Jett's eyes widened as the room filled with a second flash of light and a rumble erupted around the silent house. He looked totally lost; like my bedroom and even I were alien to him.
I nodded my head at him slightly and within seconds he'd crawled into bed beside me, his small frame trembling in fear.
"I thought big boys weren't scared of thunder storms?" I ran my fingers over his brow and off his nose gently.
"I am a big boy. But big boys get scared sometimes too." Jett glanced over at Tori who was still wiping away tears from her red cheeks. "Tori's crying and she's a big girl." He said in defense.
"Tori's not crying about the storm, Jett." I caught her eyes quickly. I gave her my best look of empathy before moving my attention back onto my little brother.
"What's she crying about then?" He wiped his watery eyes, looking only at Tori again. "Is it because I saw you kissing?"
Tori and I nodded in unison. "Boy you don't miss a thing do you kid?"
"I'm sorry." He began to cry again. "I just wanted to give you this." He put his hand into his pockets and pulled out as small present.
As he placed the gift into my hands I could tell he'd wrapped it himself; and he hadn't done a bad job either. "Oh Jett." I ruffled his hair.
"Open it!" He began to perk up again.
Normally I unwrap gifts as fast as possible but not this time. I unwrapped the paper slowly and carefully, glancing to and from my younger brother every so often. He was almost holding his breath, just waiting patiently for me to reveal what was inside. I felt my heart melt as I finally got to the gift inside. "Did you make these all by yourself?"
Jett nodded proudly as I pulled out three homemade friendship bracelets. "I picked blue for my favorite color, black for yours and purple for Tori!" His chubby fingers pointed to each different color in the bracelet. "Do you like it?"
I shook my head watching his face drop slightly. "I love it." I wrapped him into a warm cuddle as a small giggle left his lips. "Here give me your wrist I'll put yours on for you." He held his arm out for me as I attached the string bracelet.
"I made one for you too, Tori!" Jett took the remaining bracelet and handed it to the quiet girl.
Tori couldn't look Jett properly in the eye; her glance remained on the bracelet that the young boy was trying to attach to her wrist. "Thank you." She mumbled.
"Okay, we need to talk." I pulled Jett in front of me, crossing my legs to sit upright.
"What? Why? Am I in trouble?" He began to panic.
"Not if you do as I say. Okay?"
He nodded slowly at me. "Okay."
"You know how girls and boys kiss when they're in love? Like what you see in the movies?" I began, watching him nod to me again. Tori looked up as I began speaking, fear driven into her eyes. "Well, sometimes girls and girls kiss and sometimes boys and boys kiss."
He scrunched his nose up at me. "But why?"
"When people fall in love, some people fall in love with people who are of the same sex, sometimes they don't. Simple as that. Do you get it?"
"So boys and boys can fall in love? And girls and girls? So you and Tori are in love?" He smiled at the end of the sentence, finally understanding what I was saying to him.
I nodded my head at him, taking Tori's hand. "Yep. Tori and I are in love."
Tori's face relaxed finally. She looked as though a massive weight had been lifted off her shoulders. A small, shy smile slid across her face as she watched me talk to my younger brother.
"So why can't I tell Mommy and Daddy?"
"Because sometimes some people don't understand that it's okay for two girls or two boys to be in love. Some people can be really mean about it." I replied watching his face drop.
His mouth fell open. "Why are some people so mean to other people just because they want to be in love? I don't get it!"
"I don't either, Jett. Some people can be so mean for no reason at all. They don't like when people are different. Even when different is just as good." Tori finally piped up. She wrapped her arms around Jett, kissing his head gently.
"Those people are so stupid."
"I know." Tori and I said in unison.
"So that's why you have to keep it a top secret. Can you do that for me? I trust you because you're a big boy now." I held my pinky finger out to him.
He nodded eagerly. "I won't tell anyone! Not even my friends at school!" He linked his pinky with mine, squeezing tight.
"And not Mom or Dad. Okay?"
"You got it!" He put his thumb up at me, a grateful smile on his face.
I stood up, moving towards my large window. "The storm seems to be moving away from us now. Are you going to be okay going to bed by yourself?"
He followed me to the window, peering out over the ledge and into the darkness. Outside the only rain that fell was from leftover water on trees or building that fell from one surface to another. The night sky was beginning to clear with only a few clouds left in sight. "Sure. I'm a big boy now and big boys aren't scared of silly old storms!"
"Good. Now get out of my room before I have to get the sock monster to chase you out!" I ran behind him, smacking his butt gently as he raced out of my room in fits of giggles.
Tori sat with her legs dangling off my bed and exhausted look on her face. "Are you one hundred percent sure this time he won't tell?"
"He pinky swore; that's some serious shit to a 7 year old." I fell onto the bed beside her, drained from the last few hours.
"I'm glad he was okay with it all." She lay beside me, leaning across my body with her head lay on my chest.
"Me too. He's a kid though he doesn't understand properly."
"You are so good with him, Jade. You're going to be a great Mom one day." Her voice was hushed, her fingers making a figure of eight around my belly button.
"I don't want kids."
Tori sat upright so quick she almost pushed me off the bed. "What!" Her eyes were wide and her mouth open.
"What?" I copied.
"You don't want kids? Like not even one?"
"Well maybe I could deal with one I guess." I lay back down, rolling my eyes at her.
"I want three kids; two girls and a boy. A boy first so he can protect his little sisters." She stayed sitting up, ignoring my eye roll at her.
"You know you don't get to pick what you have and what order you have them in, right? That's not how it works." I laughed at her.
"Well I know that. I just mean in an ideal world."
"I bet you're one of those girls who have their kids names picked out already?" I cocked my eyebrow up at her as she blushed.
"They change sometimes." She admitted.
"Go on then, hit me with them." I groaned jokingly.
"You'll laugh."
"I'll try my best not to." I compromised.
"Fine. I like Ophelia and Luna for girls and I like Teddy for a boy. And my first born daughter will have my Mom's maiden name, Martinez."
"No, no and hell no. There's no way I'll be calling my son after a teddy bear!"
Tori smirked at me. "I never said they'd be our kid's names."
I sat up, kissing her lips. "Well if we do end up having our own babies, then no to those names."
"Not even one?" She stuck her bottom lip out at me, batting her eyelashes as she spoke.
"I could deal with Luna. But I prefer Lola."
"Lola? She crossed her brows before giving me a look of approval. "I like that."
"Lola Martinez. That has a nice ring to it. Sounds very Hollywood, almost like a stage name." I agreed.
"I guess we'll work out the other two when we have them." She giggled. "Lola Martinez. I bet she'll look like me but have your bad attitude."
"Poor kid, looking like you." I poked at her ribs making her laugh.
"More like poor kid, she'll act like you!" She said through laughter.
"You know, if we have kids together people might catch on that we're more than just friends."
She giggled. "We'll cross that bridge if and when we get to it."
I yawned loudly, pulling Tori under the covers and into a cuddle. "I love you, Tori."
She yawned seconds after me, leaning her head back onto my chest. "I love you too."
….
I woke to calmness. The room, the house, the weather outside all calm. My mind is boggled with possibilities of the things I can do immediately, then after, then later. The world is my oyster; I am no longer suppressed by its heinous limits. I. Am. Free. Everything I do is within my morals, knowing I am doing something productive and getting rewarded for it. Last night with Jett freed me, for now anyway.
I rolled over onto a crisp piece of paper. "Had to go home, text me later. Love you, T x". It was rare for me to wake up without Tori by my side but for once I enjoyed the space. I spread out fully across my double bed, stretching to every edge of the mattress as I awoke properly.
"So I take it you've seen your present outside?" My Dad peered around my door frame, pushing the door open slowly, letting sunlight in from the corridor.
"I love it. How'd you know?" I smirked, sitting up.
"Just figured." He smiled back. "Get dressed; your Grandparents are coming over in a few hours for your birthday meal."
I rolled my eyes. "Grandma and Grandpa Johnson?"
"Yes. So be on your best behaviour and hide that horrible thing on your arm." His face deadpanned as his eyes dropped to the star tattoo on my arm.
"You signed the consent form, daddio."
He glared at me. "Only because you're a sly and conniving young lady and you tricked me."
"You raised me." I cocked my pierced eyebrow up at him.
"And you can take that out too!"
I shook my head. "I'll wear long sleeves but this stays." I pointed to my brow.
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Whatever. Get dressed." He slammed my door defeated.
…
The doorbell rang bang on four o clock. Grandpa and Grandma Johnson (my Mom's parents) were very different from the rest of my family; they were loving, funny, loud and were never, ever late to anything.
"Tiffany, darling." My Grandma entered followed by my Grandpa, covering my Mom in a massive hug. "Hello, Roy. Where are Jade and Jett?"
"I'm here!" Jett rushed past me on the staircase, ignoring me as he ran into their arms.
"Hello my favorite Grandson." My Grandma planted several kisses on the small boys head; leaving red lipstick all over his face.
"Did you bring me anything?" Jett joked as he cleaned his face.
I laughed at the kid. "Hi." I stood at the bottom of the stairs.
"Jade, the birthday girl!" She paused, looking me up and down. "You'll always be my little Jade August no matter how big you get." A smile broadened across her face. "Come give your old Grandma a hug!"
I held my arms out. Out of all my extended family, my Mom's parents were the nicest. My Grandma was facially beautiful like my Mom. She had blonde hair, dyed now but from old photos I could tell she was naturally blonde. Like me she had green eyes that sparkled as she spoke. She was petite and plump and always smelled of vanilla. My Grandma is a very important person in my life and always has been. She has always just been there for me. She is what you could call "the rock" of our family she keeps us all together and sane in our times of hardships. She never seizes to make us all laugh when we're having an bad day. My Grandpa was a total contrast to her, tall, dark hair and eyes and quiet. He's more of the hugger, not so much the talker, but they worked perfectly together.
"Oh dear, whatever have you done to your face?" She began, watching as my mouth opened and closed like a face. "When I was your age I pierced my tongue, my Mother went crazy when she found out!" She giggled at me like a teenager would.
My mouth dropped open. "Grandma!"
"Now you know where you get your rebellious side from. Definitely not your father. And let me tell you this, your Mother was no saint either when she was young." She winked at me. "No more face piercings though. It'll hide your beautiful face." She stroked her hand across my forehead and down to my cheeks. "Ok?"
I nodded. "Sure."
"Hey Grandpa, what's up?"
"Pull my finger." He laughed, holding his hand out to me.
"Not in a million years. Try Jett." I pushed his hand away from me.
"You never did fall for that." He wrapped his arm around my neck, kissing my forehead. "I suppose she gave you the talk about the piercing?" He pointed to this wife.
"Yep so I don't need another." I smiled.
He pushed his fingers over his lips. "My lips are sealed."
"Dinner will be ready in five minutes. Jade, Jett, will you set the table?" My Mom toddled out from the kitchen with an apron around her waist.
...
"This looks lovely, Tiffany. I see you made the famous Johnson pasta." My Grandma helped herself to the food before my Mom had even put it all on the table.
"Its Jade's favorite." My Mom gestured to me, a proud smile on her face. "Jett helped too."
The table was full to the brim with food; every different type of food you could imagine. My family had really gone all out for this meal. The smell consumed the room, making everyone's mouths water. No one knew what to go for first, there was almost too much to choose from. No one spoke for a good ten minutes, everyone was too busy stuffing their faces. It was a nice silence, calming almost.
"So Jade, how's school going?" My Grandpa finally said, wiping his mouth.
"Fine. I go back next month."
"And how's that boyfriend of yours?" My Grandma added, in between bites.
I knew that question was coming. "We're not together anymore."
"Oh dear. I'm sorry, Jade." She lent across to me, stroking my hand.
"It's fine. Seriously. I'm totally over him." I smiled at her.
"You're still young, plenty of time to fall in love, right dear?" My Mom added.
"But she is in love." Jett piped in, innocently.
My heart stopped, my eyes popping open at him as I tried to kick him under the table.
"Ouch, Jade that was my leg you just kicked! Is there something you're not telling us?" My Mom fussed, rubbing at her ankle.
"No, there's nothing." I glared at the child opposite me.
"Is it Beck? You can tell us if you're back together. You don't have to keep it a secret!"
"Just drop it." I could feel the tension rising as all eyes turned to me.
"Leave her be, Tiff. For all we know she could be in love with that damn Tori girl who never seems to leave. I'm surprised she isn't here for once!" My Dad said sternly, glaring at us all.
Jett gasped, his mouth falling open. "I thought you said I was the only one who knew! You said Mom and Dad didn't know! You said it was our secret." He crossed his little arms, anger on his face.
I froze as cutlery hit plates. I could feel my cheeks getting hotter and hotter, and wondered if anyone else was as mortified as I was. I tried my best to hold my composure as the room filled with silence. Cold, confused silence. Clogs were turning in everyones heads, all of them slowly realizing what the small child had just said.
"What?" Was all my Dad could stutter.
I shrugged my shoulders, my red cheeks clearly giving me away.
"What did you just say boy?" My Dad turned to Jett who was the color of a ghost. He trembled as he watched everyone. "What did he just say, Jade?" He turned his glare to me. His dark eyes looking through me.
"Leave them, Roy." My Mom spoke, her voice quiet and calm, she didn't dare look at any of us.
"Is this true, Jade?" My Grandma took my hand, looking straight at me.
She was my favorite person, so kind and understanding. I couldn't lie to her. I took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Yes."
"Okay." She tapped my hand, compassion in her eyes as she squeezed my hand again.
"What! Am I hearing correctly? You and that girl?" My Dad stood up, slamming his fists down on the table making all the plates shift under his weight.
"Roy, sit down." My Mom finally looked at him.
"Do not tell me what to do. It's you who let's that girl into our house everyday." His voice was getting louder and angrier with every word uttered. "How long has this been going on for?"
"A while." I replied.
"Speak up. You're always so brave and quick with comebacks. What's the matter, girl? Cat got your tongue all of a sudden?" He bellowed at me.
"Do not talk to her like that!" My Mom shouted, her voice shaky.
He turned his focus from me finally. "You're to blame for this. What with your drinking and trying to be her friend instead of her Mom."
"Me?" She screamed back at him. "Sure I'm not Mother of the year but at least I'm home everyday with my kids! I have no say in who our daughter chooses to date!"
"How else would you be able to afford all the expensive shit you want, Tiff? The money tree? No I work hard everyday for it all." He spat back.
"You get fired so often it wouldn't surprise me if you didn't even work for half this shit!" She threw her arms round dramatically, knocking several full plates of food off the table.
The room went silent for a few moments as the plates shattered against the floor.
"This isn't about me. This is about our daughter." He turned back to me. "You are not a lesbian and I forbid you to see her anymore!" His voice was lowered, his tone venomous.
"You can't do that! I love her." I growled, running my hands through my hair in frustration.
He scoffed at me. "No daughter of mine is a lesbian."
"Then I guess I'm not your daughter."
"Fine. Be like your damn brother, a bastard who doesn't even know his real father because his Mother's had so many different affairs over the years!"
"Roy, how dare you!" My Grandma gasped. She'd moved over to my brother, holding him tight while they shouted, her hands covering Jett's ears.
"Just stop! Shut the hell up. Do not talk to my children like that! Jett is yours, you idiot. And Jade can love whoever she wants to love." She took a long breath. "And I'm doing what I should have done a long time ago; kicking you out!" A tear slid down my Mom's face, her bottom lip trembled. "I WANT A DIVORCE!"
And just like that, my world and my families life changed forever and it was all my fault.
A/N - Happy holidays to you all. I hope you enjoyed this update. I have a few days off over Christmas so I should update again soon! Merry Christmas!