Book 2: Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Throughout the night, my family and I got packed up and ready to go. Instead of driving myself, I rode with them to make things easier. My heart raced too much for me to get there alone anyway. The long drive and anticipation I had were waiting to be released. When Cyrus' face appears, I'm unsure what my body will do. It'll react on its own accord. Although I should be mad at him like I was at Jay, the floodgates will be open instead.

My sister was excited, which was nice to see. It's been a while since I've seen her happy about something for once. She's been moping and unbearable throughout most of this year. Once Jeremy got into the picture, she changed. I wish she would come to talk to me, but I wouldn't pressure her. When the time came, Summer would express her feelings. Until then, we had to deal with her flip-flopping personality.

"This time, I get to go to Sunbury too!" Someone was excited. "It's too bad it's for someone else's wedding and not yours."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the reminder, Summer," I say, visibly annoyed.

"I'm stating the obvious, that's all," we got into the car as Jeremy finished loading our bags in the trunk.

The obvious didn't need stating she was being an asshole. I couldn't fault her too much since it was the truth. The wedding was not mine. If we were getting married, I'm positive Cyrus would love that. Though whose to say, he doesn't love it with Jenna either? I won't know until I see his reaction. A good look at his face will tell me all I need to know if this wedding truly is something he wants. However, if it's not, what could I do about it? I wasn't going to intrude on Jenna's day as much as it would be a joy. Being a homewrecker wasn't something I wanted to affiliate with.

Not responding to my sister, I popped my headphones in, getting ready for this long journey to Sunbury. It took even longer because Jeremy drove like we were in bumper-to-bumper traffic. We were not the roads were clear, but it still took us an extra hour to even get into the city of Sunbury. Once we did, I felt myself in awe again at how magnificent it was. Despite all the rich assholes, it was great to see the place again. The stores, the restaurants, everything looked as beautiful as ever.

The best part was seeing the houses. My family has a home now, but none of the homes in Greendale compare to houses like this. Everything was exactly how I remembered it, with a few changes here and there. My heart feels contentment returning to a place that was once my demise. Despite everything, Sunbury became a second home to me.

I started to panic a little bit when we pulled up to a particular house. It's been a while since I've been in this house. Although I wasn't here all the time, it was still nerve-racking. This was the start of my deception, and it became something I didn't regret in the long run. Part of me was thrilled to see what's changed on the inside. The other part was scared I wouldn't be welcome to stay here. It was worth a shot, though.

Stepping out of the car, Jeremy helped grab my suitcase out of the trunk handing it to me gently. "Are you sure he's here?" Jeremy asked because it was quiet.

I nodded, "Oh yeah, he never goes anywhere without his sports car," I said confidently.

"Call if you need anything or if you need to come to the Hadid's," my mom poked her head out of the window. "We'll come to get you right away."

"Thanks, but I'll be fine. See you guys tomorrow." I walked away from them quickly to get this over with.

Walking up to his door, I sighed, hesitating to knock on it. We've seen each other already, so it's not like it would be awkward. My nerves stemmed from how long it's been since we've been alone. Jay hasn't stopped thinking of when he fell off the face of the earth, but that doesn't make this any less weird. I'm asking him to put me in his home for however long Farah plans to keep us out here this time. It was a massive ask of anyone, and I didn't expect him to agree with it. Though, it would be nice—anything to keep away from the Hadid's house.

No more delay, I knocked on the door, awaiting my faith. It only took a minute for him to answer the door, but my anxiety made it feel like hours. As soon as he saw it was me, his eyes lit up. He was not expecting me to be knocking on his door. Especially so soon after we saw each other. I didn't plan to show up in Sunbury, but duty calls. Jay was the only person I knew who lived alone, so here I was.

I smiled nervously, checking him out. He wore some sweatpants and a simple t-shirt, but he made it look damn good. The little things with Jay always got me riled up. He could be reading a book, and my mouth will drool like I'm some wild animal. The man was gorgeous even more than before. Again, what was in this Sunbury water? I completely missed the memo again.

"Autumn, I wasn't expecting to see you here," he was surprised yet excited at the same time.

"Hi, Jay," I say awkwardly. "Sorry to show up here on such short notice."

He shook his head. "Nonsense, you're always welcomed here," he opened the door wider for me to come in.

As I walked in, things looked the same for the most part. The decorations, the pictures on the wall, it's safe to assume he wasn't big on switching things up. I wasn't expecting a child to come running throughout the hall. She had on a princess dress and balloons in her hand as she hit Jay, running passed us. I'm positive she didn't notice I was there, and I was astonished to see a kid so small in Jay's home. Was there something he wasn't telling me? This couldn't be his kid because she was too old to have slipped past me last year. Unless she was a child, he didn't know existed. Jay was quite the bachelor before he met me. It's not out of the realm of possibility but a bit of a stretch.

Not only was there a small child here, but there was an even more minor child who came around the corner crawling. That one could have been his kid, and big news to me! Since when did Jay have children around him? How was he even capable of looking after such young kids? No offense, but Jay wasn't precisely the mature type. It's only been one year, and I've never been more confused than at this moment.

Jay sighed, running over to pick up the baby. "Nadia, did you let Jacob out of his playpen again?" He questioned the girl whose name I learned.

The little girl giggled. "Maybe."

I laughed to myself, entertained by the two of them. Jay was gentle in his questioning, and Nadia seemed to take it as him playing around. Whatever the case, this little girl would have him wrapped around her fingers. He was a sucker for me; there was no way he wasn't a sucker for a little girl as cute as she was. At least it's nice to know he would be a good father. That much was certain from the moment we started to develop a relationship.

My attention was now focused on the cute baby boy Jay was holding in his hands. I quickly snatched the smiling boy out of his hands and held him close to me. Jacob was smiling and had bright blue eyes, just like Jay did. The two teeth he possessed were the cutest thing ever when he smiled. He looked to be a happy baby too.

Jay walked over to Nadia, bending down to her level. "What did mom say before she left?" He asked her.

"Um, to leave Jake in the playpen," she responded playfully.

Jay nodded. "Exactly, and that's what we're going to do until she gets back or else," he thought for a moment. "Or else the beautiful princess won't be able to have a royal tea party!"

Nadia gasped. "Oh, no, I have to go to the tea party, or else I won't meet the prince!"

She yelled out as Jay picked her up and spun her around. Judging by the conversation, these were his siblings, which can only mean one thing. Jay must have reconnected with his father, but when? Also, where did the siblings come from? He never mentioned having siblings unless he just found out himself. The more I thought about it, the more the pieces came together. Here I thought he had secret kids and only had secret siblings. It was much better than him having secret kids, admittedly. I was happy he was able to talk to his father again. The way they left each other wasn't ideal, but at least they could work on it.

Jay returned to me with his sister in hand, excited to introduce us. "If you can't already tell, this is my younger sister Nadia," he held her up. "And that right there is Jacob."

I smile, squeezing Jacob lightly. I look at Nadia, hoping she would like me as well. "Hi, Nadia, I'm Autumn." I stick my hand out to her.

That wasn't appealing to her. She wrapped her arms around Jay turning her head away from me. "Who is this?" She asked Jay.

Jay chuckled, making her turn back towards me. "This is someone very special to your big brother," he remarked.

That made her smile as she looked at me more enthusiastically. "Is she *your* princess?" She asked excitedly.

We both laughed at her absurdness. "Hopefully, one day, she can be," Jay said, winking at me.

I looked away so he wouldn't see me blush. He was still the smooth talker he's always been. It's been a while since I've heard him compliment me. Hearing him hold out hope for us to work out warmed my heart. There was no telling what would happen between us. For now, I'm glad we could communicate and that I got to meet more of his family. Things only a girlfriend should be allowed to do, but he saw me naked, so it's only fair.

We walked to the living room, putting Jacob back in his pen, and Jay put on cartoons for Nadia. It was enough to keep them distracted while we talked a bit. He was wondering why I showed up unexpectedly, and I was wondering about how all this came to be. It was new, but I loved every minute of it.

Jay grabbed us drinks before sitting down with me. "So, what brings you here and so late?" He sounded concerned. "Is everything ok?"

I nod and smile at his concern for me. "Um, you could say that." I was vague.

"Somethings wrong, and you're not telling me." He thought for a minute, and then it hit him. "Did you find out about the wedding?"

"Bingo," I say with a distaste in my mouth. "Not only that, but I was asked to be a bridesmaid."

I'm unsure if I should have been talking to Jay about this. He was already caught up in the situation, which could only mean he spoke to Cyrus. If I didn't know better, I'd say Cyrus asked him to be his best man. Also, Jay didn't say anything to him about us. There is no way Cyrus would have asked him if he knew what was going on. This wedding was about to be full of deceit and drama.

Jay was the only person I could talk to. I didn't want to make him jealous, though. I've seen it when he gets jealous, and it's not pretty. It would be insensitive of me to groan about Cyrus while Jay was sitting there. He felt the same way towards me that Cyrus did. At least used to; I can't bring myself to vent to him. But goodness, this was the worst!

Sighing, I looked at him innocently before I asked him for a favor. "You don't have to say yes, but I would appreciate it if I could stay here with you."

That surprised him as he looked intrigued. "You want to stay here with me? Is it because you don't want to see Cyrus with Jenna?" He was spot on.

I pursed my lips, blushing. "Maybe," I say, not proud of it.

Jay laughed, sensing my jealousy. "Whatever the case, you know you're always welcomed at my house, Autumn." He said gleefully. "Lucky for you, my family doesn't live here anymore, so you get to sleep in the biggest room in the house!"

I laughed as we went to grab my bag and bring it upstairs. I had never fully emersed myself inside his house before. A part from being in his room upstairs was foreign to me. However, it was just like the Hadid's house. Halls and doors at every corner, no matter where you look. The difference is I wouldn't get lost in Jay's house because it was much smaller than the Hadid's. It was still classy and well put together.

Anyway, we got to this enormous door, and my mouth fell to the floor as soon as he opened it. He wasn't lying when he said this was a massive room in the house. It was magnificent! The bed was on the upper part of the floor in the corner. There was also a mini living room with a gigantic closet and ensuite. I guess this used to be his parent's room, and he was letting me sleep here. This was better than the room Farah had me stay in at her house.

I laid back on the bed, taking in how comfortable it was as Jay watched me in amusement.

"This is beautiful," I say, thrilled I get to sleep in here.

He smiled, "yeah, I was thinking of switching to this room myself, but some of my mom's things are still here. I didn't want to move them."

I walk over to him, stopping a few feet away. "Thank you for letting me stay especially knowing your mom's stuff is still here. I'll make sure not to touch it!" I promised.

Shocking me, Jay grabbed me, pulling me into him. Without hesitation, I relaxed into him, feeling every emotion come over me. I missed this about us. I was engulfed by him and getting to take in his every scent. We wouldn't get carried away, but at least we could still hug each other. He has no idea how much I've missed him.

Kissing the top of my head, he let go of me, making his way to the door. "I'll let you get settled, the kids are staying here tonight, but my stepmom will be picking them up in the morning," he explained. "Then we can head over tomorrow."

I rolled my eyes at that last part but was excited about the first part. "Stepmom?" I questioned.

"You'll like her, I promise." He said before leaving me to unpack.

I couldn't wait to see his family, which he's been missing out on. I'm not excited to see his father if he even shows, but at least I can meet his newfound stepmom. I wasn't thrilled about going to the Hadid's house tomorrow. Seeing everyone again was going to be a lot to take in. Being in that house would be challenging. Regardless, I said I would do it, so that's what I will do. Jenna better be appreciative, the bitch.