Jade.
It’s interesting when I look at Jade and how long she has actually been a part of this series. She was actually introduced in book 1 when Jack found Stephanie on the ledge. The nurse he called for help was Jade. She was seen sporadically through the next few books and she was featured much more prominently when it came to Brittany and Tommy and Tramp.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure initially what kind of a role I was going to have her play long term. I always watched her, hanging back in the shadows, helping her friends, stepping in when needed, but never feeling comfortable enough to assert herself. I started listening to her when I could, and I began to see her character come into her own. She began to develop in my imagination, and I found myself thinking of her and wanting to write for her.
I also began to see Mike in a similar role. He was always strong and silent, standing with his friend and soldier Bill, but never really feeling a connection to the life he was living.
It wasn’t a forgone conclusion that Mike would fall for Jade or vice versa, and once you end book 12, it’s clear this relationship isn’t going as planned. What I needed to do was really explore who Jade was and why we should care about her. I needed her to tell us her story. I needed her to want to be a part of this family.
I feel she has made huge strides in doing just that. She is a woman of great strength, but she has been conditioned to believe the worst of herself. Growing up with no connection to anyone, no traditions and no love, she needs to understand her worth, and she needs to accept the fact that those voices she heard growing up were wrong.
She is a beautiful woman and she deserves to feel cherished.
It won’t be easy, and Mike seemed to be up to the task. Jade has given Mike something he never had; unconditional love. She adores him and against every voice in her head, she let herself believe he wanted her.
Jade is in trouble.
Mike is devastated.
Their story is far from over.
