I know it's been a while since I updated anything, but my auntie passed away rather suddenly a couple of months ago and now my grandma is extremely unwell too, so it's been a stressful few months! I just haven't really felt like writing, but now I'm back and it might be a while before any more updates as my work schedule for the next 3 weeks is pretty full on and then I'm travelling back to my grandparents to help out for a few more weeks before september. Hopefully once my normal schedule goes back to normal, I'll be able to update more regularly! I'll probably update back to normal next as there's only one or two more chapters left of it! Also, I've proof read and changed this chapter so many times so I'm just saying fuck it and posting it before I delete it all and start again haha!
The week before Camille and Hank's anniversary get away had gone extremely quickly. Erin had finished reading all of the Harry Potter books for the first time, and really enjoyed talking to Jay about her thoughts when it came to some of the outcomes of the stories. Through the week, Erin and Jay had still been spending a lot of time together through the week and they'd planned their few days together. Kim, Adam and Kevin were all excited to come over on the Saturday afternoon and the boys were excited to finally meet Jay. Once Camille and Hank had left on the Thursday evening, Jay pretty much moved himself in. He and Erin had spent the first night just watching random comedies, eating junk food and talking. They'd planned to get up at 8am on the Friday morning so they could commence the Harry Potter marathon - with it set to last 20 hours not including breaks, that would take them into the early hours of Saturday allowing them to have enough time to crash out before Kim, Kevin and Adam arrived.
Jay woke up in a panic, after being ripped from sleep by the blaring of the alarm. It took him a few seconds to realise where he was, he wasn't in his room, he was in Erin's.
"Ugh turn that phone off already!" Erin grumbled from next to him and pushed his shoulder so he would get up.
He reached over to the bedside cabinet and quickly turned off the alarm on his phone. He let out a groan, "Ugh I'm tired."
"Me too," Erin yawned, "Why did we decide to get up so early again?"
"Harry Potter marathon. You just want to go back to sleep or get up and start watching it?"
She sat up and rubbed her eyes and she looked at Jay who was still lying down. He looked quite cute when he had just woken up, his eyes were full of sleep and his hair was unruly. "No, I'm really looking forward to this. I'm just going to need a lot of coffee first," she laughed. "Looks like you need coffee too."
He nodded, "How about you get the coffee sorted and I'll go and set up the living room."
"Sounds good Elmo," She teased, jumping out of bed, narrowly avoiding the pillow he had thrown at her.
He heard her laughing as she went down the stairs and he smiled, he really did love that laugh. He finally took himself out of bed and went downstairs to the lounge to set up his Harry Potter DVDs and put the first one in the player. Once everything was ready, he sat himself down on the sofa just as Erin walked through with their coffees, "Cheers. I really needed this. Do you want to go straight into it or watch an episode of friends or something first?"
She shook her head, "No, let's just go straight into it," she replied and he nodded and pressed play on the remote. They both sat back with their coffees and began to watch the film.
As the credits to the first film began, Jay looked over to Erin, "So, what did you think?"
"It was great!" She exclaimed, "I mean, obviously the books had more details but regardless of that, it was such a good film. Was that the English version?"
"Yeah, I mean, I had copies of the first few American versions of the films but the friend who got my the original books, also got me the original DVD box set when he was back visiting family in Manchester," He explained.
"I thought so, because it was all about the Philosopher's stone rather than what is it? The sorcerer's stone over here?" She asked and he nodded. "I have no idea why they felt the need to change it, but that film was brilliant!"
"Yeah it is pretty good. Do you want some food for the next one? Shall we order…" Jay was just about to suggest ordering a McDonald's breakfast but there was a knock at the door. The two of them looked at each other confused before Erin got up and went to answer the door.
"Oh hey, Catherine, is everything okay?" She asked.
"Oh yes, I just thought I'd bring you both over some food. Jay text me as you were watching the first film and I knew it would be just about finished now so I bought these sausage sandwiches over," She explained and smiled as Jay walked over to the door.
"Hey mom, you really didn't have to," he said.
"I was already making them for Will, Natalie and myself so I thought I'd make you some as well. Now quickly, eat them before they get too cold," Catherine said, passing Jay and Erin a plate each.
"Thank you," Erin smiled.
"Thanks mom, I love you," Jay grinned, his mom was the best.
"Alright, enjoy the films and text or call if you both need anything," Catherine said and both of them nodded before she left.
Jay and Erin went back into the living room and began watching the second Harry Potter film. As the day went on, they were both really content. They ate loads of crap food, and Jay was so happy that Erin was enjoying the films. Once it got to the last film's end credits, it was getting close to 5am and they were both exhausted. Jay switched off the TV and turned to Erin, "So, what did you think?"
"They were amazing. Even with all the differences from the books, I really did enjoy them. But ugh, I'm exhausted," She grumbled, rubbing her face with her hands to try and wake herself back up.
"I know, me too. Take it you don't fancy watching anything else?" He asked and she shook her head. "Didn't think so."
"Come on, let's get some sleep. Thankfully Kim, Adam and Kev aren't coming until like four in the afternoon, so we can get a decent amount of sleep."
Jay got up and followed Erin up to her room, they both got ready and got into her bed, "Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" Erin asked.
"Yeah I really am. I think meeting a few people before I start school will be good for me, I hate not knowing people before hand. I just hope they like me," He replied.
"They'll like you. Don't stress about it now shush, I'm trying to sleep," She said, rolling over on her side.
"But you started-"
"Shh. Good night," She mumbled.
He chuckled quietly, "Good night," he whispered, rolling over onto his side and letting himself fall asleep.
Jay was nervous, he always felt like this when he was about to meet new people. Especially after how he was treated in his last school - by his own friends after everything that happened with Ally. He really hoped that Kev and Adam liked him. God he hated how he got when he was nervous about new situations, it really stressed him out. He rubbed his face and tried to snap himself out of the panic he was feeling.
"Stop stressing," Erin said as she came downstairs, fresh from her shower.
"How'd you-" Jay was about to ask but Erin just laughed before interrupting him.
"I can practically see the anxiety coming off you in waves. The lads are cool, they'll like you. They like sports and they're really annoying - kind of like you," She teased and all she got was a hint of a smirk from him but no real reply. "Look, I know you had a shit time at your last school and with your friends - but Kev and Adam aren't like that. They're cool. Well, Adam's a bit of a dick but Kev's cool," Erin joked.
"Thanks, Erin. You're a good friend," he smiled, and took a deep breath, reminding himself that he wasn't the same person he once was.
"Now, please just calm down and come and help me get the booze sorted in the fridge," she said and he nodded following her into the kitchen. "I know there's not loads here but I'm not too fussed, I don't really like getting too drunk anymore, I mean, since living here I've not drank much. Despite me always being drunk when I was with my mom or my old friends, I just didn't want to carry on that life."
"I get you, I feel the same about drinking. After seeing my dad in his drunken states, I vowed never to allow myself to get like that. Like don't get me wrong, I like a few drinks but I don't like getting that bad. And I'll only allow myself to drink properly with people I trust."
Erin reached out and squeezed his arm, "Well you can trust me, and even my crazy friends, alright?"
"Thanks, Erin. I really appreciate it," He smiled and squeezed the hand that was on his arm.
Just as Erin was about to reply, the back door flung open and in walked Adam, Kev and Kim. Erin quickly let go of Jay's arm, "Hey guys, you're actually early for once, is everything ok?" She laughed, and gave them a hug while Kim explained that her mom had something on so had to drop them off a little early.
"Okay, so Jay this is Adam and Kevin," Erin said, pointing both of the guys out so Jay would know who was who. "They're both annoying, just like you, so I recon you'd all have a lot in common."
"Oh thanks, Erin, that really means a lot. and here I was thinking you'd actually missed us!" Adam exclaimed, pretending to be offended.
Erin just rolled her eyes, "Yeah, totally missed Kevin. But you? Not so much," She teased.
"You'll get used to their back and forth," Kevin said to Jay, shaking his hand. "It's been a while since anyone was able to give him a run for his money, he's been infuriating all summer!"
"Shut up, Kev, I have not!" Adam grumbled.
"Okay so what are we watching then?" Kim asked, already getting bored of Kevin and Adam's antics.
"Well what about the cornetto trilogy? Hot fuzz, shaun of the dead and the world's end? They're comedies but with some gruesome bits. But they're pretty funny," Erin suggested. "If not, Jay's got a whole hard drive of films we can choose from."
The group all discussed which films were best and decided to watch the cornetto trilogy, and have a few drinks.
After the first film had finished, Erin and Kim went into the kitchen to grab some more drinks, and let the boys chat a bit between themselves. "Okay, I've been meaning to ask you this all night - but what was that we walked in on? Between you and Jay?"
Erin looked confused, they hadn't walked in on anything, "What are you on about?"
"Well you were touching his arm and quickly dropped it when we walked in. What happened? Are you two together?"
Erin shook her head, "No, no, no, no, no. We aren't together. He'd just told me something a little personal that's all. I was comforting him because he's a friend."
"Hmm, I'm not convinced, you looked pretty cosy. And you told me he's been staying here since Thursday night so you're telling me nothing's happened?" Kim asked, looking unconvinced.
"No, nothings happened. He's just a really good friend, okay? We've both been through a lot and it's just good having someone else around," she explained and Kim nodded, completely understanding. She knew most of what Erin had been through so as soon as she said that, she backed off.
"I get it, I'm glad you have a good friend. So he and the boys seem to be getting along pretty well. I'm glad about that," Kim laughed.
"Yeah, I mean Adam hasn't frightened him off yet so that's a plus!" Erin joked.
Just as Kim had been about to reply, Adam came into the kitchen, "Jeez guys, how long does it take to get a few beers? We are dehydrating out there!"
"Well you should probably get yourself some water then, Adam. Beer isn't hydrating at all," Erin teased, chucking him a can of beer from the fridge. He rolled his eyes and took himself back into the living room. Once he'd gone, Erin turned to Kim, "So you and Adam seem happier, what happened there?"
"Well, the night he came back, we went out on a date to the cinema, went to that little diner we love so much and then he came back to mine. We just talked properly for the first time since before he went off to that sports camp thing. I think the lack of proper communication while we were both out in the sticks was harder than we realised. Since he got back we've spoke mostly every day and we have been getting on a lot better. I think we are staying together for good this time," She gushed, "I really do love him."
"I know you do. Even if you two are one of the most dysfunctional couples I've ever met but you do suit each other. Now come on, I think Jay and Kevin will want their beers and to start the film up. We should do something one day next week just the two of us then you can tell us everything then."
"Sounds good," Kim agreed, grabbing a beer for Kev and following Erin back through to the living room.
Meanwhile, in the living room the boys were talking some more and as Adam returned from the kitchen with his beer he sat down and said"So, Jay. You and Erin? Anything going on there?"
Jay laughed and shook his head, "No, no. We are just good friends. I moved here knowing no one in the area and Camille offered for us to come round for a bbq and me and Erin got talking. Turned out we were in the same year in school and I was going to your school too so we've just been hanging out and things."
"Ah cool, well you seem pretty cool, I mean, Erin isn't exactly…"
"Erin isn't exactly what, Adam?" Erin asked as she and Kim walked back into living room.
Adam sat up, "Erm, er… I was just saying that you're not exactly boring…"
"Okay? Why would you say that?" Erin asked, passing Jay a beer and going back to sit next to him on the couch.
"It's nothing, we were just saying how cool you were, weren't we guys?" Adam asked and Kev and Jay nodded.
"Yeah, yeah, okay. Now press play on the film please, and keep your mouth shut," she laughed as Adam grumbled and pressed play. She didn't believe for one minute what he'd said, but she loved winding him up. As the film started up, she sat back and put her feet up next to Jay's on the coffee table. She saw that he was smiling, and thankfully seemed so much more relaxed than he had been at the beginning of the night, she knew this get together was a good idea after all.
When Kev, Adam and Kim had all passed out on the couches, Erin and Jay went out to the back porch with a couple more beers between them. Neither had drank as much as the other three so were pretty okay.
"So, how was it? Have you had a nice night?" She asked, sitting down on the swing and Jay sat next to her.
"It's been really nice, the boys are cool. I know I've met Kim before but she just seemed so much better tonight. I take it that's because she's finally seen Adam after their time apart?"
"Oh yeah, definitely. They do love each other but they're very on and off and it can be infuriating. But they seem happier now than they were when they both left at the beginning of summer so I think they're going to be okay," she said. "You and Kev seemed to get on pretty well, what were you talking about?"
"Nothing much, chatting about what we both like. Turns out we both were in the same baseball tournaments as kids, he played for this county and I played for my old one."
"Wow, seriously? God what a small world! Did you recognise each other?" She asked.
Jay shook his head, "No, but funnily enough we used to knock about with some of the same people. My friend Sam used to play with Kev and went to school with him, but their family moved him to our school when his dad got a new job and they never really kept in touch. I text Sam and he remembered Kev too, so I gave him his number and they were texting for a bit. I feel so much less nervous about starting school now though, I'm happy I've met a few more people now so I'm not going there just knowing one person."
"Aww that's nice that Kev remembered one of your friends! I bet you are so glad you know a few more people and not the loser ex druggy prostitute," she laughed.
Jay shook his head, "Hey, don't refer to yourself as that."
"What, it's true? It's what everyone calls me," she shrugged her shoulders and took a sip of her beer, "It really doesn't bother me all that much."
"Erin, you're not that anymore. Yeah, it was a part of your life, but you managed to get yourself out of that life and better yourself. You're fucking awesome, don't you forget that. I mean, I trusted you from the start, and you helped me through so much shit it's unbelievable. Just don't keep putting yourself down, but you're so more than that," Jay said seriously.
"I know, it's just hard to get out of that mindset sometimes, you know?"
He nodded, "I get it, I really do. God we've both been through some shit, haven't we?"
"Yeah we really have, now come on lets go and get some sleep. I don't know how we are still awake after our big Harry Potter marathon and minimal sleep," she said, standing up and holding her hand out to pull him up. He put his arm around her shoulder and they walked inside together, locking the door as they went. They walked into the kitchen, hoping to see the others as it was where they were left sleeping and it was empty, so they went upstairs to search for them. As they walked into Erin's room, they both held in a laugh, Kev was star fished over Erin's bed and Adam and Kim were squished together on the little couch she had in the bedroom. "Come on, let's go downstairs. Look like it's the sofa for us tonight, Halstead." She said, grabbing the blanket that was on the edge of the bed and following Jay back downstairs. They both made themselves comfy and managed to fall asleep pretty quickly.
The next morning the five of them felt a little worse for wear, so it called for a McDonald's delivery to try and cure the hangovers. After they'd eaten, they split off into two groups so they could quickly sort out the house. Erin and Kim took the kitchen, while the boys took the living room. "So, Kim, how come you were all crashed out in my room?" Erin asked as they began wiping down the sides. Usually Erin would never really bother with a clean up after a party but she was scared of Camille (not so much Hank, he was just a softy) and her friends were scared of Hank, so they were eager to tidy up before they left.
"Well, we all woke up and saw that you and Jay weren't in the living room, so we just thought you'd gone up to bed and well, we thought we'd come and annoy you - but you weren't there. Where were you?"
"We had gone outside, we were out for only like half an hour or so but we were just chatting. Then when we saw you lot weren't in the living room, we went up to my room and there was no where for us to go so we just crashed on the couch," She told her.
"You both looked pretty cosy when we came downstairs…"
"Nope. We aren't doing this again, me and Jay are just really good friends, I'd really wis you'd stop going on," Erin almost pleaded, she was getting sick of the constant badgering from Kim about her and Jay.
Kim nodded, seeing that Erin was serious about this, "Okay, okay I'll stop. So we don't have much longer left before school starts, what do you say about a shopping trip next week sometime?"
Erin resisted the urge to sigh, she hated shopping but she did love spending time with Kim, so she nodded, "Yeah that sounds good. We can plan it in the next couple of days. I think I'll probably be around here most days unless Camille wants to do anything."
"Oh yay! I can't wait, I need new clothes for school and some bits, we'll make a day of it - no boys allowed," Kim said, excitedly.
Erin laughed, "Yeah sounds good. Especially the no boys allowed part."
"No boys allowed where?" Adam asked as he walked in.
"Shopping trip," Kim replied.
"Oh good, I'm so glad I don't have to come, you're a nightmare when you shop. Good luck Erin," He joked and jumped to avoid a punch to the arm from Kim. "Okay, okay. I'm joking, I actually came through to get you, Kim. My mom's here to pick the three of us up. We've sorted the living room out for you, is there anything else you want us to do before we leave, Erin?"
"No, no, I think I've got everything sorted," She replied as they went into the living room. "Thanks for coming guys, I really enjoyed last night. We need to do something again before school starts."
"Definitely, I'm sure we can come up with something," Kevin said and gave Erin a hug goodbye.
Once Adam, Kim and Kevin had left, Erin and Jay sat down on the couch, "So are you up for an episode or two of criminal minds before you have to leave?" Erin asked, hopefully.
"Yeah, that sounds…" He started and then his phone buzzed, "Sorry, it's my mom."
Remember to come home soon - we have an early Sunday dinner with your nana and grandad in a couple of hours so you need to get ready - Mom.
"Well, as much as I'd have loved to have done that, I'm going to have to go. I've got Sunday dinner with my nana and grandad in a couple of hours, so I best go and get ready," He explained. "I've had such an awesome few days with you and it was nice meeting your friends."
"It has been great. I should be thanking you for keeping me company for the last few days, I don't actually like staying for too long on my own," She replied, "Have a nice time at your grandparents."
"I will do, I'll probably see you one day this week?"
"Yeah, I'll be around, I'll text you," She said as he got up and then followed him to the door where his bag was. She gave him a hug before they said their goodbyes and he left.
After he'd left, Erin went back to the couch and grabbed the remote and put on Friends. She wasn't really paying much attention as she was too busy thinking about the past few days and how lovely they'd been. She had been apprehensive of starting back at school again, especially with how everyone treated her when they found out about her past. She couldn't help but think that this was the first year that she actually had a friend and as much as she hated shopping, she was kind of excited to do something that she had only seen on tv or heard people talk about - go shopping with a friend before school. She hated that in her sixteen years, she could possibly count on one hand how many times she had properly been shopping, and three of those times were with Camille. She was just so happy that she actually had people in her corner, and for the first time in sixteen years, she felt settled.