Hello again! I really am very sorry for taking so long on this. I haven’t had the greatest past couple of months, and not having the internet doesn’t help much. But here is an all new chapter of BBWJ and I swear to keep going. I also apologize for the fact that this chapter is lacking…and promise to make the next one much, much better, and even more I promise to have it out much, much sooner than this one.

Also, thank you to everyone who reviewed for the last chapter, I never would have gotten back to this if it wasn’t for your words of encouragement. I hope you guys forgive me and continue reading!

PS - It is still November in BBWJ.

Sunday morning did not start well, and that’s an understatement. After taking a quick shower, I was hit with somewhat of a surprise as I walked into the kitchen. For some reason, Craig hadn’t left for work, my mother wasn’t shopping, and unfortunately, my Grandparents were at my house. Whoever gave them permission to leave the nursing home was insane. As usual my Grandpa Cle was ‘sleeping’. By this I mean he smiled and put his finger to his lips to ‘shush’ me as I walked in. He’d been doing this for years, pretending to sleep to avoid his wife’s constant nagging. She simply thought he was so old he couldn’t stay awake. While Cle was slumped over the island counter, with my Grandma and my mother sitting on opposite sides of him, Craig opted to lean against the sink, sipping his coffee.

“This house is filthy Elizabeth Monroe, why don’t you hire a maid?” There‘s the spitfire! If the woman ever said a nice word I’m pretty sure I would die of shock.

“We have a cleaning lady mother.” My mother heard me enter as she glanced at me with a pleading look on her face that obviously said, ‘Shut your grandmother up!’

“Hey Grandma.” I braced myself for insults.

“Bailey Payton,” she squinted at me for a better view, “have you gained weight?” She turned to my mother, “What are you feeding your children?”

My mom ignored her as she attempted a smile towards me, it turned out more of a grimace. “Your Grandparents are spending the week with us for Thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving? Something was obviously taking up too much of my thoughts if I didn’t realize a holiday was coming around.

“They let you out of the home?” Craig shot me a sharp look as I said the words.

Bea turned her nose up at me as she answered, “We are allowed vacations during holidays.”

“Of course you are!”

“Whoa,” I recognized Jariden’s voice behind me, “did we open a hotel or something?”

“Grandparents.” I whispered to him as I leaned against the wall to give him room to stand. I took in his appearance, with the hour still early he hadn’t changed out of his sleep clothes, a white t-shirt and black sweat pants, and his lip rings were small silver studs, an unusual change from his black rings. His not-so-dark look actually gave him the appearance of…a nice guy. Then again, he’d probably look good in anything…or nothing. I think he could read my thoughts as he caught me staring and sent me a wink.

A cough from the counter brought my attention back to the room as Bea studied him up and down, frowning at his messy hair, “You must be Jariden.” She didn’t bother to hide the disgust in her tone.

“That’s what they tell me.” He straightened his posture as he answered.

“What is your middle name Jariden?”

He smiled, “Longfellow.”

Craig coughed, “His middle name is James.”

“Jariden James,” Bea tried it out before shaking her head, “what a horrible name.”

Jariden smiled wider but kept his mouth shut as he looked at Bea in amusement. Shock suddenly crossed her features as she studied him more closely, “Are you aware that there is metal protruding from your mouth?”

He tilted his head back and let out a genuine laugh, “Really?” He reached up to touch his lip rings, “I had no idea!”

Bea put a hand to her heart and looked away from his face, as if staring at him any more would be harmful to her health. The look on her face was funny enough to make me laugh, effectively turning her attention to me. “Your future husband and his parents are joining us for our night of expressing our thanks.” I felt Jariden stiffen next to me as my mouth opened in disbelief. Surely, she was referring to Landon, hadn’t I told her we’d broken up?

“He’s not my future husband.”

“If he is intelligent that is.”

“Grandma, I told you I broke up with Landon.”

She ignored me as she continued, “The only reason I can comprehend for Landon still having relations with you is that he is interested in sexual intercourse. I’m sure you are very experienced in that category Bailey Payton.”

“Mother!” My moms plea echoed around the room.

Once again ignoring the previous comment she kept speaking, her gaze directed at me. “Josephine Davidson informed me that you are with child.”

“What?!” My parents shouted in unison both turning to me with furious faces, I felt Jariden shake against me as he tried to control his laughter. My Grandfather ‘awoke’ from his deep sleep to watch the scenario unfolding.

“You’re pregnant?!” My mother advanced towards me.

“No mom!” I glared at my grandmother for starting this.

My mom took my hands in hers and stared at me, “Bailey honey, don’t you use those condoms I buy you?”

“I-”

Jariden cut me off, “She’s allergic to latex.”

“I am not!”

“How would you know young man?” Bea asked.

He shrugged, “Rose told me.”

“I’m not allergic to latex!” I announced to the room before turning on Jariden, “shut up!”

He shrugged again, a distant look appearing on his face, “Chill the fuck out.”

“Jariden!” Craig’s voice boomed around the kitchen, “Don’t use that language around your grandparents!”

Jariden scoffed, “My grandparents?” Shaking his head he continued, “I’ve never met these people before.”

“You could still have some respect for my family!” Craig’s face began to turn a violent shade of red as he bared down on his son. My grandfather had miraculously ‘awoken’ to watch the fight unfold, as my mother was close to tears, avoiding the judgmental gaze of Bea.

“Your family? What does that make me then,” he paused to spit out his last word, “dad?”

“Don’t start that with me.” Craig shook a finger towards Jariden, “I’ve given you a home, a car, as much freedom as you like, I demand a little respect in return! Something seemed to click in Jariden’s head as he set his jaw and admitted defeat. “Now apologize to your sister.”

Jariden seemed confused for a moment, until he turned towards me, plastered a fake smile over his face, widened his eyes, and exclaimed, “Sorry sis!” Craig chose to ignore his sarcasm as I reached out to grab his arm. He quickly pushed my hand away and purposely looked away, shaking his head as he walked out of the kitchen, up the stairs, and slammed his bedroom door.

The kitchen was quiet for a moment while we all tried to comprehend what had just happened. Bea, of course, was the first to break the silence. “Well!” She began, “That young man is a bad apple Elizabeth Monroe! Why on earth do you allow him in your house?”

My mother slowly set her hands in front of her, straightened up, and cleared her throat, “He’s family mother.”

Bea flashed her hand out, as if throwing away a particularly disgusting piece of trash, “He is no such thing! You should try raising your children better.”

“I didn’t raise him.” Craig cut in, “If I had, he may have turned out better.” He then turned to me, “Right Bailey?”

My mouth hung open in disbelief as I dumbly nodded my head in agreement, immediately feeling guilty for not standing up for Jariden.

Half a history paper later, Jariden joined me with his homework in the den, taking up the spot on the couch next to me. He had seemingly calmed down since the incident earlier. Craig had left soon after, murmuring that he’d try and make it to dinner, and giving my mother a quick nod before he went. The rest of us were silent, and it wasn’t until my grandfather tenderly reached up and brushed a tear aside that I realized I was crying. I excused myself and retired to the den. To say that Jariden had some emotional baggage was an understatement, he was like a ticking time bomb. One wrong move and he blew up. But what hurt me the most was the way he so easily pushed me aside.

I set my paper aside and leaned against the arm of the couch, “You are family you know.”

He didn’t look up as he worked out a math problem, “What‘s your point Bailey?”

“You called me ‘sis‘ like it was the most disgusting word in the world.”

He closed his book and copied my position, “Did it offend you?”

I stared him down, “Yes.”

He rested his hands behind his head, “I didn’t say it like that to hurt you.”

“Well it did.”

“Well I‘m sorry.” He smiled at me, “Forgive me?”

I pretended to consider his apology, “Fine…I forgive you…I guess.”

“Wanna kiss and make up?”

“No.”

He folded his arms as I placed my paper in my lap and started to work again. I could feel his stare as I tried to focus on my homework. After a few moments I felt a sharp nudge on my foot, looking down I saw Jariden’s feet resting near mine. “Did you just kick me?”

“Yes.”

“Dumbass.” I kicked him back.

“Bailey!” His eyes widened, “Are you playing footsy with me?”

“No.” I kicked him again.

“Sure about that?”

“Yep.” I went to kick him again but he was faster as he vaulted from his relaxed position to land on top of me. I could see the challenge in his eyes, “I’ll kick your ass.”

“You’re like a twig!” He pinned my arms, “I’d break you!”

“I’ll bite you!”

He raised his eyebrows, “I’ll like it.”

Okay, so they say violence is never an option, but at that point I didn’t care. I hurled myself off the couch, effectively bringing Jariden down with me and landing both of us on our backs. Before he could overcome his shock I jumped on him. “My older brother is a wrestling champ you know.”

“You’re still a twig you know.”

“Doesn’t mean I cant-” I was cut off by a ringing. We both looked to the couch to see his phone. He made a grab for it but I was faster, snatching the phone and jumping up from my position. I looked at the screen to see ‘Alexa’ flashing in bold letters. “Alexa’s the ex right?”

“Yep.” He nodded from his space on the floor, obviously giving up on answering the phone himself.

I clicked the talk button and held it to my ear, “Jariden’s phone, how may I be of service?”

“Uh,” Alexa paused, “Rose?”

The mention of her name sent a small spark of jealousy through me, “No, this is Bailey.”

“Oh hi Bailey!” The girl’s voice suddenly became more friendly, “This is Alexa.”

No shit Sherlock. “I saw your name on the caller ID.”

“Oh duh,” she laughed into the receiver, “Is Jariden there?”

I didn’t answer as I handed him the phone.

He stood up and spoke into it, “Hey Lex.”

I sat down on the couch as I listened to the conversation. He sent a glance my way, “Yeah that would be her.” He sat down next to me, “Yeah I am, what about you?” My mind was running as I listened to him talk, thinking of all the things he could be responding to. At that moment none of it was good. “Really?” He sounded excited. “I can probably arrange that.” The tone in his voice was too suggestive, causing more negative thoughts to go through my mind.

A horn blared outside, rescuing me. I shrugged my jacket on and stood up.

“Hold on.” Jariden turned his attention to me, “Going somewhere?”

I didn’t look at him as I answered, “Weekly routine.” I walked out before he could respond.

The cold hit me as soon as I stepped out the door. The snow hadn’t started yet but it was still freezing. I hurried to the confines of Raquel’s car, the heat blasting my face the moment I closed the passenger door. I didn’t give her time to speak, “I think Jariden’s gonna fuck his ex.”

She ignored me for a moment as she reversed out onto the road, “What makes you think that?”

“He was just talking to her on the phone and he said ‘I can probably arrange that.’”

She smiled, “You’re ridiculous.”

“Why?”

“That could mean anything Bailey!” She glanced at me, amusement lighting up her eyes, “You always jump to the most idiotic conclusions.” Her reassurance didn’t do anything to fix my nerves.

When we got to the coffee shop only Rose was there, sitting alone at our table. At first glance I’d thought the meeting would be awkward, but her wide smile quickly told me otherwise. She’d already moved on from our ‘war’, probably deciding if she couldn’t have Jariden, she could at least get her friends back.

“Hey you guys!” She blurted out as we sat down, “How was your weekend?”

Too caught up in my own paranoia, I didn’t have it in me to continue the fight. I could at least be decent, if not polite. “They let my grandparents out of the home for the holidays.”

“Oh,” Rose made a ‘that sucks for you’ face, “Did your grandma call you a hooker again?”

“Basically.”

“At least it’s nothing new!” She hesitantly looked at the other person in our group, “Have a good weekend Raquel?”

Raquel apparently wasn’t as forgiving as me as she sent Rose a cold glare before straightening her posture and folding her hands on the table in front of her. “So Jariden dumped you?”

Rose too straightened, “We decided we’re better off as friends.”

“You mean Jariden decided?”

“Raquel”, I interrupted, “let it go.” I’d had enough fighting for the day.

“No!” Her voice became harsh, “You might let people walk all over you but I don’t Bailey, and I’m not about to start now.”

“Raquel,” I said through clenched teeth, “Why are you being so bitchy?”

“She had the nerve to ditch you for a boy, if you don’t stand up for yourself I’ll have to do it for you.”

“I’m sorry you guys!” Rose’s eyes were pleading, “You know how I get with boys!”

“It’s fine Rose,” I managed a small, but fake smile, “It‘s not your fault you jump on anything with a dick.” Rose pretended to find my statement funny as she let out an overly dramatic laugh.

“Bailey!” Raquel exclaimed. I turned my hearing off as she started on her rant. She would get over the whole thing eventually, normally when I stopped being mad at someone she did too. I think Rory coming back was the real cause of her horrible mood. I would probably be the same way though. Imagine, your ex boyfriend coming back and acting like nothing bad ever happened, while all your friends welcome him back with open arms. In fact, I probably would have thrown much worse of a tantrum. “Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes!”

Raquel raised her eyebrows, “Then what did I say?”

“That you love me!” We both turned towards the new voice. Raquel moved at lightening speed as she stood up and put her coat on. She then rounded on Rory, accompanied by Landon and Tyler. “Fuck this! I cant believe you guys would do this to me!” She then turned towards me, “Thanks for the warning!” She grabbed her bag and walked towards the door.

“Raquel!” I yelled after her, but she didn’t bother to turn around. She left, effectively leaving me without a ride.

“Awesome.” I gestured to the now empty door, “How am I supposed to get home?”

“Well,” Rose was now rising from her seat, looking highly annoyed, “she’s totally overdramatic.”

“Let it go Rosey!” I looked towards Rory as he stared Rose down.

“But it‘s true!”

“You’re not one to call someone else overdramatic,” he put his hands in his pockets, “I mean come on, you cry if you can’t find your lip gloss.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Look at you Ms. Huffy!” He laughed, “always so defensive!”

“Okay,” I interrupted as Rose started to turn red, “Hate to break up the fight here, but once again, how am I supposed to get home?”

“Not from me!” Rose picked up her things and left in the same pissed off fashion Raquel had just minutes before. That’s why I like hanging out with guys more. Girls are always pissed off or crying, if a guy gets mad he punches a wall and every things okay.

Rory smiled at me, “Did I say something to upset her?”

I smiled back, “The truth.”

Landon walked over to me with an extra coffee, “Well this was a waste of my gas money,” he handed me the cup, “I’ll give you a ride.”

“Me too?” Rory asked, grabbing the coffee out of my hand, I made no attempt to stop him and he started to gulp it down.

“You didn’t drive?” Landon had a look of pure shock. Rory shook his head. “You walked?” He nodded. “You mean,” Landon started, as if not being able to comprehend the act of walking somewhere, “you’d rather walk than drive your car?” Rory nodded again. “But you have the nicest car of all of us!” Landon exclaimed.

Rory shrugged, “I’m rich, not lazy.”

“Then why do you need a ride home?”

“I’m only not lazy once a day.”

Landon shook his head, but a small smile could be seen spreading across his face, “Fine, I’ll take you home.”

Rory slapped him on the back, “I always knew you were a decent guy!”

“Please,” I sighed as I walked backwards out the door, “you were just hoping you’d end up going home with Raquel.”

“Bailey my love,” he said as he hung an arm around my shoulders, “I will end up going home with her.”

“Mhm.” I mumbled with a small smile as I shrugged his arm off and walked across the parking lot.

“Your lack of faith in me hurts!”

“I have faith in you,” I stopped next to Landon’s car, “I’m just realistic.” I sent him my most charming smile but it went unnoticed as his eyes widened.

“Holy shit Landon, an escalade?” Landon sent him a quizzical glance, “When’d you get the goods?”

Landon shrugged, “Eighteenth birthday.”

“Oh oh,” Rory bounced up and down, “I get it!” He produced a sly smile, “Compensating for something small?” He gestured towards me, “and here I thought she dumped you because you were a dick!”

“I have one!” Landon said from the drivers side as he opened the door, “Get in Rory or I’m running you over.”

Rory’s smile grew as he opened the passenger door for me, “After you milady.”

“He’s gonna punch you one of these days you know.” I warned him as he climbed in back.

“Sure but anyways,” he leaned forward, “Is it seriously that small?”

The car ride back to my house was full of more meaningless banter between the two boys, Tyler had been smart to duck out without any goodbyes. If I had to hear one more joke about how to make up for a small dick I would shoot myself.

“Call me soon baby!” Rory yelled as Landon sped off down the street.

There were no cars in the driveway, but I let out a loud ‘hello’ as I entered the front door anyways, frowning as my own echo was the only answer.

I didn’t bother to hang up my coat, and instead dumped it on the tiled floor leading into the kitchen. A half full coffee pot sat on the counter, the microwave door stood open with ‘0:34‘ reading in the time slot, a true testament to my families half assed attempt at housekeeping.

Resigning to the fact that I was, as usual, alone, I made my way up to my room. Closing the door behind me and falling face down on my bed. Seconds later a knock came from the hallway.

“Thought I heard you come in.” Jariden said as he opened the door.

“Thanks for waiting for the invite to enter.” I mumbled with my face smashed into my pillow. I felt the bed sink next to me as he sat down.

“You’re welcome.” I could picture the smirk on his face.

“Where is everyone?”

He sighed, “Dads at work, your moms shopping with your grandparents, Kayleigh is at her friends house, and Addison is coming home next month.”

“Hmm,” was my reply. Then his last statement sank in, “What?!” I sat up and stared him down, “Addison’s coming home next month?” He nodded, “Says who?”

“Your mom told me to tell you.” He leaned against my headboard, “I guess he’s staying here all of Christmas break.”

I couldn’t hide my enthusiasm as I felt a grin spread across my face. My older brother was the glue that held our family together, the years since he went to college had turned all of our lives upside down.

“Ahem,” Jariden interrupted my thoughts. I read his hesitant look.

“What?”

He fiddled with my blanket. “Lexi and Parker are coming to visit next week.”

“Lexi?” I questioned him, “As in the ex?”

“Er…yeah…” He looked away from me. “I asked my dad about it today, they go to private school so they have weird breaks…” I could tell he was trying to steer the conversation away from the fact that Lexi, his recent ex girlfriend, would be sleeping in our house, possibly in his bed.

“I see..” I started, laying back down to avoid eye contact.

“You’re mad.”

“No I’m not.”

“Don’t lie to me Bailey,” he sounded annoyed, “I see right through it.”

“How would you feel if I had Landon stay here for a week? In my room?”

“She wont sleep in my room.” He slid down to a laying position and turned my head towards him, “That privilege is saved for you only.”

“Right.” I jerked my head away.

“Bailey,” He rested his hand on my cheek but made no attempt to move my head, “me and Lexi aren’t like that anymore.”

“Didn’t say you were.”

“She’s just a good friend.” He started to caress my cheek.

“Uh huh.” As much as I wanted to pull away, I found myself closing my eyes and leaning into his touch.

I felt him move away, “Bailey,” this time his voice was coming from above me, I opened my eyes to see him leaning over me, “she was with me when I found my mother.” I felt the air leave my lungs at his confession. “Please understand that I need her in my life.”

All I could do was nod. “Besides,” he changed his tone to one of mischief, “I need a challenge, and she’s not a challenge.”

I met his stare, feeling the mischief take over me too, “Who is a challenge Jariden?”

He lowered his body towards me until our faces were inches apart. “A certain girl laying under me maybe?” I could feel his hot breath on my lips.

“Hmm.” I sighed. “I only see one of those in here.”

He dragged his right hand to my hip, resting it lazily on the bone. “Sexy isn’t she?”

I found myself flirting with him despite my personal oath to steer clear of any inappropriate situations. “She really is, isn’t she?”

He let out a small laugh before his features turned serious and he lowered his head closer to mine. I felt myself slightly raise my head towards him and closed my eyes as I felt my lips touch his. Feather light and unbelievably soft. I rested my hand on his shoulder as he traced circles on my hip, leaving small kisses on his mouth.

Too soon he pulled away. “No making out remember?” He mocked my words from before as he stood up and walked towards the door. “But for the record,” he turned and smiled at me, “You kissed me.”

“I hate you!” I whined as he walked out the door.

“Sure you do.” He replied as he left down the hallway.

I cursed myself. Time and time again I kept finding myself being irresponsible and lacking total self control. Something about him brought out the reckless side of me, and despite all the reasons not to trust him, I found myself believing that everything he’d said that day was true.