a/n. so I am so sorry I know I said I would have this out yesterday but life got in the way. so once again I'm sorry.
and I lied this is now going to be a three shot instead of a two shot and I'm not promising anything but I am going to try and put the last chapter out by tomorrow night at the latest.
hope y'all like it and sorry for any mistakes I may have made.
After they were done at the store and picked up the dinner, they were making their way down I-24.
"Slow down, women. We're not on the speedway." James was little terrified, living with Carlos had taught him to be not afraid and adventurous but this girl has to be going at least fifteen over the speed limit and to make matters worse it was sleeting like no one's business.
"Shut up James she's not even going that fast." Carlos was absolutely enjoying this.
"Of course you would think that, you go this fast all the time."
"James relax I do this all the time and I'm only going fifty"
"Only. What's the speed limit?" Tilly took a sharp right turn, making James cling on to the over head handle, chanting 'oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.'
"Fifty-five. So I'm going under just to be safe." For some reason, Tilly, Kendall, Logan and Carlos all though James' antics were beyond hilarious.
"This isn't safe or funny you jerks."
A booming horn in the distance sounded and crossing signs went down as lights flashed warning drivers of the oncoming train. Even though Tilly probably had enough time to cross the track she slammed on her breaks and came to a screeching halt, reprimanding herself for taking the left turn instead of the right, she held on to the wheel for dear life as she checked left and right for any cars coming.
Tilly has never liked this track, even though she loved trains and didn't have a problem with any other tracks in town this particular track was not her favorite.
The four boys recovered quickly after being thrown into the seats/glove department in front of them. Not knowing what to do they sat there quietly watching both the train pass by and Tilly who seemed like she was having a miniature panic attack.
The last car passed and they sat there a little while longer until Kendall laid his hand on her arm, pulling her from her thoughts.
"What?"
"The train is gone."
"Oh" By now James and Carlos and Logan we paying attention to Kendall and Tilly whose color was coming back and breathing had slowed down.
"Is everything ok?"
"Yea don't worry about it." She shifted into gear and took off before anyone could say a thing.
Kendall made a mental note to ask Tilly why she froze up.
The radio playing softly and the pitter patter of the sleet outside were the only sounds in the car as they pulled up to an old large blue Victorian, which was decked out for Christmas.
The inside was just as decorated and taken care of, they walked into the foyer and up a flight of stairs and into a massive living room.
Kendall noted the all the pictures adoring the walls, most of which contained the same five boys, who didn't really looking anything like Tilly and Kendall hoped that they were either cousins or friends and none of them were romantically involved with her, and then there were also the same older man and women who he assumed were her parents.
"Ok so y'all just follow me and I'll show you to your rooms." They all followed her down a little stairway and came to a stop in a hallway lined with six doors.
"Ok so there's the bathroom and the linen closet with extra soap, towels, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, you know all that good stuff." She pointed everything out and then was about to start showing rooms when she remembered that she was one room short.
"Um one of you guys are gonna have to share or take the couch. I don't have enough rooms." She really hated having to put someone out but she couldn't let anyone in that room.
"What about that room" James pointed to the door that Tilly was practically guarding with her small frame.
"Um…" Tilly tightly clasped onto the old door handle that once belonged to her parents, with an iron grip as she tried to find the words to say.
Kendall saw her discomfort and sensed another oncoming panic attack and quickly stepped in.
"Hey you know what, I'll take that couch. It won't be a problem."
"Are you sure?"
"Yea I'll be fine."
"Ok thanks. Um make yourselves at home; the den is down the stairs and to the left, watch whatever, there's food in the fridge, drinks in the pantry. I'll be right back, my family is supposed to be here soon but I'll be back by then."
With that she ran up another flight of stairs and out of sight, leaving the four boys stumped once again.
"What do you think that was about?"
"I have no clue. Let's just give her some time. Right now let's get settled in."
They did as Kendall suggested, James took the room closest to the bathroom and then Logan and Carlos took the two bedrooms across from him and Kendall threw his things into James' room.
After they all got situated they went down to the den, made phone calls letting their anxious mother's know that they were safe and then they settled down to watch tv. as they waited for Tilly.
After long Kendall got board and decided to go make sure Tilly was ok.
"I'm gonna go find Tilly, see if she's ok."
"Don't be a snoop Kendall."
"Yes mother" Kendall dodged the pillow Logan threw and made his way up the stairs only to run into Tilly. Her eyes were red and puffy and her face was all splotchy.
"You ok?" Kendall really wanted to wrap his arms around her and just listen as she told him what's up and figure out a way to solve all her problems.
"Yea I'm fine" She smiled warmly and walked pass him and down the stairs, leaving Kendall wishing that she would just open up to him. He followed her down the stairs and into the kitchen where Tilly was already getting started on the dinner.
"Did you take those pictures?"
"Yea I did."
"They're really good. You could a be professional"
"Thanks. And I am, I work at a little studio here in Clarksville and I also teach it at the high school."
"So you work at a studio, a high school and the diner."
"Well I only work at the diner on occasion like tonight and I'm also the cheer coach and sometimes I'll work at the ice rink."
"Wow do you ever sleep?"
"Ok Mr. Tour all the time." They both laughed, which died down to a nice, non-awkward, silence.
"Need help?"
"Yea can you start the oven; I need to reheat all this food."
"Sure" He turned the knobs on staring at the oven in confusion when it wouldn't start.
"Your oven is broken" Tilly only responded with laugher as she grabbed a lighter and walked over to him.
"It has a pilot light"
"I know." He defended while grabbing the lighter and starting the oven.
"So can I ask you something?" Kendall asked.
Tilly was all ready to respond with a snarky comment but having a feeling that she already knew his question she replied with a "yea" instead.
"Why did you freeze up at the railroad?" Tilly decided that she could lie and say that she got caught up in something, since she would probably never see Kendall or any of the other guys after this week again, but then she thought about how he kept looking at her and she knew that something was different with him and then it was like her heart opened up and all she wanted to do was spill her soul to this boy that she just met. And then she got scared and quickly changed the subject.
"If you weren't doing BTR what would you be doing?"
"Nice way to avoid the question." She just shrugged her shoulders and slipped the food into the oven.
"Can we just not talk about it?"
"Sure, what do you want to talk about?" Sensing her discomfort, Kendall decided to just let it go, but making a note to ask later.
"Seriously what would you be doing?"
"Hockey"
"Really?" Tilly asked, smiling, excited that they have a shared interest.
"Yea. It is, was my dream."
"Was? What's stopping you?"
"Well I'm not giving up the band, I love it too much."
"Y'all are awesome. But what else? It can't just be that."
"I have this fear that I'm not good enough."
"I have a little confession"
"Oh" She shook her head yea and took a sip from her drink.
"Well go on."
"When you guys were first making it big, I wanted to know everything about y'all, and I found some footage from your games and Kendall you were amazing. I don't think you should be afraid of that."
"Yea you could be right, but what if I'm too old?"
"I am right and are you kidding me? Wayne Gretzky was thirty eight when he stopped playing. I don't think you have anything to worry about." Kendall's jaw dropped, he has never met a girl as perfect then Tilly.
"I have five older brothers whose whole lives are hockey."
"So you're a fan too?"
"Yep the Predators are my team" Kendall grimaced; he'll always stay true to The Wild. Tilly saw this and threw a dish towel at him, which he quickly dodged.
"Don't grimace they're a great team."
"Maybe but…" All of a sudden there was a crash and three not so manly screams coming from the living room.
"MATILDA CLEMENTINE." Said girl eyes went wide as a loud booming voice rang throughout her home.
"Oh my god." Tilly groaned and threw a spoon at Kendall who was laughing his ass off.
"Shut-up Kendall."
"I'm so-sorry" The blond tripped over his words as he tried to calm down his breathing.
"Whatever. Let's just go and see if my father has killed your friends yet." Kendall straightened up and grabbed Tilly's hand and pulled her from the kitchen and into the living room, where his three best friends were cowering on a large sofa as six large men stood over them, yelling at them and threatening them.
"Daddy. Stop it right now." Tilly exclaimed in a strong, unwavering voice as she stood in between her new friends and family.
"And you five, knock it off and back off." She turned around and pointed a finger to the five older boys who immediately backed up.
"Now what is going on here?" She looked up at the dark skinned man who had at least two feet on her. Never backing down she stepped closer to the six very similar looking men, same dark black hair, except the eldest who had gray hair, same dark brown eyes and same dark skin tone.
The smallest Arlington stepped forward causing the six men to take a step back, they all knew not to mess with Tilly or their mother/wife when they get angry. She may be small but she was loud and feisty and fearless.
"Daddy I called you and mom and told y'all that I was having company over tonight."
"Well we didn't know" One of the older boys defended.
"I'm not talking to you J.J. and that still doesn't give you to scare the living daylights out of my friends. I know your little girl but damn it daddy I am twenty one years old, twenty two in less than five hours. I can protect myself."
"I know that Matilda, I just worry about you and no matter how old you are I will always scare the living daylights out of anyone that you bring home." The older man chuckled, quickly sending a threatening glare at the four stunned boys and then pulled his only daughter into a quick hug. He let go but tucked her into his side. He stood straight and introduced himself.
"I'm Jack Arlington and this is my wife Lacy. And these are my boy's J.J., Johnny, Colby, Amos and Mac" The older man chuckled lightly, pointing to each of his sons and shaking each of the four now confused boy's hands like nothing even happened.
The four friends came to stand in front of the slightly scary man, each introducing their own selves.
"I'm James."
"Logan"
"Carlos"
"And I'm Kendall, sir and ma'am".
"It's so good to finally meet the boys that littered my daughters wall every since she was sixteen. Kendall dear she was practically in love with you." The somewhat tall woman giggled as she brought each boy into a friendly hug.
"Oh dear god. Mother stop." Tilly groaned and hid her face in her hands as Lacy lightly smacked her brown hair daughters arm as everyone cracked.
Kendall watched on as his family interacted with Tilly's, noticing that Tilly looked nothing like her family, who all had dark, tall and well built features while she was light and petite.
He wanted to ask her why that was, but he didn't want to be rude. Then again he just wanted to know everything about her.
After everything had settled down and the rest of Tilly's large family was introduced to the guys she excused herself and the guys and led them to the back porch, where she apologized profusely for her families behavior.
"I really am sorry guys. My dad is super protective."
"It's ok. I think I would do the same thing if I had a daughter as pretty as you. All of us probably would." At this Tilly blushed and couldn't help but to walk up to Carlos and hug him.
"You're so sweet." They all laughed as Tilly leaned up and placed a kiss on Carlos' cheeks.
They stood there for a while looking over the rail, thankful that the snow had stopped, when Tilly's mother came out to tell them dinner would be done soon. They all sounded out with "Ok's".
"So your name is really Matilda Clementine?"
"Yes and I think it is an awesome name by the way. But go on, go ahead and laugh." And they did, it wasn't cruel or anything, but added to her name, it was just too adorable with the way her lips pouted and her aquamarine eyes got wide and she just shook her head as they continued to laugh.
They all felt bad about laughing, especially Kendall who had earlier jumped on Logan for making fun of her nick name, but her really couldn't help it.
"Are you done yet? Jackasses." She tried for it to come out harsh but she just ended up giggling.
"We're sorry."
"It really is an adorable name though." Kendall said, sporting his signature smirk, showing of his amazing dimples.
"Whatever." She said still adorably angry pouting.
"Are we forgiven?" They all simultaneously jutted out lips and started moving closer, ultimately pulling her into a gigantic group hug.
"Yea, I guess."
"Mati- what's going on here?" Mrs. Arlington walked how, stifling a laugh at seeing her daughter being squished by the four older guys.
"Group hug" Carlos shouted out merrily, earning laughter from everyone around him.
"Oh ok. Well dinner's ready." She said smiling at her daughter and her new friend. Elated that Tilly finally found some people that seem
"Alright" They separated and the five of them started walking back in. The five Arlington boys and their wives and assorted children and the elder Arlington's sat around the large table talking and laughing and warmly excepting the four formally stranded boys.
It was then as Tilly stood in the door and watched as her family and her new friends got along, she knew that were meant to be a part of her life.
It was also then when she realized how she felt for the blond, green eyed boy.
Later that night after dinner was done, Christmas movies were watched and a single present for each person, even including James, Logan, Carlos and Kendall, thanks to Lacy, everyone was told that it was time for a Christmas light walk.
It took almost half an hour for everyone to get ready and out the door. Once they were finally outside Kendall stayed back and pulled Tilly with him so they could walk together.
"Thankyou again for letting us stay."
"It's really not a problem, my family loves you guys."
"Still thank you."
"And I'm sorry that y'all didn't get to go home for Christmas. I hope your little sister is ok." After Kendall told Tilly about him always being home for Christmas, Tilly pulled him out of the room gave him a hug and insisted that he called her right then and there.
Katie was upset that Kendal or James, Carlos, and Logan couldn't be there, but she understood that there were some things that you just couldn't control.
"Thanks and I think she'll be fine. When I told my mom I wasn't coming home she was bummed but she told me that she was gonna go all out to make this Christmas special, so I know Katie will be taken care of. And plus we have our aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents there. She'll be fine. It just sucks this the first Christmas that we've ever been separated."
"Your mom sounds like a really sweet woman. And that must be hard being away from her for so long and then not being able to be home for the holidays."
"Yea it is, but sometimes you just have to take what life gives you."
"Yea but I think I would be crushed if I couldn't be able to be with my family. What about your dad?"
"Can we not talk about that?" Tilly agreed and didn't push any further. He didn't push with her so she was going to show him the same courtesy.
They walked in silence, enjoying the lights and each other's company. Kendall slowly inched closer and closer to Tilly, allowing their hands to gently bump. Kendall wanted to grab her hand but didn't know how she would react so he just settled for letting their hands bump every so often as they walked.
Kendall finally got up the courage to take her small hand in his after the seventh time she brushed her fingertips over his hand. She giggled and took her hand away from his, much to Kendall's dismay, but she quickly returned by wrapping an arm around his waist and snuggling into his chest.
Kendall wasn't really sure what to do, so he wrapped his arm around her small waist in return and pulled her as close as possible, smiling when she let out a sigh of content.
Kendall was confused, to say the least. What he feels for this girl is something that he never felt for anyone before. Of course there was and still is Jo, but he doesn't even know what's going on with that relationship. Ever since Jo got back from New Zealand a few years ago they've been on and off. Its worst than Camille and Logan, and they fight a lot.
He's still loves Jo but he doesn't think he's in love with her. He also doesn't know if it's worth the heartbreak and tears by getting back with her.
And honestly though he's been with the same girl since he was sixteen, sure when they were off again there were girls in between, mostly hook up's and one night stands, something he's not proud of, but there were one or two girls that lasted longer than a night, one even lasted four months, but then Jo came back from filming a movie in New York and then Kendall and the girl broke up and him and Jo were on again. That only lasted two months, because Kendall was on tour and Jo went back to New York and the guy she had met there.
Kendall didn't know what to do, he truly was over Jo. Granted she will always be his first of many first and one of his closest friend but it wasn't fair to the either of them to let a loveless relationship go on.
But he was also scared, Jo had been consent in his life for so long, even though lately they've been off more then on but Kendall had always gone back to Jo no matter what. But now he knows that's not what he wants anymore, he wants someone that will be there and stay with him no matter what, now he's not exactly looking for a lifelong commitment, but he is looking for something a little bit more steady and maybe a little more permanent then what he's had in the past. And he thinks Tilly might be that and that right there scares the shit out of him. He only met her less than ten hours ago but he's pretty damn sure that he's falling for her. Fast.
He doesn't even know how that happened, he doesn't know her and he doesn't even know if he'll ever see again and he doesn't even know how she feels for him.
Earlier this evening after dinner, he drug his three best friends to the room Logan was staying and told them what was going on.
James and Carlos pretty much told him to just go for it, that he only lives once and he should just take the risk and if she didn't feel the same there was the possibility of the two never seeing each other again.
Logan on the other hand told him that he should just leave it alone; he shouldn't risk her or him getting hurt.
And then Carlos hit him with a pillow and told him that life is full of risk and then James reminded him the many risks and chances the smart boy took with Camille and now they were very much together and happy.
Logan then told him to go with his heart and make the right choice.
So Kendall decided to not be scared and tell Tilly about his discoveries.
After they got back and almost everyone was gone Kendall decided that he was going to tell her.
He was about to walk into the kitchen when a strong tan hand pulled him to the side.
He looked up at the Native Americans' dark eyes and instantly became a bit scared.
"Son do you like my little girl?" Kendall became jealous the second he saw the protectiveness in Jacks eyes, as he did with he any person that had a caring and loving father that he so longed for. He quickly was shaken from his thoughts by the older man clearing his throat.
"Yes sir I do." The gray haired man just stared him down, making Kendall defend himself. "Sir I know I've only known your daughter for a half a day but I care for her a lot and I intend to let her know."
The man just looked at him and back to his smiling daughter who walked down the hall, carrying blankets for Kendall. He watched as his little girl smiled and blushed as Kendall sent his own smile towards her. In all the years he's been a father to Matilda he's never seen her as happy as she was tonight. For the first time in ten years Matilda eyes lit up and shown how bright and blue they were just like the first time he held her when she was a baby.
"I kind of figured, you look at her the way I look at my wife. Listen I'm pretty sure she feels the same way for you, but I don't want you or her getting hurt. And I know I can't stop her, once she decides that she wants something she'll do anything to get it, so the whole distance thing won't be a problem once you go back to L.A. and do your little dance and singing thing…" Kendall couldn't help but laugh as Jack did a little dance.
"But she's been hurt enough and I can't bare it if she were to be hurt again and honestly, god love her, but the girl is a heartbreaker. And I do like you, more than any other guy she's ever shown interest in, but I don't want the either of you to get hurt. "
"So you're saying that I can date your daughter if she wants."
"Yes I am. Just be careful"
"I will sir." The man smiled and shook Kendall's hand once more. Just as he was about to turn to leave he turned back to ask him one more question.
"Do you love her?" It was a strange and sudden question, but he fell in love with his wife fifteen minutes after her met her.
"I can't say that I do, at least not yet." Kendall smiled as he realized what he just said.
"Well like I said just be careful son."
"Will do." Kendall smiled and watched as Tilly said goodbye to her family.
He knows exactly how he feels about the girl and now he's not afraid to let her know.
review? please.