Page 36 of Love Under Siege

Lana’s reaction worries me too. If she’s starting to crack under the pressure, it means things are really bad. The idea of both of them suffering like this is unbearable. But what can I do from here? My mind races through the options. Can I get leave? Will they even grant it? If not, how can I help from a distance?

One thing’s for sure: I can’t leave Anya to face this alone. I have to be her rock, her protector, even if I can’t be there physically. That means finding a way to push the authorities to move faster, maybe even contacting someone on the inside to speed things up. I’ll make sure she’s safe, no matter what it takes.

As I sit here, clutching her letter, I silently vow to find a way to help her. We may be far apart but I will do everything in my power to make sure she feels safe. I don’t know what that will be yet, but I will figure it out.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Anya

We get to the farm faster than usual, and Jacob’s mom is already waiting for us outside. Just seeing her makes my anxiety melt away instantly. “Anya! I’m so glad you came! We’ve all missed you,” she says, smiling warmly. I hug her tight, then introduce her to Nana. With their similar personalities, I already know they’re going to hit it off.

Sure enough, Nana and Jacob’s mom start chatting like old friends, bonding over their love of gardening. Watching them connect so easily brings a sense of comfort I didn’t realize I needed. It’s like a slice of normalcy in the middle of the chaos my life’s become lately. As they head inside to start on dinner, I step away, breathing in the cool, crisp air of the farm.

Even here, where everything feels peaceful, Jacob’s absence weighs on me. I miss his presence so much—his arms around me, making me feel safe when everything else feels uncertain. The ache of missing him is constant, a hollow space that nothing seems to fill.

I wander down the familiar paths of the farm, memories of Jacob flooding my mind—our laughter echoing through the fields, the way he’d look at me like I was the only thing that mattered. It hits me hard, knowing I won’t have those moments with him for a while, and a wave of sadness sweeps over me.

Before I know it, I’m standing at the edge of the cornfield, the same place where Jacob and I had shared so many secrets and stolen kisses. The wind rustles through the stalks, like it’s whispering the memories of our time together. I close my eyes, wishing I could feel him here with me, even if just for a moment.

"Anya?" a voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to see Marissa walking toward me, worry written all over her face.

"Are you okay? Your Nana told me what happened at your house. I can’t even imagine how scary that must’ve been."

I give her a small, tired smile, grateful for the concern. "I’m getting by. It’s just... a lot to take in," I admit, the weight of everything pressing down on me.

Marissa nods, like she gets it, before switching topics. "Dinner’s almost ready. Why don’t you come inside and freshen up? A good meal might help." I follow her back to the farmhouse, the smell of home-cooked food wrapping around me like a warm hug. Inside, Nana and Jacob’s mom are laughing as they set the table, their voices filling the room with a comforting sense of normalcy.

As we sit down to eat, the warmth of being surrounded by family and friends starts to ease some of the tension in my chest.

I glance at Jacob’s empty seat, and a small wave of sadness washes over me.God, I wish he was here. Under the table, Nana squeezes my hand, her silent way of reminding me she’s there for me, no matter what. I quickly push away my sad thoughts and enjoy the dinner.

The meal passes in a blur of conversation and laughter, the sounds blending into a rhythm I’ve missed. But underneath it all, there’s still this uneasy feeling, a reminder that, even here, danger isn’t too far away.

After dinner, we all gather in the living room, cups of steaming tea warming our hands. Jacob’s mom turns to me with a soft, caring look. “Anya, sweetheart, I know this is a rough time for you. But you’re always welcome here, for as long as you need.” Her words feel like a warm blanket, offering comfort when I need it most.

I meet her gaze, feeling gratitude swell in my chest. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice shaky with emotion. “Being here, with all of you... it means everything.”

Nana rests a hand on my shoulder, her eyes full of understanding. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, love. You’re not alone.” Her steady support feels like a lifeline, grounding me in the middle of the storm that’s shaken my world.

As the night deepens and the farmhouse gets quieter, I find myself standing at Jacob’s bedroom door. The memories inside feel like ghosts, whispering about the moments we shared and the plans we made together.

I slowly push the door open, the room draped in shadows. The faint smell of Jacob’s cologne still hangs in the air, making my heart ache a little more. I run my fingers along the edge of his desk, the spot where he’d sit for hours, sketching or reading. It almost feels like he’s still here, just out of reach.

A sudden creak makes me jump, and I spin around to see Nana standing in the doorway, her face full of concern. “Anya, are you okay?” she asks softly, stepping inside.

I force a small smile, but it feels like it could fall apart any second. “It’s just... being in Jacob’s room is harder than I thought,” I admit, feeling the weight of missing him settle over me again.

Nana pulls me into a hug, and her warmth cuts through some of the emptiness. “I get it, sweetie. It’s normal to miss him, especially being in a place filled with so many memories.” Her voice is soft and comforting, making the ache in my chest feel just a little lighter.

As we stand in the quiet room, the moonlight sneaking through the curtains, Nana speaks again, her voice soft but steady. “Anya, you’re strong. You’ve been through a lot, and you always make it through. This time won’t be any different. We’ll face whatever comes our way together.”

Her words light something inside me, a tiny spark of hope in the middle of all the doubt. I can feel her strength, and it makes me believe, just for a moment, that I can actually get through this.

I take a deep breath and nod, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. “Thank you, Nana. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I admit, my voice barely holding it together.

Nana’s expression softens, her eyes filled with that mix of love and determination she always has. “Oh, Anya I’ll always be with you even if I’m not physically, I am still with you,” she says, her voice warm and comforting in the quiet.

Just as the moment settles, a sudden rustling outside catches us both off guard. Nana’s face shifts, the calm turning to alertness in a split second. Without saying anything, she moves toward the window, her eyes scanning the darkness.

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