Chapter Nine
Finally the day has arrived to celebrate Jacob's late birthday. I know his actual birthday has already passed, but I just haven't had the time to celebrate it. I have been so busy working on cases and worrying about Jacob's upcoming trial. Jacob invited David, Mrs. Baker, and Mrs. Joanna, Jacob's favorite teacher, to his party.
While I was in the kitchen lighting the candles, I shouted to everyone to sing happy birthday to Jacob. I had ordered his favorite chocolate cake. As soon as I laid the birthday cake in front of Jacob, he made a wish and blew out all fifteen candles with one huge blow. We all applauded while Jacob giggled like a ten year old. I picked up the knife and cut the cake into eight slices.
We all went outside on the porch to eat the cake. We were talking about how Jacob had grown up so rapidly. Mrs. Joanna reminisced when she first met Jacob.
"You're growing up too fast, Jacob," Mrs. Joanna said.
"I know, Mrs. Joanna, I know," Jacob answered back.
Mrs. Joanna smiled as she continued to eat her piece of cake. I was mainly playing with mine. I kept thinking about Jacob's trial. I couldn't get the picture of Jacob in a prison cell out of my head.
"Ryan?" Mrs. Baker asked.
"Hm?" I said.
"Are you alright? Your mind doesn't seem to be here."
"Oh, I am sorry, I have a lot on my mind," I answered back.
"Are you okay?" Mrs. Joanna asked.
"Yeah," I answered back, sighing.
Mrs. Joanna, like everyone else in town, knew about the charges against Jacob. Mrs. Joanna said, "You know I will always be here for you and Jacob. There is no way Jacob could kill anyone or anything as far as that goes. You two are like family to me."
I understood, shaking my head. Smiling softly, I said, "I just don't want you nor Mrs. Baker to feel like you are a part of this mess."
"Honey, you do understand that Mrs. Baker and I are both on your side, don't you."
I said, "that feels good to hear, because everyone in town stares at me and Jacob. We can't even go one day without someone glaring at us or making a rude comment or gesture."
"I understand, I am so sorry for what you're going through," said Mrs. Joanna.
"I appreciate you being so supportive, and for everything you're doing for Jacob and me. Sometimes I just feel so lost, alone, and inadequate.
How am I supposed to move on if Jacob is found guilty? I am so worried about my brother. Jacob has autism, for goodness sake," I said, frustrated. "Someone has to take care of him."
"Jacob seems like he's handling the situation pretty well considering what he must be going through," Mrs. Joanna said. I sighed sadly, stroking the side of my hair.
"Mrs. Baker and I will be thinking about you and Jacob during these hard times," Mrs. Joanna said.
"I appreciate it very much, I don't know what else to do for Jacob. I am doing my best to just be there for him," I said.
"I know, I can see you are," Mrs. Joanna answered back.
"You have a lot on your plate." Jacob and Mrs. Joanna have a very special relationship. Mrs. Joanna always treats Jacob like he is her own son.
Jacob had gone upstairs after the party and fell asleep in his bed. I suddenly heard a sound coming from his bedroom. Jacob was calling out to me so I went to see what was going on. Jacob was having a bad dream. I called out his name. He was talking in his sleep.
"Mom!" Jacob shouted.
I sat on Jacob's bed, and I began rubbing his face gently. He opened his eyes, trying to catch his breath.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
Jacob nodded and told me he wasn't, "I had a dream about mom and dad," he said. I began rubbing his arm. "I miss my mom," Jacob said.
He looked like he was about to cry, "I know. I miss them, too," I said softly. "I want to be in heaven with them." Jacob said. I tried to comfort him until he fell back to sleep. I miss the days when mom and dad were still alive, too.