#Chapter 66 – Clash of Worlds

“J-Jesse?” I breathe, staring at my favorite cousin, blinking hard to ensure that he’s not a mirage. Jesse stares right back at me, his face the mirror image of my complete shock. But when he whispers my name and takes a step towards me, I know that he’s real – because there’s no way that some imitation could replicate that voice - A cry bursts from my throat as I leap out of my chair, sending it flying backwards, skittering out across the wooden floor. But I barely notice the clatter as I run for my cousin, throwing myself into his arms. Jesse clasps me tight to his chest, tucking his head down next to mine, shaking in his relief and surprise. “What the hell are you doing here, Jesse!?” “What am I doing here – June!” His arms tighten. “What the hell are you doing here!?” I start to cry then, big crocodile tears into my cousin’s shirt, letting loose all the stress and the rage and the worry I’ve been carrying. Because he’s my family – and beyond just being family, he’s one of