“It’s still my job to protect you.” Vlad said resolutely, raising her chin so she’d look him in the eye. “And I will do everything and anything to keep you and your brother safe, but I need your help.” His voice had an undertone of hesitance, but Jazz nodded quickly.
“I can help.” She promised, grabbing his big hand in hers. Her hand shook slightly, but his were shaking too so she hoped he wouldn’t notice. “I can help keep Danny and you safe, I can be big.”
Vlad grimaced, shaking his head. “You don’t need to protect me. Danny and yourself are your priorities, understood? And as soon as this is over, you don’t have to be big anymore.”
Jazz smiled to make him feel better, and nodded like she believed him.
Jazz Fenton had been taking care of her brother since he was little. She’d changed diapers and taught him how to potty, she’d helped him learn to talk, and she was the one who sang him to sleep. Danny was her brother, but he was also like her baby, and that meant it had always been her job to keep him safe.
Jazz hadn’t been little in a long time, and she knew that she’d never be little again.
But that was okay as long as Danny was safe. Mom and Dad had trusted her to protect him, it was her job, and now she had to keep Vlad safe too.
- Excerpt from chapter 3 of You Can’t Carry It With You If You Want To Survive (GRVM)
