you like to cook, if there's any women that like the mend things, I know a lot of guys that'll be happy to be able to get the holes out of some of their clothes," I said and laughed.

"I do enjoy sewing." I smiled "I make Aurora dresses when I can. I guess now I can concentrate more on sewing and designing now that I won't have other things to worry about."

"If that's what you like to do, that'd be great," I said and smiled at her. "After you get something to eat, I'd like to show you something. If you want, don't feel obligated or anything."

"Show me what?" I asked "Or is it a surprise?"

"A surprise, but I can tell you if you want."

"I think a surprise would be really nice." I told him "It's been awhile since I've had a good surprise."

I smiled. "It's not much, but it's something I'd really like to show you. Is after dinner okay?"

"Okay, sounds nice." I said "I'll go get something to eat then."

I smiled. "Would you mind if I came with you?"

"Not at all." I said as we left the house, Jack beside of me "Brett seems to like Selma."