Jill wasn't surprised that Lissa wanted to get back to Christian. She'd caught the glimpses of his parents, and could only imagine what was going on with that. She didn't blame Lissa's mother and brother for wanting to stay close to her. To help keep the strigoi ghosts from doing too much damage.
Eric looked torn. He didn't want to leave Lissa unprotected, and he'd missed his daughter so much. He didn't want to leave Rose and Jill subjected to whatever ghosts may come back for them. It was his son who made the choice for him by arching an eyebrow and pointing at the girls. "We can do shifts. Mom and I have this one. Keep the ring on and do whatever Rose tells you. Not another guardian as good as she is."
He wasn't sure what to think about the new sister, but he knew that he could trust Rose to handle stuff. Splitting up was just the easiest way to handle everything.
"Lissa," Eric said quietly, waiting until she looked back at him. "I'm sorry I've let you down, but you have grown up into a beautiful young woman and I am very proud of you."
Jill tugged lightly on Rose's hand as she sat down on the bed so she would sit next to her. Instinctively, she rested her head on the older girl's shoulder. "Will this ever get easier?" It was so much spirit, so many feelings, so many ghosts. She felt like they wanted to drag her down to the dark and keep her there.
Eric leaned against the opposite wall, watching them both closely. "Rose, I meant the same about you. You've turned out to be extraordinary and I know we're blessed to have you looking after my daughters." He paused, like he wasn't sure what to say to Jill. She looked young and small next to sister's best friend. "If there's anything you want to know, Jill..."
She cut him off by holding up a hand to stop him. "I can't deal with it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I can't deal with it, but I can't. It's fine. I'm glad I got a chance to see you and that none of you seem to hate me, but I can't do more than that."
Turning away from him completely, she found it easy to hide in Rose's hair as she whispered quietly, "You shouldn't have to baby sit me. I'm grateful for your help, but wouldn't it be better if Adrian and I left so you can be at Dimitri's side? There's so many of them, Rose. They're everywhere."