A/N: IT'S BEEN LIKE FOUR MONTHS AND I'M SOOOO SORRY! School is just...ugh. Anyway here it is! But first...
Some quick notes:
Milena has changed to Kali :)
The story is about to get...interesting. Some special uh, sexual content, shall we say? Not written out, but certainly implied. Proceed with caution ;)
This chapter is pretty sucky, but I wanted to get something out there. I have break soon, so I'll be updating more often, I promise!
"Jackie. Jackie, wake up. We have to go."
"Hmm?" I opened my eyes and immediately shielded them from the bright light streaming in through the window. "Time is it?" I mumbled.
"Nine. Everybody's probably worried about you," Kendall sighed.
"Well I don't care. And I texted James anyway."
"And told him what?"
"That I was with you."
"No...details?"
"No," I shook my head. "Don't worry."
"You know he's gonna find out."
"So what? He can't do anything about it."
"How are you holding up?"
"Honestly, I don't even know how I'm functioning right now," I sighed. "Should we just go?"
"Yeah, sure. We'll grab something on the way."
I nodded before walking into the bathroom and pulling my dress from last night off the shower curtain. I slipped it on over my head and grabbed Kendall's shirt and pants before stepping back out and standing in front of him, facing the wall. He understood my silent question and zipped up the dress from the back, squeezed my shoulder, and kissed my cheek.
I gave him a half smile and handed him his clothes, smiling wider when I saw the smirk playing at his lips.
"It's ok, you can be proud," I teased.
Kendall chuckled a bit and shrugged, tousling his hair. "You should be, too."
"I should?" I squeaked, blushing.
"Mmhm," he grinned.
"Oh."
"C'mon, I have to check out." He held out his hand and I immediately placed mine in his, entwining our fingers.
The two of us stepped into our shoes from the previous night and walked down the hallway to the elevator. The door opened, revealing who I presumed to be a family... mother holding her daughter, smiling father behind her.
Unless they were broken like us.
They held the door open for us and we quickly stepped inside. As they continued down the hallway, the woman turned around every few feet to glance at the two of us, probably trying to make out why Kendall looked so familiar.
"You think she recognized me?"
"Probably," I nodded. "She turned around a lot. Hey um...Ken?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you. For- For being there for me. And taking care of me last night. I love you."
Kendall pulled me closer to him and rested his hand on my hip, turning to kiss my temple. "I love you, too. I'll always be here for you."
That did it.
I completely broke down, wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in his neck, letting myself cry out all the pain I was feeling.
"Just let it all out," Kendall whispered, sinking down onto the floor with me in his lap.
"I d-don't even care about my d-dad that much anymore," I sobbed. "Now I just feel selfish th-that I get to live and J-Jackson never got a chance."
"That's not your fault. You know that," he murmured, running a hand through my hair. "There's no way to control that."
"And J-James could've had Dad if I hadn't been born b-because then he wouldn't have l-left."
"James loves you so much. So so much, Jackie. He wouldn't trade you for anything in the world. Not even your dad."
"H-How can you say that?"
"I'm sorry for any inconvenience, but would you mind waiting for another one?"
"What?" I whispered, lifting my head up.
"Not you, hon. I was just telling a couple that so we can be alone. And I can say that with the utmost confidence because I've heard him talk about you. He's so proud to be your big brother. You have no idea."
"He's not going to be p-proud of me after last night," I hiccupped.
"That's gonna come down on me, ok? You're not alone in this." He cupped my face in his two large hands and used the pads of his thumbs to wipe away my tears. "Are you alright to go home?"
"I-I think so. I have to talk to my mom."
"If you're sure."
"I'm sure," I sighed. "Let's go."
We stood up and stepped out of the elevator, me leaning on Kendall for support.
Both physical and mental.
"Checking out of 524," Kendall smiled at the receptionist.
"You sure you don't want me to pay for half?" I asked him.
Kendall gave me a look that told me I should shut up. "Hold this for me?"
I nodded and took his jacket from him, draping it over my shoulders as he pulled out his wallet and paid for the room.
"We're all good to go."
I took Kendall's hand once more and we left the hotel, sliding into his car. We rode in silence, breaking it only to order coffee at a Dunkin' Donuts.
A classic rock station filled the emptiness, replacing the usual laughter, giggling, and conversations we would have.
I stared out the window and found myself recalling fond memories.
"This is your first car?" my eighteen year old brother whistled, nodding appreciatively at the Dodge Charger parked in our driveway.
"Pretty sweet, isn't it?" Kendall grinned, waggling his eyebrows at James.
"I'll say," James snorted. "But I love my Challenger."
"What about your Bronco?" I smiled from my spot on the doorstep.
"Her too," James smiled at me.
"Her," I rolled my eyes.
"You'll understand one day, kiddo," Kendall laughed.
"Please. My car's gonna be a man, if anything."
"What? That is so not allowed!" James yelped.
"Yes it is, dork!" I shouted, walking inside.
I couldn't hang out around their car talk anymore.
"Did you see our girl? Did you see her? So damn proud of you, Jack," James beamed, hugging me again.
"Thanks," I laughed. "You like the show?"
"It was amazing," Kendall nodded. "You were absolutely phenomenal. And your voice? Beautiful."
"Oh guys," I squeaked, covering my face with my hands. "You're so sweet!"
"Hey, Logan and I didn't start yet," Carlos teased, squeezing my shoulder. "You really did an amazing job tonight, kiddo."
"The best," Logan smiled. "I'm so happy you finally got the lead."
"Yeah, after four years," I laughed.
"Who cares? You did it."
"I can't believe you're gonna be an English major," James sighed. "You've got such a damn good voice."
"Hey!" Kendall barked. "No comments on that. We agreed, remember, James?"
"Yeah yeah," he smiled, shoving Kendall's shoulder before he slid into the passenger seat.
Kendall climbed into the driver's seat and Carlos, Logan, and I got comfy in the back. "So where are we going exactly?" I asked my brothers and secret crush.
"Out," Kendall grinned at me in the rearview mirror. "To celebrate you, darlin'."
I blushed and Carlos nudged my knee. I hit him back and gave him a look.
One day, he mouthed. You'll be together, don't worry.
I hope so, Los. I hope so.
"Well hey there," I smiled as I slid into the passenger seat. "I thought James was picking me up?"
"He's hanging with Kali," Kendall sang, smiling at me before pulling away from the highschool. "So Miss Jackie, only one week left!"
"Ugh, I know," I laughed. "Finally. Wanna be done with all these people."
"What, you don't like faking friendships?"
I gave him a look and we both burst out laughing. "So what did I- oh holy fuck!"
"What? What happened?"
"You left your phone on the seat and it just vibrated and scared the fuck out of me," I breathed out, trying to lower my heart rate.
"Sorry?"
"Why is that more of a question than an actual apology?"
"Cause it was damn funny," he snickered.
"Jerk."
"You know it. Check my phone for me?"
"Sure."
I felt around on the seat behind me until I found what I hoped was his iPhone. "Got it," I announced.
"You wanna check it?" Kendall teased.
"Duh," I stuck my tongue out. "Password?"
"Oh um..."
"Don't tell me you forgot it," I snorted.
"What? No, it's um...it's your birthday," he mumbled.
I kept my head down so he wouldn't see my smile and quickly unlocked his phone. "Are we at a red light?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Ok good. Cause YOU'RE GOING TO LA!"
"We made it?"
"You made it!" I squealed, reaching over to grab him in a tight hug.
"Ohmygod, Jackie. Ohmygod. We did it. We're gonna have our own show."
"You did it," I smiled.
"I can't believe-"
"Jackie?"
"Huh?" I was jostled out of my thoughts at the sound of Kendall's voice.
"We're here. You ok?"
"Yeah just...remembering some things."
"Oh. Ready to go inside?"
My stomach twisted at the thought of telling my brother exactly what he didn't want to hear. "No," I whispered.
"It's alright. We're gonna do this together, remember?"
I let out a deep breath and nodded. "Ok. Let's go."
We got out of the car and walked up to the front door. I hesitated before knocking, then stepped back quickly as if the door was going to fall on me.
The door opened silently and my older brother glared down at me. "Jacqueline Elizabeth Maslow. Get. Inside. Now."
"How could you just leave like that? Just up and leave? With a one sentence text? 'I'm with Kendall'. Oh great. That's so reassuring."
James was pacing in front of the couch where Kendall and I were seated, looking like the two kids getting reprimanded for staying out past curfew.
"And I don't even want to know where you went! Scratch that. I do. Where exactly did you go?"
Kendall glanced at me and nodded. "A hotel," I mumbled. "Half hour away."
James scratched his neck and sat down on the coffee table, facing me and Kendall. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "A hotel?"
"Yup."
He rubbed his hands together, then slowly placed them on his knees. "Let me just say one thing. If you got her pregnant, I will hurt you, Kendall. Slowly. Painfully. So that-"
"Please stop," I sighed. "It was my choice as much as Kendall's. And I'm twenty one now."
"Is that supposed to help your case?"
"Uh...yeah. I'm old enough to make my own decisions, James."
"Lemme get this straight. You think turning twenty one suddenly means you're capable of taking on the world? Because the mature decision yesterday would have been to stay. Not to run off with your boyfriend and let your family worry."
"I know that, and I'm sorry. But I didn't want to deal with anyone. Except Kendall," I added under my breath.
"Fine," he sighed. "Fine. I'm not gonna yell at you. I'm just glad you're safe."
"That's because of Ken," I pointed out.
"You're right. You uh, you know I'd never actually hurt you, right, man?" James smiled at Kendall.
"Look, whatever happens, I'll take responsibility for it. And yeah. You're a big softie."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Just hug it out and shut up!" I yelled.
My two idiots grinned at eachother before standing up and hugging eachother tightly. "And you," James smiled at me. "C'mere."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and breathed in his James-y scent, loving the warm, protected feeling I got from being in my brother's arms. "I love you so much, Jamiebear," I whispered.
"I love you too, Bunny. I love you, too." James pulled back a bit to kiss my forehead before holding me tightly again.
"I'm gonna go talk to Mom. Is she upstairs?"
"Yeah. She hasn't come out of her room since last night. So uh...just be careful."
"Will do," I nodded.
I held my heels in my hand and made my way upstairs, going to my room first. After changing into something more comfortable and taking my makeup off, I padded down the hallway to my mother's room.
"Mom?" I called softly, knocking on her door.
It opened slowly and I met with my mother's tired and red eyes. "You're home."
"I'm home," I nodded.
"You were with Kendall?"
"Yeah."
"Alright."
"Can we...Can we talk?"
"Sure," she nodded. "Come on in." Mom moved out of the doorway and sat on her bed where I joined her a minute later.
I let out a shaky breath and licked my lips. "I don't blame you for anything. I need you to know that."
"Jackie, I-"
"No," I cut her off. "None of it is your fault. Not Jackson, not Dad leaving...none of it. It's nothing you could've prevented or changed."
"Your father wouldn't have left."
"But then I wouldn't be here," I reminded her.
"That's true," she smiled, gently stroking my cheek. "I'm sorry all of this happened right before you guys have to leave."
"I'm glad I found out though," I shrugged.
"You are?"
"Well...yeah. I always thought Dad left because of me. Like something about me was wrong, so he didn't want to stay. At least I know what the real reason was now."
"Oh honey," she sighed, pulling me into a hug. "I love you so much. You scared me last night."
"I'm so sorry. I just needed to get away."
"I understand. I felt better knowing you were with Kendall, but James? ...Not so much."
"We talked about it," I smiled. "We're all good now."
"That's a miracle," Mom chuckled softly.
"I know," I laughed. "Always the protective one."
"Only for his baby sister."
"Who's not a baby anymore," I reminded her.
"Which is hard to believe. Anyway, did you guys eat anything?"
And back to Mom mode.
"We picked up some coffee on the way home," I shrugged. "I'm ok, but Kendall could probably use something."
"Alright, sweetie. I'll be down in a minute."
I went back downstairs and settled in between my brother and boyfriend on the couch.
"How'd it go?" James asked, resting his head on top of mine.
"Fine, I guess. Everybody loves eachother again. And the blame game is over."
"That's good," Kendall nodded, rubbing the top of my hand with his.
"Are you guys gonna be like this the whole tour?" I giggled, glancing back and forth between the two of them.
Kendall tilted his head to the side and made a face at James. "Like what?"
"All cautious of my emotions and whatnot."
"You want us to not care at all?" Kendall teased.
"Ugh no," I laughed. "Just like...be normal. I don't want this to change anything."
"So you essentially want to forget about it?"
"More or less," I shrugged. "And I want to enjoy the tour, not think about this, y'know?"
Mom came downstairs then, looking refreshed and calm. "Are any of my kids hungry?"
"You know I always am, Mom," James laughed.
"TBP," Mom and I said at the same time, nodding at eachother.
"You're so mean," my older brother whined, poking my cheek.
"And you're weird," I shrugged. "Are we done stating facts?"
"Facts," he scoffed under his breath, pouting.
"How old are you again?"
Kendall snickered and James shot him a look. "Stop enjoying this!"
"Don't wanna," my boyfriend cackled.
Mom glared at the two of them and pointed to the table before rummaging in the fridge for eggs. "Sit. And shut up."
"But Mom, I-"
"Uh uh uh." She held up her spatula for silence. "You are going to eat a full breakfast and then go pack. Get it? Got it? Good."
"This one? Or this one? Or maybe both?"
"Both," Kendall and James answered while sitting on my bed and playing cards.
"You guys! You're not even looking!"
James turned and glanced at the two shirts I was holding up for them to judge. "Ok I looked. It's still both."
"You're hopeless," I huffed. "I'm texting Kali. She'll actually help me."
"Good call," Kendall nodded, licking his lips before slamming down his hand of cards on my bed. "HA SUCK THAT BITCH!"
"How the fuck do you do that everytime?"
"I'm magical," he cackled, cracking his fingers. "Now c'mon, Maslow. Pay up."
"I hate you," James growled, slapping a bill into Kendall's hand.
"Oh James," I sighed, shaking my head as I held up a dress in the mirror. "How many times has Kendall told you not to bet with him during poker?"
"Many, many times," Kendall laughed. "Oh Jackie, take that. I like it."
"But what if it's cold?"
"Take a jacket," he shrugged.
"Then I have to pack more!"
"Jackie, it's a bus, not a plane. You can take another bag," James teased.
"Alright, cool. You're carrying them all, so it's not my problem," I grinned.
"Ah dammit, you can't be serious!"
The doorbell rang and I smiled at my older brother angelically. "Completely. Now please excuse me while I bring my fiancé upstairs," I winked at the two boys.
"HEY SHE'S MINE!" James yelled as I ran downstairs.
I shook my head and laughed before opening the door and inviting Kali inside. "So the boys were no help at all?" she asked me, smiling.
"Not one bit."
"Of course," Kali laughed. We made our way upstairs and into my room, closing the door behind us. "Sup bitches?"
James crossed his arms and glared at me, then turned to his fiancé. "You're mine, ok?"
Kali looked to me for guidance and I simply rolled my eyes. "Uh...of course, Jay, all yours."
"I know," my charming brother smirked.
Kendall pretended to choke himself and began making gagging noises, resulting in James shoving him off my bed and onto the floor.
Yeah...he's 23.
Kendall stuck his middle finger in his mouth then pulled it out, directing it at James. "Hmm, wonder what the weather's like today?"
"So original," James rolled his eyes.
"Wow, you guys are stupid," I laughed, stepping into my closet once more.
"You're rude," my brother shot back.
"Cool, good to know. Kal, which one of these?"
"Mm...hold on. Hey Ken?"
"Yeah?"
"Which one's hotter?"
"Black one, duh."
"Thank you," I sang, throwing the shirt in the direction of my bed.
Kendall burst out laughing and I turned to him, confused, about to ask why when I saw my brother's face.
Everything was normal, y'know, him hanging out on my bed but...
My shirt was draped over his head.
"Hate. You." He narrowed his eyes at me and snatched my shirt off his head, angrily slapping it down onto the bed and growing increasingly frustrated as we all snickered at him. "Fuck you all."
"See," I grinned, walking over to my brother and placing my hand on his shoulder, "you say that so many times a day it worries me."
"What? Why?"
"I question if you're gay."
"He's not," Kendall shook his head.
"Oh?" I crossed my arms and smirked at him. "Care to explain how you know?"
"He's such a horny bastard. Constantly talked about Kali on tour."
"You did it, too," James shot back.
"You what?" I choked out, blushing.
"How'd you know?" my boyfriend growled, glaring at my brother.
"Logan told me," he shrugged. "He thought I should know you were talking about my baby sister like that."
"That bitch," Kendall grumbled under his breath, pouting.
Kali bit her lip as she surveyed the antics of my lovely family, trying to hold in a laugh. She turned to me suddenly, a huge grin on her face. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Depends. What are you thinking?"
"We make a bet."
"No no no, I don't like bets," James immediately cut in.
"Because you always lose," I said, shooting him down. "Kal, continue."
"Since these two are debating their horny...ness...we test it!"
"Alright," I nodded, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Keep going, I'm liking this."
"Whoever breaks and um, 'does it' first, loses."
"And what are the teams? JK versus JK?"
The three of them all gave me weird looks and I rolled my eyes. "James and Kali versus Jackie and Kendall. C'mon guys."
"Oh I so knew that," my brother chuckled, brushing it off with a wave of his hand.
"Sure you did, babe," Kali snorted. "Anyway, I was thinking girls versus guys, Jackie. You like?"
"Love," I grinned, high-fiving my future sister in law. "We're so gonna win."
"Hell no. We are," Kendall smirked, slapping James' back. "Get ready to lose, my love."
"So what do those two have to do when they lose?" I asked Kali, glaring at my boyfriend.
"We'll come up with that when they aren't around," she cackled, leaning against me with her elbow on my shoulder.
"Or we could, since you're going to lose," James chuckled, forcing a smile.
"You wish," Kali shot back. "C'mon, Jackie, let's go do something." She pulled me out of my room and towards the stairs.
"Wait one second," I grinned, running back to my room. I stuck my head in and sent a sinister smile to my boyfriend and brother. "Have fun with your right hands, boys. See you later."
"JACQUELINE ELIZABETH MASLOW!"
"That's my name, big bro, don't wear it out," I sang, stepping back into the hallway.
I got to back to Kali who was now bent over and laughing, tears escaping from laughing so hard. "That was fucking perfect," she cried, wiping her eyes.
"Thank you," I grinned. "And now to plan their...punishment."
"KEN, KALI AND JAMES ARE ON CAMBIO HURRY THE FUCK UP!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Kendall huffed, settling down next to me on the couch. "Where's your laptop?"
"Hooked up to the flat screen because I'm cool like that."
"Yes you are," he grinned, moving forward to kiss me.
"Oh no you don't," I chuckled, pushing him back. "No seduction allowed."
"I just wanted to kiss you," my boyfriend whined, giving me his signature puppy dog eyes.
"No."
"Rude."
"Deal with it. Now shush, they're on."
"Hey guys, James and Kali here. We're gonna be on both of our twitters and picking questions to answer, so make sure to keep them coming."
Kali raised her eyebrows at James and turned back to the camera. "This one is from . Interesting name, sweetheart. She asked, 'James, what's your favorite part of dating Kali?' Great question, . Please, James. Enlighten us."
"Well uh," James coughed and glanced at Kali, who gave him a nod. 'So far, my favorite part would be...definitely her reaction to uh, to me asking her to...marry me."
"HOLY FUCK, KENDALL!" I shrieked, standing and jumping up and down on the couch. "HE SAID IT HE SAID IT HE SAID IT!"
"Shh I wanna see what tweets they get," Kendall shut me up and pulled me down into his lap.
"Seductive," I whispered.
"Oh shut up."
"Well that sure got a lot of excitement," Kali giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "A lot of you are asking to see the ring so...here it is." She lifted her hand up and the camera zoomed in on her ring finger. "I hope you guys will continue to support James. I promise you our engagement won't change a thing. He'll still be a huge dork."
"Wow rude."
"Wow true."
"Anyway," James rolled his eyes and shoved Kali lightly, enough to make her laugh but not fall over. "Let's take some more questions! Um...Ooh I like this one. 'Jali is a huge foodie couple. Do you guys love eachother or food more?'"
"Food-"
"Food."
"I so called that one, James."
"I thought you would say me," James pouted.
"What can I say? Food and I have a special relationship. And you answered 'food' too, so go away."
"Nah, I guess I love you more," my brother grinned, scooting closer to Kali and moving to peck her cheek.
"No go away," Kali giggled, placing her hands on his chest and pushing him back.
"C'mon Kal."
"No, stop!"
James winked at the camera before pushing Kali backwards onto the couch and straddling her waist. He ran his hands up the side of her body, tickling her, and the two of them fell onto the floor.
"I've had enough of this," I rolled my eyes, dramatically scooping up my phone from the coffee table in front of us.
"Look, a new tweet!" Kali's voice came through the TV, but all that was visible was the couch. "Ooh James it's from your sister! JackieMas: 'Would you guys act civilized? It sounds and looks like you're'- OH WOW JACKIE WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?"
Kendall raised his eyebrow at me and I smiled angelically. "I have no idea what she's freaking out about."
"Let me see your phone."
"No!"
"JACKIE!"
"KENDALL!"
"GIMME THE GODDAMN PHONE!"
"NEVER!"
"C'MERE!"
I let out a little shriek as he began chasing me and ran around the coffee table, into the kitchen, Kendall close behind.
I slid across the island counter and ended up on the other side of the kitchen, narrowly dodging him as I ran out to the living room once more.
"Jacqueline Elizabeth!"
"Kendall Francis," I shot back, jumping onto the coffee table. "Can't get me now, shorty," I teased, sticking my tongue out at him.
"Says the one who's like three feet shorter than me."
"Only four inches," I yelled over my shoulder as I leapt over the couch and bounded upstairs.
"Dammit Jackie, just let me read it!"
"Nu uh."
"C'mon, hon."
"Nope."
"Why no- wait I can read it on my own phone."
"NO DON'T OHMYGOD-"
"JACKIE WHAT THE FUCK?"
"I'M SORRY I THOU- are you laughing?"
"Hell yes, that was brilliant!"
"Are...are you serious?" I questioned, taking a cautious step back downstairs.
"Yeah I am, now come back down."
"Kay," I smiled, stepping onto the floor.
"Can I kiss you now? Please?"
"Nu uh," I grinned, shaking my head.
"Baby, you're mean."
"I thought you would have figured it out by now, sweetie. And this is only because I don't lose bets like my brother does."
"So how long do I have to wait, hmm?"
"Are you willing to give up?"
"Nope."
"Then you'll have to wait a long time."
"But Jack-"
"Never bet a Maslow woman, honey. Never bet a Maslow woman."