Book 2: Chapter 17

***Chapter 17***

The next morning, I didn't want to get out of bed. Jay and I were still in our sleeping arrangement that's worked out well for the most part. I was embarrassed about my behavior yesterday, but today the girls and I were supposed to get together to go buy presents for Jenna's wedding shower. It didn't help that I had no clue what to even buy her but what happened yesterday did take a bit of a toll on me. If I didn't get up now, I would be late. Thankfully Jay is always looking out for me when I need it.

Jay walked in and I lifted the covers over my head. He was going to try and get me up but I didn't want to. Did I have to go get her a gift? It's not like we knew each other well. I'm the last person she would be expecting something from, but Farah would chew me out if I didn't follow the rules she had in place. These eight weeks were chugging slowly along this time around.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Jay pulled the blanket down exposing my face to him. He smiled at me already dressed and ready to go. He's been up for a few hours now trying everything he could to wake me up. This time he had a great idea and it worked in his favor.

"Autumn, you have to get up. There's no reason to fret over last night," he kept trying to reassure me, but it wasn't working much.

I whined wanting to stay here and loathe. "Jay, come on don't make me," I said with pleading eyes.

He sighed, pulling out the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. "Alright, well I guess I'm going to have to eat this chocolate cake by myself." He taunted taking small, savory bites.

My eyes widened at that sight. It looked just as good as yesterday if not better. The way he was taunting me by not giving me some drove me insane. If there were any way to get me out of this bed, he had my number. So much so that I didn't waste any time jumping on him trying to get a bite for myself. Of course, he was stronger than I, so it was easier said than done. It didn't change how much I loved hearing his laughter run through my ears. He was only messing with me, but I wanted that cake by any means necessary.

"Just give me a lick of frosting!" I yelled struggling to get the fork to my mouth.

"Only if you promise to get up," he said not doing much to keep the fork away from me.

It was a struggle, but eventually, I ended up caving in. There was no way I was going to get it by force. I knew what battles to fight and which ones not. This was one of those battles that I knew I'd never win. Though Jay wasn't going to let me go without having some since I had none last night. The distraught I felt was too much to handle and admittedly I felt like I wanted to go apologize. I do feel like his father deserved that, but that didn't change how rude I may have come off.

After feeding me a piece of cake, we sat in silence for a minute. I'm unsure of how to tell him what I was thinking. He's become so much better at communicating than I am. It's almost like we switched roles. He was the more sensible one and I was now like him. Afraid to talk about my feelings, getting jealous of the little things that had no meaning. Everything he went through last year with me, I was going through now. My eyes were still going to watch Kameron around him like a hawk. However, there needed to be some sort of rationality on my part.

We both divulged in the chocolate cake devouring every drop. Jay could tell my mind was wondering about something. He's also gotten good on that front as well. It was bad that he reminded me so much of Cyrus. Back then there were very apparent differences between them. Jay is the more uncontained one. This time around it's like we all switched roles making situations hard to read. The way I picture Jay reacting he does the complete opposite. Making it as though I don't know him at all.

Sighing, I ran my fingers through my hair forcing myself off the bed. "Jay, last night when you wanted me to say those words to you..."

"Don't worry, I don't want you to feel pressured to do something you're not ready to do," he's been so patient with me.

I looked at him surprised by his answer. "Are you sure?" I asked willing to compromise with him.

He nods flashing that beautiful smile at me. "Yes, gorgeous. Besides, I feel contentment just knowing deep down you feel the same way I do." He looks down at me softly. "When you feel comfortable expressing yourself to me, I'll be waiting to listen."

This is what I meant by us trading places. I would be the one always waiting to listen to him when he felt comfortable getting things off his chest. He's been patiently waiting for me to do just that. Always being around when I needed him the most. All the things I would do for him then he's doing for me now. It'll be a miracle if he doesn't get tired of my shit by the time, I'm ready to admit to my feelings. Hopefully, his waiting continues to keep up.

Nevertheless, I stopped procrastinating and got myself ready for the day. We were only going shopping for presents for Jenna and I'm sure none of us looked forward to that. Though it had to be done so we were doing it either way. I knew she wouldn't be grateful to us, at least not to me. It made me all the wearier to buy her anything, to begin with. What could I do about it now? I already agreed to the stupid thing.

After I was dressed, Jay dropped me off at the Hadid's where the girls were ready to go. Luckily, I made it right on time and we were able to get to the stores before they got crowded. Neither of us knew what to get her because none of us were technically her friends. I had no clue what she liked, what she liked to wear, or even what she thought was cute. Shopping was supposed to be fun, and this was a nightmare.

"Why do we have to buy gifts again," Kira asked struggling more than the rest of us. This was her first-time meeting Jenna, so she really had no clue what kind of person Jenna is.

"Because that's what you do at a wedding shower," Bradyn explained rummaging through dresses. "Typically, they'd have a registry, but Farah didn't mention anything about one."

I sighed, giving up for the time being. "It'd be a lot easier if she at least gave us a list."

"Should it be a couple-type gift or an individual?" Twila asked quitting alongside me.

This is hopeless! We were never going to get her something she liked. Whatever we did pick, she'll more than likely use it once and then toss it out. I was much better off getting a gift purely for Cyrus instead of her. However, the bridesmaids weren't allowed to do that according to Farah. Her weird logic would be the downfall of this whole wedding. None of the things we were supposed to do followed tradition but then again when does Farah ever follow the norm?

Thankfully for us, someone whose been spending quite a lot of time with Jenna walked through the door. Along with Sienna and Kameron. For the other two, I was happy to see Kameron, not so much. She hasn't done anything too crazy yet, but I'm waiting for her to strike. I knew she would when I least expected it.

Spotting us, Ocean came over looking at us failing to find Jenna anything she would like.

"You guys aren't looking in the right place, you know?" Ocean greeted us. It feels like the first time I've talked to her the whole time she's been here.

I sighed with a roll of my eyes. "What exactly are we supposed to do?" I asked since she would know her best.

She looked at me like I was crazy before being honest. "Look, Jenna's not going to like anything you get her because she just doesn't like you," she informs me.

What a shocker that was. "Then I guess she won't get a gift from me then," I said not bothered by it.

"No, you have to get her something or she'll just hate you even more." She warned me.

It didn't make sense that I had to get her something just for her not to like it. I know we weren't fond of each other, but I would never dislike something just because she got it for me. The girl was irrational for all the wrong reasons. I've been leaving her alone and even partying with her at the engagement party. I've barely talked to Cyrus aside from the moments when he would pull me aside. I'm being as respectful as I possibly could, yet she still disliked me. She already got what she wanted and then some. Shouldn't bygones be bygones?

I whine out of frustration. I wasn't in the mood for this today. "You're her close friend, what should I get her?" I asked.

She thought for a moment. "Get a candle or something simple. At least it won't be expensive even if she throws it out." She suggested.

A candle wasn't my first thought because it's a candle. She could get a damn candle from anywhere. However, if Ocean were right and she was going to throw my present out anyway then a candle she shall get.

I made my way over to the candle section sniffing them until I found a nice scent. What should have been a quick trip turned into an annoying conversation because Kameron followed me here. I have to remember not to let her get to me. Whatever she was going to do wasn't going to work. Jay continuously shows me how much he cares for me, and Cyrus is not exactly looking to get into anything with her. It's safe to assume her efforts will be null in void.

Smirking at me, she watched as I continued to sniff through the candles. "How's Jay doing? I hope you've been keeping him warm for me," she asked just to get a reaction out of me.

Rolling my eyes, I kept going through the candles. "Why would I get him *warmed up* for you?" Was she being for real?

"You think he doesn't want me, but I promise I know Jay better than you do," now she was deliberately trying to get in my head.

Even if that were the case, why would Jay lie about not liking her? Unless there was some super-secret he was keeping, I highly doubt he had any interest in her. Especially with the way he begged me to say that I love him yesterday. I'm sure there could be a possibility that he could like both of us. However, Jay hasn't given me a reason to suspect anything going on with him and Kameron. Is making people feel like shit a sport for her or something?

I ignored her comments about Jay and switched over to Cyrus. "Shouldn't you be worried about gaining Cyrus' attention? You've been super chummy with Jenna lately." I point out.

Kameron scoffed with a roll of her eyes. "Please, she's been up my ass because she knows I can have him whenever I want," she stepped closer to me with a devious grin. "And you know, you should be worried too. Jay will be mine."

"I'm not worried," I told myself and her.

"Okay, but when he's coming to meet up with me you can guarantee that it's not just for a cup of coffee."

And with that, she walked away leaving me annoyed and anxious all in one. Jay wouldn't meet up with her, would he?