"No, I won't do it. No mom, I refuse." I said into the phone while I paced me and Jack's room.
"Oh please sweetie? Josie he needs to know." she said.
"No. I'm not letting him find out at a cookout."
"Josie please? Just come, we all miss you."
"No mom. I don't even have Jack here with me. This is the worse idea ever, he's going to freak out and you know Clara is gonna say I told you so."
"Josie she won't say anything. Just come, he won't yell at you in front of all the people coming. Please? You can even bring your friends."
"Mom-"
"Josie sweetie, please?" she begged.
I sighed before running my fingers through my hair. "What time does it start?" I said.
"Thank you Josie. It starts at two, I'll see you then." she said before hanging up and I chewed on my lip for a moment before throwing my phone on the bed.
"May?" I called down the hallway and when she didn't answer I went down to her room and looked into it. "May?" I called again and she turned from where she was looking into the mirror.
"What's up Josie?"
"You love me right?"
"What do you want?" she asked while leaning up against her dresser.
"Can you please come with me to a family cookout today? You don't have to come but since Jack isn't here I don't have anyone to go with and I don't want to go alone. And I'm kind of sort of telling my entire family about Noah today and yeah." I said while nervously scratching my arm.
May frowned, "I'm sorry Josie. I have plans with my friends today." she said and I nodded quickly.
"It's okay. I understand. Uh, I'll call Lisa or Kara."
"I'm really sorry Josie."
I gave her a small smile and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. "Don't worry about it May." I said before walking out of her room and going back down the hall. Once I was back in my room I shut the door and snatched the phone off of the bed.
I dialed Kara's number and held the phone between my ear and shoulder while it rang. "Hey!" I said once she answered.
"Hey Josie, what's up?"
"Nothing, what are you doing today Kara?"
"Uh, Lisa and I are going to New York. Lisa needs to do something and I offered to drive."
"Oh. Okay. I'll call you guys later, okay?" I said before hanging up. I sighed before lying back on the bed and calling Jack.
"Hey baby, I can't really talk right now." Jack answered and I huffed. I could hear screams in the background and I knew he must be outside with fans.
"Jack! I just need someone to talk to for ten minutes."
"I'm sorry Jo-Jo but I have to go. I love you and I'll call you tonight." Jack said before hanging up and I growled in frustration. All I needed was someone to vent to for five minutes and I understood he was busy but I was still upset. I hated Jack being on tour, not only did I get to not see him but I very rarely got to speak to him.
I stood up and began to pace the room. I couldn't think of anybody I could go with and I smacked my hand against my head roughly in hopes that someone would come to mind. I was still trying to think of someone I could drag along when my phone rang loudly. Without even looking at the caller ID I answered it, hoping it would be Jack.
"Hey baby." I said happily.
"Baby? Not what I expected but still nice."
"Who's this?"
"It's Charlie silly!"
"Oh. Hi."
"You don't sound happy to be talking to me." she said sadly and guilt filled my stomach.
"No! It's not that Charlie! I'm sorry, I'm just stressed out."
"Oh, what's the matter?"
I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair again. "Just I have to go tell my dad today about the baby and Jack isn't here so I have to do it by myself."
"What about your friends?"
"They're busy and Jack's sister is too. I guess I'll just go alone."
"I can go with you, if you want. But Audrey would have to come too because I said I would hang out with her today."
I chewed on my lip and picked at my nails my nervously. Either I could go alone or suck it up and go with Charlie and Audrey. Granted I didn't want to see Audrey but she was better than going by myself. "Sure, I'll pick you guys up. I'll get you at your dad's and then we'll go to Audrey's and get her." I told Charlie and it felt really strange saying Audrey's, that place used to be ours.
"Well no, Audrey and I got our own place because Audrey couldn't afford a place by herself. So I'll text you the address so you have it and then just text me when you're outside. I'm gonna go get ready, bye." Charlie said before hanging up and I sighed.
Of course Audrey would move in with Charlie, Charlie was probably babying the fuck out of her. Their place was probably also a million times better than mine and Audrey's. I shook the thought out of my head and began to get ready for today.
An hour later I was dressed in a sun dress with flip flops and was stepping out into the unusually hot May air. As soon as I got in the car I turned it on and then rolled down the windows before programming the address that Charlie had sent me into the GPS. The ride was a short one and just like I expected the apartments in the area were pretty nice. When I pulled up to the right number I texted Charlie that I was here and then drummed my fingers along the steering wheel.
"Hey!" Charlie squealed as she slipped into the car.
I winced at the sound of her voice but painted a smile on my face before turning to her. "Hey."
"Say hi Audrey." Charlie instructed like a mother would do to a young child who was afraid of strangers.
"Hi." Audrey mumbled before slipping on her seatbelt and staring out of the window.
"So where is Jack that he can't go to this cookout with you?"
"He's working." I said as I put the car in drive and began to go towards my old town.
"Oh, what does he do?"
"He's in a band."
"Well that isn't going to pay for a baby." Audrey muttered from the backseat and I gritted my teeth.
"Actually it will."
"Really? I was unaware that playing in some kid's basement would make enough money to care for an infant."
"Audrey, I don't-" Charlie started.
"No Charlie. Let her be ignorant but little does she know that Jack's in a successful band. He's actually touring right now." I snapped and Audrey looked confused by my snapping.
"Alright, can't we just have fun? Like we used to? Please guys. No fighting today."
"I'll be civil if she can manage it." I said and Charlie turned to look at Audrey.
"Fine. I'll try to be nice." she said before crossing her arms over her chest and staring out of the window. The only thing I could think of was as I watched her in the rearview mirror was an extremely overemotional toddler.
"Good! Today should be wonderful then!" Charlie said happily and I didn't have the heart to tell her that I had changed too much for our friendship to ever go back to how it used to be. I was no longer an immature weak teenager, who let her friends treat her like shit. Without me acting that way then the balance was thrown off, with me sticking up for myself then there were too many strong personalities for us to not want to kill each other.
"Here." I said once we reached my parent's house. I took a deep breath and climbed out. There were already a bunch of cars here and I looked down to see it was already three. I fixed my hair before leading my way into the backyard. Thankfully my mother spotted me first and she ran right towards me, grabbing my arm and then yanking me into the house.
"Oh my god Josie, you look beautiful." she said holding my face between her hands before moving them to rest on my stomach. "A little boy, right?"
"Yes, Noah."
"Where's that boyfriend of yours?" she questioned once her hands dropped from my stomach and I nervously squirmed under her gaze.
"Jack can't be here mom."
"Your father will want to talk to him."
"I know but I can't make him be here. Last time I checked he was in like Texas."
My mother raised an eyebrow before turning to the counter. "What is he doing in Texas?"
"He's on tour mom, he's in a band." I said and with this my mother turned around quickly, the look on her face one of obvious disapproval.
"A band Josie? Really? You couldn't have chosen a business man?"
"Mom, Jack is a great guy. He's really sweet and the band is wonderful."
"But seriously Josie, a band? Oh dear, I worry about you. Maybe you should move back home, you can have your old room back. I could help you with the baby."
"No mom. I'm fine at Jack's."
"But he's not even home with you sweetie." she said and I knew from the way she was talking there was no way I could ever get her to like Jack unless he suddenly started college and became a lawyer or something.
"Where's dad?" I questioned changing the subject quickly hoping she would leave Jack alone.
"Outside grilling but I think we should talk some more about Jack."
"No, I don't think we should. I think we should go tell dad and get this over with." I said and she pursed her lips as she looked at me.
"Okay. Go ahead Josie, go tell him." she said and for some reason I didn't feel like she was on my side. I felt like she was setting me up to get my ass chewed out but I held my head high and began towards the door. I stopped though when I realized she wasn't following me and I turned to look at her.
"Aren't you coming with me?"
"No, I'm sorry dear. I really need to finish this salad." she said not even looking up from the chopping board and I felt my palms get sweaty.
"But I need you." I said softly and my mother shook her head.
"You don't need me dear." she said and I watched her for a moment. I knew she was mad because of the whole Jack in a band thing and because of it I had lost her as an ally. She could deal with me being pregnant at this age if Jack was rich or could take care of me but he wasn't so I was back on her shit list.
I took a deep breath before stepping out of the back sliding door onto the deck. My dad was grilling and when he heard the door slide shut he looked up. He did a double take and then his eyes widened before he shoved my older brother who was beside me. "Take this now." he said shoving the spatula into his hand before crossing to me. James gave me a sympathetic look before my father grabbed my upper arm and tugged me into the house.
"Well hi to you too dad." I said once he slammed the door shut. My mother wasn't in the kitchen and I knew she knew that this what my father was going to do so she had made a quick escape.
"Don't you dare be a smartass Josie Hunter." he barked and I recoiled.
"I'm sorry." I said softly.
"What the fuck is this?" he said while gesturing down to my stomach and I moved so my hands were resting on my stomach.
"Uh, your grandson?"
"Is this what you've been hiding? Why you left early on Christmas? Why you missed my birthday?"
"Dad, I didn't know how to tell you."
"Well anything is better than lying to me for months and telling me like this! In front of the entire fucking family!"
"Dad, I'm sorry."
"I can't believe you Josie, I can't fucking believe you." my father muttered the last part as he ran his hand over his face.
"Daddy, it really isn't that bad." I said but instantly regretted it as he pulled his hand from his face.
"Not too bad? Seriously Josie? Especially with that kid you brought here on Christmas? I can't even look at you! Get out!" he shouted and my jaw dropped.
I stared up at him in disbelief, "Are you serious?"
"Yes Josie! Get out! I can't even look at you, you disgust me." he spat. Tears welled in my eyes as I scrambled to listen him.
I walked out of the house quickly and down to my car, only letting myself burst into tears once I was safely inside. Tears poured down my face and I wrapped my arms around myself in attempts to feel better. My mom hated Jack and my dad hated me, this was horrible. Even if they forgave me, which I doubted they could do, we could never be a complete family. Jack was a part of my family now, whether they liked it or not. I was still sobbing when the door creaked open and someone was pulling me gently towards them.
"Shh, it's okay Josie."
"It's not." I mumbled as the person began to stroke my hair.
"Oh yes it is. They're mad now but they won't be mad always."
"Audrey, how do you know that?" I asked looking up at her. She sighed and wiped away my tears with the corner of her sleeve.
"Remember when we were sixteen and your dad caught us drinking? He was furious for almost two months but he got over it. He'll get over this too, it might take him months or a year but he'll get over it eventually."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I got over my bitch fit. Look Josie, it's impossible not to love you. I'm really sorry for what I did, I was furious and that's no excuse but I hope you can accept my apology."
"I do. I've missed you so much Audrey." I said as I threw my arms around her and tugged her closer. Audrey chuckled and then pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
"I've missed you too. Living with Charlie isn't like living with you. I'm sorry for being a dick though. Things will get better and if they don't, well you'll have me and Charlie for sure."
"Thank you Audrey." I said softly and she nodded as she slowly began to stand.
"I'm gonna go get Charlie and then we can leave, okay?" she questioned and I nodded before she turned and walked off.
I watched her go and then once she disappeared I leaned my head against the steering wheel. I couldn't believe Audrey had made up with me. It made this day slightly worth it, like despite the fact that my dad was pissed at me and my mom hated Jack, it was good. I grinned and sat back in my seat as I slowly wiped the tears away. If Audrey could stop hating me then my dad could love me again and my mom could grow to love Jack.
"Dude, have you seen my phone?" I questioned Matt as I began to tear through the back lounge.
"Nope." he answered and I glared at him.
"Have you even looked around?"
"No."
"God Matt! You're fired!" I shouted and Rian laughed from the front of the bus.
"He's been fired like a hundred times, I don't think he's going anywhere Jack." Rian shouted.
"Well this time is the last time! You're fired Flyzik."
Matt wasn't even slightly fazed, "Mhm." he said without even looking up.
"I hate you, I seriously hate you." I snapped before stomping into the front to look for my cell phone there again.
Alex who was watching me from the lounge with a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a ham sandwich in his other hand put the sandwich in his mouth and began to search for his own phone in his pockets. "Listen Jacky." he said and I stopped what I was doing to listen for my ringtone.
"I hear it!" I shouted as I ran towards the bunks. I threw clothes behind me as I dug in the pile and finally my hand found the phone. "Thanks Lex." I said as I hung up the call and he nodded before taking a swig from the bottle.
"No problem dude."
I smiled at Alex before dialing Josie's number and stepping off of the bus. Thankfully where we had parked the bus was quiet and I leaned up against the bus as I listened to the phone ring. "Hey baby." Josie answered and I smiled. I missed her so much, it was insane.
"Hey Jo-Jo, I'm sorry about earlier."
"It's fine Jack, don't worry about it." she said but I knew from the way her voice sounded nasally she had been crying.
"What's wrong babe?"
"Nothing."
"Josie, don't lie. What's wrong?"
"I told my dad today Jack."
I bit on my lip and ran my hand threw my hair. "Didn't go well? I'm sorry baby."
"Yeah and my mom is mad at me too."
"Why?"
"Apparently I chose the wrong kind of guy. You being in a band is a big no but I don't care Jack. I love you, not some stuffy idiot who wants to do something boring with his life. You're funny and different and sweet and lovable and I don't know, just perfect Jack."
I didn't know what to say and all I could do for a couple moments was grin. "Thanks Jo-Jo, I love you too."
"Good. I have something else to tell you." she said and I sighed. I couldn't even begin to imagine what would come next.
"What is it?"
"Audrey and I made up."
"Oh." I said not exactly sure how to feel about that. I was glad Josie would have more people to talk with when I was gone but I was also worried. What if Josie wanted to move back in with her?
"Don't worry Jack." Josie said as if she could read my mind.
"Don't worry about what? I'm not worrying."
"Don't worry about me moving in with Audrey. I wanna be with you. If I'm moving out, it's with you." she said and I let out the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding in.
"How did you know that?"
"I know everything Jack. Look, I had a long day. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, I love you Josie."
"Love you too Jack, good night."
"Night baby." I said before hanging up. I smiled as I placed my phone in my pocket and leaned back up against the bus. Josie's parents might be furious with her and they might not like me but I didn't care, I loved Josie and Josie loved me. We had my family and all our friends and right now, that's all we needed.