I'm excited to bring you the sequel to The Long Haul. I recommend you read that one first to understand the journey that Alex and Jay have been on already. Thank you for your continued support and I can't wait to hear your feedback!

This chapter picks up the following morning after The Long Haul ended.

Jay leaned against the counter, finishing his coffee as the quiet hum of the morning filled the kitchen. His badge rested on the table, catching the light, and his holstered gun sat securely on his hip. He looked like someone ready to face whatever the day threw at him. But his thoughts were still on his sixteen year old sister Alex - on the night before - her words, her tears, the truth finally set free between them. He couldn't shake it, and honestly, he didn't want to.

She'd finally opened up and let him see past her guarded walls, even if there had been whiskey involved. There had been a glimpse into her past with the words she shared - the weight that she carried around with how their father had abused her these past few years. Thankful that they'd finally seen forward movement in their relationship, Jay hoped that it would last.

However, the sound of soft footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Alex opened her bedroom door, clad in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings with a large messy bun on top of her head. She moved slowly, her arms crossed protectively, her gaze flickering around the room like she wasn't quite sure where to land it. Jay didn't push, didn't say anything. He just waited.

She finally stepped into the kitchen, shoving her hands inside her sweatshirt for comfort. "Morning," she muttered, her voice hoarse and quiet.

"Morning," Jay replied, his tone easy. "How'd you sleep?"

She shrugged, grabbing a glass from the cabinet. "Fine I guess." She filled it and leaned back against the counter, sipping in silence. Her eyes darted to him every so often, like she wanted to say something but wasn't ready to break the fragile peace between them. She was still processing the vulnerability uncovered last night, still uncertain what it meant for them moving forward.

Jay opened the microwave and pulled out a plate that had a pre-made breakfast meal on top of it. "I made this for you."

Alex fought the smile that pulled at her lips and settled for an eye roll instead. "Home-cooked breakfast? You shouldn't have," she joked, snagging the plate from him and sitting down at the table.

"What can I say? I'm a true chef," he replied, taking a seat across from her as he sipped his coffee, letting its warmth calm his own nerves.

"Says the guy who burnt popcorn last week," she spat playfully as she took a bite of the meal. It was less than lukewarm by now, but she wasn't going to bring it up. He at least…tried.

"It's not my fault the microwave sensor didn't work," Jay defended.

Alex chuckled. "I doubt that will hold up in court."

Jay laughed as well, finishing off his drink. Court. He was instantly reminded that he needed to get paperwork submitted for Alex's transfer of guardianship…something that she still didn't know about. It was a good thing that he was meeting up with Will today, because he had to figure out how to approach this with Alex.

Noticing his suddenly distracted attention, Alex took another bite and asked, "You okay, officer?"

"Detective," Jay reflexively replied, turning to face Alex. Her shit eating grin reminded him that she knew that very well.

After flashing a grin back, Jay stood up and dropped his mug in the sink. "I have to go in to help the team with a case we're working on, but I'm hoping we can go out for dinner tonight. Maybe pizza or something?"

"Or something," she replied with a mouthful of food.

"You tired of pizza already?"

"You need to expand your palate. So Indian food it is."

Jay raised an eyebrow, unwilling to admit that she had a point. He usually went for the simple things in life - bar food, pizza, or burgers. But he wouldn't back down from a challenge, especially if it meant they'd get to talk on more neutral ground about what had happened a few days ago when she was caught purchasing drugs, now that things seemed to be improving between them.

"Indian it is," he confirmed, much to her surprise. "Are you going to be okay hanging out here again today?" This week of fall break was already feeling like the longest in all the wrong ways for both of them - and it was only Wednesday.

"It'd be easier if I could unlock my cell phone," she muttered before taking a sip of water. She'd tried three more times to unlock it yesterday - using her mother's, Jay's, and her birthdays. But sadly, nothing worked and she couldn't risk hitting the limit and having the data erased, so she'd reluctantly given up.

"Don't worry, it'll still let you answer when I call," he replied with a smirk as he checked his watch. Shit. "I have to get going," he said, grabbing his badge off the table. As Jay shifted to clip it onto his waistband, Alex's gaze dropped, catching on his waist. She froze, her breath hitching slightly as her mind registered what she was seeing - or rather, what she wasn't seeing. No belt. The loops on his pants sat empty.

It was such a small thing, but it spoke volumes. He'd always worn a belt. Always. But not today. Not after yesterday. Not after her panic at seeing him with a belt - not after her confession at what their father had done to her. Her chest tightened, and an ache bloomed behind her ribs, raw and tender. She swallowed hard, her eyes stinging.

"Okay, I'll see you later." He stood there like an awkward goof for a moment, unsure how to say goodbye after the bonding moment they'd shared last night. Finally, he offered a simple wave before he turned toward the door, his footsteps heavy against the tiled floor.

However, something in the teen's heart twisted. She couldn't just let him leave like that. Not after how thoughtful he'd been. God damnit. Maybe he did care.

Before she knew what she was doing, she crossed the kitchen in a blur and wrapped her arms tightly around him from the side. Jay stopped mid-step, startled, before turning slightly to glance down at her. She buried her face against his chest, holding him like she was afraid to let go.

For a moment, he just stood there, and she wondered if she'd made a mistake. But then his arm wrapped around her, pulling her close. His grip was firm but careful, like he was afraid she might slip through his fingers if he held on too tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered, the words muffled but heavy with emotion.

Jay's embrace tightened as did his throat, soaking up the affection. To finally hear her be thankful for something he'd done - even if he wasn't entirely sure what she was referencing - it was a big win and a step in the right direction.

While he was already late, he refused to be the first to let go. She stayed there for another moment, then slowly stepped back and darted her eyes elsewhere, unable to process the complex onslaught of emotions. Jay turned to face her fully, his expression unreadable but tender. He studied her for a beat, as if committing this rare moment to memory.

"You sure you're good?" he asked genuinely.

She nodded, trying to force a smile. "Yeah." Jay lingered for a moment, as if giving her another chance to talk. Alex sighed loudly, the sarcastic demeanor quickly returning. "Now get going. Can't have you getting fired for being late. I need you to pay all my bills."

Jay gave her a small, reassuring smile, reaching out to ruffle her tangled hair before heading to the door.

As the door clicked shut, Alex stood frozen, her arms crossed tightly. The words of gratitude hung in the air, raw and unfamiliar. She hadn't planned to say it, and now, with Jay gone, the weight of it crushed her, and the quiet of the kitchen felt unbearable.

Dropping into a chair, she stared at his mug in the sink. Her chest ached, the emotion swirling inside her like an itch she couldn't scratch. Why had she said it? Was she really thankful for all the stupid and controlling stuff he'd done for her?

Unable to cope and wanting to quiet her thoughts, she quickly went and opened the cabinet above the fridge.

"Fuck," she exclaimed loudly as she immediately ripped open the fridge.

That bastard.

Jay had apparently removed every trace of alcohol after her encounter with too much whiskey yesterday. God. Could she blame him? Hell yes.

And now she was really alone, forced to sit with the mess of feelings she didn't know how to handle.