"Welcome back, Jovie."

The same woman from the other day smiles kindly at me and I shift uncomfortably in my seat, glancing at the clock.

It's 10:01 a.m. Which means I have 4 minutes till 10:05. Then I'll have 25 minutes till 10:30 but, I only have 11 sets of five minutes between now and 11. At 11, I'm free. I check the clock again, 10:02.

Jesus chr–

"I'm happy you came back." She continues.

"I'm not." I admit before catching myself.

"Why is that?" She asks.

"I..." my voice dies out and I shake the thoughts from my head. "Look, not to be rude but I don't even know your name and, if I'm being honest, I had no intention of learning it."

It's a bitch move but my therapist doesn't even bat an eye at my revelation. Instead, she crosses her legs and looks around the room for a few moments. Eventually, she sets her notepad down. "I need coffee, would you like some?"

Yes. I remain silent, watching as she heads to the table against the wall where a steaming coffee pot sits. My mouth waters as she pours herself a mug. The coffee pot broke last week so I've been relying on Jay for my caffeine at school.

She notices my stare and grabs a second mug, "Cream and sugar?"

"No cream." I sit straight up, realizing I cracked under a caffeine driven daze. "Um, unless it's oat milk. I'm allergic."

"I think I have some." She smiles, reaching in her fridge.

Checking my phone, I'm disappointed to learn it's only 10:10. Damn it. A mug appears in my line of vision and I accept it. "Thank you."

"No problem." She gives me an odd look and I realize I'm holding my cup out to my right. Somewhat embarrassed, I take a sip and she extends a tray of cookies. "Want one?"

"Are there eggs, flour or cinnamon in them?" I ask halfheartedly, ignoring the grumble my tummy lets out as I eye a double chocolate chip.

Her smile falters, "I'm not sure."

"Then I'll pass." I sip my coffee, the caffeine earning a smile from me.

Sitting down, she places the cookies away from me. "You seem to be allergic to some pretty serious things."

"There's more." I snort and she tilts her head. "I'm allergic to cinnamon, eggs, pollen, dairy, some artificial colors, flavorings and scents and nuts. I also have celiac disease so I have to stay away from gluten."

"That sounds..."

"Like a lot?" I offer. "It's only mildly dangerous."

"I'm sure it's not easy dealing with all of those things."

"It's fine." I shrug, taking another sip of coffee. "My friends do a really good job of watching out for me."

"How so?"

"They stay away from cologne that will bother me. They don't eat anything with peanut butter around me so I won't die. They keep Benadryl with them. Aspen even–" My chest tightens but her eyes encourage me to go on. "Aspen does the most. He tries all of my food before I eat it. Double checks my coffee. Keeps my rash ointment on him at all times."

"That's a lot." She observes. "Why does he do so much for you?"

"He's my best friend." I whisper, grabbing my necklace. "He'll always protect me."

"Those are some friends." She sits back.

"They're the best." A grin breaks out on my face.

"What are their names?"

"There's Seth. He's only a sophomore and a total sweetheart but, I won't lie, he has his annoying moments. Then there's Jay. He's the yin to my yang, always so calm and peaceful. We dated for a hot second. Then AJ. He's a total flirt who can worm his way into any girl's pants. I would know."

"Would you?" She raises a brow.

"He's dating Peyton, who..." My voice dies out. Who is completely irrelevant to my life now. "There's my younger brother, Garner and Houston, who is essentially my second younger brother. They're girl crazy but too chicken to do anything about it. Then there's Gentry, my twin, and Aspen. We share a birthday."

"I'm sure you have some stories." She muses.

"You have no idea." I assure her, launching into a story of how Aspen, Gentry and I thought we were going to die on a ski lift after we got stuck in the air and our tongues got stuck to the lift.

It was a very cold, very scary time in our life.

"The three of you are close."

"We're inseparable." I share, adding softly. "For now."

"What does that mean?"

"What does what mean?" I counter defensively.

"Your friends, they know you're here right now?" She changes routes.

"They do." My palms begin to sweat.

"And how did they react?"

"Jay is proud of me. AJ is eager to know what I say about him but I know his jokes are a distraction. Seth wrote me a card for encouragement. Houston and Garner are a little scared and I don't blame them after what they saw the night of the wedding." Her eyes brighten as she makes a mental note and I press forward. "Gentry is still scared I'm gonna back out, claiming he can feel my mixed emotions."

Twin telepathy is a pain in the ass.

"And Aspen?"

"Aspen is... the entire reason I'm here." I sigh. "He convinced me to come back."

"And Peyton?"

"What about her?"

"What did she say about this?"

"She doesn't know and I don't plan on telling her." I sit rigid in my chair.

Before she can push the matter, a faint alarm sounds. "That is all the time we have for today."

Blinking, I check the time. 10:59. Downing the last few sips of coffee, I stand to my feet. "That's crazy."

"Time flies when you least expect it." She flashes a knowing smile. "Sadly, I do have homework for you." The disappointment must show on my face because she laughs. "Before our first session next week, I'd like for you to write out five things you like about yourself and five things you dislike. It should take no more than a few minutes, you could probably do it on the drive here."

Unease creeps in but I nod. "Sounds good. Thanks again for... everything."

"I look forward to continuing our conversation." She nods to the door I'm headed towards. "Oh, and Jovie, my name is Dr. Kemp or Viv if you'd like."

"Good to know." I walk out.

Blinking the sun out of my eyes as I step onto the busy sidewalk, I find Uncle Ricardo leaned against the building.

"Please tell me you actually went today." He begs, stomping out his cigarette.

"I went." I assure him, holding up the note excusing me from school.

"That's my girl." He grins, pulling me in for a hug.

*****

I spend the ride with my eyes closed, emotionally going over everything I shared. As Ricardo's car comes to a stop, I reach for my bag and dread getting out of the car but he tsks. "Not so fast."

"What are you-" I open my eyes, realizing we're in front of a diner. "Why are we here?"

"Because you went to therapy and that deserves to be celebrated with some sort of breakfast food." He pulls his keys from the ignition and gets out. "You coming?"

Scrambling, I follow after him.

A hostess shows us to a booth in the corner and my stomach growls as I prowl the menu. We order drinks and Uncle Ricardo sends me a serious look. "You're eating a full meal."

"I ate this morning."

"An apple is not a meal." He states firmly.

"Fine." I grumble.

"But please, don't die." He sets his menu down. "I am not prepared to stab you in the leg with your epipen."

"Well, the alternative is I die." I remind him. "We do tough things everyday."

"Where's your epipen?" He pales.

"Right here." I pat my pocket. I never enter a dining establishment without it. "I'm not dying today."

"Thank God." He relaxes. "Your mother would murder me."

A taunting grin spreads across my face. "Uncle Ricardo, are you scared of my mom?"

"No." He snaps defensively.

"My five foot nothing mother without a serious violent bone in her body terrifies you?" I ask in disbelief.

"We clearly don't know the same woman." He points a finger at me. "Your mom once broke a guy's nose because he looked at your Aunt Callie the wrong way."

"No way."

"Way." He nods. "Then she looked at all of us and said if any other guy wanted to be an asshole, she was good to punch someone else. That night, I made a mental note to never fuck with the Price sisters. Especially your mother."

"Damn." I whistle. Where was that woman when my father was around?

"Shit, where do you think you got it from?"

"Dad." I admit and his smile falters. "I'm violent. He's...him. It just made sense."

"You aren't violent, you're feisty." He knocks on the table. "You have a heart of gold. There isn't an ounce of serious violence or evil within you."

Rubbing my lips together, I consider his words. I don't believe them, but it's nice to learn about how others view me. "Uncle Ricardo, what's five things you like about yourself?"

He hesitates, clearly taken back by my question but he sighs. "I like my heart, my tattoos, my willingness to help others, my children and my friends."

"Your kids and friends don't count."

"Sure they do." He sips his water. "They're a reflection of who I am. I raised two strong, successful, independent kids who I am immensely proud of. I am surrounded by friends who support me to be the best version of myself. When I was your age, I had some friends who weren't that great and that led to bad decisions. You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with." He taps the table. "Why?"

"No reason." I shrug, somewhat amazed by how easy he named his list.

*****

By the time I make it to school, we're already in 4th period so I take a deep breath and head to the library.

The guys are huddled around Houston as he holds his thumbs and pointer fingers up like a goal. Dropping my bag into an empty chair at the table, I watch as AJ flicks a paper football that lands just outside the goal.

"You suck!" Garner whisper shouts.

"Flick with your nail." I offer.

"Jo."

Their eyes all turn to me and I cringe at their worry. "Here, let me try."

Lining my gaze up, I stick my tongue out to concentrate. The paper football soars perfectly through the goal and I sit down. Rummaging through my backpack, I pull out homework I need to do.

"Stop gawking." I order them, writing my name on the edge of my paper.

"How, um, how did it go?" Gentry asks, trying to be casual.

"It was fine." I admit. "We really didn't talk about much. Just the get to know you questions."

"How do you feel?" Jay follows up.

"Normal." I shrug, but the truth is I feel drained. We only spoke about my basics but it's still... a lot.

"Did you like it?" Garner asks.

"No." I scoff. "She offered me coffee and tricked me into talking. I didn't even realize it until our time was up."

The guys laugh but Gentry grabs my hand under the table and whispers, "That just means you have something you needed to share."

I flash him a smile as I squeeze his hand. Maybe he's right.

We fall into conversation and I forget all about my homework.

"Jo, how are you getting home?" Jay asks randomly.

"Can one of you not give me a ride?" I ask half serious. "Do you have plans, JJ?"

"No, we have practice." He says slowly and I blink.

"Oh." I forgot they actually play a sport. Which means I'll essentially be alone after school from now until graduation.

Great.

"We can come over after." AJ offers quickly.

"You don't have to." I assure him. "You'll be tired."

"I'd never be too tired for you." He winks and I roll my eyes.

Whatever. "You should spend time with your girlfriend."

"I want to spend time with my friends." AJ shrugs. "Last time we hung out wasn't much fun."

I bite my cheek thinking about our shitty birthday party.

"No, seriously." Gentry says. "We can have a movie and homework night. I think Ricardo's making dinner so it'll be good food."

Everyone nods in agreement but Seth makes a face. "Um, can we do it at Aspen's instead?"

"Why?" Houston demands. "You don't get to hog Brooklyn."

"It's not that." He admits.

"Then what is it?" Gentry pushes.

Seth squirms in his seat, opening and closing his mouth a few times. "Ricardo just... freaks me out."

Gentry, Garner and I share a confused look. "You're scared of Uncle Ricardo?"

"No... maybe." We die laughing. "That man is scary."

"Kids got a point." AJ admits.

"He looks like he could kill us without hesitation." Jay agrees.

"Y'all are babies." I tease them. "Uncle Ricardo is a teddy bear."

"Teddy bear my ass." AJ mutters.

"He's covered in tattoos and glares at everyone." Seth argues. "He's terrifying."

"How long is he in town for?" Jay asks. "I need to know when I'll be able to relax again."

"Probably until we go back to Nashville for the other wedding." Gentry guesses.

"So like a little over a month." Garner adds.

"Why so long?"

My brothers share a look but I beat them to the punch. "I'm sure it has something to do with him finding me on the floor essentially saying I didn't want to live anymore."

There's a collective sharp inhale of breath at the table.

"Jovie." Aspen whispers.

"What, it's funny." I turn to him. "Any other time, we would've laughed over it. Drunk Jovie a sloppy mess on the ground."

They remain silent.

"Honestly, I wish someone got a video of it." I snap my fingers and focus on my little brother. "Maybe the twins did. Garn, could you ask Sterling."

"Jo." Garner says somewhat pained. "It's not funny."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it's fucking not." Gentry slaps the table. "Nothing about seeing you that night was funny. Hearing you repeat that over and over again wasn't some joke and I wish you'd stop acting like it is."

"Gentry, I'm telling you–"

He storms off, knocking his chair over in the process, and I watch him go. Turning back to the guys, I try to smile but everyone is focused on the table. The bell rings and I watch as they all but flee for the cafeteria, even Seth.

Sighing, I pack my bag and trail after them. Aspen falls into step with me. "I don't know why everyone got weird."

"Jojo." He sighs.

"Don't Jojo me."

Stopping, he hands me a set of keys. "Take my truck home after school, we'll ride with Jay."

"Don't tell me you're mad too."

"I'm not... I just wish you'd understand where we're coming from."

His words cause me to flinch. Maybe I am evil.

*****

Doing missed work in my room after school, I'm in my own world of stats and English when a knock sounds at my door.

"Jo?"

Looking up, I find a surprising guest standing in my doorway. "Hey, Sethers, come in."

He rests on the edge of my bed, fidgeting with a folded up piece of paper in his hand before extending it to me. "Here."

"What's this?" I ask, unfolding the sheet. "50 reasons to smile."

1) Seahorses get married

2) Baby sloths are addicted to cuddling

I keep reading, a laugh bubbling up every few moments but the last five reasons leave me speechless.

45) You are loved

46) You are an amazing friend

47) You are pretty inside and out

48) You are important

49) You are never alone

50) You are alive

"Seth," my voice cracks.

"I have more but this is a good start." He rushes out. "Why are you crying?"

"I'm not." I argue, wiping my eyes. "This is sweet. Thank you."

Throwing my arms around him, I laugh at his confusion. "You're not upset?"

"No, I love it." I sniffle, "You're amazing, kid."

"You are too, Jo." He lets go and studies the ground. "Will you come downstairs with me? I'm sorta scared to go alone."

Snickering, I get to my feet. "Let's go."

Once we're downstairs, Seth hurries into the TV room but Aspen stops me in the hall.

"Why are you crying?"

"They're happy tears." I assure him. "Here." I hold the keys out. "Thanks for letting me drive."

"Hey." He grabs my arm as I try to walk by. "Come here."

Wrapping his arms around me, I relax. Another fact on Seth's sheet was that cuddling can be as addictive as drugs.

"I'm not mad about earlier," he says. "I just... you have no idea how scary that night was for us." I open my mouth but he cuts me off. "I know you joke to cope, but it's hard to laugh when you're on the other end."

"I'm sorry." I whisper, lowering my gaze.

"Don't be." He tilts my chin up. "Just know it's hard for us, especially for Gentry."

Resting my hand on his, I nod.

He turns to go but I stop him. "Hey, Penny, what's five things you love about yourself?"

"Easy." He grins. "My good looks. My best body part which needs no introduction. My athleticism. My reliability. My diligence. Why?"

"Just wondering how self-centered you truly are." I lie.

Arguing from the TV room spurs my curiosity and we walk in to find Seth and Garner fighting over the remote.

"Let Seth pick." I order, throwing a pillow at my brother.

Nestling on the couch between Jay and AJ, I look around as Ferris Bueller's Day Off starts to play.

"Hey," Uncle Ricardo appears by the TV. Jay and AJ visibly flinch and Seth sinks a little lower on the couch. "Dinner should be ready in 15. Hope you boys like gumbo."

"Love it." Jay squeaks, trying to be polite.

"That's what I like to hear." Ricardo smiles, wiping his hands off on a rag as he goes back to the kitchen.

"Told you he was a teddy bear." I whisper, laughing at them.

Doing a headcount, I pause and search the room,"Where's Gentry?"

"He said he was tired." Aspen offers from his spot on the couch, avoiding eye contact. "I think he went to bed."

Oh.

*****

This chapter made me cry and I guess I deserve that.

GUYS, I did not realize ITE's last update was September. SEPTEMBER. Jovie, I am so sorry. Y'all, I am so sorry. I'm so excited for Jovie's journey. I'm brainstorming the next few chapters and so excited. 

I promised your updates in LiH and LiL and they are coming. It is New Years and I am spending times with friends tonight but they will be updated in the next few days. In 2021 I plan on giving myself more time and leeway so this is that start.

KEEP VOTING FOR THE FICTION AWARDS. 

As votes grow, I'll continue to update more and offer more surprises! I love y'all so much you have no idea! 

happy last day of 2020 

XO - Mo