Teach Me Tonight

by sandy2x400

The wind blew and the rain fell, but you still felt safe. After all, you have Shane, and how many girls can say that. The problem is, not only is he your dance teacher, he's eighteen and no one wants you together. Smitchie. Rated M for a reason.

35. Chapter 35

"Why don't we hit restart, and pause it at our favorite parts. We'll skip the goodbyes." Matchbook Romance - Tiger Lily

AN - Long chapter. Very Long Chapter!

Teach Me Tonight

Chapter 35

Two weeks later in late December the tour ends on a Monday, but that's okay with you because you know you are starting to show and it is probably not the best idea to be prancing around when you are almost four months pregnant. You are still small and tiny, but people are catching on in the media. Ms. Grey and Nate are still in the dark, but that's purely by miracle. What doesn't sit right with you is that your mother wants you home on Saturday for Christmas because she is fed up of the excuses you give her to try and stay another week with your lover. But Friday? Dear ol' Christmas Eve is when you got the news that changed everyone's life for the worst.

You never realize just how much can happen in six days.

--Monday--

"I can't believe the tour ended yesterday. I can't believe it's five days to Christmas already." Shane sighs, twirling your hair in his fingers as the bus rounds off at Hollywood Records Headquarters' parking garage. "I don't know whether to be relieved or feel awful." He continues, putting his chin on top of your head. You nod mindlessly, feeling all kinds of tired. "I don't want you to go though." He says suddenly, squeezing your waist softly. "I'll miss you." Shane breathes out before putting his hand on your growing tummy. "And you." He adds playfully, kissing the side of your neck. You smile at him and nod again.

When the bus stops, the both of you grudgingly get off, with aching backs and tired minds. Everyone is so exhausted; the consent awkwardness of the group is forgotten, and instead everyone is thinking about their own bed in their own room in their own house. The hotel life is hard after a while and you have almost forgotten what it means to sleep in a comfy, familiar bed without a weird painting near you. You wait for a while as the Connect Three manager and staff unload and talk. No one bothers you and you bother no one.

Once Shane's huge Mercedes is in view again, the smile on his face grows as does Nate's when his pretty little Mustang is brought out. For a second, you don't know whether to just brave the awkwardness with Nate just so you can ride in his car opposed to your boyfriend's - fiancé's - monster car. Shane decides for you when he intertwines your hands and pulls you to his monster, opening the door for you politely but waiting impatiently for you to enter. He rolls his eyes when you deliberately take your time climbing in and you gasp when his hand makes contact with your bottom. He throws an innocent smile your way before it morphs into a smirk as soon as you pout at him and sit down in the passenger seat.

"I can't believe we're going home." He almost squeals. You laugh at his eagerness as he takes off quickly, completely ignoring his brothers. You shiver at the blast of cold air from the a.c. and look at the passing ocean waves with a mixture of complete exhaustion and a hint of excitement. It does not take long before you are stopping, but this time instead of a huge apartment complex, you are stopped at a gate. Shane rolls down his window and you finally notice the security guard. "Hey, man. Let me in, will you?" he calls out, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. The man obliges, opening the gate and welcoming you into the huge community that is Toluca Lake.

It takes a couple turns until you are at the main house of the Grey family, but the second you see it, your eyes widen. Beyond beautiful, it is really nothing like you imagined. Then again, what of Shane's isn't? He turns off the car before quickly climbing out and helping you off the ledge of the tall car. He intertwines your fingers again and gives you a quick smile, before pulling you up the stairs. The foyer is large and spacious with amazing paintings and high walls. It looks like a castle, but Shane hardly gives you time to appreciate it.

The next thing you know you are in his bedroom or what you assume is his bedroom with the amount of clothes not thrown on the floor. Everything is so neat and tidy, with several guitars hanging from the wall and random pictures everywhere. "Wow." You breathe out but he ignores you, opting instead to flop onto his oversized bed. He moans softly as he wraps himself in his covers before smelling his sheets. You laugh at him before joining him gingerly on the bed. He looks up at you with a big smile and wraps his arm around you. "So, I wrote the chorus of a song last night." He whispers while biting his lip. You smile at him.

"You remember when you played Secret Valentine? That was a beautiful song. Are you going to record it?" you ask and he shakes his head at you. "Okay. I think it's too personal anyways." You counter and he gives you a look saying he agrees with you. "What's the name of the new song?" you ask, crossing your legs Indian style on the bed.

"I don't know yet. Probably Black Keys." He responds, standing up and grabbing a guitar from his wall. He comes back and sits with you before strumming his fingers softly. "And the black keys never looked so beautiful and a perfect rainbow never seemed so dull. And the lights out never had this bright a glow. And the black keys showing me a world I never knew, no a world I never knew." He sings gently, pretty unsure of himself. "Don't let 'em get inside of your head." He randomly sings the line he sang to you a while back. Suddenly, he's groaning and throwing the guitar dramatically. "Ugh. I'm never gonna get this." He says exasperatedly before lying down and putting his hand over his face.

You roll your eyes and put your hand on his stomach. "Don't stress yourself, Shane. It will be perfect. From what I heard so far, it's beautiful." You encourage him as you softly slide your body next to him. He gives you a small grin before turning on his side and hugging you.

"You're so nice. I'm keeping you." He teases you, lightly nipping at your ear. You laugh and slightly moan as he blows on a sensitive spot on your neck. "Mmm, and taste so good." He continues, his tongue darting out and flicking your skin before he starts sucking sensually. You moan this time, tangling your hand awkwardly in his hair. Suddenly, he is kissing you everywhere on your neck and face before finally kissing your lips. He is still very careful as he puts himself half on top of you with a protective hand on your stomach.

And then - "Shane! You here?" comes a woman's voice from downstairs. You both groan before laughing and shaking your heads.

"Coming, Mom." He calls out as he helps you to your feet. He fixes your shirt so no baby bump is showing before leading you to the kitchen. You look at the intricate design of the counter with awe as Ms. Grey puts down some bags on it. "Hey. What's up, Mother?" he asks sounding even more exhausted. You have to hide your snicker at his over acting and how real it sounds.

She puts a sympathetic smile on. "Oh, honey. Are you tired?" she asks, putting a hand on his cheek. "Go to bed." She tells him, tilting her head back up the stairs. Shane smiles weakly at her, giving you a sly wink, and pulling you up the stairs. "Mitchie can stay though." Ms. Grey suddenly calls out making you both freeze. Shane looks back at his mother. "I mean, you're going to sleep right? No need for Mitchie. She can, however, help me make dinner?" she asks with a warm smile. You awkwardly give Shane an apologetic smile and nod at her. He groans softly before trudging back upstairs.

And suddenly, you remember you have been trying to avoid staying by yourself with her. You subconsciously wrap your arms across your lower body and walk quickly to the counter. "How can I help?" you ask softly. Ms. Grey blows out exasperatedly and shrugs, before chuckling.

"I have no idea what to make." She laughs with a small hint of pink of her face.

You smile at her. "Well how about Penne ala Vodka or Shrimp Curry?" you suggest, looking in her refrigerator and finding all the necessary components for either. She gives you a confused look and you grin at him shyly. "My mother is a chef - a caterer. I've learned some things." You explain, shrugging modestly. Ms. Grey raises her eyebrow before nodding appreciatively.

"Just tell me what to do, sweetie." She says with a grin and you nod at her timidly. "You're already better than the last one." She whispers cheerfully. "Norah couldn't cook anything." She says clapping her hands.

--Tuesday--

"Hey, Mitchie. Wake up." Shane shakes you awake. You look up at him with tired eyes and moan, before turning over. You try to fall back to sleep but he laughs and starts kissing you. You breathe out against his lips and eventually open your eyes. "Hello, sleeping beauty." He teases, lying down next to you. After dinner yesterday, Ms. Grey very innocently showed you where the guest room was, which incidentally happened to be right across from her room. Shane and you - although reminiscent of when you used to sneak out of your mother's and then Caitlyn's and Tess's cabin - decided not to risk it.

"I'm so tired still, Shane." You say hoarsely as you make a face at him. He laughs again, before turning the clock towards you. You snap up with wide eyes as you look at the red numbers. 2:23 it reads. You slept the entire morning and half the afternoon away already. "Wow." You whisper as Shane kisses your shoulder.

"Mhmm, kinda late, isn't it?" he mocks you pointedly and you push his face away from you, still groaning. He chuckles before leaning down and kissing you again. "Go take a shower." He nudges you and suddenly getting off you. He throws you another breathtaking smile. "I'll see you later." He sings as he leaves the room. You roll your eyes, but eventually get yourself out of bed. In the shower, you make sure to make the water extremely hot in order to get rid of all your tense muscles, and then slip on a nice cool summer dress you could only wear in California during the winter season.

When you go back to the room, shaking your wet hair out the whole way down the hall, you notice a small letter on the bed. Curiously, you pick it up, noticing your name written in Shane's scrawny handwriting. Shaking your head, your open the card slowly and your heart starts beating nervously. How awful it must have been for Shane when he saw the horrible letter you left him in the hotel so many moons ago. The letter you wrote him in the diner not three months ago would have been even worst. As you pull out the letter, you cannot help but be nervous that he isn't doing the same to you.

M,

Hey, sleepy head. If you got this, then you got outta of the shower. As you have probably noticed, I'm not in the house anymore. If not, you suck - you should know when I'm not around with like…I don't know, an automatic sensor in you telling you I'm no longer near you. Wow - I'm rambling. (: anyways, I just want you to know, that I love you and that you deserve this. Unfortunately, I cannot be with you today. I got called down somewhere to do some bullshit - you know how it is. But I'll be with you in spirit. I'm not usually one for romantic gestures, but I figured what the hell.

Go to the address on the small card that's probably still in the envelope and tell them that I sent you there. Have fun. I love you, once again.

-S

Raising your eyebrow, you pull out the tiny piece of paper and look at the address. There, written besides it, are the words, By the way, Jason is your personal driver today. You blink at the card before swallowing. You hardly have ever spoken to Jay, although he is the one brother besides Shane to know about the pregnancy. Walking out of the room, you look up to see the oldest Grey is already there. You blush. "You know you don't have to follow Shane's orders. He's a jerk." You say, biting your lip. Jason laughs before shrugging his shoulders.

"Maybe I just want to spend time with my future niece or nephew's mama." He says and you freeze with wide eyes. He smiles apologetically. "Relax. No one is home." He says, before stepping forward and holding out his arm. "Come, milady before Shane tries to kill me." He rolls his eyes as you loop your arm in his and leave the house. Unlike his two more ostentatious brothers, his car is a small hybrid that runs well, and also unlike them, his personality isn't as dramatic nor as serious but rather light and happy. "So, I think you look very pretty. Where did you get that dress?" he asks when you get in the car.

You look down and shrug. "I'm not sure. Shane bought it." you admit embarrassingly. He laughs.

"Probably Barney's. They have the best selection of shoes. They have this one pair that I have wanted to get for months, but every time I go into the store, the paparazzi block my way. It sucks, but whatever. Although I guess I could get them online, but I don't know, I just like handling my shoes before wearing them." He talks a mile a minute, before taking out his iPhone. "Look, they are my screensaver." He says, and you stifle a laugh. The poor guy is not gay, but it almost seems like that is the problem. You look at the shoes and memorize their appearance so you can get them for Christmas. At least that's one brother down.

"So, where's this place you're taking me?" you ask, sighing somewhat. Jay turns to you before shrugging apologetically and waving the piece of paper you gave him. "Wow. Shane's an ass." You whisper, but inside you are getting a little excited. You smile. You know this is probably some grand gesture to give you the ring, and you know he is going to make you try on dresses and heels, but it still brings a smile to your face. "But I love him." You whisper lightly.

Jason chuckles. "So boy or girl?" he asks suddenly. "I was thinking if you had a boy, Shane would love it, but if you had a girl he would be ecstatic. When he was younger, when mom had Nate, he screamed at her and told her to return him because he wanted a girl. I don't think he's gonna do the same now, but knowing how immature he can be, who knows. But he would probably love a girl. Then again, he is always surrounded by little girls so that may have gotten old by now. So maybe, he would prefer a guy." Jason says, still talking fast and using his hands like crazy.

You frown. "I don't know actually. I don't even know what I want. Either, I guess, as long as he or she is healthy." You shrug and he nods solemnly. You always forget that he was there that night they drove you to the hospital, but then he was the driver and you were in pain. You were hardly paying attention to anything. "Anyways, any girls in your life?" you ask brightly, changing the subject. Jason smiles widely and gives you a shy glance, before shaking his head.

"A story for another day." He sings before stopping in front of a building. You both look at the place strangely before rechecking the address. "Well… we're here." Jason says awkwardly. Swiftly the two of you go inside and the loud noises coming from all directions make you jump. "Okay - Shane is officially off his rockers." Jason mutters as an old man comes forward.

"Hello. What a lovely couple." He compliments you like only a sale person can. You roll your eyes but don't say anything to contradict him. "Welcome to Christa's Pet Emporium. What can I do for you today?" he asks with a bright smile. Jason gives him a tight lip grin and holds out a piece of paper you hadn't noticed before. The man face falls before picking up again. "Come this way." He tells you, waving you to follow him. You and Jason look at each other before following the man to the back room. You gasp when a snake jumps up at you but try to ignore it. "Here we go." He says, handing you a little box and another card.

Oh Shane.

You grab the box, gasping at it weight and looking at the holes at the top. With another look at Jason, you open it, scared at the way the box is jumping. Immediately your heart swells and you let out a small noise of appreciation. "Oh, a puppy." Jason laughs at your enthusiasm as you pick up the small little creature. Instantly the tiny dog starts jumping and licking you like crazy, and it takes you a while for you to really look at him but when you do, you can only let out a sigh. He is adorable - with those big eyes and furry complexion. Of course, the dog is extremely hyper and happy, panting along like it has no worries in the world. "Shane…" you whisper with a smile on your face.

"Open the letter." Jason says at you. After a few more seconds of bringing the dog up to your face, you finally open the second letter.

M,

Too much? Oh well. This is my present for you. When I'm away and you cannot come to me, I want you to remember this puppy. He is ours, just like our baby. Treasure him, babes, because I think he is the most adorable thing ever. Even more than you, so ha. Anyways, I don't have his name yet but I was thinking BeeKay. - After Black Keys - I am writing that song for you and I think it's appropriate. I love you still.

Next address, next place.

-S

Ps- yes I know I'm being cliché, but you wanted normalcy. Well, here it is.

You pull out another small card with an address printed on it. Once again Shane's scratchy handwriting is on it. This place I guarantee you will love once you let go of the ridiculous notion that I cannot spend money on you. Remember, now you are my fiancée and my child's mommy. So…ha! By the way, after Jay drops you off, tell him he's done with his duties until about seven. Hope you like the puppy but unfortunately BeeKay - or whatever his name you want - has to go with Jay. You frown at his words, and bring the tiny hyper dog close to you. You kiss his furry little head before tucking him protectively in your arms. Nodding at Jason, the two of you go to the car to go to the next destination.

BeeKay keeps licking you and making you giggle as Jason clears his throat. "You know Shane gets so attached to pets. I remember when we were small, back in New Jersey, we had this turtle. His name was Philip. Don't as me why, because I still to this day don't know why we named him that. But anyways, turtles are illegal in Jersey and when my mother found out, we had to turn him in. Shane was hysterical. And then, there was Cocoa. We had him for years, and when he died two summers ago, Shane got so depressed. For a while, that dog was everything to him, and when he passed away, Shane vowed never to get a pet again. So it's kinda a big deal that he got one for the both of you." Jason muses as he taps his fingers on the wheel.

You bite the inside of your lip. "I didn't know that." You whisper and Jason looks at you before shrugging.

"It's okay." He justifies. "You don't have to know every detail about a person to know you love them. Sometimes, it's better that you don't know everything. Then you can learn something new about the person every day. Adds an air of mystery to a relationship in a good way." He says. The two of you don't say much afterwards, but pretty soon, he is stopping the car again. "So, my job as chauffeur? Quit my day job for it?" he says with a kind smile. You grin back and roll your eyes, before passing him BeeKay and stepping out of the car. You gasp at the building before shaking your head with a laugh.

Jane's Spa Palace.

XXX

After getting massaged, made up, and uplifted, the woman brings you to a back room before pulling out a rack full of dresses. "Mr. Grey told me to tell you to choose any dress you desire." The woman says, making you raise your eyebrow at her. She nods at you and leaves the room, leaving you alone with some of the most beautiful dresses you have ever seen. You look them over, guilty at the fact Shane would go to this much trouble, but actually pretty glad he did. Finally, you chose a beautiful and slightly tight gray and black dress that hangs off your shoulders and shows off your legs.

You look in the mirror the room provides and subconsciously put your hand on your stomach. You wonder if you are showing or if it's just your imagination; either way, you allow yourself to indulge in the random accessories Shane made sure to get before slipping on a great pair of heels you think maybe Jason picked out. Looking in the mirror again, you feel beautiful. It's been a long time since you have felt as pretty and pamper as you have today. Shane has made you feel like a princess - which seems pretty stupid when said out loud, but in reality, it is the best feeling in the world.

People don't appreciate the little things in life anymore, and you are starting to realize you are one of them. For so long, you have put yourself down for things you cannot change, but for what? So, you could end up loveless or worse, dead. Shane loves you for who you are - you don't have to be anyone but yourself and he will love you for it. That, that right there, is the best gift he can give you. Someone to hold you in your worse days. Someone who will kiss you when you are down. Someone who will make love to you to help you forget. Someone who will let you speak, or even better, who will let you just sit without talking when you need it. Shane is the best gift you have ever received and you will never let him go.

Feeling tears in your eyes, you quickly wipe them away before they mess up your made up face; instead, you clear your throat and leave the room. Jason is waiting for you there and you shoot him a shy smile. "Wow, Mitchie." He gives out a low whistle. "Good thing Nate's not here or he would have popped a fit." He says. You raise your eyebrow.

"I don't know whether that's a compliment or an insult, but I'll take it." you say, accepting his hand and allowing him to guide you to his car. "So where are we going?" you ask when you are situated.

Jason clicks his tongue. "No can do, but here." He says as reaches behind him while trying to keep his eyes on the road. "The last letter from Shane." He tells you with a grin. Warm butterflies start tingling your stomach as you take the card form the eldest brother.

M,

I really hope you had a blast at the spa. I know my mother raves about it all the time anyways. BeeKay - if that's his name - is here with me - waiting for you. I just wanted you to know that I miss you. This last card wasn't planned, but I needed to say that. I don't know how we're supposed to separate for months at a time when after one day I need you back by my side. Anyways, I just wanted to say that.

I miss you.

Love,

S

"We're here." Jason whispers, startling you. Looking around, you are surprised to see that you are in front of the brothers' apartment building. "You know which apartment, right?" he asks as he hands you a key. "Just go up." He says with a smile. You nod and go to leave when he unexpectedly engulfs you in a hug. "Welcome to the family, sis." He whispers in your ear, squeezing you tightly. You beam at him, the tears coming to your eyes again and nod a thank you.

When you are outside of the Grey's apartment, you are suddenly attacked with butterflies again. You wonder what more Shane has planned, but take a long breath to calm yourself before entering the room. The first thing you notice is the darkness; the next, BeeKay running up at you and sniffing your pumps. Laughing you pick up the puppy, kissing his head again, and setting him back down. You put the keys on the kitchen counter, squinting in the dimness, when you notice the candle lit table with two amazing looking meals on it.

Then finally you notice him.

He is standing there against the wall in a dark gray button up shirt and black pleated pants. "We match." He muses softly, his voice so sweet. He looks beautiful - like always. His hair is curly yet manageable, but frames his face nicely. His hands are lazily in his pockets as he looks you up and down. Perfection is hard to come by, but he is very close. You lean against the wall - too stunned to even move - and just watch him. For about thirty seconds, the only thing the two of you do is stare at each other with a bright smile on your faces.

Suddenly he looks down, breaking the spell and allowing you to let out the breath you were subconsciously holding. "This is amazing, Shane." You breathe out as your eyes fall on the food again. "Who knew you were such a sap?" you tease lightly as he finally steps in front of you. He doesn't answer you and instead comes forward to kiss you. His lips drive you slightly crazy while his hands produce a fire underneath your skin. He pulls at your bottom lip softly before stepping away. Breathing out gently, you put a hand on his cheek.

"I missed you too." You whisper.

Suddenly, his hands are sliding down your dress as he goes to his knees. "I love you." He whispers against your stomach. "So much." He chokes out, before looking up at you. "I know I should wait until we eat, but… I can't. I need to see this on your finger. I need it to be official." He admits sheepishly. You freeze as your heart begins to beat faster. He swallows harshly before taking out a ring. "Okay, Mitchie Torres, this is my promise to you. In a few years, I will marry you and make you my wife, but for now will you do me the honor of accepting this ring?" he stutters somewhat but you hardly notice. A tear runs down your face as you smile at him and nod. He bites his lip before sliding the ring on your finger.

You are officially engaged.

--Wednesday--

It is still early when you wake up but you don't mind. It gives you time to fully appreciate you new ring. It is absolutely breathtaking while not being common. It was a two tone gold diamond ring - with the band a white gold and a rose flower surrounding the actual diamond. It was incredibly unique to say the least, but it fit your left hand amazing well. "Mmm." Shane moans against your naked skin as he starts to stir. You smile as he tightens his hold on you and nuzzles your neck. "Like it?" he mumbles softly. You laugh and arch backwards into him.

"Love it." you whisper back.

"Good." He smiles against you back before running his hands up and down your bare sides. His fingers lightly brush against your sensitive nipple as he starts kissing and nibbling on your shoulder. You moan as his hand starts dipping lower into your sex, and you turn somewhat to face him. He continues kissing your neck until -

"Oh, my God. BeeKay!" you squeal as the dog jumps on top of the two of you and starts licking your faces. Shane groans but laughs as the puppy shakes his tail enthusiastically.

"Okay, if I would have known you would be another cockblocker in my life, I would have never had bought you." Shane teases it as he grabs him and playfully throws him in the air. You laugh loudly at that and sit up to pet the puppy as Shane narrows his eyes at it. "We should have called you Nate." He mutters and you smirk loudly. Shane mockingly growls at BeeKay, snapping his teeth at him and the puppy bounces on top of him. BeeKay starts biting the sheets after a while and suddenly the two of them are in a humorous tug of war.

"Dude, you're gonna rip the sheets." You scold them both teasingly before petting BeeKay pointedly. The puppy whimpers but obliges, before jumping towards you. "So…" you trail off before sighing. "Are you walking him or shall I?" you ask with an eyebrow raise. When Shane groans and flops back on the bed, you roll your eyes and get off it. You pull on some random clothes rather quickly before grabbing BeeKay. "So do you have a leash?" you ask Shane and you suddenly have to hold your hand in front of your face to stop it from hitting you. Shane laughs.

"Sorry."

Glaring at him, you flick him off before putting the leash on the puppy. It jumps enthusiastically at your feet as you start walking him out. It doesn't take you long until you are outside and jogging to keep up with the hyper dog. You laugh as he starts running in circles and barking at the scared seagulls. You look up when you hear people talking loudly and blink when all you see is white flashes. You put your hand on your stomach subconsciously as you hear your name - your name! - being called out from everywhere. BeeKay whimpers and hides behind your legs as you raise your hand off of your stomach to shield your eyes.

Swallowing harshly, you quickly turn around and pick up BeeKay, before almost running back to the apartment. Panting, you open the door still a little frighten and angry. Shane is in the kitchen now, making grilled cheese sandwiches. He turns to smile at you but softly it turns into a frown. "What happened?" he asks as you set the puppy on the ground. It immediately goes tearing into the living room as you walk to Shane and hug him.

"I hate that you are famous." You groan as you wrap your arms around his body. You nuzzle your face in his chest, as he frowns deeper and moves around the sandwiches on the pan. "I might have made a mistake." You admit softly. Shane bites his lip before putting his head on the top of yours, making you hug him tighter.

"Okay." He whispers softly, stretching out the word.

"I had my hand on my stomach when the paparazzi jumped out. I don't know… I got scared." You mumble into his chest and he freezes. You feel him tense and swallow, before sighing and turning off the stove. "I'm sorry." You whisper and he breaks your embrace to grab some plates.

"They are bound to find out Mitchie." He says, shrugging his shoulders even though his voice is steady. When he puts down the plate on the table and turns back to you, he is looking at you a little disappointedly. "Although, this…" he mutters, picking up your left hand. "Should have been hidden for a while." He nudges your hand, rubbing the engagement ring band. Your eyes widen and you wince at him.

"Sorry." You whisper, and he shrugs. The tension leaves his body as he interlaces your fingers and picks up the plates. He guides you back to the bedroom, setting the plates down on the night table. He turns to you, still frowning as you climb in next to him on the bed.

Suddenly, he shrugs and pulls you close. "Eh. They were bound to find that out as well." He justifies with a sigh after a while.

--Thursday--

"You're engaged!" it wasn't much of a question but rather a loud angry yell that resonates throughout the house. You and Shane look down, fighting in between shame and courage. "Shane -" Ms. Grey sputters out. "You're eighteen years old. Mitchie is sixteen. Are you out of your ever loving mind? And to hear about this not from my son but through your publicist. Are you trying to kill me Shane? We raised you better than this Shane Adam Grey! Why do you want to get married anyways, huh?" she screams. You squirm in your seat as you and your fiancé stay quiet. "Huh? Answer me! If you cannot even tell me what you want in her - what you love about her - why the hell should I let you do this?"

Shane's eyes light up with anger. "Don't you dare question my love for Mitchie, Mother." he hisses, standing up with his fist clenched. Mr. Grey, who had mostly been sitting silent and shaking in anger in the background, finally stood up. You could see Shane take a half an inch step back as his father narrowed his eyes at him.

"Stop it, Shane. Dan - sit down. Remember your heart." Ms. Grey counters with a ragged sigh. Your heart is beating loudly in your chest as Mr. Grey and Shane glare each other down, before Shane finally looks away and takes another step back. You put a hand on his back, feeling his tense muscle. ""If you two think you are adults, well then we're going to speak like we are adults. It's the day before Christmas Eve. Please - let's not do this." She says, swallowing before jumping when Mr. Grey scoffs loudly.

"These two morons are not adults. They are kids and kids should be controlled, not let run lose and do bullshit like they want to do. You will listen to me very clearly, Shane!" his voice gets progressively higher as he towers over Shane. "I don't give a fuck if you think you love her or even if you really do. You are not just some kid like she is. You are so much better than her. I don't care if you're depressed or suicidal. Don't you understand you have a responsibility to your family? You, my son, are the front man - the playmaker. You are what keeps this family afloat in the entertainment world and I will not accept you doing some disgrace to this family. Don't you realize that you are worth so much more money when you don't have some bitch next to you?" He yells.

The entire time your heart wants to jump out of your chest and you cannot possibly say anything; however, the second he calls you a bitch Shane shakes with rage. Suddenly, your lover throws himself to his father, punching him squarely in the face. Ms. Grey yells, and immediately tries to separate them but Mr. Grey just pushes her off. Shane clenches his fists again as Mr. Grey scoffs and spits out some blood from his month. "You little fucker." He mutters darkly before grabbing Shane roughly by his arm. You instantly get up, wanting to protect him.

But you cannot do much as Mr. Grey punches Shane in the face and pushes him so that he can kick him. You scream as does his mother as Shane goes down harshly to the floor. "Who the hell do you think you are, you little bastard?" he yells as Shane tries to get up. You go to him, your small hands around his waist to help him stand. He wipes his mouth before spreading his hands out to protect you as he breathes out hard.

"Daniel, stop it!" Ms. Grey yells when he goes forward. She tries to hold him back and he halfway pushes her again. Shane tries to get out of your grasp but you do not let him. Mr. Grey scoffs again before turning around and walking out, slamming the door loudly on his way out. Ms. Grey immediately breaks down in tears as you try to hold it together. Shane sighs, halfway in relief and halfway in pain, as you hear footsteps going down the steps. You turn around to see who it is and meet the confused and very young eyes of Nate Grey.

He is in sweats with a random white shirt - looking less like a rockstar and more like a regular child. His wide eye innocence looks over the scene and you watch as his heart breaks. "What just happened?" he whispers softly, and you hug Shane from behind even harder.

"Nathaniel, go upstairs." Shane orders shakily, coughing slightly. Nate lower his eyebrows hurtfully, and Shane's eyes water. "Please, man. Just trust me. I don't want him coming back and doing something to you…" he says his voice hoarse yet so soft. "Go upstairs." He says again. The younger boy stays still for a couple seconds but eventually turns around and goes back to his room. Shane swallows again before getting out of your grasp to embrace his mother. She cries in his chest as he holds her, before looking at you with wide sad eyes.

"I want to get out of here." You mouth to him, slightly shaking as you hold your stomach. He nods and kisses the top of his mother's head, before stepping away from her and going to you. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Grey." You whisper but she doesn't look at you. And then suddenly, the two of you are gone from his house and in his car.

He disappears after he drops you off at his apartment. You try to convince him you need to clean him up and he needs to calm down, but he ignores you and pushes you away. So, now you are alone waiting in his bed for him to come home as you play mindlessly with BeeKay. The puppy at first jumped and barked and licked like it had the first time you met him, but after a while, he noticed you are not into it. When you start crying, the dog starts whimpering with you. Squeezing the puppy close to your chest, you close your eyes and wish today never happened.

You don't know how long Shane is gone for; all you know is that when you hear the door open again, it is dark out. You let BeeKay go and walk slowly to the bedroom door, leaning against the doorway to watch him. He moves slowly, like he cannot even see where he is going. "Shane." You whisper and he snaps his head at you quickly. He stares at you for a couple seconds before leaning against the kitchen counter. All of a sudden, he is sliding down to the floor, still not facing you. Silently, you make your way to him and freeze when you notice that his shoulders are shaking wildly and that the smell is invading your nose is from him.

He's been smoking again.

Sighing disappointedly, you go to him, your heart breaking as you here his sobs. Kneeling on the ground beside him, you wrap your arms around his shaking body. "Shh, it's going to be okay." You whisper in his ear, before leaning his head on your breasts. He continues to completely break down as you run your hands through his hair. "Shh, please honey. Shane, it's okay." You repeat over and over, pressing your lips to his forehead and hair. "It's all going to be okay."

--Friday--

It's Christmas Eve, but your mother wants you home by tomorrow, so you were planning to give Shane his gift today. You wake up before him and everything to cook him breakfast and set the table. When he gets up, he looks at you numbly, scared to say anything. You give him a timid smile. "Just forget everything, okay? It's about to be Christmas. It's a magical time. Forget about our BS lives and just focus on the fact that I'm here with you and that I love you." You say as you go to him. You wrap your arms around him as he gives you a small smile. "I love you, Shane." You whisper.

He doesn't answer but instead leans forward and kisses you with everything he has. You whimper against his lips as his tongue enters your mouth and he starts kissing you like he will never kiss you again. All his frustration, all his anger, all his sadness pent up in one kiss until literally neither one of you can kiss. "Wow." You breathe out, momentarily stunned. He gives a triumph albeit small smile before leading you to the table. "Um…" you trail off, clearing your throat. "I made pancakes and bacon. Sorry, no eggs. I decide not to risk that." You say sheepishly and he nods. "And I got you something. Open it now?" you bite your lip.

He smiles again and nods. Sighing gently, you grab the present and hand it to him. "Just know, I don't have that much money. That's why I hate that you spend so much on me. I cannot reciprocate, you know, but this is really special to me. I mean, I don't want you doing anything with them, but just know I wrote them for you." You explain rather quickly as he tears open the paper and see your loopy handwriting on the cover of a small yellow book.

Mitchie's Song Book.

"I wrote them for you or about you rather since we started going out. From the minute we first kissed to last week. They are my personal thoughts and they are for you." You say softly and Shane looks up to you with watery eyes. Suddenly, he stands up from his chair and hugs you tightly.

"I love you." He speaks the first words that morning. "Thank you. That is so sweet of you." He tells you, kissing your forehead before dipping down to kiss your lips. "It means a lot, Mitchie." He tells you with bright eyes. You smile up at him before digging your head in his chest. "I got you something too." He admits as he rubs your back. "But unfortunately, it's currently all the way in New York in the form of a small apartment complex." He says almost inaudible. You freeze and look up; he bites his lip. "We're gonna need somewhere to live. This way it's close to your family and still in the city. It will be yours for now though. Any time you need to get away, you can take BeeKay and just… picture me there or something." He finishes sadly. You don't answer him but instead just hug him again.

"Our food's cold." You mutter after a while and he laughs lightly. Shane lets go of you and picks up the two plates before nodding at you to follow him. You groan playfully. "Another day just chilling in bed? Well, we're productive." You tease him softly but follow him anyways.

That's how you spend Christmas Eve - in bed, cuddling, occasionally getting up to either go to the bathroom or eat something - until about six when the two of you finally get ready. The plan a couple days ago was to go to the main house for dinner, but since that seemed inappropriate, the two of you have planned to go out to a place called Valentino's that Shane got reservations for at the last minute. Except right as you walk out to leave, there is Jason holding a huge pan in his hands. "A little help please." He groans under the weight.

You open in your mouth slightly in surprise but do what he says. In the background, you see two very beautiful girls coming up the stairs, each with something in their hands, along with Nate. "Hey." He says sheepishly at you as Jason goes in and puts stuff on the kitchen counter. "Sorry, but Christmas Dinner is with family no matter what, but since you're leaving early, we're having it today." He explains as the two chatting girls suddenly quiet down, looking at you curiously. One you have heard way too much about in the media and such. The other you have never seen before. "This is my girlfriend Alexis. Alexis this is Shane's girl, Mitchie." He introduces the two of you as Shane steps out of the room.

"Hey… what's going on?" he asks confused when he sees the amount of people inside. He nods at Nate and Jason, and then to the two girls. "Guys. Alexis. Dannie. What's going on?" he repeats as he fixes his tie and raises his eyebrow. Nate shrugs and clears his throat.

"Sorry for barging in, but Christmas is a time for family." He explains again.

XXX

"Here you go Mitchie. I got this for you so that you never - hopefully - have to use mine ever again…Just saying." Nate mutters under his breath but with a smirk. You roll your eyes but accept the huge package, before handing him your own gift. "Aw, thank you. My present is beasting though. Yours just won't compare." Nate says sarcastically.

You roll your eyes again. "Unless you fit a small Mustang in here, I highly doubt I will fall all over myself. Just open the damn thing before I tell Shane you were drinking at that club on your birthday." You say sticking out your tongue. He softly pushes you, laughing slightly, as you smile back to him. Sure, everything has been super awkward for a while, but it's Christmas - and he is right. It's time for family, and from now on, Nate is your family.

Going back to your present, the second you unwrap it you do basically fall all over yourself. "Wow." You whisper, your fingers sliding over the shiny blue paint. "Whoa. Nate this is…way too much." You whisper, almost choking on your words. He is not looking at you but instead smiling over your gift - a book about his favorite artist and two tickets to a show by the man Shane helped you score. "I can't believe you got me a guitar." You whisper as you strum it softly.

"I can't believe you got me Elvis Costello tickets." He says with a bright smile before engulfing you in a hug.

"Hey, I get to hug her first. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for getting me the shoes. I didn't know how I would ever get them. I knew if I kept talking about them someone would be an angel and get them for me. Thank you so much." Jason says very quickly as both Grey brothers hug you. Laughing, you give them both a kiss on the cheek before going over to Shane who was talking to Jason's girlfriend, Dannie on the couches. He wraps his arms around you but doesn't end his conversation, which you don't mind. You close your eyes against his chest, snuggling close to him. He unconsciously places his head on top of yours as he speaks to her and you smile against his chest.

And that's when it happens. The news that shakes up everyone.

You feel vibration against Shane's pocket and move away from him confused. He lowers his eyebrows before pulling out his cell phone and answering it. "Hello?" he whispers confused at who would call at eleven- fifty at night. "Mom? Mom, calm down." He says, suddenly sitting up and making you bump against the table. Shane ignores you as you hiss and rub your hurt head, and suddenly he is clenching his fists. "What happened?" he whisper softly as Nate turns off the music and everyone turns to look at Shane. "Where?" he continues with a touch of panic in his voice. "When? How? I don't understand how that could happen." He argues, his voice getting higher and higher.

"Shane." You whisper shaking him softly. "Is everything okay?" you ask as Nate, Jason and the two girls come closer to you. They crowd around you, looking at him pointedly, as Shane shakes his head.

"That's impossible." He whispers, his voice cracking. "I mean…Mom please tell me you're lying." He chokes out, suddenly standing up and pushing you away. Nate goes to him and puts a hand on his shoulder, stopping him as Shane listens to his mother over the line. "But mom… okay, whatever. I'll be right there." He says, before ending the call. He immediately puts a hand to his face and you watch a tear run down. Everyone turns to look at one another with concern, until you stand up and go next to Nate. Beside you the clock chimes twelve.

--Saturday--

"Honey, what happened?" you ask softly as the clock continues to ring softly in the background. He does not answer you, but instead blinks away another tear. Jason goes behind you as you swallow down the bile going up your throat. "Baby?" You repeat, rubbing his arm softly.

"C'mon, man. You're scaring us." Jason says hoarsely.

Shane finally looks up. He looks broken and hurt. "It's Dad." He whispers numbly, before pushing past all three of you and going to the door.

XXX

Sandy ©