"Jovie, slow down."

Stopping, I wait for my best friend to catch up. Peyton runs into a basketball player, blushing profusely as she stands by me. "You okay?"

She nods, letting her hair hide her face from the hall. "Yeah."

Snickering as my friend regains her composure, I head for the cafeteria. I'm tackled into a hug before my bag is even on the table.

"Kid, what has you so excited?" I ask, losing oxygen supply.

"I aced my geometry test." He cheers, trying to lift me off my feet. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Laughing, I take my seat. "Anytime, kid, good job."

Gentry tries to steel half of my sunbutter and jelly sandwich and I swat his hand away just for Garner to sneak up and it out of my hand.

"You both suck." I pout as the rest of my sandwich is tossed to my twin. That was the last of the jar.

They laugh, high fiving and Jay slides me a bag of celery.

"I hate rabbit food." I mutter as two people I feel very differently about join us.

"Where's your lunch?" Beau asks, pecking my cheek as he and Aspen take their seats.

"In my brothers' stomachs." I respond, chewing on the nasty green food. I'm so telling mom.

My boyfriend rummages through his bag before dumping his lunch on the table. "Can you eat any of this."

Ignoring the growl of my stomach, I sigh. "No, thank you though."

As my hunger grows, I start on my stats homework to dull out the pain of feeding myself celery. It should cancel out. On my fifth problem, a sandwich gets thrown on my book.

"Gentry, tell Aspen that if he wishes to throw food, he'll end up with chewed up celery spit in his face." I offer, not looking away from my work.

"Dude, she said to not throw food." My brother says.

"Tell her to it's for her to eat." Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the first time in days I've heard Aspen Tate Jones talk.

I liked it better when he was silent.

"Sis, it's yours."

"Tell him, I refuse to eat his nasty ass sandwich just like I refuse to deal with his horrible attitude."

"She ain't eating the sandwich or forgiving you." My brother echoes.

"I've done nothing to be forgiven for." He holds firm. "Tell her to get her head out of her ass and eat."

"Jo–"

"Nothing to apologize for?" I scoff. "I understand being an ass is your number one personality trait, but it's not appreciated."

"Man, you should've just given the sandwich to me." Gentry mumbles.

"I'm an ass, sure, but you're the one who makes desperate decisions." He snaps, catching himself as he glances around the table.

"Go to hell."

Standing up, he hits his knee on the seat as he grabs his bag. "Eat the fucking sandwich!"

"Say you're sorry!" I scream after him, not bothered by half the student body staring at us. They should be used to this by now.

Slamming my book shut, I rest my head on the table. It's not until I have to slap AJ's hand away that I sit up.

"I thought you weren't eating it?" He whines.

Taking an aggressive bite out of the sandwich, I glare at him. "I'm hungry."

And I never refuse food Lena makes.

*****

Braving the air, I catch a ride home with Beau. His company makes me smile a lot more than being stuck between Aspen and Mere.

"Do you want to come in?" I ask, not wanting to be alone inside.

"Of course." He smiles.

Walking in, I double check to make sure mom's not home before joining Beau on the couch. He pulls a blanket over us even though he's more than warm enough for me.

"What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" I ask, playing with his hand as he channel surfs.

One of my favorite grins flash across his face, "We're going home. I get to see my friends. I get to stay with my grandparents. I get to eat my grandma's famous chocolate cake."

"That's awesome, Boo." I smile, knowing how much he misses it.

"What about you?" He asks, kissing my cheek.

"We're going home too." I say and when he scrunches his brow, I elaborate. "My mom is from Tennessee. All of my aunts, uncles and cousins live there, so in a way it's our home too."

At least that's how we've always seen it.

"When do you leave?"

"That Wednesday." I say. "Mom has a flight Saturday because she has to go to a bridal shower for a friend. We're driving up with the Jones later. We're eating with the Rhodes for turkey day and then have another bridal shower that weekend."

He holds up a hand, "I have so many questions."

"Shoot."

"Why so many bridal showers?"

Fair question. "My Uncle John is getting married and since we have school that Monday and Tuesday, mom is flying early to be there."

"Is he her brother?"

"No." I try to find the best way to explain it. "They've been friends since high school, he's sorta what AJ is to me." Without the whole sleeping together for a time. At least, I hope so.

Mom was so surprised when she found out, she called all of their friends just to make sure it wasn't a prank. Then she yelled at him because they had a deal to get married at 45 if they were both single.

"So you call him uncle?"

"The man sends me a pretty check for every holiday and birthday, so I'll call him just about everything." I shrug. "But seriously, my parents high school group is pretty tight. We call everyone Aunt and Uncle."

Hopefully my group will be like that too.

"Okay." He seems to be a little lost still. "Do you mean the Rhodes, as in those YouTube people?"

"Yup."

"How?"

"Our parents used to be best friends." I offer even if talking about them makes me uncomfortable. "Mom's actually their Godmother."

"Then why don't you talk to them?"

"They lost their parents, that doesn't exactly make it easy to stay in touch with people who remind you of what you lost." I defend them. "Aspen and Gentry are friends with Sage again, they reconciled at a fancy baseball camp this summer."

They were roommates and when I got a prank call from a Mister Green Bean asking for Peanut at 1 a.m. with hushed laughter in the background, I knew they were back to normal. Hopefully things go as well for me.

"Lastly, and please don't be upset with me, I don't like how Aspen treats you."

I drop his hand, "What do you mean?"

"Today at lunch, for one thing. He talks to you like you're trash. It took all my strength to not punch him today."

"We're fighting right now." I smile. "We scream at each other, say things we don't mean and then eventually get over it."

"That doesn't make it okay."

"Boo, he hasn't said anything to me that I haven't said to him." I assure him with a kiss.

"But–"

"Aspen and I have been fighting since we were placed in the same crib for the first time. It doesn't make sense but it's how we work." Somethings can't be explained.

He studies me with pursed lips before giving in, "Okay, Cutie, I just worry."

"And I love that you worry." So stinking much, it warms my heart. Even if this is the last thing a person should worry about.

*****

Halfway through our fourth episode of NCIS, the front door slams open.

"Jo, it's time for Bachelorette and–" AJ's voice dies out as Beau and I sit up.

"Hey." Peyton waves, setting soda on the table as Jay carries in the pizza.

"Oh, we didn't realize..." Jay tries to explain but gives up.

Wishing I could capture how embarrassed they are, I stand. "We watch the Bachelorette and eat gross food, it's sorta our thing."

"They watch that show?" He asks in disbelief. We all nod. "Willingly?"

"Yeah, man, that shit's good." AJ says, making himself comfortable on the couch.

"I'm gonna go." Beau excuses himself and I walk him out.

Stepping onto the front porch, I laugh. "Sorry you have to go but it's tradition."

"Tradition?"

"It started back when–" When Jay and I were dating.

Beau seems to catch what I don't say, his smile dropping. "Oh."

"It's fun. We all sit, and trash talk the TV." I try to assure him. "You could join us to try it out."

Please say something. The silence stretches out before he kisses me.

"Mom made steak, but have fun."

My body relaxes as he walks off, thank God.

Walking back inside, I find the guys pigging out while Peyton pulls the show up.

"Was he mad?" Jay asks.

"Actually, no."

"Damn, maybe Aspen was wrong after all." AJ whistles as Jay hits him.

"What did Aspen say?" I demand and they hesitate.

"Nothing."

"Funny, do I look stupid or is it written across my forehead?" I snap.

They share a look and Peyton clears her throat. "Aspen said Beau would throw a hissy fit because they were here."

"And?"

"And that he would be upset you would be alone in the house with them." She finishes and I see red.

"That asshole wants to rip my note from my boyfriend, call me desperate and then take bets like my boyfriend is some circus animal." I fume.

"Jo, what he did was wrong but—"

"But what?" I cut Jay off, not willing to hear any of his protests.

"But Aspen's sorry. He hit Gentry so fucking hard it bruised and he waited up to make sure your mom got home." He pushes on.

I didn't know that. "Still doesn't excuse him not apologizing."

"You two never apologize."

"And he thinks he's right so that wouldn't happen anyways." AJ snorts as Peyton and Jay hit him.

And any sign of me forgiving him vanishes. "He thinks he's right?"

Silently, they nod.

"I'm going to kill him."

My phone rings and I answer it, "What?"

"Jo, how quickly can you get to the hospital?" Gentry asks, his voice cracking.

*****

It takes us 30 minutes to get to the hospital. I blame myself.

It took me a minute to find the words to tell them we had to go. Then three minutes to bicker with AJ when I said I didn't know why. Then I wasted four minutes running upstairs to throw on a sweatshirt and sneakers because it's freezing out. Then I couldn't stop shaking to type the directions in, so Jay did it while AJ drove.

Please don't be mom.

That thought pushes me to run into the hospital, not stopping for my friends or people in my way.

When I finally stop in the waiting room, "What happened?"

Gentry stands up, pulling me to the side, and before I can even ask the question a chill washes over me. Neither of my brothers are crying, but Lena and Houston are.

No.

"Gen, what happened?"

"Steve got shot." He explains and the guilt I feel for being thankful it's not mom turns to shame.

"Is he..." I can't say it.

"He's in surgery, the bullet was lodged in his body." He says grimly and I relax. "He lost a lot of blood."

He hugs me, trying to sooth away the tremors as my anxiety takes over.

"Where is he?" I ask, taking note of the one person not in the room.

"He left as soon as the doctor came to explain how bad things were looking."

Of course, he did. That tends to be how he handles these things.

"I'd go but mom isn't here yet and someone should stay with Lena." He explains and we both glance to find her fixated on nothing as Houston and Garner try to occupy Brooklynn. "Could you please find him?"

"Yeah." I whisper, already knowing where he is.

I walk out of the room just as our friends make it in. I don't stop to chat, trying my hardest to walk normally back outside.

Being kicked out of the hospital is not on my to-do list.

Walking out back, I find a figure curled up in a ball in the curb, muffled sobs echoing through the night.

"Look, this time I could fine you." I tease, admitting it falls short as he looks up.

My stomach twists into knots as I take in the red face and tears. "JoJo."

Sitting down next to him, I pull his shoulders in for a hug. "I'm here, Penny."

"They said he might not–" He tries to say it, but he can't.

"I know." I offer, letting him cry on my shoulder.

Everything will be okay, or else I'm really gonna kill someone.

*****

By the time Aspen's done crying, my shoulder aches and my butt is numb but I don't complain. Instead, I brush his hair out of his eyes and peck his forehead.

"I know you're scared, so am I, but your mom and brother are scared shitless too." They need to know he's okay.

"You're right." He sniffles.

Standing up, I brush the dirt off. Taking off, I stop when he stays still. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, Jojo." He offers quietly.

"It's okay." Now isn't the time to bicker.

"No." He shakes his head, going to hug me. "I was angry and upset and I took it out on you, and I hate myself for it."

If I wasn't so worried right now, I would ask him to repeat it on video, but I just hug him back.

"It's okay." We all say things we don't mean.

"No, please know I never meant to take it that far."

"I know, Aspen, don't beat yourself up." Especially right now.

We make it to the entrance of the hospital, purposely taking the long route.

Aspen freezes at the entrance of the hospital and I look back.

"It looks like they've redecorated."

He frowns at this, "Don't joke, Jojo."

Offering my hand, I smile. "We can walk in together, it's just one step at a time."

He holds my hand and slowly we make it through the corridors.

"Thanks for the sandwich." I say just to distract him.

"Thanks for not kicking me in the balls." He counters with a quick squeeze of my hand.

"I was feeling generous." We laugh but it dies as we find mom holding Lena as she sobs.

Aspen's grip on my hand becomes deathly tight. "Has the doctor..."

No, it's too early. We weren't gone that long, unless...

"No." Gentry rushes up to us. "Mom just hugged Lena and she finally snapped."

Quietly sitting down, I trace circles onto Aspen's hand, knowing words aren't useful.

Garner walks up with Brooklynn, "Sis, Houston has to pee, and I don't want him to walk off by himself." Like his brother.

Opening my arms, I take Brooklynn and watch him run after his best friend. Aspen takes his sister and cradles her just like he did the day she was born.

We sit in silence, no one saying a word as they give us space.

"She's so young." He says, staring down at her. "She wouldn't even remember him."

My heart breaks, "Aspen, don't do this."

"But she's just a baby. What would we do if she never got to remember her own dad?" He pushes.

I don't have an answer.

"She'd never get to go to her first Braves game. Or go to the aquarium and be carried by him so she can see all of the tanks. She'd never get to ride in the squad car with the lights flashing. She'd never get to experience learning how to drive while he shouts teen driver fatality facts at the top of his lungs even if you beg him to stop."

As a stray tear falls onto Brooklynn, I try to hug him.

"Listen, it's gonna be okay but you need to believe that." I state firmly, forcing him to look at me.

The sight of silent pain kills me, but he nods, throwing an arm around me.

"Remember when he caught us sneaking out for the first time?" He asks, taking me by surprise.

"How could I forget?" The three of us were so convinced Lena bought our story of not feeling good. We made it to the stop sign before lights flashed behind us.

Gentry almost pissed himself.

And we continue on like that, positive stories pouring out to hide the fear.

*****

I don't know how much time has passed before I get a phone call.

Trying to get my phone without waking up Aspen or Brooklynn, I answer so it will stop ringing.

"Hello?" I whisper, checking to see where everyone else is.

Houston and Garner are asleep in the corner. Mom took Lena for a walk to get her moving. Jay, AJ and Peyton went home, knowing that this is a family matter. And Gentry just paces the hall, his figure passing through the windows every few seconds.

"Cutie, where are you?" Of course, it's Beau. I knew I forgot something.

"I'm at the hospital."

"Are you okay?" He panics.

Trying to move so I get feeling back in my right side, "I'm fine."

Aspen picks his head up, "Jojo?"

"I'm here, no one's come in yet." I assure him as his head rests on mine.

"Is that Aspen?" He asks tightly.

"Yes, his dad got shot on duty." I inform him, trying to turn my volume down so Aspen can't hear.

"Shit, is he okay?"

"We don't know yet." I'm really tired of not knowing.

I just want an answer.

"I can be there in 20, do you want coffee?" He asks and I can hear rustling.

"No, please don't come." I say.

"It's no big deal."

"It's too late to be on the road and it's just us." I inform him, knowing there's nothing safe about driving right now.

"But-"

"Beau, please, it's just family and I know they don't want anyone else to see them." Plus, as much as I enjoy his presence, Aspen does not and I'm not making him upset tonight.

"Fine, let me know if I can help." He gives in after a pause.

"Thank you." I whisper, hanging up.

There're small favors after all.

"Thanks for not telling him I've been crying all night." Aspen offers.

"You're welcome." Honestly, I don't think I would've been in the mood to hear the joke Beau would say in response.

Sighing, I move him so I can stand to my feet. "Let's go."

"Where?" He asks, stretching out.

"Well, I need to pee and get coffee and I'm sure you'll want to come with." And I don't want to leave him alone.

Walking to the hall, I grab my brother. "Gen, take a seat."

"I want to know if the doctor is coming, that way I can call mom." He tries to argue but he yawns.

"Take Brooklynn and sit down." I order him, " Resting for a few minutes will be okay."

"Please." Aspen adds and Gentry hugs us before listening to me.

After I've splashed water on my face and downed a shitty hospital coffee, Aspen and I stall.

We're not ready to go back yet.

"Thank you for distracting me." He says, picking as his thumb.

"I wouldn't leave you alone." I promise, hugging him tightly.

"Jojo, I love you." He whispers, kissing my forehead.

Reaching on my tip toes, I kiss his cheek. "I love you, Penny."

My phone rings, echoing through the hall and I answer.

"The doctor's back." Gentry says.

And with that we run.

*****

Take that writers block, its late but its still Sunday... for me.

I'm sorry for ITE being so emotional. Ive never had a book make me laugh as much as I cry so this is new. But I hope you're liking this!

I'm trying to figure out a way to get LiH caught up to hopefully I figure it out!

Love y'all– Mo