A/N: Hi! I'm back again with a new chapter, thanks to all those you have followed, favourited and reviewed! This one is a bit longer, so enjoy and please review, it would mean a lot to me to know that people are actually reading this. See you next time!

Chapter Two- 'Ready To Go'

"Where the fuck have you been?"

Alan's giant frame was situated at the end of the driveway; his strong arms were crossed across his broad chest, his eyebrow raised questionably and accusingly at the two. Jaiden glared at him, whilst Ben cowered. As of late, he'd be snappier with Jaiden and a lot harder on Ben. There was no reason to support his attitude but it was piss her off. He always seemed to be frustrated whenever she did something with Ben.

Last week, she and Ben were forced to go on a 'double date' with Travis and Evie (their close friends). When Alan found out, he blew a fuse. He became so enraged; she thought he was going to tear the house down. His outbursts were to the point that she was glad she wouldn't have to live with him anymore.

Jaiden and Ben both made motion to answer but another voice saved them. "C'mon Al, they're old enough to look after themselves. Besides, it's not like they went into the forest to make out." Scarlett ambled over slowly. She had stayed over for a few days, helping Jaiden and Alan, mainly with what to keep or not. Scarlett was a pain in the ass. Now that she was pregnant, it was worse.

This caused Ben to blush and Jaiden's cheeks to go the palest shade of pink, Ben gazed anywhere but her. Whenever someone accused them of anything intimate, they were embarrassed; (Ben more so as Scarlett had the tendency to make romantic remarks about their relationship) neither of them had any much experience in romance.

"You weren't, were you?" Alan snapped; their blushes making him narrow his eyes.

A chorus of stuttered no's came, which only succeeded in making Scarlett snigger. "I'm teasing guys. Honestly, with a reaction like that I surprised you two still haven't."

Ben scratched the back of his neck and Jaiden glowered at her sister. "Scar, just stop talking please." Scarlett rolled her eyes, one hand rested absentmindedly on her stomach.

"Ben, honey, if you wanna stare at my sister like a love sick puppy, do it in your own time."

Jaiden groaned, covering her face with her hands. She really didn't want to look at anyone. How was she meant to survive living with her sister?

"Somebody murder me." Her voice was muffled by her hands.

What the hell was Scarlett going to be like when Jaiden did have a boyfriend? She did the same with Alan when he was younger. Apparently, being the eldest meant making fun of the younglings. She remembered when Alan brought girlfriends home, this meant the relationship was serious; Scarlett would torment them to the point of the girlfriend leaving due to mortification. In all honesty, she was amazed that Ben hadn't run to the hills.

"I think I might dig a hole and stay there," Ben mumbled to himself, thinking no one would hear him.

Obviously they did, "What about Jaiden, Ben? Maybe she could go with you and-" Scarlett started but Jaiden cut her off.

"Okay! I think that's enough for one day, Scar! Now do you mind shutting the fuck up please and going the fuck away. I think it would be better if you left us alone. " Scarlett's shaped eyebrows knotted together, her lips twisted in an annoyed manner, and then she stormed into the house. Jaiden automatically sighed, realising that she may have been too harsh.

"Language young lady. Do we have to have this conversation again? Will you actually listen this time? And then you can go apologise to your sister. It's been hard for her lately and you know that" Alan told her sternly.

Sighing, Jaiden pinched the bridge of her nose and feeling ashamed of herself. All she wanted to do was sleep. Today was turning out to be the worst day ever. First moving, then the bullies spitting out unpleasant words, now her siblings either telling her off (she was sixteen her Christ sake!) or teasing her with no remorse. What else could possibly go wrong?

"Lay off a bit, Alan." The man snapped his fiery gaze towards Ben.

If looks could kill, Ben would have been hacked to pieces. Alan's eyes turned into slits, the lines on his forehead creased deeply.

"Excuse me boy?" he sauntered over to the teen slowly, a dangerous glint in his eye. Ben gulped, as if regretting his decision to speak. Jaiden observed them; she didn't make a move to do anything because she was incapable of controlling her brother.

In times like these, Jaiden wished she wasn't a pathetic excuse for a human being. She tried so hard to be something brave and noticeable but she could never be that. She observed the world, she never interfered. She learnt her lesson of interfering a long time ago. Before her thoughts could throw her into an endless pit of doubt, voices brought her back.

"Hope we're not interrupting anything," Ben and Alan, who had almost been nose to nose, drew back from each other. The former positioned himself closer to Jaiden. Wiggling her glass on her nose, she glanced up at him, eyes roaming his face briefly.

She adored his piercing blue eyes as well as his slightly large ears, no one was perfect. Although his height was intimidating, he was a softie. Jesus Christ Jaiden stop ogling him, he's gonna notice, one of her inner voices snapped, her vision relocated away from him and over to the newcomer.

"It's nothing Mom." Ben tore his gaze away from Alan and over to his mother. Renee Paul raised an eyebrow questionably, glancing between the two "It didn't look like nothing," Huffing, Ben folded his arms together. The older woman eyed the two of them, before she focused her attention Jaiden; a warm smile graced her lips, her dimples appearing.

"Jaiden, sweetheart!" She exclaimed, waddling her way over to the teen. When she was close enough, Renee pulled her into a tender hug, "How are you? Excited about moving?" She questioned, curiosity laced in her tone. The two drew back.

"I'm great, Mrs Paul. On moving, not so great." Displeasure flittered across the woman's features, clearly not liking Jaiden's answer. Quickly, Jaiden peered back at her brother, who simply watched on.

"After twelve years you still call me Mrs Paul?" Jaiden grinned sheepishly, shrugging nonchalantly. Habits die hard. "Mom where's Dad and Amy?" Ben wondered, bringing his mother's attention away from Jaiden and back to Ben. Renee made motion to answer but as if on cue, a car honked. Being closer to the road, Ben and Jaiden flinched in surprise.

Two set of laughs were heard from inside the car, one was a low, throaty chuckle, whilst the other was a high-pitched cackle. An ancient yet classic 1965 Chevy Impala stationed itself of the sidewalk. The window rolled down, a man in his late forties with greying hair and hair arms at the wheel and a doe eyed young girl located besides him.

"Sorry kids, I hope I didn't make you poop your pants." Robert Paul grinned cheekily, cutting the engine off. The teen's side stepped for him to climb out of the car. "Dad…" Ben whined, clearly humiliated.

Nonetheless, the corner of Jaiden's lips turned upright. Ben's parents were truly something else, as was his younger sister. Unexpectedly, Jaiden was tackled to the ground, her ass landing sorely on the concrete. Petite arms wrapped around her middle, the form residing on her lap.

"Amy…" The remaining standing up watched the scene

"Do you really have to go, Jay?" She all but sobbed. Amy buried her head into Jay's chest, clinging to the teen as much as possible. Swiftly, she glanced up at the four; the Pauls frowned at Amy's actions whereas her brother started to slip away to the house. Briefly, they made eye contact. I'm going to get the car ready, he mouthed. She gave a single nod before returning to Amy.

"Yeah I do have to go, Amy," She whispered, her tone one of melancholy.

Amy lifted her head away from Jaiden's chest and peered at her. Sniffling, she wiped her nose with the back of her hand.

"Okay," Amy sighed in defeat before slowly sliding off her lap. In the distance, the rumble of the engine started. The five of them glanced back, to see Alan in his truck, Scarlett residing in the passenger seat. Placing her hands on the concrete, she hefted herself off the ground.

Jaiden suddenly found her converse very interesting. They had had their day, any form of white that had been there before had turned into a filthy grey colour, the logo had lost all its lettering but she didn't give a damn if they were ancient because the older things were the best.

Now she was leaving everything 'old' behind. Each day leading to moving had caused her heart to crack. At some point she had accepted moving; she was a sixteen years old, she needed to learn to grow up if she was ever going to make it in the world. Her brother was becoming a hero of the USA; she didn't have time to be selfish or a bitch about all of this. Jaiden was willing to make sacrifices no matter what.

"Do you have to go so soon?" Ben pondered, her eyes lifted to gaze at him. He was miserable, that much was obvious.

"Yeah, Scarlett wants to be home before Nate and Jimmy plus Alan wants to get rid of me," She gave a shaky laugh, tears starting to prick in her eyes. Ben nodded in defeat, realising that he couldn't change what was about to happen.

"There's no need to cry Jaiden, you're gonna see us again," Robert informed her, the curve of his lip turned upwards.

"I know but it isn't gonna be the same, if you know what I'm saying," They turned into a comfortable yet empty silence.

She stared at the family before her, a family who have joined the roller-coaster ride that was the Matthews. Her siblings were waiting for her patiently in the truck. Scarlett observed them in the street; her eyebrows upturned in a sympathetic manner. Alan stared straight ahead, one hand clutching the wheel, his arm resting on the frame of the window.

"I guess this is it," Jaiden stated, breaking the silence.

"Come here sweetheart'." Renee gestured with open arms. Jaiden enveloped herself into the woman's arms, feeling like she was a little child again. She felt lips connect with her head. Briefly Jaiden closed her eyes.

No one had done that to her in a long time. Only her mother ever used to do that. Her mother used to sing her to sleep and as soon as her eyes had started to droop, her mother left a gentle kiss on top of her head; finishing the melody until she had disappeared past the bedroom door frame. Giving her one last squeeze, Renee released Jaiden.

Unexpectedly, Robert looped his arm around her neck in order to ruffle her hair up. Good-heartedly, Jaiden pushed him away, a soft giggle escaping her lips. "You be careful young lady," He commanded joyfully.

"Yes, sir," She mocked saluted. This caused everyone to laugh. Having already said her goodbye to Amy, Jaiden turned to face her best friend.

For a moment or two they just gazed at each other; neither of them noticing the three moving to the Impala. You're gonna see him again, one voice called in her head, Yes butit's not gonna be the same, the other came.

Of course it is, he's gonna be the same Ben, calm down.

No he's not, he might have a girlfriend, so act on your feelings before it's too late!

You should have acted a long time ago

Well why can't she act now?

He'll get the wrong message!

Do it!

Don't!

She tuned out the voices and just thought independently. There would always be that stage in life when someone started to develop feelings- romantic- feelings for your guy best friend. Something would always trigger that feeling but to Jaiden, she always felt that way. As they grew up, love edged closer to the border line of friendship and she didn't even realise it was happening. But when her heart beat became quicker when she was with him or she grinned like a fool when she thought about him, she knew she was stuck.

Quite frankly she didn't mind, though she wasn't sure how he felt. If he felt anything she did, she'd be overwhelmed but would it destroy their friendship? If any girl were to date Ben (who wouldn't) they would be the luckiest person in the world. He would treat her like she was the most special person in all creation. Now, she wished she should have acted sooner.

"So…" She began sheepishly, stuffing her hands into her jean pockets.

"So…" Ben repeated, his hand reaching up to scratch the back of his neck.

"I-I'll come down to Macon whenever I can, I-I'll make sure of it." He promised, his voice cracking slightly. "You better or I'll hunt your ass down," She teased, tears pricking in her eyes. Both of them took a step forward to each other and met halfway for the hug. As she embraced him, her throat tightened.

God you're being so dramatic about this, one of the voices from earlier called. She chose to ignore it completely and just let the tears fall. Ben absentmindedly drew soothing circles on her back; he rested his chin on top of her head. His arms circled her shoulder protectively; she once said to him that she felt safe with him, especially when he gave her hugs. He would do whatever he could to protect her, even if he was a wimp. She was his best friend… no she was more than that; she definitely wasn't a sister to him.

No, that would be weird… Jaiden was Jaiden. To him, she was the lunatic that he had pretty much fallen for. He loved mocking her small height and her blindness; in return she loved teasing him about how he blushed every time someone touched him and his giant height. They were inseparable.

Jaiden detached her head from his chest to gaze up at him; craning her neck to do so. He paused with his circle motions to gaze at her as well. "I'll miss you Benny," Her glasses were crooked on her nose. Fondly, he reached up to make them straight again, then brushed away the tears that remained on her face. He rested his hand on her face to which to she leaned into.

Ben felt his cheeks grow hot, not quite used to this level of intimacy. The cheeky grin on her face meant that Jaiden had noticed his blush. He could feel Alan's eyes burning holes in the back of his head, though he was more interested in Jaiden. "I-I'll m-miss you too, Jay," He stuttered, causing her grin to grow. She reached onto her tiptoes, bringing her closer to Ben's face.

Oh shit, Oh shit, Oh shit, is she going to kiss me? Oh shit, what do I do? I've kissed before but what if I get it wrong. Oh shit, this is Jay! Wha- Then her lips made contact with his scorching hot cheek, making his whole face turn a deeper shade of red.

"You think I was gonna kiss you?" She wondered.

"N-no, no. Um, m-maybe? No wait, uh-" He paused when she started to chuckle. "I'll kiss you another day," She winked, a playful glint in her eyes. His breathing quickened, his face going so red that it could be seen from miles away.

"Calm down Benny, you're gonna have a heart attack!" Her tone was one of seriousness, she rested her hands on is upper arms. Gulping, Ben forced his breathing to slow down.

"Are you gonna be any longer, Jay?" Scarlett's voice drifted over, slightly impatient. Jaiden willed herself to ignore her hormonal sister. "Before I forget, I have something for you,"

Hastily, Jaiden dashed to the truck. Flinging the back seat door open, she dived in. Ben eyed her movements, unsure as to what she was doing. After several seconds in the back of the truck, she popped out again. Not bothering to shut the door, she ambled back over to him. "Here," With one hand adjusting her glassed, Jaiden handed him some sort of jewellery.

Inspecting the object closer, it was a necklace. The necklace appeared to be something a five year old would make. There were numerous multi-coloured beads; all in different shapes. Some were flowers, other hearts or spheres. Frowning, he brought his gaze away from the necklace and back to the girl in front of him, whom had a sweet smile plastered on her face. Jaiden noted his confusion and gave a breathy chuckle.

"Do you remember in Kindergarten when Miss Jackson said we had to create something amazing with a piece of string and a bunch of beads?" She questioned, trying to jog his memory. His eyebrows furrowed closer together.

"No,"

Jaiden let out an exaggerated huff, "Well, it was only a few days after I met you in the park and I'd decided that you'd be my best friend forever, so I made you this, somehow it was meant to signify our relationship or whatever. I never got the chance to give it to you. I was gonna wait for the perfect opportunity. And this is it," She explained.

Ben curled his fingers around the necklace. In all honesty he was speechless and for a moment he gawked at her.

"Ben?" She waved her arms everywhere, trying to catch his attention.

"Benny?" She tried again. He blinked rapidly, shaking his head to bring himself out of his shock. "Wow," was all that fell out of his mouth.

"Fucking Hell, Jaiden, get in this damn car for fuck sake or I'll make you. You're gonna see him again. We don't need any of your fucking teenage drama shit!" Jaiden sucked in a deep breath, trying not to become even more pissed off with her brother.

"You heard the boss," She stated, a hint of irritation written across her face. "Go, I'll call you later," he promised. Jaiden bobbed her head, mock saluting him, to which he mimicked. In silence, Jaiden clambered into the truck, semi-slamming the door shut behind her. "Hey, don't fucking do that!" Alan seethed, scowling at Jaiden through the rear view mirror. Rather than retaliating, she rolled the window down to see her best friend on the sidewalk better.

"Be safe, Benny," She ordered, a hint of mirth in her tone. Ben's lip quirked upwards, "I-I will, Jay,"

She made a motion of pointing two fingers on her eyes before redirecting them towards Ben, mocking glaring as well. The window was forced up by Alan, nearly trapping her arm in the glass and the frame.

"You're a fucking asshole," She stated as he drove away, Ben's lanky form fading away rapidly in the distance. Jaiden rested her elbow on her on the frame of the window, her chin placed in the palm of her hand; her eyes followed the rapidly moving scenery before her. "Don't fucking talk to me like that," Alan ordered sternly, knuckles turning white on the wheel.

"Well then don't treat me like a piece of shit," She retorted, her eyes dropping from lack of sleep. Car journeys somehow made her sleepy. Alan made a motion to continue the argument but Scarlett stepped in. "Jesus Christ guys, please! These arguments have been going on for too long now. Both of your grow up for fuck's sake!" Neither Alan nor Jaiden commented, instead continued with their tasks.

"I'm sorry Scar, about earlier," Scarlett turned her body to face her little sister. "No biggie Jay,"

Ben followed the truck's trail with gloomy eyes, his arms limp at his sides. He didn't care if she had just moved an hour or two away; the days wouldn't be the same. He may seem clingy and her vice-versa but when something has slipped away, you don't realise how much you need it in your life.

"C'mon Ben, let's get going," His father's hand came to rest his shoulder, giving him a small squeeze. With a final pat on his shoulder, Robert's hand slipped off of Ben's shoulder and made way for the Impala again. Clutching the necklace, he spun on his heel towards the car. "What's that in your hand Ben?" Amy wondered as the boy in question climbed into the back. He stuffed the necklace in his jacket pocket before crossing his arms across his chest. "Something Jay gave me," He replied, now staring at the houses flying by.

"Did she give me anything?"

His eyes flickered over to his sister for a second, his parents observing the conversation with perked ears. He shook his head, which caused Amy to pout and slid down her seat. "Now don't pout young lady, Jaiden's done a lot for you, remember that." Renee twisted her body to look sternly at Amy. The latter suddenly made her posture straighter, though her lips were still pulled into a pout. Despite himself, Ben cracked a small grin over his sisters' actions.

Whilst in the truck on the way to Macon, Jaiden contemplated about how her life might turn out in Macon. Hopefully, she actually made some friends. In Stone Mountain, she didn't have many, being the school joke; it was hard to gain any friends at all. Ben, Travis and Evie were the only she could call her friends. Though, the boys had their own group. At this moment in time, the boys were members in the School band. They were fantastic.

Evie was the artistic genius, anything she drew, even if it was a five minute sketch or a week's long painting, would be classed as amazing. Whereas Jaiden was an inventor, she wasn't talented at it, but it was something she loved to do. If you gave her a piece of scrap metal and all the right tools, it could become set of cutlery, safe and ready to use. Little things made a difference.

Discreetly, Jaiden glanced at her siblings. Alan's furious behaviour earlier had completely gone. Any fury had washed away, now her brother appeared to be wearier and there were dark circles under his eyes, which seemed to be more noticeable than before. A wave of guiltiness washed over her and she mentally kicked herself. Her brother had done a lot for her during the past eleven years of her life. He cared for her when Mom went to jail and Dad died. Basically, he did a whole lot of shit for her.

She turned her attention back to the scenery. The sun had hidden itself in the clouds, causing there to be no sunlight gracing the streets full of houses. They were close to Scarlett's home now, just a few more blocks away. She should really start to call Scarlett's house, home but home is where the heart is and Stone Mountain was her home. Nothing could change that.

The truck's engine came to a halt, signalling that they had arrived.

"Well, shit," Jaiden muttered. In the drive way was Nate's truck and Nate was the last person she wanted to see. She always wondered what her sister saw in him. He was a little piece of rude, nasty, crazy piece of shit. He scared the crap out of her.

"Jay, how many times do I have to tell you, Nate isn't a bad guy," Scarlett sounded exasperated as she spoke. In the back, Jaiden gave her a 'are you fucking kidding me' look. "Just get out of the car, Jay," Alan ordered. Reluctantly, Jaiden exited the car.

"Mommy!" A young boy, no older than six came barrelling towards them. He immediately clung to Scarlett's legs. "Jimmy, have you a good boy for your Daddy?" She wondered her voice full love and gentleness. "When ain't he a good boy sweetheart," A gruffer voice came a few feet away, which made Jaiden want to hide away forever.

Standing at the front doorway was Nate. He had a smug look, nothing different there, Jaiden thought. His usual blue cap was positioned on his head, stubble littered his jaw line, the bags under his eyes had increased. Overall, nothing new was with Nate. He was still the same sexist, dirty alcoholic.

"Jay-Jay! How's my favourite girl!" He exclaimed, coming closer to them. Jaiden glared daggers at the man, her arms covering her small chest. "I'm not your girl," She spat out venomously. "Jay, don't talk to Nate that way," Scarlett commanded, an irked tone in her voice.

"Don't worry 'bout it darlin'," Nate waved her off, his eyes still glued on Jaiden. The latter shifted uncomfortably under his lingering gaze. Luckily, Alan cleared his throat, "You wanna help me put all this stuff inside," Nate tore his eyes away from her and to Alan,

"Will do, Ally," Nate grinned cheekily. Alan suppressed the urge to roll his eyes; Jaiden saw his reaction and the side of her lip quirked upwards. "Do you want any help?" Jaiden asked. "Nah, you're alright sweetheart. This is a man's job." This time it was Jaiden who blocked the urge to roll her eyes. "Let's just get in the house Jay," Nodding, she listened to her sister and followed them into the house. Well this is going to be fun.