Keifer stayed close, still holding Jay's hand, as if he couldn't let go even for a second.
Sarina called from the kitchen, her voice warm and bright.
"Breakfast is ready! Come on, you two."
Jay looked at Keifer, smiling. "We should eat before we melt into the floor."
Keifer let out a quiet laugh, the sound soft and unguarded.
"Yeah… before you disappear on me."
Jay squeezed his hand, feeling the love in his grip.
She stood up, and Keifer followed her to the kitchen. Sarina greeted them with a bright smile, and Mr. Watson's calm presence filled the room like a comforting blanket.
They sat together at the dining table, and the air felt lighter than it had in weeks.
No tension. No anger. No distance.
Just peace.
As they ate, Jay found herself watching Keifer. His face was still serious, but there was a gentleness there that she hadn't seen before.
He looked… relieved.
Like he'd been carrying something heavy for a long time, and now it was finally being lifted.
After a moment, Keifer cleared his throat.
"Jay," he said quietly.
She looked up, her eyes warm. "Yeah?"
He took a breath, and for a second Jay saw the fear again—brief, but still there.
"I want you to know," he said, voice steady, "that I'm not going anywhere."
Jay's heart fluttered.
He looked at her, and his eyes held a sincerity that made her throat tighten.
"I may not understand everything right now," he continued, "but I know this: you belong here. And I want to be part of it… with you."
Jay smiled, tears forming again, but this time they were tears of joy.
"Keifer," she whispered, "that means everything."
Sarina reached out and gently placed her hand on Jay's, as if to show support.
Mr. Watson's eyes met Keifer's for a brief moment, and Keifer felt a silent understanding pass between them.
It wasn't a competition.
It was family.
After breakfast, Jay walked to the living room and sat on the couch, letting the morning sun warm her face.
Keifer sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched.
Jay leaned into him slightly, and he wrapped his arm around her.
It felt like home.
Sarina entered the room with a gentle smile.
"Jay," she said softly, "would you like to spend the day with us? We could go out… maybe to the park, or the beach. Whatever you want."
Jay looked at Keifer, then back at Sarina.
She could see the kindness in their eyes, the way they were trying to include her.
And she realized something else too:
This wasn't just about being accepted.
This was about being chosen.
Chosen by people who wanted her in their lives.
Jay smiled, her voice full of warmth.
"I'd love that," she said.
Keifer tightened his hold on her, and for a moment he looked almost like a child who had been given something precious.
He smiled too—small, but genuine.
"Then it's decided," he said softly.
Sarina clapped her hands lightly, like a little victory.
"Good," she said. "Now get dressed. We have a whole day ahead of us."
Jay stood up, feeling light and happy, and looked at Keifer.
He stood too, and his expression was soft.
He reached for her hand, and this time he didn't hesitate.
He held it like he belonged to her.
And Jay realized something else as they walked toward her room:
This wasn't the end of anything.
It was the beginning.
A new life.
A new family.
A new love.
And she was ready for it.
The car ride to the beach was quiet at first, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
It was the kind of quiet that meant everyone was simply enjoying being together.
Jay sat in the middle seat, Keifer on one side and Sarina on the other. Mr. Watson drove, his eyes focused on the road, but his hand rested gently on the steering wheel like he was calm and content.
Jay glanced at Keifer and smiled.
He looked at her, his eyes soft and a little protective.
Then he leaned closer, just enough that his shoulder brushed hers.
"I'm glad you're here," he murmured.
Jay turned her head slightly, resting her cheek near his.
"Me too."
Keifer didn't say anything more, but the way he held her hand under the seat said everything.
When they reached the beach, the sun was shining brightly, and the air smelled of salt and freedom.
Sarina let out a soft sigh, her eyes shining with joy.
"This is perfect," she said, turning toward Jay. "You're going to love it."
Jay nodded, feeling her heart swell.
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was calming, and for the first time in a long time, Jay felt like she could breathe.
They found a spot near the water and set up towels and umbrellas.
Sarina laughed softly as she watched Jay and Keifer sit side by side, close enough to be almost touching.
"You two are so cute," she teased.
Keifer rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the smile on his face.
"Don't embarrass us," he said, but his tone was gentle.
Jay laughed, her eyes shining.
"It's not embarrassing," she said. "It's… nice."
Sarina nodded, her expression warm.
"Exactly," she said.
Mr. Watson stayed close by, watching everyone with a calm expression. But Jay could see the smile in his eyes when he watched Keifer and her.
It was the kind of smile that said he was happy to see her happy.
After a while, Keifer stood up.
He looked at Jay, his eyes shining with mischief.
"Come on," he said softly. "Let's go in the water."
Jay hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay."
They walked toward the sea together, hand in hand.
The water was cool and refreshing, and Jay laughed as the waves crashed around her legs.
Keifer pulled her closer, and for a moment, he looked like he was trying to memorize her smile.
"Hey," he said, his voice low.
Jay looked up at him.
He smiled, his eyes soft.
"I'm not going to let anything take you away from me," he said quietly.
Jay's heart fluttered.
She reached up and touched his cheek gently.
"You don't have to," she whispered. "I'm here."
Keifer's expression softened, and he pulled her into a hug, holding her close.
Jay rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
For a moment, nothing else mattered.
Just them.
Sarina watched them from the shore, her smile gentle and proud.
Mr. Watson sat nearby, his eyes calm but his heart clearly moved.
He knew what this meant.
He knew Jay had found her place.
And he knew Keifer was finally letting himself love without fear.
After some time, they all came back to the towels.
Sarina handed Jay a cold drink and sat beside her.
"You're doing great," Sarina said softly.
Jay smiled. "I feel like I'm finally home."
Sarina's eyes softened. "You are."
Keifer sat beside Jay again, and he wrapped his arm around her.
"Let's make this day perfect," he said.
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining.
"It already is."
And as the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Jay realized something else:
This wasn't just a beach day.
This was the beginning of a new life.
A life where she was loved, protected, and cherished.
And where she would never have to be alone again.