I had spent most of my previous night googling the best ways to keep children between the ages of 6 and 14 entertained. From crafts to outdoor sports, to card games, I went through it all. I was determined to further impress both Lexi and her siblings. My research wasn't much help, but I remained confident that I would be a hit with the kids.

      Lexi reassured me countless times that I could leave if I got bored, but I was far from bored. The loud household was a refreshing change from my new, quiet home. First driving to Lexi's house to get the van, we drove to school where we picked up the five from their after-school activities. Five minutes into the ride and already some of Lexi's predictions were coming true; Beau and Amy were talking my ear off; I was struggling to follow either of their conversations. Noah, who was sat between his two younger siblings, made no addition to either conversation, instead sitting quietly with slightly furrowed brows as though he was observing me with close precision. And sat in the back, too far to be heard over the noise, Lacey-Mae and Ella-Rose were noticeably watching me, giggling to themselves.

     "I did warn you," Lexi reminded as we pulled into the driveway.

     "And I'm already enjoying myself," I declared jumping out of the car to immediately be pulled into the home by two pairs of sticky hands.

     While Lacey and Ella had retreated to their rooms to do homework, and the three other Broughtons fell into another heated game of mini sticks, I made my escape. My back was sore from running around half-bent to hold a two-foot-high hockey stick.

     I planned to help Lexi with the preparation of their choice of supper: macaroni, and cheese. But it took all of five minutes before Lexi let me be whisked away by her younger siblings. Though having been given easy tasks, I managed to make a mess of the kitchen, and Lexi seemed to conclude that my absence would benefit her cooking. Pulled into the living room, I shot Lexi a feigned affronted look. Beau, Noah, and Amy had decided to team up, requesting one last game from me. I was too much of a sucker to deny their puppy eyes. I had thought Lexi's eyes made me weak, but it was nothing compared to the power the three held.

      The kids bargained another rematch, before finally showing signs of fatigue. Though they were tired from the running, they were yet willing to let me go. The three youngest Broughton's settled with introducing me to their favourite Cartoon. Despite having given up their own show for the other three, Lacey and Ella lingered in the living room. They sat on the small sofa next to the long one that I shared with the other three. Getting along well with my sofa mates, I struggled to strike a conversation with the other two. I was finding it rather difficult to connect with 13- and 14-year-old girls. Asking the few odd questions that I was certain they thought strange, I suddenly found myself receiving too much of their attention.

     I still don't know how it happened. But before I knew it, Lacey was painting my finger nails a bright pink, Ella was using a light shade of purple on my toes and Amy-Lynn had sat herself on top of the sofa, legs wedged between me and the cushions, as she pulled my hair in multiple directions with tiny hair elastics. I had expected Noah and Beau to get involved, but the two had subtly inched away from us, as though afraid they would be the next victims of the polish and hair ties.

     Stood in the doorway to announce supper, Lexi's eyes fell on me, and her hand flew to cover her mouth in contained laughter.

     "Food's ready," she managed through suppressed giggles.

     Letting the others go ahead, I waited, looking expectantly at my girlfriend. Lexi only let herself fully laugh when her siblings were far out of sight.

     She shut her eyes, as if she couldn't get look at me and gain control at the same time, and wiped the tears of laughter from the corner of her crinkled eyes.

     "I'm hoping this means they like me, and that it wasn't their attempt to make me look like a fool," I said.

     "You could have told them no." Lexi continued to laugh.

      It was clear in her smile that she was pleased. I would have let them paint my nails every day, even paint me a full face of makeup if it meant I could witness that same expression on Lexi's soft features. Moments like these, when Lexi's features mirrored my feelings for her, I swore I was no longer in a state of that of a living person, for my heart froze in my chest every time. Sometimes I was tempted to bring my fingers to my neck to make sure my pulse was still kicking strong.

     "I didn't mind. I think I kind of like it," I joked. "And I could totally pull this off." Emphasizing my last statement, I struck a pose; elegant handheld under my chin accidently nicking the side of my face. Lexi laughed again.

      "Oops." I looked down at my smudged thumbnail. "That wasn't dry... I've got paint on my face, don't I?"

     Smirking, Lexi nodded and held her index and thumb close together.

     "You think I can pull that off too?"

     "You know very well that there isn't much of anything that you can't pull off."

     Supper was probably the first time I heard Beau fall so quiet. Not a word was uttered as he shoved spoonful after spoonful in his small mouth. Once faces were cleaned and the dishes put away, Lexi pulled out a game of Pictionary. Teamed up with Lexi, I had believed our only competitors would be Ella and Lacey, but the three youngest players had nearly doubled Lexi and I's points. No matter how phenomenal Lexi's drawings were, I rarely answered correctly, and I couldn't blame Lexi for not guessing my horrendous attempts at creating legible art. Multiple rematches and still we hadn't ranked in any other position than last.

      A half hour past the kids' usual curfew, Lexi and I were glad to put the game away.

     "Do we agree to say we let them win?" I joked, while the five prepared for bed.

     "That's not what you were doing?" Lexi retorted with a smirk. "You mean you were naturally that bad?"

     Mouth falling open into an affronted expression, I threw a couch pillow at her.

     "Shut up." I laughed. "You know Beau's drawings could barely be considered drawings, but Noah was still guessing them right."

      Lexi nodded as though to admit I had a point. "Then again, my drawings were very much adequate, and you still weren't guessing them right."

     Continuing to tease one another, we headed upstairs. Ella and Lacey having outgrown the curfew, stayed up later than the others, but had quietly gone to their room to avoid complaints from the younger Broughton's. Beau was the only one fighting sleep. Tired from their busy day, Amy fell asleep first, Noah following shortly after, book in his hands falling to his chest. Though Beau was evidently as tired as the two, he forced his eyes to remain open as long as possible, too stubborn to succumb to sleep. For nearly an hour, Lexi and I sat by the doorway, listening to Beau's tales, until finally he lost his fight and fell into a slumber.

     Sneaking away, careful not to be heard, we headed towards Lexi's room, planning to get blankets to watch a movie downstairs. While Lexi retrieved the extra blankets from her closet, I jumped at the opportunity to get a better look at her room. Carefully I observed her many picture frames and explored her large bookcase until my eyes landed on a notebook. Standing out amongst the other books, I couldn't help but take it into my hands. Flipping through its many handwritten pages, I looked up when Lexi dropped the blankets.

     "Don't touch that," she urged, face already bright red.

     I was surprised by the desperation in her tone, frowning down at the small notebook. "Diary?"

     Lexi shook her head, walking towards me apprehensively, as if she didn't trust me to not open it.

     "I like to write my thoughts," she started shyly. "It's not my feelings like a diary would hold. It's more like poetry based on stuff I've experienced... It's stupid."

     She took a step closer and I in turn held the book further away from her body. Of course, I didn't plan on reading it after she told me not to, but I could certainly have fun with this.

     "I'm sure it's not stupid, Mrs. Smith is always giving you good feedback in English class."

     "Doesn't matter if it's good or not," she retorted. "I don't let anyone read it."

     "No one?" I tested, pushing my arm behind my back when she reached for the small book.

     "No one," she repeated more affirmatively.

     Reaching for the book again, Lexi's attempt was futile. We spun in circles, arms encircling each other as Lexi tried to steal the object from the multiple different directions that I held it in.

     "I'm not kidding," she grunted, despite letting a small, frustrated giggle escape.

     "I know you're not." I continued to hold the item high out of her reach. "I won't actually read—"

     I never got to finish my sentence. Having jumped to reach my hand, Lexi fell into me, sending us both tumbling to the floor. Landing on top of me, Lexi used the distraction to steal the book from my possession. Her success didn't last long. Rapidly recovering myself, easily I flipped us over. Though Lexi technically still had hold of the book, I had both her arms pinned above her head. I could easily retrieve it from her grasp. Surprised by the quick motion that I used to reverse our positions, Lexi let out a yelp. Laughing at her reaction, I held both her wrists in one hand, other hand placing a finger to her lips.

     "You'll wake the others," I teased.

     With narrowed eyes Lexi fully took in her predicament and huffed in defeat. I chuckled again.

     "Don't get cocky," she said. "If I really wanted to get out of this, I could."

     I raised a brow in challenge. Answering only with her eyes, Lexi tore her gaze from my face, and instead shot it towards the knee placed neatly beneath my crotch.

      "Ah," I choked, face warm. My eyes widened in surprise and mild terror.

     It only, in that moment, occurred to me just how close we truly were. Though I was making sure to hold my own weight, my body was flush against hers. The heat of her body beneath mine was driving me into a frenzy. Lexi paid no notice to my state, instead she smirked as though an idea crossed her mind. I had no time to worry about her plans, I was far too caught up by the lips suddenly pressed against mine.

      This kiss was a lot different than our previous kisses, not a spur of the moment, nervous need, but playful. Had I been capable of thinking clearly, I may have become suspicious of Lexi's out of character behavior. It was like she was purposely trying to distract me... And she was very much succeeding. Unfocused, I let Lexi's arms wiggle free from my grasp. One hand still holding on tightly to her notebook, her other hand took hold of my shirt and pulled me closer. I didn't think the kiss could further be deepened, but somehow it did. Feeling every inch of her body under mine, each of her bumps and curves pressed into me, involuntarily I moaned. Deep blush on my face, Lexi smiled into my parted lips. She had me wrapped around her little finger, and she knew it.

     Short separation to allow for Lexi's chuckle, once again our lips collided. I sighed happily. Lexi's hand roaming my chest, I in turn let my hands run down her body. Only one of her hands on me, my own wandering fingers fell on her outstretched arm. Mouth still moving against hers, I opened my eyes, looking down at her stilled arm with a frown. Very subtly, Lexi was pushing the notebook under her bed. I removed my mouth from hers with a startled gasp, a scandalized expression taking over my face.

      "Lexi-Grace Broughton!" I exclaimed, fighting back a smirk. "You did not just use your feminine wiles to distract me."

      Meeting my blue eyes with a devious smirk, Lexi gave the book one last push, sending it deep below her bed. Staring down at the swollen lips forming a feigned apologetic smile, her pink cheeks, and bright eyes, I couldn't even feign annoyance. It was in moments like this one that Jonah and Conrad would call me whipped. And they would be a hundred percent correct.

     I laughed, shaking my head at the girl beneath me. "You could have saved yourself all this trouble. I really wouldn't have read it."

      Lexi shrugged nonchalantly. "I couldn't take the chance. And it's not like I didn't enjoy it."

      Much to my dismay, I blushed again. I couldn't remember when I had become so timid. I had much more experience with relationships than Lexi, but she continued to surprise me. She was turning my brain to mush, ridding me of the gift of thought and control.

     "Are you purposely making a mess of me to further distract me?"

     Lips turning upwards, she shook her head. Feigned look of innocence so compelling, I melted into her gaze. I lost myself her dark eyes for many moments before remembering myself.

      "Do you enjoy it?" I finally asked, eyes flickering in the direction in which the notebook had disappeared.

     "Of course," she answered softly. "That and reading takes up most of my free time."

     I paused again, multiple thoughts spinning in my mind. "What do you want to study?"

     "After graduation you mean?"

     I nodded. I was very much aware that it was a strange conversation to be having considering our positions, but I didn't particularly care enough to move.

     "I'm going to study to be an anesthesiologist."

     "Respectful career," I noted. "But is it actually what you want or is it simply your plan?"

      "Can't it be both?"

     "It can," I agreed. "But I don't think it is in your case."

     Lexi didn't reply. Chewing her lip in thought, she clearly wished to disagree but couldn't get herself to do it.

      "If you could do anything in the world, what would you do?" I asked. "If the circumstances were the same for each job, same salary, same schedule... Would your chosen career path be the same?"

      Lexi was taken aback; mouth open to speak but no words coming out. "No," she finally answered, voice just barely audible.

      "What would you choose instead?"

      Chewing her lip, again Lexi considered her answer.

     "Journalism," she gave in. "Maybe blogging."

     "Then do that!"

     Lexi shook her head. "I know it shouldn't be about salary, but there's no guarantee with that career path. I don't want to struggle to pay my bills."

      "Lexi if you're passionate about it, then I am positive that you'll succeed—"

     "Jaxson—"

      "No, listen," I interrupted softly. "You need to do what makes you happy. Maybe journalism won't work out, but it might bring on something even better. Study literature. I know it's what you want... There are so many things you could do in that field; own your own bookstore, review books— you could be paid to read, maybe publish your poetry... You have so many options, wouldn't any of them please you more than what you've chosen?"

      I could tell by the intensity in her gaze, that my words prickled something in her thoughts. She could see the logic behind my words. She seemed to want to follow her heart, and do as I suggested, but doubt lingered on her features. She lacked the confidence to believe anything good would come of it.

     "Promise me that you'll at least consider it?" I pleaded. "In the end you'll decide what's best for you, and I'll accept whatever you choose. But please apply to one literature program. You'll get a few more months to think about it."

     "Alright."

     I knew by her tone and expression that she meant her promise, but her quick acceptance made me frown.

     "You already have a program in mind," I concluded with a bright smile.

     Lexi shrugged, but I knew the real answer. I shot her an urging look. "Yes," she corrected reluctantly. "They want a submission of what is considered our best work... But its due by the end of next week."

      "You can do it," I assured. "Please submit something. Do it for me—No. Do it for yourself. This is a step towards following your dreams. What's the worst that can happen? If it doesn't work out, then you have your original plan to rely on."

      She hesitated only a moment. "Alright."

     "Promise?"

     Laughing she once again wrapped her pinky around mine. "Why do you care so much?"

     "I care about you, and this is what you want even if you're too afraid to admit it," I justified. "You deserve to be the happiest you can be, Lexi." 

      I finally removed myself from her body and offered her a hand to stand. Questioning her further on her preferred genre of writing, and the submission guidelines, we collected what we came for and headed downstairs.

     Though we had grabbed two blankets and sat on opposite ends of the sofa, somehow throughout the night, we drifted closer. Lexi eventually fell asleep tucked neatly under my arm, head sprawled on my beating chest. Per my new usual my attention was entirely focused on Lexi-Grace. Letting my eyes shut, but fighting sleep, I let my mind drift to the warmth on my chest and the soft sound of her breathing, only. Content smile on my face, eventually I couldn't help but surrender to sleep.

     Later that night I met Ed and Mei at the door and left the home with an immense sense of accomplishment, knowing that I had potentially changed Lexi's future for the better. Instincts kicked in and I knew this was part of what I had to do. I was going to make sure Lexi made it into that program.