BELIEVE IN ME

by Imagine-write-and-love

Jacks is part of the world of boys since they were children. She was always there for all they remember. But is that Los Angeles will change anything between them? Especially for one of them? Kendall is with Jo but what if he finally saw Jacks for what she really is ?

25. Shopping Trip

James - ''... you'll always buy my toy, huh ? ''

The boys, Camille, and Katie Jo was still standing in front of closed doors with shocked expressions. Jacks? It was really Jacks? The first to react were Camille and Logan as they turned towards each other with accusatory expressions.

''You knew ?''

''NO !''

Logan did a double-take when he realized Camille's response and gave her a confused look. '' She did not say no more to you ? ''

'' No, the last time we spoke, she said nothing. '' Replied Camille totally unconscious bursts they received from others. '' Wait, you were not the last to speak her ?''

Logan pretended to think equally unconscious before snapping his fingers. '' Indeed. But it was quite late at her home so we're not stay long. Over her roommate was there so ... ''

'' Have you spoken to her ? '' If James finally exclaimed questioning both. '' You have spoken with my sister and some of you have thought to share it with us ? ''

'' In your opinion, what he was doing when he went to his room for hours in the evening? '' Intervened Katie stationing herself at Logan sides sparking mixed looks of boys and girls.

'' Wait, you too ? '' Kendall realized by launching an accusing look at his sister.

'' At first, yes. '' Katie replied, crossing her arms over her chest. '' But it does not work very well for us. ''

James burst forward again to the trio clearly exasperated at this stage. '' So during the past year, you spoke with my sister and you did not tell us ? ''

The trio looked expressions guilty before turning back to them with a slight shrug of the shoulders hesitant.

'' I can't believe it. '' James exploded before storming off.

The trio turned to look at the boy take the direction of the stairs. '' Wait, James. Where are you going ?''

'' SEE MY SISTER! ''

Kendall walked still in shock before turning to the other three with a withering brilliance. '' How you been able to hide it ? ''

'' We did not know what to say. '' Logan defended himself with a guilty expression. '' Since she's gone, she became a prohibited topic with you two. ''

'' So you have thought it was better to have the right to talk to her but not us? '' Replied dryly Kendall before turning to Jo to her intervention.

'' I'm sure they had a good reason, Kendall. '' Defended the blonde giving a look at Camille. '' Maybe it's Jacks who their has requested not to say anything. ''

'' Why would she asked that ? '' Exclaimed suddenly Katie exasperation. '' It's our fault, okay? You don't know her.''

'' Katie! '' Called out Kendall in disbelief simply annoyed more little brown.

'' Does not it like this bothering you so much ! You were sad one day and then after everything was perfectly fine for you. '' Barked brown leaving the group of teenagers speechless. '' Honestly, though Jacks have asked me to give you her address, I'm not sure if I would have given it. ''

Kendall remained literally gaping at his little sister as she pushed her way between them, hitting her shoulder in his side before taking the stairs a step furious.

I attempted to display an expression really fascinated as Tori and I were taking in our new apartment just, I could not help but think back to my meeting with the group in the lobby. And those same when Tori began to introduce each of our rooms making positions and real estate comments. I just passed by the visit with a deep frown on my forehead before releasing a deep sigh when it ended in our huge lounge. I looked around before walking to our windows lining an entire wall. I looked out between the blinds and could not help but regret already the view of the sea.

'' Okay! '' I jumped at the exclamation of Tori before turning towards her in surprise. '' What's the story with the frown, the sighs and the dog looks beaten ? ''

'' The look of what ? '' I Taken in disbelief hoping to escape these questions, but she was definitely more perceptive than I had to give her credit.

'' That ! '' He replied by pointing my face with her finger. '' I came to LA to follow my cool and relax friend. No one with a pout sad and lonely. ''

I sighed in defeat and looked again around me to support my point. '' It's just there. This is not even an hour we're here and I already feel like income a year ago. ''

'' Oh, look at you! Poor little Jacks. ''

'' Excuse me? '' Me I exclaimed with an offended expression.

'' But look at you! '' Insisted Tori stopping at my height to support my shine. '' Where's the coolest girl I know ? ''

I faced the blonde's eyes knowing that she was right before I sit down on the corner sofa in defeat when a knock sounded against the door. I raised my eyes immediately on the blond annoyed before turning my wide eyes on our door.

'' Jacks, let me in! '' Cried a voice too familiar to me and I could not help but push me a little in my seat. '' Come on! I'm your brother ! You have to talk to me ! In fact, there was much talk. Like the fact that you are left ... without even talking to me! ''

Tori exchanged glances expectantly between me and the door before sighing heavily as she turned on her heels to open it. I sat up immediately by calling for the blonde but she just keep walking before opening the door wide.

I met instantly warm brown eyes of James froze me to the spot and those even when Tori broke the tense silence. '' I'll be in my room. To unpack. Make yourself at home.''

I watched the blonde make her way toward her room with pleading eyes of the stay but she just point me wiht her finger as a warning before signing at James with her head. I bit my lower lip hard on as I crossed again the look of James before getting up. However, I did not expect at all to be taken over as I was suddenly crashing into a bone crushing hug.

I realized that it was none other than James with wide eyes before letting me go and squeezed back. A smile came despite me on my lips to the sweet familiar smell of his hair products and I squeezed him even closer to me.

James seemed to take as careful as he also tightened his grip before taking fully into my perfume. ''I missed that. ''

'' Me too. '' I replied simply opened my eyes again to raise an eyebrow at the sight of Katie in the crack in the door. '' Hey, kiddo. ''

James pulled away to look at what had caused this reaction prior to display an expression annoyed at the sight of Katie. Only she was soon to be replaced by a smile as the brunette dropped her beach bag on the floor before addressing me literally. So all what I did not expect.

'' It's you! You're really back. '' Exclaimed Katie making me giggle as she hugged me more against her before detaching to give me a serious look. '' You still good here, right ? You're not going to leave ?''

James leaned immediately behind Katie with an expression equally concerned while awaiting my answer and I gave them confident smiles. '' Nah, sorry, you're not going to get rid of me so easily this time. ''

Katie immediately accosted me another hug and I did not even have time to react again as James was soon join us. I now stood sandwiched between the two and I could not help laughing in the discomfort of it all.

'' Uh ... guys? '' They hummed in response without let go and will I rolled my eyes this time. '' You know, I may be gone for a year but I still hate as contacts. ''

'' Precisely you're gone for a year. ''

'' Yeah, Katie is right. '' James Backed by blowing into my neck since he was much bigger. '' So be quiet and let us cuddle you like a little teddy bear. ''

'' Or you could let me go and I'll buy a great toy when I go to the mall? '' I tried, with a mischievous smile before giggling openly as he withdrew from me almost immediately.

'' With noise? '' He asked, reminding me of his self-five years and I shook my head along with Katie.

The brunette now stood at my side and watched James in disbelief. '' Are you sure you want to come back to that? ''

'' Absolutely. 'I answered honestly felt my fears disappear little by little as I walked toward our refrigerator. Empty. '' TORI? We have to think to buy food. ''

The sound of a door opening could be heard before the blonde pulled her head with a smile. '' I know. That way I could do ... ''

'' Small cakes with vanilla! '' I sighed already drooling at the mere thought provoking more laughter of the blonde and looks surprised the other two. '' Now I'm starving. ''

'' Yeah, well, I warn you, you come with me this time. '' Warns Tori making me moan in protest. '' And don't sulk, child! ''

She closed her door immediately to prepare probably go and I turned to the other two just to roll my eyes at the dreamy look of James.

'' James? James, are you listening? '' I shared an impatient glance with Katie who seemed already to have taken up residence in front of our TV before slamming my fingers before the eyes of James.

''YO, BRO! ''

''What ? Who is she ? Is she single? '' James produced in the minute like an excited puppy.

I crossed my arms over my chest before giving him a warning shine. '' She's off limits. This is my roommate. And she's too crazy for you. ''

'' But she's hot! ''

'' Why, I thanked you. '' Intervened suddenly Tori with James doing the look embarrassed as she gave him her flirt smile while reaching his biceps. '' Um, someone made bodybuilding.''

'' Tori! '' I called her coldly.

The blonde let go immediately and James turned to me beating eyelash. '' Relax, honey. You know I balance to the other side. ''

'' Wait, what? '' Exclaimed my brother before giving alarmed glances between Tori and me. '' Jacks? Don't tell me you're ... and her and you and ... ''

'' Ow! Ow! '' I intervened quickly giving an annoyed look on the blonde currently holding giggle. ''She plays with you. She does not play for the other team and me either. ''

'' Really? '' Questioned James turning to Tori with his smile in place. '' You like to laugh, eh? ''

'' Sorry but I don't go out with the baby brothers of mine. '' Explained Tori making me giggle against my hand to the crestfallen expression of James. '' Still less those of my roommate. ''

'' So, you're her roommate of Australia? '' Katie Intervened suddenly making us look in surprise since she had been relatively quiet since the beginning. '' I did not think that would be friends with Jacks and well … your kind.''

Tori immediately turned to me with an evil smile on her lips. '' She's nasty. I love her.''

'' I know. '' I accepted mailing me alongside the brunette to shake my hand. '' And believe me, you don't even have anything view. ''

'' So you come with us to shop ? '' Suggested Tori and I turned to Katie and James in the query.

James signed directly to his beach outfit with a horrified look before getting up in a hurry. '' I have to change. ''

I let a smile on my lips as I watched him smash through our apartment, closing the door behind him before he opened it to give me a bright smile. '' I love you, sis. ''

I was left literally speechless for a moment before looking at Tori and Katie with a puzzled frown.

'' It was very odd. '' Commented the blonde making me nod my head in agreement.

Katie posted herself at my side before signing the door. '' This may take some time so I guess we will just give appointment in the lobby ? ''

'' Yeah, I have to change too anyway. '' I accepted with a smile before leaving the watch in turn.

'' And there's the smile I love so much. '' Tori Intervened suddenly breaking through my thoughts.

I turned to the blonde rolling my eyes before start walking toward my room while calling for her over my shoulder. '' No comment. ''

I changed myself quickly in shorts with blue and white printed with a simple white tank before tying my hair in a high ponytail while walking towards my suitcase on the floor. I opened it to retrieve one of my pairs of brown gladiator sandals and went back into the bathroom to apply makeup slightly up with my outfit before taking my pair of sunglasses.

I returned to the living room just to find Tori already sitting in front of our TV. '' So, you called a rental car ? ''

'' Yeah, I gave your license. '' Replied the blonde making me take a step forward in astonishment.

''Why ?''

However, I did not really need the answer to the blonde as she turned to me with a mischievous smile. '' That way I'm sure you'll come with me in the shop or in any other place where I want to go.''

'' You're aware that I'm not your driver, right ? '' I replied, jumping on the seat free beside her.''Which reminds me, we will stop at a dealership in the week . You know, to get you a car. ''

''Why ? Jeep will be there in a few days, right? '' Tori said with a slight frown as she looked at the MTV clips.

I gave her a sidelong glance before shaking my head to watch TV myself. '' I don't share my baby. The last time I'll have lent, she spent two weeks in the garage because you could not pull the hand brake. In a raid ! ''

'' It was not my fault, okay? '' If defended the blonde with a bored look. '' It's hard jalopy. ''

'' I already told you. She only obeys her mistress. '' I teased her sitting up with pretension. '' That's me in case you would not have taken the hint. ''

Tori gave me a strange look before raising her hands in the air just making me a shoulder shrug in response.

Carlos and Kendall were in a corner of the apartment while Logan stood in the other. Jennifer was simply trying to recover from the new Jacks back otherwise she would certainly have intervened between the trio. Honestly, she did not know how to react. On one side, she was really relieved and happy to have brown with them again but on the other hand, she was very angry to know that she had no guardian with her now. Who could give her own apartment to a girl seventeen.
Even more, she thought that if she ever would. She would return with them. Jennifer knew that her career was exploding in Australia. How not to know, the boys had not stopped for a second to follow her ascent.

She still remembered the phenomenon of her latest video. The brunette was barely recognizable and Jennifer was really surprised. It was like this all the Jacks they had known had definitely disappeared to make way for a young adult full of confidence. She is certainly more hiding behind her male clothes and even less her caps.

In fact, she seemed very aware of her body and she does not hesitate to show it. It took all the boys to prevent James explode at the sight of his sister in shorter outfits. One thing that seemed clearly not to disturb the other three. Obviously.

''Move on ! Move on ! Everyone releases the bathroom! '' James suddenly burst through the apartment in a race surprising the whole group as he rushed straight to the bathroom.

The click of the lock could be heard soon followed by the flow of water and Carlos turned immediately to Kendall in the interrogation. '' Uh, what just happened? ''

'' We'll go shopping with Jacks and Tori. '' Katie said suddenly going towards her mother. '' I can go with them eh, mam? ''

'' They do their shopping? '' Jennifer exclaimed in disbelief.

Katie furrowed her eyebrows prior to shrug her shoulders. '' Well, yes. They need to eat. But I think Jacks really don't like it. ''

'' How is she? '' Carlos Intervened immediately alongside the brown almost like a dog jumping while Kendall listened but was still behind.

He still did not know how to take the pic of his sister, much less the arrival of dusk. Things were complicated before she left and then there was the letter. Is she still felt her feelings for him ? Does he even wanted that she is still her feelings ? Or even talk to her for that ?

'' Wait, you mean that Tori is here? '' Intervened Logan, rising from his chair with wide eyes. '' Her roommate crazy and incredibly hot ? ''

'' Yeah! '' Replied Katie before leaving a smile on her lips at the thought of the blonde. '' James tried to flirt with her but she told him she did not go out with the baby brothers of her friends let alone her roommate. He looked like a little puppy. ''

'' BABIES? '' Repeated Logan and Carlos as they looked before literally exploding with laughter. '' Oh, I would have loved to see that. ''

Jennifer frowned always focused on the fact that the two girls were shopping themselves before turning her eyes on her younger daughter. '' Maybe I should come with you. After all, who knows what they might do ? They may need advice. ''

'' Mom, Jacks has done very well without you last year. '' Explained Katie with a knowing look. '' I don't think she needs advice. ''

'' She remains my responsibility. '' Assured Jennifer in a motherly tone. '' The three boys and the girl are all my responsibility. It's normal that I want to take care of her. ''

Katie gave a look at her mother knowingly with the other boys before sitting on one of the stools.''She missed by us all. But I think we should let her settle before jumping on her. ''

'' When did you become the expert to know how to act with Jacks? '' Intervened finally Kendall clearly still pissed.

'' Kendall. '' Jennifer recalled crossing her arms over her chest. '' I can take you know what, honey? ''

'' Logan, Camille and Katie have all spoken with Jacks in the last year and none of them has found the right idea to tell us. '' Replied the dirty blond bitterly before noticing the guilty expression on face of his mother and Carlos leaving him speechless. '' You too? ''

Jennifer immediately turned to Logan and Katie with a severe expression.''You didn't tell them ?''

'' We have not thought of? '' Tried Logan hesitation in raising a roll of the eyes of the older redhead.

'' Why did not you tell me? '' Exclaimed Kendall again grabbing the attention of his mother. '' In fact, why everyone seemed to communicate with her except James and me? ''

'' Well, if it makes you feel better, Jo either. '' Specified Katie with a chip on her brother really not caring to make him feel better right now and she gave an innocent look on her mother as she turned back to her. '' What? That is true.''

'' Okay, what's your problem with me today ? '' Asked Kendall with incomprehension.

'' Maybe because you seem the only one not be happy with the return of Jacks. '' Replied the little brown surprise the whole group.

Kendall gaped in mind to play his sister before returning quickly. '' That's wrong. What makes you even think that ? ''

'' I don't know but if it would have been before, you would not be with us at the moment but with her. '' Explained Katie overpowering this time as she jumped to her feet before walking to the door.'' I will join Jacks. You will tell James that the waiting in the hotel lobby. ''

I tried the best I could not to laugh dance of Tori. Having realized that James would not be ready any time soon, the blonde had decided to start a game of Justdance and it was just a pleasure for the eyes. However, her little dance was soon interrupted by the entry into fury of Katie. Tori turned sharply in surprise and gave me an incredulous look.

'' Oh, believe me, this will not be the first person who will enter without knocking. '' The I warned knowingly before going to Katie as she sat around our glass table. '' Hey, what's wrong ? ''

The brunette immediately turned to me with a sullen mine while I turned my desk upside down before me. I let my hands rest against the backrest and raised my eyebrows expectantly since she seemed to remember.

'' Why did you leave? '' Asked the little brown frankly making me look away.

I could easily feel Tori attention on me as she slightly lowered the sound of her game in the understanding.

'' It's quite complicated. But let's say I needed it for my career. '' I replied in a half-lie only it seemed to amplify the Katie's frown.

She looked at me even more annoyed before leaning in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. '' Because of you, Kendall and Jo are more in love than ever. ''

'' How is this to do with me? '' I asked, grinning slightly confused.

'' Because. '' Katie barked her teeth in trouble. '' After you left, he spent all his days with her then he should spend them with you. They are not supposed to belong. ''

I frowned my eyebrows to the explanation of brown not really understanding her train of thought before giving a look on Tori over my shoulder. The blonde shared my confused look and I signed for Katie nodded and asked her to help me with that shot. I had never been better for the girl to girl talk and even those with more practice. It was one of the favorite subjects of Tori after all. However, I assumed the snide remarks and sexual comments certainly facilitated things.

'' What do you mean by that Katie ? '' Tori Effected by sitting in front of the brunette and me in curiosity. '' If they are not meant to be together then with whom ? ''

'' Well, that's obvious, right ? '' Katie replied in a tone of "duh" before rolling her eyes open for our white expressions. '' Kendall known Jacks almost since they were born. They were best friends and I know he think she's hot. They were supposed to be together. ''

I put my wide eyes on Tori at the thought of the brunette and remained totally speechless. Where it came ? I mean, yes, maybe in a given moment, I felt that way to Kendall but it was over. So why is this established as one we were supposed to belong. This brought me back to an old memory between his brother and me and I literally had to force myself to concentrate on the conversation now.

'' Katie, much as I would like our friend here face a little shake in bed ... ''

'' TORI ! '' Exclaimed Me I immediately bringing my hands on Katie's ears in aggravation. '' She's perhaps more mature than normal but sh's a girl of ten. ''

'' Yeah, well, I don't do the baby-sitting. '' Barked the blonde raising her hands in inoncence. '' I don't know how. ''

'' Just ... '' I took a deep breath to calm down my possible heart attack before resuming more calmly.'' Just avoid obscene comments. Or moved, right ? In fact, all that relates to sex. ''

Tori immediately gave me an incredulous look before watching Katie who now gave me a hard time line to keep her in place. '' And how am I supposed to do that ? ''

'' Just do it! '' I growled before hissing in pain as Katie pinched me. '' Hey, what do I say for low blows ? ''

'' What do you mean by shaking in bed ? ''

I struck instantly my head against the smooth surface of the table before raising my head to start a burst of Tori as she literally laughed.

I sighed, getting up from my chair before giving a look at Katie. '' Regardless, we should go anyway. ''

'' But I want to know what it means. '' Katie sighed taking her land.

'' You've seen what you do ? '' I lashed towards Tori as I pointed my finger in the face of Katie before turning to her. '' It's just an Australian play. A game as Tori like too much for her own good. ''
Tori was soon to join us with a hilarious smile on her lips before leaning on me. '' Well done. But you should maybe think about playing well. ''

''A game ? Australian? '' Repeated Katie doubtful forcing me to give her my eyes roll before pushing forward toward the exit. '' So why this have to do with Kendall? ''

I failed to strangle me to the question of Katie unlike Tori that displayed the greatest of obscene smiles. '' Because it takes two to tango. But what I meant was that your brother and Jacks have perhaps been best friends but that does not mean they were necessarily doomed to become. ''

'' Why not, right? She is the only who knows him the most to share our mother and me. '' Born Katie scoring a point. '' Plus, I don't like Jo. ''

'' Well, I'm here now. '' I intervened-slinging my arm around the brunette as we walked to the elevator. '' This means that you will not have to hang around longer than necessary with them. ''

'' That's what I'm saying. '' Reject Katie doing my head back just me to cross the hilarious smile of Tori behind us.

I shrank my eyes on the blonde with boredom before going inside the elevator. Tori pressed the button to go down while I turned to Katie seriously.

'' Okay, I'll tell you something, okay? '' Katie nodded firmly showing that she was listening and I took a deep breath before speaking. '' I was in love with Kendall before to leave. That's why I left. ''

LIAR !

I could almost hear the shouts of Tori only through my mind, I wanted to end this and discussing whether it was enough to convince Katie then that was what I would do.

'' The fact is that I don't love him anymore. '' I assured with conviction. '' He's happy with Jo and I hope to get my best friend. You understand that ? ''

Katie seemed to reflect for a moment on what I'd said before nodding her head. '' I understand, but you will always be the one that always understand my brother better than anyone else. ''

'' Curse best friend. '' Tori commented a singing tone making me throw her a shine to the back of her skull.

This girl was going to be the death of me. Finally the bell rang the doors opened and we do a quick exit to the lobby just to pause at the sight of Camille approach. I let a huge smile on my lips before opening wide my arms already preparing to tackle her. As I expected, the actress suddenly let out a sudden shriek before flowing literally on me, sending us to the ground in a heap before shouting me strongly in the ears.

''You are back ! You're really back! '' I winced at the sound of her voice too close to my face before literally suck in a breath when I felt her hand come violently in contact with my cheek.

I brought my hand once to my face in disbelief before giving a broad look at the actress.''CAMILLE! Why did you do that ? ''

She quickly sat up, holding out her hand to me and I jumped up to face the actress still holding my cheek throbbing.

'' To be gone, of course. '' Replied the actress simply a perky tone before narrowing her eyes on me.'' And don't you tell me that you were coming back. With a friend and more. ''

Tori soon to address me with an almost horrified look. '' Do I want to know what's happening ? ''

''Probably not.''

'' Does it hurt? ''

'' Hurts like a bitch. '' I replied immediately by cracking my jaw from right to left before giving a pointed look at Camille. '' Camille, Tori. Tori, here Camille I regularly spoke to you because she's ... MY BEST FRIEND! ''

I pressed intentionally on the status of best friend to get the message to Camille before raising an eyebrow as Tori and the actress seemed to weigh a moment before exploding with bright smiles.

'' So you're the actress she told me. ''

'' Wait, is that you're an actress ?''

'' No, dummy. ''

''So cool. We will be a great friend. ''

They immediately launched into an animated conversation and I lowered my eyes on Katie to her intervention. '' Are present were really necessary ? ''

'' Necessary yes. Tori is my roommate and Camille, my best friend as strange as it may seem. '' I explained, leaning slightly on Katie. '' By cons, if it was a good idea ? I'm not sure. ''

The ding of the elevator called me and I turned around thinking it was probably James simply to show a tight smile at the sight of Kendall and Jo. Green eyes blond instantly caught my eye while Jo watched nervously us obviously not knowing whether she should approach us or not. It seemed an eternity before Tori finally entered my face breaking the tacit exchange between dirty blond and me.

'' Why did not you introduced me to this girl before ? '' Exclaimed the blonde in my face making me take a step back to her explosion. '' She's absolutely brilliant. I mean, she understood my joke about the porn. ''

I knocked once my palm against my forehead to her explosion too strong for our environment before seeking the couple of eyes just to see them enter by the pool doors.I frowned my eyebrows in trouble before looking over the shoulder of Tori as James finally made his entrance. He had changed into a raw denim jeans with a shirt perfectly highlighting his biceps and perfect musculature.

His gaze seemed to go off at the sight of my bare arm and he pointed furiously each of my tattoos about to have an attack. '' What ... you ... everywhere ... mom ... AH! ''

'' Uh, what happens to him ? '' Asked Tori, turning to look at him with a raised eyebrow before pointing the tip of her finger in cheek of my brother. ''He seems like ... frozen ? ''

''It's nothing. He comes to see my tattoos. '' I explained before hitting my hands together in front of his face making him relax a deep breath.

'' How come you've got and not me ! '' Exclaimed James in a petulant mine before waving his hands before his face. '' I mean, I'm the sexy bad boy here! Not you.''

Tori reproduces the waves of James in front of her own face in thought before giving an excited smile. '' It's quite fun actually. ''

'' No, not you too. '' I defended lowering her hands before pulling towards the entrance. '' Katie, James started. ''

'' Hey, wait! Where are you going ?''

I was taking a break to call Camille and returned me to pick her up. I was shooting with us against her will before extending my hand to Tori pending key.

'' It was you who drive ? '' James asked skeptically making me give him a shine before pressing the button to ring the doors.

However, I did not expect that Tori had chosen this kind of car. '' A Chevrolet ? You hired a fucking Chevrolet Camaro? ''

'' Too cool. '' Katie exclaimed, shaking her head with a conspiratorial smile.

James being James immediately threw himself on the car in total admiration and love while I stayed still flabbergasted.

'' How could you pay ? '' Asked Camille with a look of apprehension fills sparking a strange look of Tori.

I gave her a warning look to stop talking but of course she only made her head. '' Easy. We're rich. ''

'' Riches ? '' If exclaimed Camille, James and Katie together in my direction and I gave them a hesitant smile.

'' They don't watch television? '' Questioned Tori in a light tone of superiority before turning toward them. '' Uh, Jacks is a big star in Australia. You knew that we had a loft on the beach before, right? ''

'' A loft? ''

'' Okay, it gets scary when they repeat all like that. '' Tori said, leaning over me making me lift my eyes.

I made my way to the door conductive ignoring the trio still stunned before getting inside. Tori was soon called the passenger seat and I put the contact before watching the trio still stood still like statues with platitude.

'' They'll stay like that how long ? '' Asked Tori if strangely watching since she was not yet accustomed to things here.

I sighed as I leaned towards the blonde before giving her a tip for the future. '' They'll do it often then ... look and learn. ''

I soon was reaching for the horn and leaned hard on the startling trio for several meters before they turned to us with expressions still shocked. I did sign the back impatient and I shook my head as they began to fight to reach the back seat first.

Soon, the back door was open along with James, Katie and Camille jostled within shouting threats to everyone and I raised my eyes before I turn to Tori at hearing her laugh. ''And you really left it for Australia?''

'' Don't encourage them. '' I growled before watching the trio through my rearview mirror like a mother hen. '' Everyone is tied ? ''

''YES !''

'' They are too cute! '' Moaned Tori with a smile playing on her lips.

I pressed on the gas pedal and immediately engaged me on the road by activating the radio before leaving the windows open. I activated child safety because ... well, James was on board after all.

'' So um ... how you're rich, Jacks ? '' James asked, leaning over my seat with a conspiratorial air.

'' Yeah, how? '' Adds Katie obviously just as interested making me give them looks through my rearview mirror.

I gave Tori a look just to see her full with Camille discussing the role of actress before rolling my eyes the eager expressions of the other two. '' Not even worth thinking about you two. Katie, I would not do business with you about James ... I don't really know what you want but it's still not. ''

'' Oh, you're ... '' James leaned forward in my seat, giving a suspicious look on Tori before watching me muttering .''... you'll always buy my toy, huh ? ''

I let a broad smile on my lips amused as Katie touched the back of his head, accusing him of lacking ambition before turning my eyes on the road. '' Yes, James. The biggest and greatest of the store. ''

I did not need to watch my immature brother to know that he now had an expression like that of a child on Christmas morning. He had definitely not changed and I had to admit I was enjoying more of my return. I certainly had not imagined things to go so well and I realized that I had perhaps worried for nothing. Well, I doubted that things would go between Kendall as well as the other but I figured I could satisfy me for now.

Finally, I parked in the parking lot of the big supermarket Well Mart and quickly cut the engine. I went along with the four others by putting my stuff on the roof of the car before giving a look expectantly on Tori.

'' You made a list ? ''

'' Yep! '' Exclaimed the blonde leaving two back pocket the list of her shorts before I tender a making me raise an eyebrow in question. '' I thought saw that there was more we could do a little competition. ''

I wide my eyes with the other in excitement before quickly rush forward to Tori. '' I'm going with ...''

'' I thought James and Jacks against us three girls. ''

'' WHAT? '' Exclaimed Me I along with my brother before narrowing my eyes to brown.

James seemed to do the same for me and I turned to Tori with boredom. '' I hate shopping. And James is worse. ''

''Why ? He does not seem so bad ? ''

Camille, Katie and I looked knowingly before pointing my idiot brother just roll our eyes as he seemed to speak again with his mirror.

Tori grimaced slightly repelled by the vanity of James before raising her shoulders at me. '' We'll give you five minutes ahead. ''

'' You'll be sorry! '' I grumbled under my breath already walking towards my brother before almost tear off the ground as I grabbed her by the arm to pull him with me. '' I will not let you we don't lose, is that clear ? ''

'' Hey, you think I'm happy to have you ? '' Replied James visibly annoyed by my comment. '' You certainly was not my first choice. ''

I rolled my eyes taking a caddy before rolling to make the store entrance. '' Let me guess, you wanted to get Tori. Forget little brother, this will not happen. ''

'' Why not ? '' James pouted crossing his arms over his broad chest as a child of five.

''Because ! Now advance. '' I sighed in my way to the first store aisle before signing a pack of orange juice. '' Here you are greater. Make yourself useful. ''

James turned to me with a sullen face and I stared at him impatient before rolling my eyes as I assured him that we would go into the toy department after. This was not so horrible. We had already achieved more than half of the list and James had his super Remote 4x4. In fact, we really enjoy a while for the first time in years and I had to remind myself to thank Tori later.

However, it seems that the time was soon to be destroyed as James gave me a sideways glance.''When ... we never really talked about why you left. ''

I thighten my grip on the trolley despite myself before continuing to walk in tense silence. What I had to say ? The truth ? Yeah, no definitely not. But I could not lie to him either. Not that it would not be easy. James tended to be rather naive.

''It's ... complicated. '' I breathed out by taking pasta bags to throw in the caddy. '' Griffin wanted me to leave. So I left. ''

'' Why not say goodbye then ? '' James insisted visibly annoyed by my lack of response. '' Why have left letters ? ''

I was holding back towards the big brown, leaning on one side of the front carriage to raise an eyebrow. '' We barely spoke, James. And let's be realistic, you really would have let me go if I told you ? ''

The stern look of James seemed somewhat diminished sense of my words and began walking quickly forcing me to push the trolley to follow. He threw random things in the caddy making me give him a bored look before rolling my eyes.

'' You know that Coke bottles were not on the list, right ? Neither cheddar or hamburger bun or even dog biscuits. '' I was summarizing, before wincing in confusion by giving him a strange look. '' Wait, why did you even take dog treats ? ''

'' Hey, that's very good. '' Commented my idiot brother squeezing the pack against his chest.''Cheese and bacon. ''

I shook my head, deciding not to upset him further before continuing our purchases. We had crossed the girls some time in the aisles and it was not out great every time. That said, I had to recognize that the trolley fights were pretty funny. Especially since James was on my side.

Ah! Take it girls.

'' Tell me we done! '' Moaned my brother eyeing his game with brilliant eyes and I rolled my eyes before driving towards the boxes.

However, we emerged from the same time radiation than girls. I was soon a break with James eyeing the free cash corner of the eye before giving a warning look on girls. They seemed also coveted free hand and swayed their trolley back and forth about to bite us instead at any time.

The tension in the hall was palpable and I thighten my grip on the trolley firmly. '' James, ready to implement your launched skills caddy of Minnesota ? ''

'' READY! '' James agreed firmly stationing himself at my side to hold the caddy eliciting horrified looks of Katie and Camille unlike Tori seemed to challenge us.

'' 1 ... 2 ... 3 ! ''

James and I rushed in a race to the fund along with the three girls before making a sudden swerve to park just before them. I gave a shove in Tori sending almost fly on the floor before taking a completely neutral air and composed as the cashier gave us strange looks frightened.

'' Well done, partner. '' I was commenting on hitting my hand with that of James before shooting childishly our tongue in the girls rear us. '' Loser! ''

Soon we all explosions of laughter at our folly before Tori followed my storage on the carpet. '' Where did you learn to do that ? ''

'' Minnesota! '' I answered simultaneously James with a shrug.

Finally, after paid and stored races, we were again on the road to the hotel. James had called dibs on the passenger seat and leaving Camille and Tori relatively confused unlike Katie who was content to roll her eyes knowingly before explaining the Charter dibs of boys for them.

I exploded through the doors of our apartment, arms loaded grocery bag before quickly put them on our kitchen island and let me down on our couch. '' I hate always much shopping. ''

'' Drama queen! '' Commented Tori with a roll of her eyes as she looked to store shopping just to receive Camille cry of protest.

I sat up with my elbow against the pillows and gave a knowing look on Camille as she now had her arms crossed on her chest with a bored look. '' That's her nickname. Not mine and now you have offended. ''

'' Seriously? '' Exclaimed Tori sharing a strange look with Katie before turning to face with an uncertain Camille. '' What can I do to be forgiven ? ''

'' Accepting an date with me! '' Replied James immediately with his charming smile making me roll my eyes as I helped Tori to store. '' Oh c'mon, nobody said no to THAT ! ''

'' Do you view that ! '' replied childishly Tori also waving her fingers in front of her own face in a mockery. '' We're just not meant to be together. I love my boyfriends with flaws. ''

I sniffed with a wicked smile before calling on my shoulder as I was putting a bag of chips in the cupboard. '' He's silly. ''

'' Hey! '' James protested before finally bending his head to the side in line. '' It's true that I'm not the brightest of the four. But I'm the best. ''

I shook my head on my brother before leaving a smile on my lips as he stormed out of our apartment by calling on his shoulder like Tori finally be his.

''He's always like that ? '' We asked Tori also amused by the stupidity of my brother and Katie jumped quickly on a stool to be our height.

''And even. You did not see four together. '' Commented the brunette with a grave expression making me smile more.

'' Hey, does it mean a girls night out ? '' I suggested instantly collecting an acclamation of joy of Tori unlike Katie and Camille who was staring at me now as a kind of ovnie. '' What ? ''

Katie leaned over the island looking at me closely before sharing a puzzled look with Camille. '' I have not dreamed ? You heard the same thing as me. ''

'' Yeah. '' Replied the actress immediately with wide eyes in disbelief before turning to me. '' You sure you're Jacks ? ''

I rolled my eyes in achieving before crossing my arms over my chest. '' Yes or no ? ''

'' YES! '' In haste to answer the two brown knowing I would not stay on it twice.

'' I'm going to ask permission from my father but it should not be much problem. '' Said Camille already walking toward the exit. '' We come here at 7 ?''

I nodded my head simultaneously with Tori before turning my attention to Katie and Tori. '' You think you can load you finish storing shopping without me ? I'll go with Katie to ask permission to Jennifer?''

Katie's gaze widened in surprise before a slight smile settled on her lips making me give her a wink.

'' No, go ! ''

I started walking toward the exit of the apartment already knowing that Katie was following me and closed the door behind us once we were in the hallway. We walked silently to the elevator until Katie had had enough of the silence. '' You know she may lock you up for life in our apartment? ''

'' It's a risk worth taking. '' I answered confidently as I turned to the metal doors as they were closing on us. '' Plus, I admit that I may have missed her hugs. ''

'' Believe me, she probably missed just as much if not more. '' Reflects brunette with an almost horrified look before turning to me. '' You know she wanted to come with us in the store ? ''

I giggled slightly to the maternal spirit of the red before shaking my head in amusement. '' Why I'm not surprised. ''

Finally, Katie and I were passing through the corridor so familiar to me before entering the apartment. At least Katie came while I stood frozen on the doorstep. For some reason, I felt strange to go like that without even knocking now. It's been a year since I had left the place and I did not really know how to handle it.
However, Katie soon began to notice that I was not following and before I could protest the brunette pulled me with her with all her might before calling for her mother. Jennifer suddenly emerged from the corridor of the boys cleaning her hands on a rag before literally freeze at my sight.

We stood a moment to watch without a word before I raised my arms to greet her with a hesitant smile. '' Hello, mama. Knight.''

'' Jacks! '' Exclaimed the redhead before addressing me in a suffocating embrace letting me watch Katie smile us behind our backs. '' Oh, I missed you so much, sweetheart. ''

I inhaled the sweet smell of warm food mixed with her perfume lilac before to enjoy the embrace. '' You too, Jennifer. You too.''

'' Oh, look at you. '' If she exclaimed, standing out in the rain to watch me in my height. '' You've grown so much. Although I'll just ignore his horrible designs on your arms. ''

I let a laugh at her expression disapproving before abruptly turning around just to be nasty tackle to the ground by two familiar boys.

I don't even have the strength to breathe since the two were crushing me under their weight and I tried the best I could not to cry out in disgust. The scene seemed to spark the fun of Jennifer and Katie while I was seriously starting to become tired of Carlos shouts in my ear.

'' Katie! '' I cowed trying to get out beyond me. '' A little help ? ''

'' Very well boys, I think Jacks was enough to embrace a whole year. '' Jennifer commented with a laugh immediately capturing the attention of Carlos and Logan.

I released a breath of relief before me straighten my elbows to watch the two boys standing over me with silly smiles. '' You are scary. ''

'' I'm just like you told me about your letter. '' Me Carlos informed immediately as a small child and I left a smile on my lips before getting up. '' I kept my good humor . ''

'' And your helmet. '' I added by hitting it with a nod receiving an incredulous look of Logan.

'' You told him to keep his helmet ? ''

I turned to the little genius and childishly stuck my tongue. '' I was taken by the emotion of the start, I guess. ''

'' Of course. '' Logan replied sarcastically before letting a genuine smile on his lips. '' It's good to have you back. ''

'' I confirm. '' Jennifer nodded hugging me in her side before depositing a soft kiss on my temple. '' However, we must discuss this collocation, girl. ''

I rolled my eyes in amusement before turning to Katie. '' In fact, I wanted to know if it bothered you if I took Katie for a girls night tonight ? ''

'' A girls night? '' If Logan and Carlos exclaimed with dreamy expressions already making me shake my head before turning my attention to Jennifer.

'' It'll just Tori, Camille and me. '' I would inform the with-a pleading look and innocent smile. '' We will not set too late and Katie will be back by 11 am tomorrow morning. ''

Jennifer gave a suspicious look on her daughter and me before crossing her arms over her chest in suspicion. '' Why do I feel that Katie will spend much time in your apartment now ? ''

'' Please do, Mom! '' Pried Katie before becoming excited by the thought of our apartment sparking wide eyes in envy of the boys. '' They have a movie screen, the Xbox 360 and bunch of games too cool. Please, please ... LET ME GO! ''

I gave a look at the brunette now kneeling before Jennifer before catching the eye of the red. '' I knew she was not coming to me. ''

'' Good, but no joke, right ? ''

'' I promise! '' Exclaimed Me I along with Katie in excitement before quickly follow her in her room.

I was helping to prepare the brown bag for a quick night while taking account of some changes it had in our old shared room. I was surprised to see that my bed had not moved and Katie had quickly explained that it helped her to sleep at night. I had not realized how much my absence had affected the brunette until she looked at me with that sad look. Without a second thought I had locked in an embrace she quickly found out and stood on it as long as necessary for she understood that I was not going anywhere this time.

I was sure of that.

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Xxo Love is weakness