I’m Sorry, Jace

"Charles!" she gasped and reached for him.

But before her trembling hands could touch him, she heard the study door open.

Without turning to look she knew it was Jace and her throat suddenly constricted from fear of having caused Charles any harm. She quickly tried to lift him from the floor while her mind raced with a million thoughts.

She's heard he's been autistic and always in and out of the hospital for the past five years. What if…. 

She didn't dare allow her mind to wander along that line. Jace would kill her without batting an eye. He hated her already and any harm to Charles on her path—- intentional or not, would completely squash the little hope she had for his acceptance. 

"Charles!" Jace's voice thundered down the hallway, jerking her back from her tormenting thoughts. Forcing herself to risk a glance in his direction, she saw his gaze turn sharp as it locked onto the scene before him.