Hello everyone! Happy New Year! I know that I have been in hiatus for awhile and I'm so sorry for that!But I'm back, and I promise to not leaving you hanging like that again. So here is the second to last chapter of this story. Okay I'm done hope you like it!
Chapter 19 Rumors & the Birthday
A week later..
Summer is almost over but we have a few more weeks before junior year starts. Jay spends most of his with his parents and finally meets his older brother Aziz who decided to come home for the summer. His brother is pretty cool and just as athletic and competitive as he his. He hangs out with his friends and Tasha when he's not hearing the some more awesome stories about his Dad's adventures. Speaking of Aladdin, Jay is worried about him, he hasn't left his and his mothers room since the night of the Summer Ball. The wound hasn't healed and Jasmine is never from her husbands side. Jay just wants his dad to get better, he just found his family he didn't want to loose them.
Jay sits outside his families Palace waiting for Tasha to arrive Jada sits next to him. "Dad's going to be okay." Jay turns around to see his brother Aziz. "I know, I just I've seen enough deaths to not want that for Dad." Jay says. "I get that, but Dad's a survivor always has been." Aziz says as he takes a seat next to Jada. "So, I get that from him." Jay states. "Among other things." Aziz says with a wink. "Right." Jays says with a smile. "Jay look I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you-" Aziz starts. "Stop, you were a kid when I was taken there wasn't much you could do." Jay says. "Still if Ben's Dad hadn't sent all the villains to that Isle we would of saved you." Aziz says. "The law was already in place it would have taken a long time before anything changed." Jay says with a shrug. "Which is why Ben may just be the best King there is, but that still remains to be seen." Aziz says just as Tasha's limo shows up.
"Aziz welcome back." Tasha says.
"Nice to be back." Aziz says then looks at his brother. "I'll leave you two alone. I'll see you at dinner?"
"Yeah, I'll be back by then." Jay says. Both brothers stand.
"See you later Tasha." Aziz says then walks back inside with Jada in tow.
Jay walks over to Tasha and gives her a hug. "Hey, how are you feelin'?" She asks. "I'm good, its my Dad that I'm worried about." Tasha pulls back a little to look at him. "Don't worry your Dad is a fighter Jay, just like you." She says with a smile. "Thanks I needed that." Jays says and smiles. "Well, good now that we got that out of the way we best be goin'." Tasha says then releases Jay and gets in her limo. They sit in silence as they ride through Auradon and to the Enchanted Lake. Once they arrive Jay grabs the blanket and the picnic basket from the trunk. Once the blanket is in place they start taking food out of the basket. Fresh fruit and sandwiches lay in front of them. They eat in comfortable silence.
"So, are you ready for junior year?" Tasha asks. "No way ask me again in two weeks." Jay says then takes a drink of water. "Alright so on to the next topic." Tasha says and she puts her plate down.
"Which is?" Jay asks and follows suit. "There's a rumor that's been goin' around about how Mal spelled Ben." Tasha says. Jay who was drinking his water spits it out on the concert. "What?" Jay says. "I didn't want to believe is either but, judging from your expression it means the rumors are true." Tasha says. Jay looks down at his feet. "Tasha, I'm sorry." Jay says. "Why? Jay it's clear that whatever the plan was you didn't go through with it." Tasha says. "But we almost did. After Family Day we really did want to go through with it." Jay says. "So Mal spelled Ben while he as still with Audrey?" She asks. "Yes." Jay confesses. "And when did Ben realize he was spelled?" She asks. "Since his coronation." Jay says. "Wait, hold on. If he's know for about a month and a few weeks why has he not said anything or even apologized?" Tasha asks. "I don't know." Jay says honestly.
Tasha starts putting everything back in the basket. "So, were leaving?" Jay asks. "Yes, we are." Tasha says. After they clean up they head back to her limo. As Jay is putting the blanket and the picnic basket in the truck he sees Tasha talking to the driver. He shrugs it off an opens the door for her.
Once they are both inside they are off Jay tries to hold Tasha's hand, but she keeps moving away. And before long they arrive at their destination, Audrey's home.
"Why are we here?" Jay asks. "We are here so you can apologize. I thought that was obvious?" Tasha says. "Why should I? She has done nothing, but try and hurt us." Jay says. "True, but the only reason she retaliated was because she was wronged." Tasha says. "I get that, but I can't do this I'll be sent back to the Isle." Jay says. "No, you won't." Tasha says simply. "Why should I do this?" Jays asks again. "It's the right thing to do, beside if you don't than your no better than her." Tasha says then she steps out of the limo.
"Tasha Jay what a surprise." Queen Aurora says as she descends the stairs "What can I do for you?" She asks.
"Jay here has something he would like to say to your family, if that's alright?" Tasha says.
Aurora nods and she turns around heading up the stairs and inside.
"I can't do this." Jay says Tasha grabs his hand gently. "Jay I promise that I won't leave your side." Tasha says. "Fine, just make sure that don't sick the fairies on me." Jay says then takes a deep breathe. "I have your back." Tasha says and gives his hand squeeze. They walk up the steps and inside the castle, nothing has changed since the last time he was here. Soon they are in the throne room and King Phillip, Aurora and Audrey are waiting for them.
"What is it that you have to say to us?" King Phillip asks from his throne.
"Phillip dear, please." Aurora softly scolds.
"I've come to apologize for something I should have never been apart of and never let succeed." Jay says.
"And what is that?" Aurora asks.
"I was part of a plan to take the wand and give it to Maleficent. The plan was to get close enough at the coronation to grab it. The plan was for Mal to make a love potion and use it on King Ben." He stopped for a moment and then looked at Audrey. "It didn't matter who got hurt in the process." Audrey's eyes widen. "When the plan succeeded we had no plans to tell anyone and if their weren't rumors then we would have been fine." Jay takes a breathe and then looks at the King and Queen. "I'm sorry for playing you all as a fool for this long. And if it hadn't been for Tasha I wouldn't have confessed at all." Tasha gives his hand squeeze. Aurora gets up from her throne and walks over to them. Audrey has a smirk on her face.
Then the Queen hugs him. Jay is in shock but hugs her back. "Thank you Jaden." Aurora says then releases him.
"Mom you can't be serious!" Audrey says.
"Hush Audrey, after all you've done to them the least you can do is accept his apology." Aurora says and King Phillip nods in agreement with his wife.
"Daddy are you really okay with this?" Audrey asks.
"Yes, because in truth what he did was wrong, but he was strong enough to make amends before it got any worse. Plus what you did at the Summer Ball was far worse then this." King Phillip says.
Audrey stamps her foot and storms out of the throne room.
"We appreciate you coming here to do this Jaden, you are shaping up to be a wonderful prince." Aurora says. Jay blushes, but covers it up.
"What about Audrey?" Tasha asks.
"Well, we will keep this between us and make sure that she does as well. But, she will be going to boarding school for most of next year."
"When does she leave?" Tasha asks.
"At the end of the week." Aurora says. Tasha nods and they bow to the King and Queen and then leave.
Jay releases the breathe he was holding and smiles. "Thank you." He says once they are both in the limo. "Your welcome." Tasha says with a smile. "So, what happens now?" Jay asks. "Next, you have to convince your friends to apologize too." Tasha says while looking out the window. "Yeah, that could be the next step, but it won't be easy." Jay says. "I know, but their your friends if they can't fix their mistakes then that's on them. And at that point at least you tried." Tasha says. "Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?" Jay asks. "I have been told once or twice." She says with a wink. It's early evening when they arrive back at Jays place.
"So, I'll be seein' at my brothers party?" Tasha asks when they both step out of the limo. "Of course you will. Mind if I bring Aziz?" Jay asks. "If he wants to come he's more than welcome." Tasha says. Jay nods and then pulls her in for a kiss. After a while she pulls away. "Goodnight Jay." She says. "Goodnight Princess." Tasha get back in her limo and drives away.
"You chose a good one." Jay jumps and turns around. "Aziz." Jay says. "Dude she's too young for me, take the compliment." Aziz says. "Thanks. Are you doing any thing on Friday?" Jay asks. "No, why?" Aziz asks. "Do you want to come to Nate birthday party with me?" Jay asks. "Sure, I haven't seen Nate since he was a baby." Aziz says. "Great. Now is dinner ready?" Jay asks. "Of course it is. Lets go." Aziz says. They both head inside and eat dinner with their Mom before going to bed.
The next morning…
Jay gets up and gets dressed and heads downstairs. He eats breakfast with Abu and Genie. After he's done he looks around for Carpet.
"Last I saw Carpet was out with Rajah. Don't know why." Genie says.
"Thanks." Jay says getting ready to head out then he stops. "Can you let Mom know that I went to the dorms?" Genie nods. Jay smiles and heads to the backyard to find Rajah, Jada and Carpet all around the fountain.
"Carpet can you give me a ride to the dorms?" Jay asks. Carpet nods and flies his way hovering at his knees. Jay hops on and then so does Jada. "See you later Rajah." The older tiger smiles and heads back inside. They fly to Auradon Prep and all head inside. Jay heads straight to his dorm hoping Mal and Evie are in their as well. When he unlocks the door he finds them all. Mal sitting on his bed and Evie taking Carlos's measurements. Now he wishes he came at a different time.
"Jay, perfect timing." Evie says with a smile.
"Does that mean that I'm done?" Carlos asks.
"No, I'm not done yet." Evie says. Carlos gives him a pleading look as if to say 'Help me'.
"There's actually something I came to talk to you guys about." Jay says and pulls the chair from the table and face them.
"What's this about?" Mal asks. Evie finishes taking Carlos's measurements and holds her tape at her side.
"You all heard about the rumor right?" Jay asks.
"Yeah, of course we've been ignoring it." Mal says.
"We shouldn't be, especially because we know that it's true." Jay says.
"What should we do?" Carlos asks.
"I've already apologized to Audrey and her parents." Jay pauses. "I think you guys and Ben should do the same." He says.
Mal looks indifferent. Carlos looks nervous. Evie smiles.
"And that's what we will do." Evie says.
"Ev, you joking. She wanted to hurt us." Mal says.
"Only because we hurt her first. M is the right thing to do." Evie says.
"It is only fair, well not really, but still." Carlos says.
"No way, am I going to do that." Mal says and gets up and walks out. Evie sighs.
"I'll talk to her after I take your measurements." Evie says. Jay rolls his eyes.
"Fine, if you are going to apologize you have until Saturday to do so. Audrey's being sent off to a special boarding school." Jay says. Evie nods and motions him to stand. He does and holds his arms wide. Once Evie has his measurements she leaves. Jay lays on his bed and looks at the ceiling.
"So, how's your Dad?" Carlos asks. "I wish I could say he was doing better, but he's not." Jay says not making eye contact. "Well, he's your Dad he'll pull through." Carlos says. "Thanks." Jay says.
"So, Nate's birthday?" Carlos asks. "Yeah?" Jay says. "Well, you can't exactly get a seven-year-old a weapon for their birthday." Carlos says. "So, what are you going to do?" Jay asks. "I don't know Tasha's your girlfriend why can't you ask her for me?" Carlos asks. "Dude she came by and left a list of what Nate might want, it's on the table." Jay says and looks up seeing Carlos holding Dude and the paper. "So are you coming?" Carlos asks. "Nah, I already got him a gift." Jay say sitting up. "Well, I'm going and I'll see if Evie wants to come." Carlos says and dashes out of the room. Jay shakes his head. If Evie goes he's never going to leave. He chuckles to himself and falls asleep.
When he wakes up he looks at the clock that reads 6:45. He gets up and grabs some clothes, putting them in a bag and heads out of his room locking the door once Carpet and Jada are out. They fly back to the Palace and he goes to take a shower before heading down for dinner. After his shower he heads downstairs and to the dinning room. He sees his Mom, Dad and brother seated at the table.
"Dad, your up." Jay says. "Yes well the room was getting a bit stuffy." Aladdin says with a weak smile. "I'm just glad your okay." Jay says. "And I'm happy to have both my sons at the same table." Aladdin says.
"Now Dad, don't get to soft on us." Aziz mock scolds. Everyone laughs until Aladdin starts coughing.
"Aladdin are you alright?" Jasmine asks.
"I'm fine Jaz." Aladdin says, but coughs again.
"Genie can you take Dad back to his room?" Aziz asks.
"Sure thing!" Genie says.
"Gently Genie, please." Jasmine says. Genie quickly hovers over to Dad and picks him up in his arms and gently poofs him back to his room. Mom soon follows taking some water up with her.
"Dad will be fine Jay." Aziz says. Jay just nods not feeling so hungry anymore and wordlessly makes his way to his room. He lays on his bed and Jada jumps on the other side and nuzzles his arm. Jay gently pets her and soon finds himself asleep.
Friday morning…
Jay didn't feel like getting up today, but he knew he had to otherwise he'd be a bad friend and boyfriend. Reluctantly he gets up and takes a shower. He dresses in a pair of burgundy pants and a blue muscle shirt and grabs his vest from the chair. He walks into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator and pulls out some milk. With a glass in hand he pours himself a drink then puts it back in the fridge. He looks at the stove clock and sees that it's 11:30. He grabs a bagel and an apple after he drinks his milk. He wonders around the Palace looking for Carpet. He finds him playing chess with Genie and by the looks of it Carpet is winning.
"Hey that's a good move." Genie says. "Still can't believe after all these years you still mange to beat me! What your secret?" Genie asks. Carpet notices me first and waves.
"Are you ready or do you want me to wait?" Jay asks. Carpet shakes and flies over. "Later Genie." Jays says then they take off to the skies. When they arrive at Tasha's Jay gets off and tells Carpet to go home and then bring Aziz over later.
Jay walks over to the gate and the guard lets him in. He thanks him and opens the door to see servants hurrying every which way as he heads towards the kitchen.
"Mornin' Jay." Queen Tiana says. "Morning, is Tasha in here?" Jay asks. "No, she's in the backyard." Tiana says. "Thank you." Jay says and then leaves. He heads to the backyard and finds his girlfriend putting covers on tables.
"Need a hand their Princess?" Jay says. Tasha turns around and smiles. "Your a bit early, but sure why not?" Tasha says. For the next 10 minutes they place covers over the tables. "So are all parties here always this big?" Jay asks. "No, not always. I only have a handful of people at mine, I've always preferred it that way." Tasha says as she looks at her clipboard. Jay nods and wraps his arms around her waist. "So, did Nate like my gift?" Jay asks. "He hasn't opened it yet. But, don't you worry he will later on." Tasha says and kisses his cheek. "Great. So I suggested to Evie, Carlos, and Mal about apologizing to Audrey." Jay says. "Really? And how did that go?" Tasha asks. "I think Evie and Carlos are did so. Mal on the other hand." Jay trials off. "Well at least you tried. We best be headin' in the guests will be here soon." Tasha says and gives him a kiss then releases herself from his hold. They walk inside her house and soon enough guest start pouring in with gifts.
Jay sees Evie and Carlos, but no Mal. He walks over to them with his signature smirk.
"Hey guys." Jay says.
"Jay hi, um where should I put this?" Carlos asks holding a box that looks heavy.
"Here, I'll take that." Jay say taking the box which for him is surprisingly light.
"Be gentle it took a while to find the right gift." Evie says.
"Only because you insisted that we look in every store." Carlos says. Evie light slaps his arm. "Ow! What it's true."
"Anyway, where's the birthday boy?" Evie asks.
"Somewhere around here. He's probably with his friends." Jay says with a shrug.
"So, Jay Carlos and I did what you said." Evie says.
"So how did that go?" Jay asks.
"You mean before or after she screeched?" Carlos asks. Jay laughs
"Oh man I missed that, oh well. Wait what about Mal?" Jay asks.
"I don't think that she did. And she probably wont you know how stubborn she is." Evie says.
"Does it remind you of a certain pirate?" Carlos asks.
Jay shakes his head thinking about how Mal in some way is was just like Uma. Soon Louis comes over and takes the gift.
"Hey y'all lunch is being served soon." Then he leaves. The trio walks to the backyard and they find Tasha talking to Jane and Melody. But be for they can make their way over the spot Mal and Ben. Mal holding a plate that is fulled with muffins and Ben with a big gift in hand. They see Nate dash over to them and he asks for a muffin. Mal hands him one and he takes a huge bite, its not long before we see him look at the muffin than back up at Mal before he collapses.
Man, just when things start to look up, something always happens! I'm already starting the final chapter! So as always let me know your thoughts on this chapter!
Until next time...