Hello dear readers! I have another installment for you. I was planning for this to be the final chapter, ut as I wrote, I realized that I needed to break it up into two chapters. Hopefully the next one isn't too far off. I hope you enjoy.
Fanfic-Reader-88: Freddie has stepped up unlike his own father (spoilers in 'Who are My Brothers') and he loves them. He has his own affection for Ian, but as the years passed, it was obvious that Ian would have a deeper impact on their lives as a couple.
The potential custody battle stems from what happens in about three chapters of 'Brothers', hopefully having one of those chapters up by the end of the week. Jade simply was a greater influence than her father to Ian and may be following in her sister's footsteps.
The irony is that Dusty would be in the entertainment industry at all since HA was always just a means to an end in getting a decent education and his only connection to it was going to be through the others involvement in it.
Challenge King: It would be spoilers for 'Who are My Brothers' to explain why Jade never took that step, but in knowing Jade, one must know she must have been satisfied in not taking that step as futile it may have been… or not depending on how much money she could throw around and other 'options' she may have been at her disposal.
I think Jade will have quite the surprise at seeing such a video.
Twilight Warrior 627: Drama at some point must come to a resolution at some point. Though no writer is perfect and resolution can be unsatisfying, it is important to try to strive for such a thing. I try my best to keep things consistent across my separate continues of stories, heck even sometimes crossing them in case anyone noticed about 'Ira'. Thanks and I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Rating: T Language
Chapter 3
West Residence
Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, February 14, 2015
The first rays of the sun filtered through the window blinds of Jade's bedroom and across the sleeping girl's ivory colored skin of her face and exposed arm that held her light blanket to her chin while she laid on her side.
She slowly stirred as her body started naturally waking up by the time in the morning and the warmth of the sun on her skin, though she wanted to fight it. She didn't have any place to go and she was so comfortable and peaceful in bed. It was a great change over the years where suddenly waking her up could cause her to have a violent fit. She struggled for several minutes between the waking and dreaming world, but the waking world finally one out and she rolled onto her back.
While Jade's eyes remained closed, she yawned and pulled herself up to a seated position then raised her arms above her head to stretch out, allowing a considerably sex view of her with her curves that were accentuated by her tight fitting athletic tank-top. She dropped her arms and loudly sighed out a breath. She opened her eyes, ready to slip out of bed and head for her bathroom to get through her morning routine, but she was quite pleasantly surprised when she saw that Freddie was sitting on the edge of the bed with one leg crossed to rest his ankle on his thigh.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," Freddie answered with his charming smile then scooted close enough to her to dip his head forward and touched his lips to her lips.
Jade closed her eyes and instinctively looped her arms over his shoulders and around the back of his neck. She didn't question the fact that he had to have been watching her sleep in order to surprise her. The times they had shared a bed, which wasn't as often as people would believe, there were times where one would wake up before the other and just watch the other peacefully sleep. After only seconds of enjoying her first kiss on Valentine's Day, she laughed into the kiss, "I have morning breath."
Freddie pulled back enough to meet her eyes and joked, "Yeah you do. You could use some mouthwash."
She pulled her right hand from behind him and softly swatted his left shoulder, grinning playfully as she could always drop her (mellowed out) tough/mean girl image and let the sweeter side of her out.
He reluctantly pulled away from her and stood up. He pointed to the bed and stated, "Okay, you run to the bathroom and you meet me right back here. Right in this bed."
She raised her pierced, but missing ring eyebrow and smirked. "Oh? Right back here? Right back here in this bed?"
Freddie grinned his boyish grin that could slip through all of her defenses and answered, "Yep. Right here. I should be only a few minutes and if I'm not, you can keep yourself occupied by what's on your vanity. It's entirely up to you."
He turned and left her room without another word, teasing her interest in what he had in mind. A few sexy thoughts crossed her mind of what he could have in mind for her. Whatever hesitation and selflessness he may have about his own satisfaction in the bedroom, he had absolutely none when it came to her in making sure she felt satisfied and this morning may have been one of those mornings. However, it could be something entirely different. He could be quite surprising.
In either case, Freddie had a surprise for her and expected her to be there when he returned and she didn't want to spoil his surprise, so she decided to throw off her covers and slip out of bed. She hurried to the bathroom to go through her morning routine.
Jade nearly set a record for herself in using the bathroom and freshening up then headed back to her bedroom, sparing a moment to look past the railing of the stairs to see if she could spot Freddie. She didn't hear or see him as she returned to her room.
She was about to slip back into bed when she noticed on her vanity a heart shaped jewelry box sitting on the hardwood. She walked over and picked up the jewelry box and glanced at the attached card through the ribbon tied in a bow to hold the red jewelry box together. The message read: 'Happy Valentine's Day my love. I hope you enjoy my first token of the day.' She smiled at the gesture, remembering it was the little things as well as the big thing that reminded her of how much he loved her. She undid the ribbon and opened the box as if she was splitting the heart in two.
She pulled out a foam card for jewelry to find one diamond stud. She curiously looked at it before feeling stupid in realizing that it wasn't for her ear. She would not be telling anyone—especially Freddie—that she was fooled for a second. She looked in the mirror and put in the new nose-stud, wanting to surprise him.
The pale skinned musician slipped back into bed as she heard his footsteps approaching her room. Freddie returned tray with breakfast: heart shaped pancakes, omelet with cheese, toast and a few sliced fruits. He returned to have a seat across from her to present her breakfast.
Jade questioned with a raising of her ringless eyebrow and a big grin, "Breakfast in bed?"
"Is it predictable?"
"If I say yes, will you take it away?"
Freddie nodded his head to the side and rolled his eyes. "Ah… I just might."
She made a terrifying face that frightened many at Hollywood Arts years ago and a number of other celebrities with whom she had interacted over the last few years, but he found absolutely adorable. "Don't you dare." She picked up the fork and stabbed at the heart shaped pancake before he could even attempt to take the tray away from her.
He playfully laughed, "Okay, I guess you can keep your breakfast."
Jade had started cutting into the pancake with the accompanying knife to get her piece of pancake before she looked up and let the faintest of smiles appear on her face though her eyes were far more expressive in her happiness and thankfulness. She brought the piece to her mouth and began chewing.
The pancake seemed to melt in her mouth and moaned in appreciation to the taste. She grabbed some syrup to pour some of it over the fluffy breakfast food and cut her another piece. The pancake tasted even better with the sweet syrup. She turned to have a bite of her omelet then turned to grab a piece of fruit.
Freddie patiently watched as his love enjoy her breakfast and over the course of getting contentment out of seeing her contentment, he noticed the nose jewelry and idly commented, "I see you found your first present."
She grinned to him and answered between bites, "Yes and I love it and I love this breakfast."
"I'm happy you love them both. I wanted this day to start out great for you… actually I want everyday to start out great for you."
"It certainly is starting off great." She took the warm mug of coffee and brought it to her lips to take a quick sip. She pulled the mug away from her lips and looked wide eyed at him, "This isn't how I take my coffee."
"You may like your coffee black with just a little sugar, but I thought it would spice it up just a little. I added a little mocha with a little bit of cinnamon."
She took another sip then lifted a corner of her mouth. "You just might get me hooked on this taste."
"Oh that would be such a shame to add a little variety in your life."
"I have plenty of variety in my life with my career… and my very loving fiancé."
Freddie motioned towards the coffee to prove his point.
Jade sighed at conceding to his point, but didn't want to get into a discussion over it. "So, what do you have planned for us today?"
Freddie dropped his jaw in a playfully mocking manner and asked in a completely innocent voice, "I'm supposed to have something planned? I could ask you what you have planned for me."
She shifted in place to sit her coffee on her neighboring nightstand then turned back to the breakfast tray to lean over it and wrap her arms back around his neck to hold him in place. She licked her lips and wickedly looked at him and sultrily answered, "Oh, don't worry. I have something planned for tonight and I'm absolutely sure you are going to like it."
The hungry look she was giving him caused him to jar from his smooth attitude. The look was the same one when she was determined to give him the same pleasure that he was always willing to give her. He felt his cheeks rush with heat.
She flicked her eyebrow in triumph in getting his attention.
The college junior cleared his throat and muttered, "I do have something planned for us and this is our day, but… my idea may be a little nontraditional in mind for us."
"So it's something creative?"
Freddie tilted his head to the other side and looked as if he was being overdramatic in his contemplation, finding his confidence in knowing his plan. "I wouldn't necessarily say creative, but unexpected."
"Well you've certainly caught my interest."
"I hope I satisfy it."
"I have faith in you."
"Thanks…" His expression shifted solemnly and whispered, "I love you Jadelyn."
She let her hidden smile shine through. "I love you too Fredward."
They shared a deep and slow kiss, letting their spoken feelings be expressed through their actions. Freddie grinned into the sweet kiss and not just because of the taste of syrup on her mouth. The kiss lingered for lost moments, maybe even stretching into minutes before they broke away.
The couple shared a laugh before Jade returned to her breakfast and spent about the next half an hour together, Jade enjoying her breakfast while Freddie just teased her about how they were going to spend their day. Once she finished, Freddie took the tray on his way out and let Jade get ready.
About forty-five minutes later, Jade trotted down the steps, eager to find Freddie and learn of his plans on how they were going to spend their day. She was dressed simply with a grey Penny-T (wanting to tease him because he's the one that turned her to them and she had stolen quite a few of his old ones), blue jeans and black boots. She had forgone her colored hair extensions, but put in her brow ring and kept the new diamond nose stud that Freddie had left for her as his first Valentine's Day surprise. She wanted to be a little less recognizable as they went about their day, but she didn't want feel 'naked' and she definitely wasn't going to turn down wearing his gift to her.
She grinned to her fiancé waiting for her at the kitchen door to the garage. "So, where is our first stop?"
He took a loud sigh with a grin and answered, "It's going to definitely be a surprise and you'll know when we get there, just don't take it at face value." He turned and headed out the door, allowing Jade's curiosity to grow further as things definitely were not going to be what they seemed.
She followed him out into the garage and towards Freddie's '69 Dodge Charger, still looking in pristine condition. As she slipped into the passenger seat, she didn't give it a second thought that the booster seat for Ian—one that he was just a few inches short of outgrowing now—that they had bought a few years ago for him since he spent so much time with them was in the backseat of the Charger instead of her car.
About half an hour later, the '60s muscle car pulled into the driveway of the bittersweet feelings bringing residency of Mister Roy West.
Jade questioned at obviously recognizing her estranged father's home, "Why are we here?" She turned her confused and somewhat annoyed gazed to him, her brow knotted with the tension she felt. "We're seriously going to wish them a Happy Valentine's Day?"
He smirked and held a mischievous glint in his eyes in having her fooled in his plan for today. "Hardly. Frankly I couldn't care less about your father and stepmother, so that's not why we're here." He unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the driver's side door then stepped out, shutting it behind him.
Her eyes went wide as he practically left her in the car. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and followed him out of the car.
Freddie reached the door and tapped the doorbell, ignoring Jade's questioning and partially scathing look directed at him.
The door opened a few moments later and Mister West appeared in a polo with a sweater and slacks, apparently considering that to be casual for a Saturday.
"Mister West," Freddie answered with a confident smirk that held just a sliver of disgust for the man.
The standoffish businessman formally replied with a detached expression, "Mister Benson." He glanced towards his daughter and greeted, "Jade."
The internationally recognized musician and actress tight lipped answered, "Dad."
Mister West called out from over his shoulder in an authoritative voice, "Ian, your sister is here."
The seven, going on eight year old approached the door from behind his stepfather. The child had steadily grown over the last few years to a few inches short of four feet, not yet hitting his growth spurt. The irritation Jade felt towards her father was washed away at seeing her stepbrother. She brought him into a hug and warmly greeted him, "Hey Ian."
He returned the hug. "Hey Jadey."
The stepsiblings pulled apart at the same time Freddie asked, "So you're ready to go?"
"Yep."
Jade gave Freddie a fleeting look of surprise, but quickly smiled at the realization as to why they were at her father's home. Her man's surprise was unexpected for the holiday and not the most romantic option, but she wouldn't turn down the day to spend with her brother, especially when she knew he was up to something good.
Freddie reassured Mister West, "We'll be back at a reasonable hour this afternoon unless of course you and Mrs. West have plans for tonight?"
The father and daughter each had surprised reactions to his alluded offer. They shared reasons to their surprise as Freddie appeared willing to set aside his and Jade's plans for not only the day, but for the evening.
Jade felt for a moment she guessed Freddie felt like when facing a moral conflict when the choices weren't clearly right and wrong, but both comparably right. She wanted a special evening with Freddie, expecting a dinner from him and her own plans for them after such a meal. It was perfectly reasonable in wanting to have such a thing to share with him, but she didn't want Ian to just be an afterthought or something that needed to be looked after because her father and stepmother wanted the same.
She realized that may be a problem she and Freddie could face after their children were born. Would they just pawn off their children on Valentine's Day so they could have their alone time? It wasn't wrong to have alone time with one's spouse while having children, but that didn't prevent her from starting to have a feeling of guilt.
Mister West smugly smiled. "No, it's fine. I do appreciate the offer."
"Are you sure?" Freddie pressed, not willing to tolerate a brush off for them to just get someone else to watch Ian for the evening.
"I'm quite sure."
"Okay, we'll see you later."
The trio started back to the Charger and Mister West called out, "Have a good time son."
"Bye dad," Ian freely answered with a wave backwards.
"Happy Valentine's Day dad," Jade grinningly called out.
The estranged father's smile faulted for a fraction of a second then recovered to call out, "Happy Valentine's dear."
The father and daughter exchanged guarded expressions as she, Freddie and Ian got into the Charger.
The Charger made its way down Sunset Boulevard, a familiar road for the couple, to some unknown destination that Freddie refused to share with Jade as part of the next surprise. Freddie turned on his right turn signal and slowed the vehicle down as they approached a place they had reconnected after meeting the first time at a party held at Kenan Thompson's place and had spent a year together. Jade looked wide eyed when she saw Freddie turn the car into the parking lot by the sign: Hollywood Arts.
She looked to Freddie with a near dumbfounded expression, but he just maintained a smile while he pulled the car into its once usual spot.
"Okay, we're here."
"Yeah, but why are we here?"
Freddie's grinned seemed to grow as he casually answered, "Isn't it obvious? A surprise."
"It certainly is some surprise, but again, why?"
Freddie unbuckled his seatbelt and opened his driver's side door. "Oh, you'll see."
Jade slightly pursed her lips and narrowed her gaze on the back of her fiancé, not liking being stumped in not having a clue what kind of surprise he could be having for her at their old high school. Jade got out and put her seat down to unbuckle Ian's booster seat. The child stepped out of the car and they shut and locked the door behind them.
The stepsiblings caught up with Freddie as they cut through the Asphalt Café, another place that brought many memories to the young starlet. She still met up with everyone on a regular basis, but she didn't realize how much she missed having lunches at the outside of their school.
Freddie turned away from the entrance to the school under the metal platform to the second level and headed for the other familiar side entrance of the school that they usual entered when they attended. He opened the door to the school, surprising Jade that the door was opened. Jade wanted to asked whether they had to worry about being arrested for trespassing, not that she was overly concerned about getting in trouble, but that her father and stepmother would use it as a way to keep her from spending time with Ian, but since Freddie was so cool and calmed about it, she figured that it must have been alright. He wasn't exactly one to throw away the rules such as Sam.
Jade stepped inside followed by Ian. She crossed the threshold and a wave of emotion passed over her at seeing the surroundings. The main hallway and stairwell was the same, keeping with the structure of the school, with the Shakespeare quote was still hanging over the stairs. The only immediately noticeable changes were of the various locker door designs as they had been replaced over the last three school years. Seeing the changes actually felt bittersweet as the only ones they could know still going to school would have been the freshmen as they graduated and they would be seniors this year.
Jade smiled while casually remarking, "It's been a while. I've been meaning to visit, but…"
"Yeah, you stay busy and I know how much you missed Vice-Principal Dickers."
The dark haired musician turned away from looking at a particularly interesting locker on her left back to Freddie. She cocked an eyebrow asking if he was serious with his remark.
He returned with his charming smile that could just infuriate her at times even with the underlining affection it brought.
Jade turned to her right around the corner made by the entrance and stopped at where her locker was once located. She had taken the black colored locker door with scissors randomly stuck onto and sometimes into it home with her when she graduated. The one that replaced it wasn't particularly imaginative, but she couldn't really complain as she did like the butterflies on the black background.
Ian looked around in awe as it was the first high school he had ever stepped inside, but it wasn't just that reason. He had heard the stray stories of her sister's adventures and performances she had at school. "I always wondered what it looked like in here from all the stories about it."
Freddie asked with a knowing smile, "You think you might want to go to school here one day?"
Jade turned away from the replacement locker door and looked to her future husband and stepbrother, curious to the child's response.
"I don't know. I thought I could be a cop or an astronaut or maybe a fireman. I haven't though about doing what Jadey does. I can't sing."
"You don't have to sing. You can act or do something behind the camera—if you want to go into that when you get older. You can always do the other stuff. You have plenty of time to decide and you can always change your mind."
Jade wrapped an arm around Ian's shoulders and reassured him, "But if you ever want to get into the career, I'll support you one hundred percent."
"Ahh Jade!" a familiar and quite loud voice called out down the hallway.
Jade immediately recognized the voice and turned to see Sikowitz walk towards them. He hadn't changed at all since their graduation; he still was balding of course with hair sticking out from the sides and behind his head. He dressed the same as someone plucked out of Woodstock with his flip-flops.
"It's great to see you."
Jade opened her arms and shared a hug with her former acting teacher. She pulled back and replied, "It's good to see you too Sikowitz. I'm sorry I haven't come by as often, but…"
"I know you've been busy with music and tours and acting, but I know my students would appreciate seeing you."
"I will make it a point to come by within the next two weeks. I finally have a break from everything. I'm done with touring right now or interviews or anything and I don't have anything up for filming, but why are you here? I would think you would have plans for today."
"I do have plans for today, but once I got Freddie's call, I decided that I could take some time out for my favorite student."
"Sikowitz, have you been hitting the coconut milk again? This is Jade, not Tori."
The balding teacher turned an annoyed gazed to Freddie, but put on a wide grin. "Ah Freddie, I've missed your wit."
Freddie snorted out a breath while maintaining a grin.
Jade rolled her eyes at seeing some things hadn't changed with Freddie's protectiveness of her, perhaps even holding more of a grudge than she did over the years of being at the unfortunate end of favoritism of another.
The famous musician decided to speak to prevent in conflict between the pair, "And what is that surprise?"
Freddie laced his fingers with hers to take her hand and happily answered, "Well, I thought seeing a movie you love would be one of the treats I would give you, but instead of waiting tonight as we would usually do, I needed something that you and Ian could both enjoy."
"Then why aren't we going to a movie theater?"
"Because I know the perfect movie, but it is not longer in theaters and even with the nice entertainment center we have at home, it just doesn't have that… magic to it, so…"
Sikowitz picked up, "So he called me up to see if he could use the Black Box."
Jade glanced to Freddie. "You rented the Black Box?"
"He did it for his millionaire friend for the guy's son's birthday. You know, when you dressed up as a gian—"
"I know what I dressed up as," Jade interrupted with a raised hand and a tight smile.
Sikowitz motioned down the hall. "Since we are kind of on a time clock…"
He didn't wait for an answer and started leading the three by the familiar path to the Black Box Theater.
While they walked towards the theater, Jade curiously asked her former teacher, "Do you still like teaching?"
"Of course! I get a new crop of students every semester, but…" He grinned and leaned towards Jade to whisper, "…though I'm not sure when the next time I will get such a talented group of students as you and the others."
"If you ever get tired of it, let me know. I'll start dropping your name around."
Sikowitz looked hesitant, questioning the ethnicity of the proposition.
Jade softly nudged his side with her elbow and explained, "You know it's not just about talent but about who you know. It's about the connections."
The balding and wild hair teacher reluctantly admitted, "Unfortunately it is true. Roles are not given by talent, but by who knows who."
"I do appreciate the offer Jade, but I'm still happy teaching."
The Black Box was cleared save for a couple of cushioned seats used as furniture props instead of the standard gray metal seats with the projection screen down as it would be when students would show their films for class.
Freddie exited the theater by the left side entrance/exit and took the stairs up to the catwalk. He made his way to the prearranged projector and DVD player thanks to Ava as she was a volunteer to the school while still taking college classes. He tapped the open button to the player and pulled out a jewel case holding the DVD from an inside pocket of his jacket. He quickly popped the disk into the player and switched on the projector.
As the disk loaded, lamp of the projector warmed up and Sikowitz turned down the lights for them, Freddie trotted down the stairs and headed for the teacher's lounge.
The screen came alive while Freddie was buys in the lounge. The stepsiblings smiled in unison when they instantly recognized the opening scene from Maleficent.
After spending a few minutes in the teacher's lounge, he returned to the theater with a big bowl of popcorn cradled in one arm while holding a drink in each hand. He walked to the pair and brought each of them the sodas then sat the bowl between them.
They smiled in thanks to him and he was gone a second later to go and grab his own drink and some popcorn. He returned less than a minute later and passed by Sikowitz. "I appreciate this Sikowitz."
"You're welcome. I know you never thought it, but Jade was one of my favorites and I'm glad that I could help to make Valentine's Day a great day for Jade."
Freddie instantly thought of a witty remark about the truthfulness of the statement, but held his tongue. "Thanks, but if you will excuse me, I'd like to join them."
Sikowitz smiled and let them be as he could take the time to catch up on some grading. He did hate the mundane parts of teacher where he had to actually grade non-performance work.
Bots Restaurant
Venice, CA
A little more than two hours later after the starting of the film in the Black Box Theater, the trio was at the robotic themed restaurant Bots with A.I. waiters. It was not Maestro's by any stretch of the imagination, but Freddie liked it and her brother definitely loved it, so she wasn't up for any complaining for today. An added bonus was that she could overload the logic circuits of the robotic waiters to make them short out, a trick she hated to admit she learned from Sam.
Jade and Freddie sat across from one another with Ian sitting next to his sister enjoying their late lunch. The child didn't mind spending part of the day and seeing one of his favorite movies, perhaps influenced by Jade, but he had wondered why today in being Valentine's Day.
Ian ate a few fries then asked, "Is this your Valentine's Day date?"
Freddie casually answered, "Yes."
He took a bite out of his hamburger and looked back and forth between the couple while chewing the bread and meat in his mouth. After getting enough of the food down, he curiously asked, "Isn't that supposed to be just the two of you?"
Jade turned her look to Freddie, curious about his answer of why he would include Ian on their day.
Freddie half shrugged and casually answered, "The holiday is supposed to be about romantic love primarily, but it isn't exclusively that kind of love. I made sure to speak to my mom and send her flowers for Valentine's Day. I did the same for my sister. I went ahead and did the same for a few others, Tori, Trina, Cat, Carly… even Sam, earlier in the week because I love them and wanted to let them know. You're Jade's brother and I know she would want you know that she loves you on this day. What better way to do that than to spend the day with her?"
Jade had never really cared to look at the holiday in that manner before Freddie. She wouldn't wish anyone else a Happy Valentine's Day other than her mother where it felt like an obligation during her late middle school/early high school years when their relationship was strained and when she was with Beck.
After Freddie, things had changed significantly in allowing her to be freer from her negative emotions. Now she wouldn't want things to be any different and was happy she got to spend the day with the people she loved.
Ian nodded in understanding to the level of his cognitive ability for his age.
Freddie deviously grinned while prodding, "Speaking of Valentine's, do you have one for this year?"
Ian was midway sipping from his drink when he coughed and began spilling drink past his lips.
Jade instantly grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth and prevent any of the spilt soda to fall on his clothing.
Freddie embarrassingly apologized, "I'm sorry buddy."
Ian cleared his throat, mildly embarrassed that Jade was wiping his mouth, but he did appreciate that he didn't make a mess on his shirt. He smiled his thanks to his sister then looked to Freddie. "I'm fine. I did want to get a Valentine for someone, but I didn't get a chance to give her a card. We don't go to the same school to exchange Valentine's and we don't see each other that often."
"But you're friends?"
"I think we are."
Freddie let out a laugh, "So you're already a lady's man?"
The seven year old going on eight raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure what his future brother-in-law meant.
The college junior patently smiled. "Never mind, so you have your first crush?"
Ian took a particularly interest in his meal.
Jade directed a supportive smile and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "It's okay. You don't have to tell us… but it is cute."
The child looked up and nearly pouted, "I don't want to be cute, but… I guess. I don't know. I just like her… like her more than my other friends."
Freddie put on a big and approving smile. "That's great. The first girl I ever liked was when I was eleven… I liked her that way for a very long time…" Freddie recalled fondly of his first love he experienced with Carly. The feelings had long past in being bittersweet and he had came to peace with a life that would never be and with Carly in that regard and let him be happy with this one.
Jade picked up, "So what is her name? Do we know her?"
"Yeah, she's ah… Grace."
Jade raised her pierced eyebrow and fought back a smirk. The reason why he didn't get to see her that often was apparently clear to the musician: they would only see each other when Ian was with her and she was seeing Tori since Ian's crush was the daughter of one of the pop star's assistants who frequently brought her child to work.
The dark haired musician offered with a sweet and supportive smile, "How about we go and pick something out for her and you can give it to her?"
"I don't know."
"We can get something simple so you can play it off that you just wanted to give her something like you did your classmates if you don't feel up to telling her that you specifically wanted to give her one."
"Hey, if you're friends and she got some from her classmates and friends, you don't want her to think you forgot about her," Freddie brought up with a knowing smile.
"Okay…"
Jade smiled, feeling nearly an overwhelming sense of joy that she was going to bring some happiness to her stepbrother.
An hour later after finishing their lunch and stopping by a neighboring store to pick up something that would be appropriate for Ian to give, the Charger pulled up into a parking space in the upscale apartment complex. Freddie looked over his shoulder after putting the car into park. "Okay, we're here."
Jade looked into the rear view mirror to meet her stepbrother's eyes. "You nervous?"
Ian looked back with an expression that showed that he was nervous. His eyes darted around, trying to suppress the anxiety he felt in his stomach. "Yeah. I'm really nervous."
Freddie licked his lips and softly chuckled, "Good, you're supposed to be nervous when you give your first Valentine to a girl."
Jade have smirked while slightly darted her eyes to her fiancé. "You didn't seem all that nervous for our first one."
"Your memory of it is far more forgiving than mine. I was terrified in messing up our first Valentine's Day. I never had a real one before you."
The pale starlet leaned over and placed a quick kiss on Freddie's cheek then looked over her left shoulder. "It's going to be fine. You're her friend and you're just giving her a Valentine. It'll be fine."
Ian nodded, trying to find confidence in Jade's confidence of the situation, but his stomach surely wasn't agreeing with the support.
The three exited the vehicle then made their way to the apartment. Jade found the right number of the apartment then stopped to tap the doorbell. They had to wait about a minute with every second making Ian growing more anxious before the door opened to reveal a lovely dirty blonde with shortness of breath about the same age as Jade and Freddie.
Jade smiled and greeted one of Tori's assistants, "Hello Rose."
After a car accident that brought the single mother crossing into the Hollywood Arts group's path—literally in the case of her car crossing across a crossroad and Tori's vehicle T-Boning the woman's SUV—the actress/musician felt so guilty about the accident, she wanted to do something to make it up to the single mother, so the logical thing to do was to give her a job. The blonde curiously questioned, clearly not expecting the pair to show up, "Jade? Freddie?"
The famous musician smiled and apologetically answered, "We're sorry if we're disturbing you, but… Ian was hoping to see Grace."
Rose looked down to the nervous child that was a current playmate of her daughter when the pair's paths crossed one another when Jade hung out with Tori and brought Ian along with her.
"No it's okay."
The blonde opened the door wider for them to come inside then shut the door. She headed to a mirror near the door.
Jade pointed out, "You look like you're in a hurry."
Rose slightly pouted in confused, wondering how Jade could know such a thing.
The dark haired musician pointed to her left ear to clarify, "You're missing an earring."
Rose puffed out a breath between her lips while wearing an embarrassing smile. "Actually I am on my way out. I have a late lunch date for Valentine's Day."
"You do?"
The blonde started grinning wide enough that nearly broke her face. "Yeah, he should be here any minute."
"What about Grace? Do you need someone to watch her?" Jade questioned in a tone that suggested that they would look after her for the day.
"No, she's coming along." She glanced to Ian and pointed out, "It looks like you had the same idea of bringing him along on your day."
Freddie answered, "It was my surprise."
Jade picked up, "Your date isn't going to mind that she's coming with you?"
Rose picked up the said earring sitting on the table under the mirror and put in her other ear and answered, "If he did, I wouldn't be going out with him today." She finished putting the earring into her ear then turned to the couple. "He knows our situation and he either accepts that she's an intricate part of my life or he can move on."
Grace walked out from her room after hearing familiar voices. She was in a light blue dress that went along with her complexion and hair color. Her expression brightened up at seeing Ian.
Ian felt a wiggly feeling through him, suddenly feeling apprehensive as if his mom was going to take him to see the doctor or dentist. He muttered, trying not to crumbled the card in his hand behind his back, "Hi."
The little blonde girl smiled and happily returned the greeting, "Hi."
"Happy Valentine's Day," he tried to greet her with a confident voice and keep the squeak out of it. He handed the card to the blonde and the little token of candy to show his affection for the girl.
Grace blushed and took the card and candy. She wasn't sure how to initially react. She had gotten a few Valentine's at school as everyone was trading them with one another, but it wasn't personal like the one he was handing to her. She didn't have anything to give him, so she did the first thing that came to mind. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
The boy's face flushed in embarrassment from the gesture, but he wasn't going to complain.
Rose warned in a hushed tone towards Jade, "He better not break her heart."
Jade raised her pierced eyebrow and softly warned, "Hey, she better not break his heart."
Freddie held back a laugh, seeing the cuteness of the exchange and seeing he was far more successful than he had been even a few years older. He held his tongue while grinning, knowing that what he was witnessing was just the first step in the relationship that would develop over the next seven years into something more.
Future Benson Residence
13981 Aubrey Road
Beverly Hills, CA
After allowing the children to spend a few minutes together that took for Rose's date to arrive to take mother and daughter out and brief and cordial meeting, Jade decided she wanted to show off their new home to her stepbrother.
Ian was in awe of all the large homes as the classic muscle car cruised through the neighborhood in route to Jade and Freddie's future home, but his jaw nearly dropped as the Charger pulled into the driveway.
"Here it is. This is going to be mine and Freddie's home."
"Wow…"
Jade stepped out of the car and Ian was eager for her to let him out. Once he was free of his restraint, he nearly leapt out of the car. Ian took the lead in walking up the half spiral stairs to the front door. Jade smiled at his enthusiasm and caught up with him moments later and pulled out her keys and unlocked the front door then pushed it open to let them inside.
The three walked into the foyer and Ian looked up in wonder at the vaulted ceilings of the living room, taken aback at what majesty of the home. "This is going to be your house?"
Jade wore a big grin. "Yep, I just bought it."
"Wow, this must have cost a lot of money."
"Yeah, but I've been saving my money and it's worth it."
"So you're going to move out of your mom's house?"
"Not right away, but I loved it so much that I had to get it before someone else would buy it."
He nodded, figuring it was only a matter of time before his sister and future brother-in-law would get a place of their own and be like a mom and dad, but without the children yet. He understood the significance when it came to him. "So since it will be you two, I guess you two are going to be spending more time alone… I want come over as much as I do your mom's house?"
Jade wrapped an arm around his shoulders and reassured him, "You can come over anytime. You are as welcome here as you are at our home now."
"Ira too?"
The dog was nearly inseparable from the child, being such a loyal companion, so when possible, the dog would accompany him. She easily answered with a smirk, "Of course he can come over… I just don't want him to eat me out of house and home."
Freddie smirked and joked, "I'm just not sure if I want him to eat at the table though."
Jade turned her head to give Freddie a confused expression.
The computer science major casually elaborated, "He's a very… intelligent and I think he forgets he's a 'dog' at times."
Ian proudly spoke up, "He's the smartest dog in the world."
Freddie just smiled, knowing there was far more to the dog than they let Ian know about his 'animal' companion.
The three cut through the rest of the living room and well furnished kitchen until they reached the professionally landscaped backyard with in ground pool with a stone pathway. Ian excitedly called out, "You got a pool!"
"Yes we do."
She saw the look in his eyes that he was half tempted to try it, but she had to put a nix on that for a number of obvious reasons. "I know what you're thinking, but not right now. When it warms up, you can use the pool. You can come over and swim probably during Easter break. We have to make sure it's properly cleaned and everything."
Ian beamed at the possibility while turning his attention back to the pool. He imagined all the fun he could have here as opposed to the times he had gone over to Tori's house. They were always welcoming, but he did start feeling that he was the odd one out being the only child at the summer pool parties.
While Ian's attention was on the pool and his own thoughts, Jade whispered to Freddie, "We're going to have to put in a security fence."
Freddie slipped behind her and wrapped his arms around her join his hands to rest on her stomach. "We could put in an automatic pool covering as to not ruin the aesthetics of the pool."
"Or both? We can't be too careful. There's got to be a way to have both without ruining the scenery."
He kissed her cheek and replied, "You're sounding like my mother, but point taken. Maybe we can look at something that is retractable, but they would have to tear things up and put them back."
Jade grinned, thinking that may not be such a bad idea. She knew she had to invest more money into the home as she had to either turn the yoga room into a recording studio or build an addition as she wanted two leave two bedrooms for her children without sharing, a guest bedroom and let one be a home office for Freddie. He deserved more than that as she had plenty of places she could go to write, whether it be music or screenplays.
"Come on Ian, let me show you the rest of the place."
They headed back inside and Jade gave Ian the full tour of the house starting with the first floor. The family room was screaming for an elaborate home theater system and Ian voiced his opinion, which Freddie quickly agreed followed by Jade. They loved the setup in Tori and Trina's home that would allow them to indulge in their shared passion for video games and her enjoyment of karaoke.
They finished their tour of the first floor and headed to the second floor. Their first stop was the master bedroom, the size and the balcony window doors allowing a fantastic view of the backyard and the pool almost calling to him to have fun. Ian looked to both of them and asked, "Is this going to be your bedroom?"
He understood that they were going to get married—though they seemed to be taking their sweet time in his opinion—which meant that they were going to share a bedroom like his mom and dad.
Freddie shrugged a shoulder. "It'll be Jade's until we get married. I'll grab one of the other rooms."
"When's that?"
Freddie laughed and spared Jade a humorous glance. "That's a good question."
"We're talking about moving it up."
Ian frowned, clearly expecting an answer he wasn't going to like, "Do I still have to wear a suit?"
Jade smiled, sympathizing with his predicament in wearing something uncomfortable at a wedding as she was still dreading what she might have to wear to her mother's wedding and more so to her own in what was expected of her. "We're figure out something you'll enjoy wearing."
He glanced around the master bedroom and saw the attached gym. There was the stray piece of fitness equipment, but it was clear for what the room was designated. "You have a gym?"
Freddie had his turn to smile. "Yeah, I have one of my own now and don't have to use the school's gym. It's a great perk to the house."
Jade was happy that there was something that really pleased Freddie with the home since it was pretty much a unilateral decision on her part to buy the place. "It really is. I won't have to go out and be hounded by the paparazzi."
"Those people that always try to take our pictures when we go out?"
"Yep, those guys."
"Mom doesn't like them. They make people think you're my mom."
Jade couldn't work up any sympathy for her stepmother with the blonde's behavior in regards to Ian's relationship with her over the last few years. However, to avoid Ian seeing the conflict between her and her stepmother, she forced a calmness to her voice and answered, "My fans know better, so she doesn't have to worry about anything."
They headed out of the room to explore the rest of the floor and as they exited the room, Jade leaned to Freddie and whispered so Ian wouldn't overhear her, "We can always have our own private workouts."
Freddie's eyes nearly popped out and felt himself blush.
Jade innocently grinned while taking his hand and leading him behind Ian.
While the walked passed the other rooms, Freddie poked his head into one of the bedroom and commented, "I guess you could always take this room if you ever stay overnight."
Ian stopped to see what he was talking about and looked into the room. There was a bed and dressers and it looked ready to be occupied. "Wow, it's bigger than my room."
Jade joined them at the entrance to the room and poked her head inside to see the room for a second time. "Yes it is. I guess it's yours when you stay over."
"And don't worry about crashing our love nest."
Ian raised his brow and put on a slight pout, clearly confused of what Freddie meant by the statement.
Jade was even curious as to why he would make such a comment.
Freddie chuckled and licked his bottom lip, wishing that he could explain it to them what he meant. Fortunately, if tonight went as planned, he could explain it to Jade.
Mr. Roy West Residence
Los Angeles, CA
A quarter hour after two, the Charger pulled up into the driveway of the fairly upscale home. Freddie put the car into park then the couple exited the vehicle with Jade turning so she could unbuckle Ian from his seat out of habit. After Ian stepped out of the car, they made their way the short distance to the front door.
As they walked, Jade asked Ian, "Did you have a good Valentine's Day?"
Ian nodded, thinking back on the day and wearing satisfying grin. "Yeah, thanks. It was great."
Jade paused and leaned down to hug Ian. "I'm glad. I'm glad it was a good one for you. Everyone should have a good Valentine's Day."
Ian returned the hug and answered, "Thanks. It was great."
The step-siblings pulled away and headed for the front door. Jade tapped the doorbell when they arrived and several seconds later, as if expecting their arrival, the door opened to reveal her father. "Dad."
"Jade."
He looked to his son and greeted him, "Hello son. Did you have to pleasant time?"
"Oh yeah. We went to the movies, ate at Bots and I…" He paused in thinking whether he should tell his father of his admitted crush on Grace and quickly covered himself, "…I got to see Jadey's new house."
Mister West tightened his smile at the mention of his son being taken to Bots. He didn't care for the restaurant with what he saw as fairly childish for a restaurant, but he wouldn't openly begrudge his son's enjoyment of the establishment. He was sure that as Ian got older, he would start appreciating the more sophisticated restaurants that he would take him and her mother on a regular basis.
That was quickly put aside at the mentioning of Jade having a new house. "New house?"
Jade proudly smiled. "Yes, we purchased one on Thursday. It's a nice place in Beverly Parks."
The distant father was well aware of the upscale neighborhood that a number of celebrities lived in Beverly Hills. He figured it was only a matter of time before she gave into the temptation of spending her accumulated wealth. Thought he had not agreed with her career choice initially as he thought they were a waste of time and 'stupid' and had to, as they say, 'eat crow' with how successful she had been so far, he was quite proud that she had managed her money quite well and not just blown it all in a spending spree.
"So you finally wanted your mother and Steven to have the house to themselves?" He smirked to show how little he believed in the possibility he was mentioning, "Well, whatever little time there'll spend there in case he can actually pull it off."
Jade put on her false smile she had to put on with plenty of celebrities she had to deal with in her business that she would much whether tell where they could go at hearing her father's slight to her future stepfather's plans over the next two years. She would admit the Colonel was pretty ambitious, but if things worked out, this time in two years, her mother and Colonel Shay could be living in the White House. It would be something else her father would have to admit he was wrong.
Mister West passed the quickest of glances to Freddie before asking his daughter, "Are you moving the wedding up? I was under the impression that you would wait until Freddie finished school."
Jade let her head slightly fell to the side and casually answered, "We're discussing it. We may move up the wedding or we make keep our original plan. We haven't decided."
"I see…"
He looked to his stepson and motioned for him to step inside. The boy entered the home and heard the sound of Ira barking welcomed his return. He waved back at his sister then disappeared.
Mister West continued, "Thank you for taking Ian out for a wonderful time. I hope you two have a nice Valentine's Day, but if you'll excuse me, I have to double-check arrangements for tonight."
The businessman began to close the door, but Jade shot her hand up to prevent him from shutting it.
Mister West cocked an eyebrow to Jade, clearly startled by her actions.
Jade curtly asked, "What are you going to do this evening?"
"Jade, I think that is a little personal to be inquiring."
"It's not if you're going out and leaving Ian with a babysitter."
The corners of Mister West's mouth turned downward and replied with heavy offense in his voice, "There is nothing wrong with spending the evening with my wife alone. I doubt your mother's plans with Steven include you."
"I didn't say there was in principle unless you know we're willing to have him stay the night, but you'll let a stranger watch him."
His patience with his daughter quickly thinned as over the years, she was willing to outright challenge him instead of trying to haphazardly seek his approval, something that he blamed on Steven and his unconditional acceptance. He may have done that with his own children—something that was still up for debate about Jade's paternity that wouldn't be voiced—where the result was that his son was a lazy third-rated artist at best and his daughter a listless B-actress in Europe or so he thought (though he hadn't really kept up with the Shay siblings in the last few years), but he didn't appreciate the former flyer doing the same with Jade to sabotage his influence. They were both stubborn people, though he liked to consider himself more flattering 'strong-willed', and would lead credence to them being father and daughter, but he was not eager to get into an argument with her and spoil his evening. "Let me reassure you that we are not doing that. We already had our Valentine celebration while you were out. We're spending the evening as a family."
"Good, he shouldn't have to be… distracted or placed with someone else. It's not fair to either of you."
The coming accusation he was expecting didn't materialize and threw him for a moment. He gathered his wits about him and answered, "You would have interrupted your evening to babysit Ian?"
"I wouldn't see it as babysitting, but yes, if you needed the time to enjoy alone, I'd be willing to watch Ian for the evening."
She saw in her father's eyes that he was slightly taken aback by the offer then realized he shouldn't have been so slow in grasping that she was willing to do such a thing. It still amazed him at times how much that his daughter had bonded with his stepson. He assured her, "Well that won't be necessary. As I said, we will be spending the evening together. Happy Valentine's Day Jade."
"Happy Valentine's Day Dad," Jade forced a pleasant tone into her voice.
Mister West slightly smiled to his daughter and closed the door.
Jade's shoulders slumped, feeling a bit hollow that the wishing a good holiday between them wasn't genuine. She refused the dwell on it and really didn't want to see Freddie's sympathetic expression. She took Freddie's hand and turned away to lead him back to his black muscle car.
Author's Note: Okay, one last chapter to go. I hope you enjoyed Freddie's first half of celebrating Valentine's Day with his sweetheart. Let's just see how he pulls off the rest of the night.
Guest starring Bridgit Mendler as Rose
Guest starring Mia Talerico as Grace