Home Again - Michael Kiwanuka
You guys were REALLY nice in the comments, thank you so much for that and as promised, it came faster. I'm looking forward to this one and the title and the song I know you guys know what's coming and how I like to say the "second part". A lot of things will happen in this chapter, but I'm leaving the cities, the month and the year right so you don't get lost, but if you get confused call me in PM or say if you want some kind of summary at the end.
Well, my request for them to be cool is also the fact that I put my thoughts on what I take from the character and how little I follow the series. I don't watch it, but since I have a Linstead/Jophia Instagram account, related things pop up. But, this is a fic right? And well, I'm happy with those who like to read what I write, we can have a little fun with what we don't have in real life. And today I think I can say...
Happy reading ;-)
Chapter 12 - Homecoming
"Often, bad news is so bad that when something good comes along, we tend to exaggerate a little. Every cloud has a silver lining, but it's still a cloud. A cloud can mean a shower or a storm. So, accept the good days wherever you find them. Try to be positive. Try to remember that even when there is bad news, there is good news for someone."
- Grey's Anatomy
The FBI couldn't get anything else out of the case, but they weren't ready to file it, they were still looking for every lead they could and were doing as much as possible.
After telling her friends what happened Erin felt lighter than ever, she knew that having told Jay the main person and her friends so they could carry it with her was an important part of being able to move on and as the days went by, life got back on track.
Lindsay was never ashamed of her pregnancy and didn't hide it so she really hoped the first person who knew would be the baby's father and now that Jay knows she feels the memory of her unborn baby will be remembered by everyone who ends up knowing and not just for her.
Unfortunately, the trip she had planned with Charlotte in March was postponed, but she wouldn't be able to take her vacation knowing they were active in a case with a serial killer being hunted.
However, the more the days passed the more they distanced themselves from any clues or news of the man, he seemed to have evaporated, no one saw him, the clues were leading them to dead ends and finally, Lindsay decided to move away and travel with her daughter as initially planned. After being delayed for a month and a half they were finally traveling to Charlotte's hometown.
2 months later
Los Angeles - May/2021
Anyone who knew Erin Lindsay before becoming a mother knows that she is the least morning person in the world and she still is, but only three things make her happy when she wakes up early. One is first and last name Charlotte Lindsay, the other is that she loves watching the sunrise over Santa Monica which is why she is sitting on her porch so early.
Sitting there Lindsay thinks about how she never imagined that she would have a house in Santa Monica with a beautiful view of the ocean and that she would have a daughter who was totally Californian. She felt like she had the perfect life, almost perfect in fact, but she refused to let her mind wander to the reasons her life wasn't entirely perfect.
When Lindsay moved to Los Angeles in 2019, it was the first time she actually saw the beach. Not the first few days, she actually went there for work, was staying at a hotel and didn't have time to really get to know the city.
Erin arrived in California as a workaholic as she had been since leaving Chicago. Everything changed when a little girl just 1 year and 5 months old entered her life, those blue-green eyes reminding her of someone she loved very much. It was difficult for her to work around a child who was so close in age to the baby she lost. She had to remember that the girl wasn't hers, she wasn't theirs, she was just the daughter of the criminals being investigated and from her experience in disguises she knew she couldn't get attached. However, it was too late, she became attached to the child and the girl to her. Surprisingly, fate turned them into mother and daughter, the reality was cruel, but she could also see the bright side, because at least Charlotte was loved.
Lindsay got a house to live with Charlotte for a while, as she initially had the protective custody of the FBI. And it was around this time that she met the beach with Charlotte, they both fell completely in love. Charlie loved going to the beach, loved building sand castles or at least trying, loved putting his chubby feet in the Erin decided to adopt Charlotte, she felt bad about taking her daughter to a cold, snowy city knowing full well how much her daughter loved the sun, so she decided that even though they lived in New York, they would travel to California for the holidays, well not the traditional ones, the vacations she could get at work, whenever they could. She wanted her daughter to have a connection to her hometown, she wanted Charlotte to love Los Angeles and not hate it for being where she lost her birth parents, but rather where she was loved, where she held her mother's hand as they walked barefoot in the sand.
- I think someone missed mommy... - Nick appears next to Erin with a sleepy-faced Charlotte in her arms.
- Hi sunshine. - Erin happily takes her in her arms and then puts her on the blankets so that the morning breeze doesn't bother her daughter. - Good morning Nick. - She says after kissing her daughter's temple who is snuggled up to her mother.
Nick joined Erin, Charlotte and Tereza a week later. He was Erin's right-hand man at the FBI so he ended up staying an extra week in NY, but Marshall said if anything changed he would let you know, as the three adults had planned this vacation trip together.
During the morning the three year old girl was already begging to go to the beach. The three adults dominated by her obviously gave in and prepared to go outside, as the beach was literally at the back of her house.
- Mommy, mommy... - Charlotte shouts excitedly for her mother to catch her before the wave hits her little feet. She loved doing it, it was one of her favorite games, until her mother's arms got tired and she decided to interrupt her daughter's game.
- Hey, smile... - Tess calls as she looks at Erin with glasses, wearing a white bikini with a white beach top with black polka dots, one that matched her daughter's swimsuit that was perky in her arms. Erin stops and they both smile for the photo.
The beach wasn't crowded, it was in a part where most of the people who were on the beach were the people who lived in the houses nearby and Erin owned one of those. Aside from the fact that it wasn't peak season, vacation was being off-season for the three adults, as their work didn't have a set vacation completely and since Charlotte still didn't go to school, they had other vacation projects.
- You came back at the perfect time, look what I brought... - Nick appears with ice cream in hand.
- YAY... - Charlie yells excitedly as her mother puts her down.
The four sit down, Tereza and Erin in the beach chairs and Nick on the sheet that was on the floor to help his goddaughter with the ice cream. The two women watch the man with the child until Tess speaks.
- How did he run away saying he's not ready to be a father? - Teresa says. - He's natural at it. - She speaks loudly.
- I don't know. - Erin laughs. - I'm sure if Sophie sees this she'll be upset and think he doesn't love her...
- Hey, you know I can hear, right? - He looks at the two women.
- Great, that's the intention. - Erin says to him laughing.
- Let's see what Sophie thinks of this picture of Uncle Nick... - Tess turns the screen of her cell phone and shows it to him.
- Do not you dare. - He says looking at the photo of the moment he wipes the ice cream from Charlie's mouth.
- Why do you still run away? - Erin asks him.
Nick has been in a relationship with Sophie Pearson since maybe when they were kids if you tell them they've known and liked each other since they were 8 years old.
- I hurt her once and I don't deserve her. - He says and focuses on his goddaughter, not looking at his friends.
- She lost you Nick, she knows you made a mistake, but she still tries, will you choose to be happy or will you hurt yourself and her again? - Erin asks.
Erin and Nick became friends around the time she went to Quantico in 2017, they met there and have been friends ever since. She met Sophie who is a teacher in Manhattan and their history. Shortly thereafter Tereza joined the group of friends and was updated on Nick's drama.
Sophie was friends with Nick's sister. They got married when they were still teenagers, but he ended up cheating on her and they broke up. However, even years later it was remarkable that they still loved each other.
- Well, none of you are the best at giving relationship advice. - Nick says looking at them.
- Well, you're the only one of us who can do something about it. - Tereza says and everyone is silent. Soon they change the subject to a lighter topic and so they can enjoy the beach.
Chicago - May/2021
You can be 40, 50 years old in the police, you can deal with murder, trafficking, abuse of all kinds, but no matter how long you've been working in the field, it never gets easier when you find the body of a murdered child and sexually abused. It is always difficult and goes on the list of cases that until they are resolved, you will not have peace.
They were called early when a man and his dog found the body of a 7-year-old child. He initially thought it was a dummy, but when his dog started barking uncontrollably, he approached and noticed that it was the body of a child.
- He's back. - Jay tells everyone present after pulling the white sheet to cover the child's body. He arrived at the place together with his team, the place was closed and only the police were allowed and luckily as the location was in a forest there was no way for curious people to approach the place, nor journalists with their cameras, thus preserving that there are no photos of the body scattered on the internet.
It was the same modus operandi and it was no surprise that the one behind this murder was Garry Hughes.
- He won't get away with it this time. - Voight tells everyone and they get to work, they needed to search and inform the family and Voight knows he will need the FBI's help with this case.
These two months had some changes, Jay and Hailey were being good friends but Jay felt that Hailey was still trying to get closer to him, they were in a messed up relationship at that time, that's because they had a moment a few nights ago.
One morning, Jay noticed that she was not well, but the suspense didn't last long, as she soon asked him to drop her off at Chicago Medical, she told him that her father was hospitalized. He asked if her father had an illness or something and ended up finding out that Hailey didn't have a good relationship with him for some reason, but as expected she didn't want to share and he totally understood.
Hailey didn't ask him to stay and they didn't talk much afterward, later Voight told the team that Hailey was taking some personal time. She didn't respond to Jay's texts, in fact it wasn't until late in the afternoon that she said everything was fine and Jay went home, but she was still worried about Hailey. They weren't dating anymore, but that didn't change the fact that Jay still cared about her.
Jay didn't have to worry for long, as later that night Hailey showed up at her apartment, but before he could ask anything, she threw herself into his arms. Her lips meeting. Jay reciprocated for a moment before pulling her away so they could get some air and Jay understood what was happening.
Flashback on
- Hailey... - He pushes her away, but she doesn't give up and looks at him.
- I know we're not together, but I need this Jay, please. - She begs and looks at him and without waiting for an answer she kisses him and Jay reciprocating and closing the door was in a way he responded.
They ended up in Jay's room, they both discarded the clothes from their bodies and went back to kissing lying on the bed.
...
- I'm sorry Hailey... - Jay says feeling a little embarrassed about the situation.
- It's not your fault. - She says as she gets dressed again.
- I don't know, I just...
- Jay is okay, you or your body... - She looks at Jay's lower body. - I wasn't in the mood, all right. - She says, but Jay knew better and the annoyance in her voice was another indication.
When they lay down on the bed, Hailey was ready for Jay, but her body didn't react, they tried for a while, but it didn't go more than half mast. Jay even offered to give her the pleasure she sought in other ways, after all, she was the one who needed that relief. Even though Jay hadn't expected to have a visit from Hailey, and they had split up or been on a break, Hailey asked for that relief and Jay didn't find himself denying it, but apparently his body did and it offended her. She stood up and whatever mood she felt died.
Flasback off
They ended up going to the living room, drinking beer, and Jay was relieved to know that at least Hailey's dad was going to be okay. She didn't tell him anything else about her father or their history and the rest of the night they were talking about the case of the day and Hailey ended up staying overnight.
They were going from arguments to friendship constantly. The first fight was when Jay found out that in addition to her telling Will about Lindsay she told him about the miscarriage, it wasn't her business to share, but then they ended up getting along about it. However, days later they ended up arguing again because Hailey was being reckless, Voight got involved and Jay ended up lying, he knew Voight would be furious with Hailey when he found out she broke a straightforward no-entering warehouse rule. Voight told them to watch and that they shouldn't go in but she went in anyway, even with Jay telling her not to and he ended up following her, the two almost got caught and they knew the men wouldn't hesitate to shoot . So when questioned by his Sergeant he lied, said he had a suspicious movement and that they just walked around outside, and that the discussion was no big deal.
Neither the argument nor the night she spent at Jay's apartment was indicative of anything, but Jay knew she was trying to make up and after much thought he knew they were just supposed to be friends. Even if he thought like that, it was difficult for him to get to talk to her, these months the affairs were being very difficult and it was even more difficult when they were both sad, as Jay was about to end his relationship with Hailey, but he still considered her his friend.
Still, he was determined, as he knew his way of being friends and being there for Hailey could give her hope and when he realized Hailey was thinking they were about to get back together, he knew he needed to put limits on that and soon.
- Hey how are you? - Hailey asks entering the break room.
- Well... - Not entirely, but as much as he could when he took cases like that. - It just doesn't get any easier. - He explains and she nods sadly.
- I know. - She says and approaches. - I think we're going to need a beer today. - He nods. - Want to stop by the house later? - She offers closing the distance between them. And that's when Jay knows he's going to have to end it now.
He'd thought a lot over the last few months, he'd thought about how he needed to find a plan for himself. Maybe start moving up the ranks, or take some travel. He doesn't know it, but he felt that to get into a new relationship he should be better with himself, because being honest, he felt like he was incapable of loving someone like he loved Erin Lindsay and he didn't want to be the man who gets into a relationship and hurts. his new companion, he wants to be totally in it. So he knew that this was not the time to be with Hailey, he realized that he had a great affection for her, she was always a good friend to him, even when he didn't deserve it, but he felt that maybe they both confused this friendship with a relationship and he felt guilty about it.
- Hailey... - He starts. - I don't think it's a good idea. - He says.
- Why not? We're just friends drinking a little, come on, we need a drink, besides, you asked for space and I'm giving it to you, but I think it's about time we started moving a little further, don't you think? - She questions him, but if she needed an answer, his silence was worth any word. She looks back to see if she has anyone approaching before she gets even more personal. - We're not started moving, are we? - She tries to stand her ground.
- Hailey, I think we work best as friends. - He's straight with her. He preferred to say it that way as he didn't want to give her false hope, that's because he knew she was waiting for them to come back. He was feeling terrible, it was his fault, he shouldn't have made her stay, he shouldn't have let this get to where it has and now it was being terrible but it was better than them going deeper into it and she ended up hurting herself even more .
- This is because of her isn't it? - Hailey asks holding back tears.
- Hey guys, we found a witness. - Kim interrupts. Hailey wipes her face and leaves the break room quickly.
- No, that interposes states, let's get on with the case. - Erin says on the other end of the line.
- Erin, you're on vacation...
- I have a daughter Hank, I'm a mother and I can't even imagine the feeling it would be like to lose my daughter, I'm going in. - Erin says, Charlotte is still too young to understand, but what her mother is doing is to keep children safe, especially her. Yes, this case was happening in Chicago, but in addition to being a case previously of hers, the killer was crossing states and she was in charge of the children's area, she would not leave this case, not while children were being murdered and she was on the beach. She knew this was her vacation with her daughter, but she also knew that she could be useful in this case.
- Alright, I'll wait for you then. - He knows that there is nothing that will make her change her mind, she is stubborn just like him. And he understands her, he has already lost a child and he would do anything to keep him safe if he could. - Will you bring Charlotte? - Voight asks.
- Yea. And I'm going to let Marshall know that me, Tereza and Nick are going to Chicago. - She says.
- You and Charlotte can stay home, you know, right? - Voight offers.
- Yes, but the FBI will organize a place for us to stay, so we don't need to, but still thank you. - She informs you.
- Okay, I'm waiting for you. - Says Voight and then they end the call.
Hank won't admit it, but it hurts to see that Erin doesn't need him. Don't get him wrong, he's happy that she's independent, but he feels distant from her and that's a little difficult. As he'd once told her, she's all he has left, but then even her he's lost.
He saw little of Daniel, as Olive refused to return to Chicago, even to visit, as she claimed Chicago was a memory of Justin. This was one reason they both ended up arguing, because Daniel was a constant reminder of Justin and she didn't abandon him, Voight emphasized that he also had the right to visit his grandson and that it was Daniel's right to keep in touch with the other side's family. from his father, as well as keeping in touch with his father's city. However, Olive said that Voight was welcome to visit, that she was still Daniel's legal representative and he was only 5 years old, in fact in a few days he would be 6 and Voight would once again spend that date away from his grandson. Olive warned that when Daniel was older he could choose, while it was up to her to decide.
He was at least happy that he was going to get to see a little more Charlotte in the days Lindsay was staying in Chicago. He ended up having to go back to Chicago, and he didn't have time to get to know the girl.
Life in those two months changed a lot for one specific person, that was Kimberly Burgess, in a case they picked up in which a 6-year-old child witnessed her own father murder her mother, in addition to him killing her uncle and grandmother.
In that time, Kim has become attached to Makayla Ward and is currently her legal guardian, but in the short time she's been with the girl she knows she won't be able to let someone else take custody of her. She wants to start putting together paperwork for Makayla's adoption application, but still doesn't know if she'll be allowed to because she's a police officer and single.
Voight opens his door after breaking up with Lindsay and faces his cops and detectives, everyone is seated, the witness has no solid leads, nothing new. The team was still working on the case and looking for leads.
- Guys... - He says and waits for everyone to pay attention. Kevin and Adam are standing behind Kim who is sitting in her chair, the three of them were reading something on the computer screen, but they soon face Voight. Hailey also stares at him and Jay turns from his chair and looks at his boss. - We are using the help of the FBI in this case, in fact the case is in their hands, but let's work together. - He explains.
- Okay Sarge... - Kevin says. Hailey soon looks at Jay and Voight does the same.
Since they got back, Jay and Hank pretended that nothing had happened, Jay didn't say anything to Hank or the other way around and they also didn't share with the team that the person responsible for the case was Erin, in fact they talked about the case, avoiding mentioning such. name, didn't seem to be necessary, not until now.
- When they arrive? - Adam asks without noticing the exchange of glances, the only person who noticed that was Burgess.
- I'm not sure, because they were on vacation, but I think they'll be here by tomorrow afternoon. - Voight informs.
- Who is the team leader? - Kim asks after finding it strange not only the exchange of looks, but the fact that Voight knew that the FBI agents were on vacation. She doesn't know what it's about, but she feels there's something they're not sharing with everyone.
- The ASAC in charge of the case is Lindsay. - Voight gets straight to the point, he doesn't have to prolong it.
At this point they should have a camera to film each other's reaction. Jay wasn't surprised and again his eyes met Voight's, it looked like the man was trying to get something out of him, but Hank couldn't. In those months Jay was able to get his feelings under control and was prepared to be professional alongside Erin, with their past resolved he felt they would finally move on as adults. Hailey just watches Jay, probably searching the same as Voight, maybe a little deeper, but also getting nowhere. Adam's jaw dropped, if Hailey looked back she would see a similar appearance to Will when she told him about Lindsay. Kim was surprised too, but smiled when she heard that Lindsay was an ASAC. Kevin almost choked on the news.
- Linds is ASAC now? - It's Kevin who asks and Voight nods, but nobody cares, because they ended up looking at Jay. Voight ignores it and continues to finish.
- She's coming with two agents and we're going to work together, we're not giving up this time, not until this guy is behind bars or six feet underground. - Voight says and enters his office.
Obviously the attention was on Jay and Hailey.
- Did you work with Lindsay when you were in NY? - Adam asks.
- Yes, we didn't know that she was the representative of the CID, she is responsible for the violent crimes against children section. - Hailey counts. No one had much time for more questions, even if they wanted to, they had one more call, but Jay didn't miss Kim's gaze on him.
He knew what the look was, he'd gotten the same one from his brother weeks ago, Will had confronted him about the date, but he'd strayed from the topic, Jay was already tired of the questioning looks at him. Of course, he knew people wanted answers, but he went after it and didn't like what he got, besides he just wanted some time, it wasn't easy for him to have to deal with all this. He had to deal with the guilt and the loss and the decisions he made.
Los Angeles - May/2021
One of Erin's favorite things about California was the sunset. She felt a peace, a connection to the world and it was something stronger than her, it wasn't just Charlie who was passionate about the beach, Erin came to love it too.
She let her daughter take her afternoon nap and her friends were packing, she went outside to watch the sun go down as she thought about what was about to happen, she brought her daughter to her house, now she was the one to go return to her home, she was returning to Chicago four years later.
- Hey, are you okay? - Tereza cuts her friend's thoughts as she approaches and sits on the steps of the house next to Erin.
- Yeah, just thinking. - She says and smiles at Tess.
- You know me and Nick can go, you can stay, you know, make that soft ass work a little. - Tereza laughs and Erin ends up laughing too.
- I know and I appreciate it, but I want this to be the last child he kills, this needs to stop urgently. - Erin says sadly and Tereza nods.
- Are you ready to come back? - Her friend asks, Tereza knows that Charlotte's mother left and there was a lot going on at that time and imagines that coming back must not be easy.
- I think it's past time, we need to solve this case, it's my priority and I need to face everyone. - She takes a deep breath and remains focused on the calm waves of the sea.
- You are not alone, we are with you. - Tereza says and Erin looks at her.
- I know... - Erin takes her hand. - Thank you for always being with me. - Erin smiles at her friend and Tereza nods. Both embrace and are silent looking at the horizon, at the yellow, blue and orange sky, while the sun disappears between the waters and the day gives place to the night.
- You know, the holidays hate me... - Nick joins the girls. - I just arrived, I was thinking that now that Charlotte slept would be our time for beers and wine. - Girls laugh about it, when Erin spent a season in Los Angeles to take custody of her daughter, her friends traveled to the city and they did just that, beers or wines, they were in love with the food and drinks of the city.
- Look on the bright side, you still have extra days, maybe you can use it when you muster up the courage and go back to Sophie. - Tereza jokes and Nick extends his arm and pushes her legs.
- Stop you two, the only kid I have is upstairs sleeping and behaves better than you two. - Erin laughs pulling Nick's hand.
- How are you feeling about to go home? - Nick asks.
- I don't know, I think the chip hasn't sunk in yet. - She says and so they end the subject, the three sitting on the stairs watching the sun disappear completely between the waters of Santa Monica.
They ended up getting an overnight flight, not what they wanted, but they hoped to get to Chicago as soon as possible. They actually even considered going to New York first, none of the three's suitcases were organized for work, they didn't even have a suit in their bags, they were grateful that the temperature of the two cities were close, of course Chicago was the windy city, but they were in spring, so they didn't need heavy cold clothes at least.
- Do we buy or go back to NY first? - Nick asks.
- Intelligence is more of a jeans and t-shirt type, I think we can deal with that for a while until we see what we have to do. - Erin says and the friends nod.
They pack their bags in the rental car and Erin locks the door to her house, not knowing when they'll be back again, their three-week off-season vacation came to an end a week earlier than planned.
Charlotte was informed earlier about the change of plans and it was not a problem, the girl was happy to finally be able to meet her mother's family, the people she has always heard stories about and seen them in pictures and since she knew she was going. to Chicago didn't stop asking questions.
Chicago - May/2021
Night came, with no further information or leads Voight released them, Jay was about to get into his car when Kim approached.
- I can't believe you didn't tell me. - She begins.
- Kim...
- I thought we were friends, Jay. You just acted like nothing happened. - She says upset.
- Kim, I'm sorry. - He closes the car door and turns fully to her. - It was a lot for me to absorb and think about and soon after Makayla appeared and I didn't know how to bring it up. - He is honest and Kim believes in him.
- All right... I'm sorry I just wanted to know. - She says low and Jay nods. - How are you? - She questions.
- Well, it was a surprise, but I'm better. – He doesn't talk much, which doesn't surprise Kim.
- Well... - Kim says. - You know that even if we are a little apart and you have Makayla and everything, I'm still your friend right? - She questions him receiving a silent thank you. - And how is she? If you want to answer of course. - She says and gives a half smile.
- Well, I'm sure the two of you will have time to talk when she arrives and you'll see for yourself, but so you don't feel betrayed by me... - He smiles at Kim. - She has a daughter... - That was a shock to Kim, much bigger than finding out that Erin was coming back. - Do that same reaction when she tells you that tomorrow. - He plays.
- A daughter... she... is what? You... you are... - Kim doesn't even know what question to ask, but it wasn't necessary, Jay knew what she wanted.
- She's adopted, she's three years old, but that's all I'm going to say to you. - Jay fakes a smile that doesn't go unnoticed by Kim, but she doesn't say anything. - I'm going, say hi to Mak. - He says and gets in the car after Kim agrees and says goodbye.
Jay takes a deep breath, he was really fine with Lindsay back, but it was still hard to think about her, he would always bring it all up, he knows he could never forget all of this, so he just needed some distraction not to think about it all . Tomorrow would be the first time he'd faced her after finding out about the miscarriage, the first time everyone had seen her in four years, the first time she'd come back after walking away without looking back.
It was a four-hour trip, they arrived at dawn, each with their suitcases while they waited for Nick to get the car they rented. Charlotte was sleeping in Erin's arms and even though the temperature in Chicago wasn't low, every airport is cold and it was dawn on top of that, so the girl was wrapped in a unicorn blanket as well as warm.
-Mommy...- Her daughter's soft and sleepy voice catches Erin's attention. - Where awe we? - She asks her mother. Erin and Tereza look at each other and then Erin looks at the O'Hare airport exit door and takes a deep breath before answering her daughter.
- At home, we are at home again...
"Sooner or later we all choose a path. Sometimes you never look back, and sometimes life forces you to."
- One Tree Hill
A/N: Wow what did you think? If you want to share your thoughts, you already know. Finally Lindsay is back home, at least for a while.
I was so looking forward to it that I started the next chapter and I assure you, Charlotte meeting everyone will be the cutest thing you'll read soon.
Your comments don't appear here, I don't know why, but they arrived in my email and I'm extremely happy. I was going to post tomorrow, but I don't know the anxiety made me post now, if you have a time you prefer to post let me know, if you don't have a specific time, it will continue to be a surprise. Hahaha.
And come on, this chapter was happy, right? At least a little? You guys deserved it and besides, for those who wanted the end of Hailey and Jay, you got it. I was going to drag this out a little longer, but I managed to fit my thinking without them being in a relationship, so there will still be a lot of conversation between them, but don't worry, it's over. Happy chapter and update in a day and a half? Well... I'm happy, you're happy, that's what matters.
Oh and before I finish this huge author's note... don't worry, you'll have the Nick and Tess story, why is this trio cute or not? Also, there will be Will and Jay talking too. This is just the beginning. And finally, until the next chapter which I will classify as VERY cute.
