Episode XXII: Find The Real

During lunch the following day, Jordan was more than annoyed that everyone had ditched her again. Ashton and Vanessa sat with one another at a table inside the cafeteria while Aaron, Chandra, Gabrielle, and Dustin sat outside. So she had actually gotten up and went outside to sit with her ex and his friends.

This proved to be a terrible mistake.

"What are you doing here?" Chandra asked.

"Sitting and eating my lunch. What are you doing here? Making sure no one gets Dustin too?" Jordan replied.

"Jordan if you're going to come out here and start trouble, then maybe it's best that you go back into the cafeteria." Aaron stated.

"I came out here to tell you something." Jordan said. "I'm dating Tevin."

Chandra, Dustin, and Gabrielle glanced at Aaron as the normally calm boy shot a glare towards Jordan that made them all shiver. Aaron closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, calming down. Again, he was not Jayden.

"Fine." Aaron said.

"Fine?" Jordan repeated.

"Yes. Fine." Aaron replied. "I don't really care who you date, Jordan. And I honestly hope that you're happy with him. Just don't make the same mistake twice."

"It's going to be hard for her to cheat on Tevin with Tevin…" Dustin began before Aaron's glare turned towards him. "Right… I'm just going to go. See you guys later."

Dustin stood up and walked off followed by a long sigh from Aaron.

"Friends I have." Aaron muttered before turning towards Jordan. "You don't need my permission or approval to date Tevin, Jordan. Do what you want."

"I will. Thanks." Jordan said before glaring at Chandra. "You should be more like him."

"You mean I should lie more? Fine. I hope you don't get hit by a bus on your way home." Chandra retorted.

"No wonder Steven slapped you. You're annoying." Jordan said.

Aaron gave Chandra a worried look as she glanced at Jordan with an angered and hurt expression.

"Go to hell Jordan!" Chandra called before storming off.

Aaron stood up. "Thanks a lot."

"Why do you even care?" Jordan asked.

"Because when you were going through your emotional withdrawals after the death of your granddad, I was there and Bambi said nothing to anger you about it." Aaron said. "All we ask is that you give us the same treatment in return."

"We?" Jordan said.

"Yeah. As in your faithful ex-boyfriend wanted you to be true as well. But I guess Shane and Kelly are right. You are spoiled and selfish." Aaron stated before walking after Chandra.

Jordan sighed heavily before glancing at Gabrielle.

"Are you going to say something wrong about me and walk away too?" Jordan asked.

Gabrielle shook her head. "No. I think they said everything."


Walking into Isabella's apartment, Danica was not surprised to see Raven lying on the couch, nearly sleep. Since Raven's father was hardly around, Raven learned to be independent growing up and worked like a dog. Still, Danica could not resist the urge to scare the crap out of her.

"WAKE UP!" Danica shouted in Raven's ear, causing the younger woman to flail on the couch. Danica laughed. "That was priceless!"

Raven groaned. "Why do you have to do that?"

"You mean wake you up so we can go hangout? I think it's because you can't hangout with us asleep." Danica replied before pillow met the back of her head. She turned to see Isabella's stern face. "What? She deserved it."

"Danni, why is it that on your last day here before leaving for California, you're at your worst?" Isabella asked.

"Gee I'm sorry. I thought you called me over." Danica said. "So what's so important that it stops me from hanging out with my parents?"

"Your brother pulled one over us." Isabella said.

Danica frowned. "What? How?"

"Do you remember when Angie told us that he asked her all those questions and he really seemed into her?" Isabella said and Danica nodded. "It was to set her up with his band member, Jacob."

Danica smiled. "I figured as much."

"You did?" Isabella asked.

"Yeah," Danica answered. "He's sprung over another girl, which is something I was trying my best to stop. Oh well. You win some, you lose some."

"To think we could've been in-laws." Isabella said.

"I know." Danica said. "Oh well. I guess we're just going to have to be stuck being friends." Danica turned to see Raven had dozed off once more. "She does this quite often, huh?"

"Doze off? Yeah. Should've seen her as a kid. Fell off a bike one time because she was so tired." Isabella responded with a smile.

"And what were you doing when she did that?" Danica asked, now looking at Isabella.

"Not a boy if that's what you were thinking." Isabella said. "I was sitting back watching it happen. I was off duty when that happened." Danica sniggered quietly before she looked down at Raven. "Don't scare her up this time. She's had a rough night."

"Sure." Danica said. "So. Ready to do one last shopping spree before I go?"

"Let's." Isabella said.


Back in the Degrassi cafeteria, Helen and Scarlett had both conspired to strangle the hyper Nicole if said blonde did not stop bouncing in her seat. Obviously, Nicole and Shane's plans were going along as smoothly as could be as she did not even respond to Scarlett and Jayden coming to the dance together.

Yet.

"So," Helen said. "Another night where I'll have to be by myself."

"Why not come to the dance?" Jacquelyn asked.

"Because I have something more important to do like see my boyfriend. Duh." Helen retorted. "And why are you coming to the dance? Haven't you danced enough this week?"

Jacquelyn shrugged. "I don't know. I just want to see who'll be there."

"Maybe she's waiting on- Ow!" Nicole said as Jacquelyn openly elbowed her in her arm. "That hurt!"

"Then be quiet." Jacquelyn nearly hissed before turning towards Helen and Scarlett. "It's nothing, really."

"Oh really?" Helen asked leaning on her elbows.

"Well, well," Jayden said sitting beside Helen. "If it isn't my favorite table of cheerleaders and an extra." Scarlett rolled her eyes at being referred to as an "extra". "So, anyone want to sing a farewell song for me before leaving? It'll be the best Christmas present ever."

"No because you'll be back and that means you'll be even more annoying." Helen replied.

Jayden smiled. "I think that was sarcasm."

"It wasn't." Helen muttered before glancing at her silent cousin and then back at Jayden. "Say, when did you two decide you were going to the dance together again?"

"Uh, yesterday." Jayden said.

"Two days ago." Scarlett stated.

Helen smirked. "I think someone was up late again with a certain ex. Naughty, naughty."

"Helen," Jayden said. "I thought we weren't going to tell people what we did anymore."

Helen blushed slightly. "Shut up and go get your damn drink."

"I'll do it later." Jayden said with a smile. Helen's flustered face caused Nicole to giggle and Jacquelyn to smile. No one got under Helen's skin like Jayden did. "But, we are going to the dance and that's that. It's Scarlett's present to me."

"And what are you giving her?" Helen asked.

"Next to my awesome presence? I don't know." Jayden said.

"I think you should get her some earrings." Nicole said. "Nothing says 'I love you' more than jewelry. More specifically a ring but…"

"Someday, Scarlett's going to say that she's dating DeWayne and you all are going to take her seriously." Jayden said. "She has a boyfriend Nicky. Why would I want to tell her that I love her when he'll just get mad and I'll be put into another Coyne love battle. The first one was enough for me."

Nicole smiled. "I'm just saying…" Shane sat down beside Nicole. "Hey Shane!"

"Hey…" Shane said before looking at Jayden. "Has she been like this all day?"

"You should know. You live with her." Helen replied. "So, tell me Plain Shane, what non-romantic plan have you concocted with your girlfriend."

"And what prank have you and J.T made for the holiday. Tell me now so I won't be angry about it later." Scarlett said.

"Well," Shane said. "Nicky and I are going to leave like twenty minutes after the dance begins to get a head start for my dad's cabin. Of course, we have to pick up Kelly who says she'll be able to sneak out, but that's her problem if she doesn't. And we're first going to put up the decorations."

"Except the star. The star is for Jordan." Nicole added.

"Right… Anyway, and then we're going to wait until my mom and dad and Sean gets up there tomorrow." Shane said.

"Wow. Sounds like an awful lot for Plain Shane." Helen said.

"And the prank?" Scarlett asked, casting a dangerous glance towards Jayden.

"No holiday prank." Jayden said. "Halloween was it for the year. I promise."

Shane nodded. "I swear. He's leaving for Cali and I'm leaving for the cabin. No time for pranks."

"Besides," Jayden said. "Who would we get? You and Helen are a little… How should I put this?"

"Scary." Shane said.

"Let's go with that," Jayden replied. "Nicky has boyfriend immunity and there's really no reason to prank Jackie. She's our favorite shared ex."

"Oh really?" Scarlett asked glaring at Jayden.

"You know you get this cute little wrinkle on your forehead when you do that?" Jayden asked with a smile.

"Go easy on him Scarlett, he's just happy it's Winter Break." Jacquelyn said.

"Of course I am. I'm going home." Jayden said before sighing happily. "As if I needed another reason to love my parents, they do something like this."

Scarlett frowned. "You don't like it here anymore?"

"It's not that. It's just… Well, you and Helen have had each other from the start right? Best of friends." Jayden said. "My neighbor was sort of like that. Actually, our street was like that. And while I truly like being in your company, I do miss my old friends."

"Aw," Helen said pinching Jayden's cheek. "He's sensitive."

"Yeah, yeah," Jayden said rising. "Come on Red. It's time we get our daily drinks and leave these losers behind."

Scarlett smiled. "I'm coming J.T." Scarlett glanced at Helen's smirking face. "Don't say a word Helen or you'll miss Christmas and then some."

"Go ahead." Helen said as Scarlett stood up and walked away with Jayden. "Lovebirds."


On her way to sixth period, Laura felt a bit insecure for some reason. She had heard of the rumors that Jayden and Scarlett had reconciled and were going to the dance together, but she had not confronted either of the two. In fact, she was trying to avoid both of them just in case the allegations were true.

Unfortunately, she did not make it all the way to her class before Jayden had caught up with her, walking alongside Dakota.

"Hey." Jayden said.

"…" Laura paused in her response. If she gave him a nasty response like she wanted to, he would just get angered and nothing would have been gained. But if she sounded too depressed, he would soon target in on what it was that was causing her sadness, thus another heartfelt confession.

"Are you alright Laura?" Dakota asked.

"Of course I am." Laura replied. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Hmm… Let's see…" Jayden began.

"I'm fine, alright? Damn, you act like I can't walk down the hall quietly for once." Laura said.

"Uh-oh. It's her defensive anger." Jayden said. "Yep. So what did I do now Laura? Tell me so I can put this on my 'Reasons I don't date Laura now' list."

"You have a list of- Never mind. There's nothing on my mind. Seriously." Laura said, though Jayden and Dakota gave her disbelieving looks. "I'm serious."

"Well, if everything's alright, then I'll let it go." Jayden said. "I have to get to class. See you two later before I leave?"

"Like hell you will." Laura muttered.

Jayden frowned. "What is it now?"

"I… You…" Laura paused. "Just one question Jayden." Jayden nodded. "Are you taking Scarlett to the dance?"

"Yeah, but it's just as friends. It's my understanding that she still dates DeWayne." Jayden said. "I would've asked Dash, but she doesn't do dances and you've already rejected my offer."

"Mm-hmm. I just wanted to know." Laura said. "Come on Dash. We're going to be late."

"Right. I'll call before you leave." Dakota said to Jayden.

"Right, but before then," Jayden said turning Laura and kissing her. "Since I won't see you until after Christmas, I thought I'd get my present from you early. See you later."

Laura stood completely frozen as the boy walked off while Dakota allowed her friend to come off of her high. After Laura sighed, Dakota then spoke.

"Come on Laura," Dakota said. "You can tell me just why you're jealous now."

"Right." Laura said quietly.


Steven sat at the table in a gray jumpsuit before Jimmy sat down across from him. The officer closed the door to the small room, leaving the two to talk in privacy.

"I just got word from Drew, and they have you on camera." Jimmy began. "It doesn't look well, but if you take the bargain I made, then you'll be fine."

"Bargain? What's the bargain?" Steven asked.

"You must take a therapy session class after school everyday of the school week for fifteen weeks. If you miss a class or slip up, you will be sent to either a prison or a rehabilitation center." Jimmy explained. "As well as you being transferred to another school. You are not allowed to come into contact with Chandra without any adult supervision and it must be school-related."

"…" Steven thought about his options before sighing. "Fine. I'll take the bargain." Jimmy gave a small grin before placing the small packet and pen in front of Steven. "So what now?"

"You sign this and the next hearing we have will be the final one. Your therapy and transfer will happy as soon as you're back in school." Jimmy said. "However, you'll probably have to stay in here for another day or two. Just to appease Drew."

"Right." Steven said before Jimmy showed him the two lines that he had to sign. "Why aren't my parents with you now?"

"Ash and I talked and it was best if I talked to you alone." Jimmy said before Steven handed Jimmy the signed documents. "If your dad were to hear this, he would probably get you to go through with the case and you'd be here until your re-sentencing at eighteen."

Steven had no clue on whether the judge could do that or not, but he was happy that Jimmy had gotten him to take the bargain. Jimmy rose from his seat.

"Thank you for this Steven. I'll make sure Judge Greene sees this before Drew submits his new evidence." Jimmy said.

"Thanks." Steven said to Jimmy who knocked on the door three times.

"No problem." Jimmy said leaving the room. Walking down the dark, gray halls, Jimmy took out his cell phone and speed-dialed a number. "Hey, Drew, it's Jimmy. I got the bargain."


Jordan watched her older siblings leave their mom's house before sighing heavily. Emma gave Jordan a curious glance.

"You're not going to the dance?" Emma asked. It was out of the kindness of her heart that she even allowed Jordan to venture out of the house for the event.

"…" Jordan had half the heart to lie to her mom again, but decided against it. "No. Tevin and I wanted to go to the movies."

"And this movie is ending…?" Emma asked.

"At ten." Jordan answered before she saw a taxi pull in front of the house. "That's my ride Mom."

"Jordan, come here." Emma said before Jordan walked towards her mother. Emma gave her a hug. "Don't get into any trouble, understand? I don't want to ground you on Christmas."

"Sure Mom." Jordan said before Emma released her. "See you later!"

"Yeah." Emma said with a smile as her daughter left.


Jayden had no idea on how he got put into this situation before the dance, but here he was, at the Fitzgeralds' home, watching Scarlett talking to DeWayne.

"So," DeWayne said. "You're going to the dance with Jayden?"

Scarlett nodded. "Yes I am."

"And that'll make up for me kissing Mercedes?" DeWayne questioned.

"That's what I plan." Scarlett said. "Unless you have a problem with J.T taking me to the dance and we can call it quits right here."

"No, no, go ahead." DeWayne replied before smiling. "I'm glad you forgive me."

"Don't thank me. Thank him." Scarlett said pointing towards the car.

"Why him?" DeWayne asked.

"Because… Let's just say if he wasn't into another girl right now, I would've sent you a text breaking up with you." Scarlett said before giving DeWayne a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Call you later."

"Sure." DeWayne said as he watched Scarlett walk towards the red Mercedes. "I'm so lucky…"

Scarlett got into the car and looked at Jayden.

"What?" Jayden asked.

"…" Scarlett sat quietly before sighing. "Nothing. Let's just go to the dance. As friends."

"Sure." Jayden replied, understanding what her problem was. "Like I said, this doesn't fix what you did to me at the Back-to-School dance."

Scarlett smiled. "If you weren't driving, I'd slap you now. I'll just wait."

Jayden grinned. "I'll be waiting."


At the dance, Vanessa danced with Ashton to the upbeat song. It was kind of weird for her to see him smile so much, but it only made her smile more. Then again, James had always told Vanessa that her smiles were contagious.

When the song ended Vanessa and Ashton joined Aaron and Chandra for some punch.

"Having fun without your ex, Santos?" Ashton asked.

"Are you?" Aaron retorted his eyes going towards Dustin and Gabrielle talking and laughing.

"Figures. You don't like Tevin and I never liked Dustin, yet they stole our girls." Ashton said.

"Karma." Aaron stated.

"Ahem," Chandra said with a hand on her hip. "And just what are we?"

"…" Neither Aaron nor Ashton had a response before Ashton held a finger up. "Two really attractive girls who are helping us in times of need."

"Wrong answer." Vanessa said.

"Two better-than-our-exes girls who we are thankful for coming with us to the dance." Aaron stated.

"Hmm, that's better." Chandra said. "Now come on. Let's go dance."

"Right." Aaron said before giving Ashton a victorious smirk and walking away with Chandra.

"That sly son of a…" Ashton paused before looking at Vanessa. "Hey, I'm sorry about worrying over Brie."

"No problem." Vanessa said.

Jacob walked hesitantly into the gym and immediately felt all eyes on him. He realized that it was not him who they were staring at, no, it was Angelina walking beside him that had gained everyone's attention.

"Hot damn…" Shane muttered beneath his breath.

Jacob made his way towards Shane and Nicole.

"Hey." Jacob said. "Angel, this is Shane's girlfriend Nicky. You didn't meet her Saturday."

"Please to meet you." Angelina said.

"Same." Nicole said before looking at Shane. "Where's Jay and Scarlett? We have to leave soon."

"I know." Shane said before spotting the said duo entering the gym. "There they are."

"Hey," Jayden said coming towards them. "You would not believe the traffic out there." Shane gave a small nod. Jayden then looked at Angelina. "Hey Angel. How's your night been?"

"Great." Angelina said. "Jacob, do you want to dance?"

"Sure." Jacob said before looking at his friends. "I'll talk to you guys later."

"Take your time." Shane said as he watched Jacob walk away with Angelina. "So you hooked him up with one of the sexiest girls in the country for what reason again?"

"You know," Jayden responded. "You wouldn't believe me when I tell you that she thought he was cute."

"Ouch." Shane said.

"Right," Jayden said. "But for tonight, I'm going to take a step backwards just this once." Jayden grabbed Scarlett's hand gently. "This way, Madame President."

"Lead the way, Mr. McDuelle." Scarlett said with a smile as she as Jayden walked away.

"You ever think that they still like each other?" Nicole asked Shane.

"All the time." Shane responded.


Despite having to leave in less than an hour, Maxwell and Manny lied in their bed, dressed, while Maxwell held his wife.

"Your birthday is tomorrow." Manny said.

"I know." Maxwell replied. "And all I want is to lie in bed with you all day. No kids. No parents. No problems."

Manny smiled. "I can do that."

"Guess who?" Danica said opening their door. Her parents gave her an annoyed stare, but she ignored them. She had been used to this for almost fifteen years now. "I thought you guys were leaving soon? I drove all the way down here for nothing."

"You drove down here because you're somehow attached to your parents." Maxwell stated.

Danica pouted. "Are you calling me annoying?"

"In a nice way." Maxwell said with a smile. He motioned Danica to come towards him and she instantly kicked her shoes off and lied in the bed with her parents. "Now, when's the last time this has happened? Before Jay?"

"I think so." Manny said as Danica lied her head on her mother's shoulder. "And she didn't have all this hair either."

"Well that's a given. Her parents have long hair." Maxwell said before Renée and Jenée darted into the room. "No. Please don't-"

"Come on. There's plenty of space for everyone." Danica interrupted as the twins got into the bed.

Manny sighed. "That birthday wish of yours should turn into a prayer, quick."

"I know." Maxwell said. "Oh well, might as well call the others."

Manny sat up. "Chris! Kitty! Come here please!"

Danica scoffed. "Gee Mama, why don't you just get up and go find them?"

"Because I'm off duty right now. I'm no one's mother." Manny said as she repositioned herself on her husband.

"Uh-huh! You're our mommy!" Jenée said, crawling onto Manny and Maxwell.

"You're getting too heavy to be doing that." Maxwell muttered before his youngest son and second eldest daughter appeared in the doorway. "Come lie in the bed. We're going to lie here until it's time to go."

"Sure Daddy." Katya said moving towards the bed, soon followed by Christian.

"Who's bright idea was it to have seven kids?" Danica asked.

"It better not be yours." Manny muttered before Maxwell pointed towards his wife. "What? It was not my idea."

"Let me see. 'Max, I want three girls and three boys.' That was you, right?" Maxwell said. "It's not my fault that you had twins. I mean, we had the three boys."

"You know Dad, it kind of is your fault that she had twins, but for the sake of the underage audience in the room, I'll keep it to myself." Danica said.

Maxwell smiled. "Good."

"Daddy when is Jay and A.J coming home?" Renée asked.

"After their dance is over." Maxwell answered. "They deserve a break too, you know."

"Will I get to go to the dance?" Katya asked.

"Nope." Danica answered. "Pretty girls like you and me have to stay back because your father doesn't want any boy putting his nasty hands on you."

"Yes, Kitty, you will." Manny stated. "All of you will or have."

"Mommy why did you give Laura the 'evil eye?'" Jenée asked.

"What's the 'evil eye?'" Renée added.

"And is she his girlfriend? Renée thinks so." Jenée said.

There was silence within the room before Danica broke into a fit of laughter. Her parents were always the type to answer all questions that came their way, save for a few. And this was one of the few that the McDuelle couple tried to stir away from.

"Uh, I gave her a mean look because…" Manny began to think of something to say.

"Because Laura hurt Jayden's feelings." Maxwell finished. The twins gave a collective "oh" and Danica grunted at how easy they fell for that lie. "But they're friends again so don't worry about it."

"And, no, she isn't his girlfriend." Manny inputted.

"Well…"

"No, she isn't." Manny said, cutting her husband off.

"Whatever you say Dimples." Maxwell said giving his wife a kiss.

"Ew!"

"Oh come on."

Maxwell and Manny laughed as all of their present children had a problem with seeing their parents kiss. Danica included.


Jayden and Scarlett danced to the slow song, her head resting on his shoulder.

"I hate the fact that I have to leave soon." Jayden told her.

"I know." Scarlett said. "It doesn't help that I'm seeing DeWayne either."

Jayden laughed a bit. "If you're seeing him right now, you're good because he's at home and you're at school." Scarlett smiled. "So for the moment, you're seeing me and I'm seeing you. Nothing more and nothing less."

"If only life were that simple." Scarlett said before Jayden's cell phone began ringing.

"You have got to be kidding me…" Jayden said before reaching into his pocket and answering it. "Hello?"

"Jay, it's Dakota," Dakota said. "I, um, need you to go find Laura."

"And why won't you?" Jayden asked.

"Because she doesn't want to see me." Dakota answered. Jayden sighed. "Look, I've done my part in helping you two out, but I can't do everything. So go find her Jayden before she makes a mistake."

"You're right. I'm on my way out now." Jayden said. "Bye."

"Bye." Dakota said before hanging up.

Jayden put his cell phone back into his pocket and looked at Scarlett. Her saddened smile told him everything that he did not want to know.

"Go find her." Scarlett said. "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Jayden asked.

"Yeah. Just drop me off first." Scarlett responded before kissing Jayden's cheek. "And merry Christmas J.T."

Jayden only smiled before heading out with Scarlett behind him.


Chandra was a little down that Aaron was returning to New York to spend Christmas, but she was still happy that she had a pretty good night.

"Thanks for the dance A.J." Chandra said.

"I thought you took me to the dance since I took you to the concert." Aaron said.

Chandra blinked before smiling. "Yeah, you're right." Aaron smiled before looking at the taxi behind him. "Are you still bummed out about Jordan and Tevin?"

"…" Aaron froze before looking at Chandra. "A little."

"Oh. I thought I could help with that." Chandra said.

Aaron gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You have." Aaron said with a smile before backing towards the car. "See you next year."

"Yeah." Chandra said with a smile.

As Aaron got into the back of the taxi and it drove off, Chandra realized that this had been the third boy to kiss her this year that completely surprised her. The first had been Jayden, then Dustin, and now Aaron.

"Chandra, come in honey." Alli said, breaking Chandra's thoughts.

"Coming Mom." Chandra said before heading for her front door.


Shane looked next to him as Nicole slept peacefully in the passenger seat as he drove up to his father's cabin. He was happy that they had decided to do this, but a bit disappointed that Nicole had fallen asleep.

"Mom's not happy." Kelly said hanging up. "But she can't leave until Jordan returns. We should be there with everything set up by then."

"I figured." Shane said before eying Kelly in the backseat. "Thanks Kelly."

"No problem." Kelly said. "Just remember to get me something real nice, okay?"

"Deal." Shane responded. "I just hope that her parents will forgive her soon."

"Me too. But then again, I like having her in the house. She's like the sister I've always asked for." Kelly stated.

Shane smiled. "You mean the sister-in-law, right? If she was your sister, she'd be my sister too and I couldn't date my sister."

"True." Kelly said. "You know, I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks." Shane said. "Just don't put this in your first article at the Core."

Kelly laughed. "Deal bro."


Ashton and Vanessa had had a great night at the dance and were currently outside of Vanessa's apartment complex, though Ashton swore they were condos.

"Well, see you after Winter Break." Ashton said moving towards Ashley's car.

"Would you go out with me?" Vanessa quickly said. Ashton stopped and looked at her. "I know that you just broke up with Brie but I talked to her and she said it was alright with her."

"What?" Ashton asked.

"I talked to her yesterday about it…" Vanessa said. "I like you Ashton."

Ashton frowned in confusion. "Since when?"

"Does it matter? I do, alright? And I just wanted to tell you and ask you out." Vanessa said. "It's cool if you don't, I mean, we're still friends… Hopefully."

Ashton shrugged. "Why not?"

"Seriously?" Vanessa asked with a smile.

"Tis the season, right?" Ashton replied before Vanessa wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a deep kiss. The kiss was soon interrupted by a car horn. "Uh, my mom is sitting right over there, but that was good."

Vanessa smiled. "See you later Ashton."

"Right." Ashton said moving towards his mother's car, a smile growing on his face. Ashton got into Ashley's car to see her amused face. "For the record, she kissed me."

Ashley smiled. "I didn't say anything."


Mr. Reynolds opened the door to see Jayden standing with three wrapped gifts in his hands.

"Uh, hey Jayden, Laura's-"

"Here and doesn't want to speak to me." Jayden interrupted. "Her mom told me." Mr. Reynolds frowned slightly. "Um, these are for her. May you please make sure she gets these?"

"Yeah." Mr. Reynolds said taking the gifts. "Where are you going?"

"I have to get to the airport. Going back to California for Christmas to visit friends and family." Jayden answered. "I really wanted to talk to Laura before I left but…"

"She's in her room if you want to speak to her that badly." Mr. Reynolds said.

"No. I'm not going to force myself onto her." Jayden replied with a small smile. "Just tell her that I said Merry Christmas and that I'm sorry for being so slow. I should've seen it from the start."

Mr. Reynolds frowned. "Is there something going on between you two? Something that's stopping her from coming to the door?"

"I was an idiot, that's all and she was trying to beat it into me that I was an idiot." Jayden said. "You have a real special daughter Mr. Reynolds. I can only hope that one day, she'll forgive me."

"Forgive you for what, exactly?" Mr. Reynolds asked.

"I'm not going to lie to you sir, your daughter and I were really on the verge of dating, but every time we got too close for her comfort, another female friend of mine would divert my attention." Jayden said. "At first, I always pinned this on Laura because she always got mad and walked away. But I actually see why she does it. She doesn't like to relive the feeling of someone leaving her and she knew that if Scarlett or Angelina called me, I would run off to help them." Jayden paused. "Plus, when I first met her, I wasn't all that nice to her. She deserves better than what I was and what I am. That's why I'm apologizing."

Mr. Reynolds stared at Jayden in mild disbelief. While he may have thought or believed that Jayden was in love was his daughter, there was no denying it now.

"You know, you won't hear this from me a lot," Mr. Reynolds said. "But I like you Jayden. While I doubt that you're this respectful twenty-four seven, you at least know how to make a man's daughter feel good about herself."

Jayden smiled. "Thanks Mr. Reynolds. But I have to go now. Hopefully, I'll be back over here when I return from California. Like I said, it's really up to Laura if she wants to see me again." Jayden paused. "Oh, and Merry Christmas yourself."

"Merry Christmas." Mr. Reynolds said as Jayden walked towards his mother's car where Aaron sat in the passenger seat.

"So this is where she lives." Aaron stated.

"Back off twerp, this one is mine." Jayden said as he backed out of the driveway.

Mr. Reynolds sat the presents under the tree in his living room before Laura poked her head out of her bedroom.

"These are from Jayden." Mr. Reynolds said. "He says Merry Christmas and that he's sorry for being so slow. Said that he now understands that you hate the feeling of losing someone close and he's sorry for not being 'nice' to you when you met." Laura frowned before coming out of her room completely. "Laura, is there something you're not telling me?"

"There's a card." Laura stated.

Mr. Reynolds frowned before looking at the card by his feet. Jayden must have slipped it in-between the boxes. Walking towards it, Laura bent down and picked it up. She was seconds away from opening the envelope before her father stopped her.

"Wait for Christmas. At least Christmas Eve." Mr. Reynolds said.

"Dad, that's like a week away." Laura said. "What if it's something important?"

Mr. Reynolds sighed. "Teenagers… Go ahead. But only the card."

Laura wasted little time opening the envelope and then staring at the card. It was a bear standing with its arms cross, eyes closed, and nose in the air. The words "I don't miss you" on the top of the card. Angered, Laura opened the card to see the bear in the same position, except in a desert somewhere in a river, an alligator staring at the bear with curiosity. Now the words "But I'm in De Nile" was on the other half of the inside, bringing a smile to her face. She stared at Jayden's written words.

Hey, I know you're probably still pissed about the whole Scarlett and Angelina thing, so here's what I did. I told Scarlett to stay with DeWayne. I mean, I cheated on her too right? No need in judging him. As for Angelina, she's probably off with Jacob somewhere. Yeah, Jacob Isaacs, the boy who I stopped you from picking on in ninth grade. For the new year, I'm going to try my best to change to your liking, I swear. Just do me a favor and stay safe and sober until then, okay? Oh, and by the way, I do love you too. I probably loved you first but you're too stubborn to admit it.

Laura laughed a bit before reading the rest.

I hope you'll forgive me soon. I can't stand Dash telling me how stupid I am. You're right. She can be a bit whiny. Well, here's my heartfelt confession to you. I hope it helps.

Again, I love you.

Jayden T. McDuelle

Laura stared at the card for a second before turning around quietly and going to her room. She closed her door quietly and lied in her bed. She reached for her cell phone and dialed Jayden's number, only for it to go straight to voicemail. She chose not to leave a message.

She would have to wait until he returns to tell him that she forgave him.