This chapter is longer than usual, and it was a bitch to proof read. I fell asleep twice while trying to edit. I hope you like it :)

DAISY

I awoke the next morning with a massive headache. I groaned and untangled myself from Jason's arms, my head feeling heavy. It must have been due to all the crying I had done last night. I urged my body to sit up and glance at the digital clock standing on my bedside table. It read 7:26. I was so grateful that it was a Sunday because I had no desire to go to classes. When I was fully standing I shrugged on my slippers and fluffy white robe since the weather was cold.

When fully dressed and warm I used the bathroom to do my morning business before I wobbled my way down the stairs and to the kitchen, heading straight to the cabinet that held the medicines and tablets.

I was so grateful when I swallowed two pain tablets. Not only was it my head, but lately I'd been waking up feeling nauseous and uneasy. The kind of feeling that couldn't be solved by medication. I even threw up one morning and cried in the bathroom for absolutely no reason. I also skipped my period this month, but haven't thought much about it. Although it were symptoms of pregnancy, it couldn't be that. I confirmed the last time after I've had unprotected sex with Jason that I wasn't pregnant, and since then I've been on the birth control pill and we've been using protection just for extra precautions. My only theory was that I was coming down with a really bad cold. And for the missing my period part, it happenned to girls all the time.

When my headache started to dissolve but the nauseous feeling was still slightly there, I felt good enough to prepare breakfast for Jason and I. I made some toast and buttered it before placing it on the island. I also took out the jar of jam, some cheese and peanut butter before placing it there too. I usually made something more fancy like pancakes but I really wasn't feeling good.

I sat down on the couch after slowly eating a dry slice of toast, to make sure I didn't upset my stomach. The sound of footsteps could be heard after a few minutes, warning me that Jason had woken up. He took the last of the steps and rubbed his hands tiredly as he walked over to me.

"Good morning." I greeted, flashing him a forced smile.

"Morning, baby. Are you still angry at me?" He asked, taking a seat besides me on the couch. He placed my legs over his lap and pulled some of the cotton blanket over him.

"No, I'm not angry. Just confused." I answered honestly.

"I would completely understand if you were mad. My behaviour last night was unacceptable and you have every right to want to slap me right now." He sounded disappointed with himself. He shouldn't be, I was the one he needed to be disappointed with. Just when he thought he could fully trust me, when we were becoming really close he found out that I lied about my parents, my family. Practically my whole life.

"It's okay, Jason. I forgave you, remember? You weren't in the right mind." I said softly. I scooted closer towards him and lifted myself up to sit on his lap. When I was comfortable I rested my head on his shoulder. His hands immediately wrapped around my waist and held me close.

"I'm still so sorry. I can't imagine you having been an orphan. I thought you were some bratty rich girl when I first met you. You turned out to be so different. So beautiful on the inside and out. So kind and caring, putting up with my shit and forgiving me everytime when you didn't have to." He said quietly, his thumb stroking my waist.

"That's because I love you." I smiled.

"For god knows what reason, I have no idea." He sighed.

"Well, you are attractive." I giggled. "And I love you because despite the darkness and the way your lifestyle is, you always managed to still be so bright. You think that you're a bad person, but I've seen so much good in you. How you saved me a few months ago at that party, how you care so deeply for your sister. It's the small things you do that makes me love you. You might not see it, but I do." I ended off, truly meaning it.

"Don't go all soft on me now," he chuckled. "You're gonna make me shed a tear and that might question my manliness. I can't cry, my dick might get smaller."

I laughed in humour and lifted my head to kiss his cheek. "I don't think it can get any smaller than it is." I teased.

"Oh yeah? Do you want me to show you just how small it is?" He smirked in mischief.

"Bring it on, big guy."

His hands went to my sides and he began tickling me, the smile never leaving his face. I laughed, feeling my heart bloom with joy.

"S-stop." I giggled, trying to pull his hands away but my laughs rendered me weak.

"Not until you admit that I have a pretty big thing downstairs."

"Never!" I yelled, all the while laughing.

One minute I was happy and laughing, the next I felt myself begin to cough violently, the nausea starting to kick in. Jason stopped immediately, pulling me up by my arms and holding me securely by the waist.

"Daisy? God, I'm so sorry." He apologized, his eyes shining with concern. I stopped coughing and heaved a heavy breath, feeling the need to throw up. I jumped up and off of his lap before rushing to the downstairs bathroom. I threw the door open and kneeled on my knees before the toilet. I waited, feeling tears form in my eyes before I began puking my guts out. I coughed and the little contents of my body came out. I barely ate anything in the past eight hours so nothing besides a transparent substance came out.

I was so glad my hair was tied up or it would've been all in my face. I felt a hand rub my back soothingly as Jason crouched down behind me.

"What's wrong, Daisy?" He asked. "Was it me? Fuck, I keep fucking up all the time."

Through my blurry eyes I managed to form a smile.

"It's not your fault. I've been feeling nauseous for the past week now." I explained, trying to force the words out given my state.

"Nauseous? Like. . . what kind of nausea? The morning sickness kind? Fuck, Daisy. You don't think it could be because of-"

"No," I rush out. When sure that I wasn't about to puke my kidneys out I moved away from the toilet to sit against the bathtub. I wiped my mouth with my robe, not caring that I was dirtying it. "I've been on the pill ever since I took the test. It can't be that."

"Thank god." He sighed. I ignored how it hurt when he said it like that. "What else could it be? Have you been eating properly lately?" He asked.

"No, I haven't had any appetite. I eat now and then like once a day."

"Daisy," he shook his head in disappointment. "You have to eat properly."

"I tried." I said tiredly.

He gripped my arms gently and pulled me up from the ground. "Go get some rest, it's still early. I'm gonna go out and buy you medicines and something to eat that won't make you feel sick, okay. Just get some rest."

"You don't have to do that for me." I said.

"Yes I do. I promised I would always keep you safe, and this counts as keeping you safe. So please, get some rest."

I nodded in appreciation.

He left the apartment after making sure that I was lying in bed. He even put on the huge TV screen and turned on Netflix. I was browsing all the series but ended up just turning the TV off, it's brightness starting to bring my headache back. By half past eight am, I fell back to sleep.

***

"You didn't have to buy the entire pharmacy you know? Medicines are very expensive." I said with a smile, sitting up on one of the kitchen stools. Jason got back a few minutes ago and began unloading all the contents that he had bought. A packet from the pharmacy and one from the local grocery store. He bought all kinds of medicines and tablets, and from the grocery store all my favourite kinds of food. Many jars of Nutella and packets upon packets of gummi bears. He also bought me some nutritional meal that the pharmacist recommended, and a strong weird stench was coming from it. I wanted to laugh at how sweet he was being.

"I'd do anything for you, you know that right?" He looked up, his eyes meeting mine.

"Yes, I do." I confirmed, my lips in a goofy smile.

"Good, because you ain't going anywhere until you eat this...rice salad thingy and drink this vitamin C...herbal juice thing. Okay?"

I chuckled. "Okay."

We lounged around whole morning and after I've forced down the salad, Jason made me drink the weird herb juice as well. By the afternoon I began feeling so much better, probably because I've gotten some medication and eaten healthy food, but also because my mood brightened up a lot. When three pm hit, I decided that it was time to put up some Christmas decorations. I bought everything I could think of besides the tree.

The apartment looked so lively, green and red by the time the skies began darkening. We lit up the fire place and I opened up the balcony doors a bit, to let a soft breeze enter. I felt so much better then.

"This place looks like the Christmas fairy threw up in here." Jason grimaced. "I don't like Christmas."

I laughed. "First of all, the Christmas fairy isn't a think even in folk tale, and second of all, you're just being bitter because you actually like all the sparkly and glittery stuff. Come on, it won't hurt to admit it."

"Remember, we can't question my manliness, Daisy."

I laughed and shoved him away lightly. I heard the door chime and walked towards it. I saw both Ace and Alexis through the peephole and grew excited.

"Hey!" I said cheerily when I pulled the door open.

"Hey, babe." Alexis greeted, coming forward and hugging me. Ace mumbled a 'hi' while his eyes took in the apartment.

"Wow, I'm absolutely loving it Jason." He said with a smirk.

"Shut up, you douche. It was her idea." Jason grumbled, before sitting down on the couch.

"It's so cute! So Christmasy." Alexis commented. "I've never seen Jason so happy about Christmas before."

"I'm not happy."

"Dude, I can tell that you are. I grew up with you remember."

I smiled at the three siblings while shutting the door. They've only been here a few times.

"Whatever. I still might not like you." Jason said back.

"Oh please, you love me, big bro."

"Please do tell me why you guys are here. I don't want to have to violently kick you both out."

"Excuse me I've done nothing." Ace said in defense.

"Alrighttt." Alexis laughed. "We wanted to tell you that mom called. She asked us why we're not in Chicago yet. She's so excited to see us, especially you, Jay."

"Why would she be excited to see me?" Jason scoffed.

"I don't know but she kept asking about you, yet you keep acting like a damn jerk."

"She should have called me herself then."

"She wanted to, but she said something about how you never answer her calls."

I noticed how Jasons expression turned glum. I could tell him that he regretted it. His step mother would never replace his real mother, as he told me once, but they all still loved her so much. She's been there for them since his father married her, and she's been supportive of them. I wished I could of met his parents. I was still disappointed in the way his father constantly acted, but his step mom sounded wonderful. It was a shame I wouldn't be meeting them anytime soon.

"I'm sorry, I've been busy." Jason shrugged.

"You could of atleast give mom a call. Just one call wouldn't kill you." Ace mumbled. "I've been busy too, but I made five minutes of my day free just to talk to her."

"Alright, fine. Do you want me to call her now? I'll do it."

"Nah, mom just wants to know if you're coming home this Christmas."

"Of course I am, why wouldn't I?"

"Well, you're not in Chicago right now and Christmas is in a day. We usually go three days before the time." Alexis said, a scowl on her face.

"I'm was planning to leave tomorrow morning. Given the duration of the drive we should get there before Christmas Eve." Jason said.

"You were. . . leaving tomorrow?" I asked, my shoulders slumping. "Oh." I shrugged nonchalantly, as if I wasn't affected at all.

"Yes, and you're leaving with me." He stated casually. I stopped my mindless staring at the apartment walls and looked towards him in surprise.

"I -I. . . what?" I asked, my jaw hanging open.

"He said you were leaving with him." Alexis chuckled. "Do you have a hearing problem?" She joked.

"But..I don't want to intrude on your family Chrismas dinner. I could never do that."

"Intrude?" Alexis asked.

"What do you mean?" Ace looked at me confused. "You're basically part of the family now. You cheered up Lexy when she was hurt and when none of us could, and you changed my asshole of a brother to being less of an asshole. I'd say you pretty much part of our lives now."

I smiled gratefully towards Ace, my heart blooming with hope. They were amazing for people who were so easily misjudged and misunderstood by society.

"What did you expect, Daisy?" Jason asked me in confusion. "Did you expect me to just leave you here alone? Wow, you think so highly of me."

"No, that's not it. I'm sorry, I just thought you'd prefer some time without me for once. I feel like I'm all over the show sometimes." I explained, sending him a sheepish smile.

"You are all over the show." He shrugged.

My heart sunk and I frowned.

"But I love you so it's gonna stay that way."

"And I love you." I beamed.

Ace coughed awkwardly. "Geez, he's never ever told anyone he loves them. For the exception of our real mother, who's passed on now."

My heart sky rocketed by the fact that I was the only one in exactly 7 years who he has confessed his love to. But then I felt sad again, knowing that he's felt lonely for so long.

"You must be really special." Alexis smirked causing me to blush. "I can hear wedding bells already."

I choked on my own spit.

"Fuck, no. Marriage isn't my thing." Jason rolled his eyes.

It wasn't? The fact made me really sad. I knew that I've known him for almost 6 months already, and we've been together for almost two months, but when time passed and hopefully we were still together, wouldn't he even consider marriage? I wanted to get married. I always have. I've dreamt of having a life long partner and children since I was little. We didn't have to be rich or perfect, as long as we loved eachother eternally. But did eternal love even exist anymore? Why did I see myself with Jason in the future?

Maybe because I wanted to spend my future with him.

"Just wait for another few months with Daisy. She'll make you want marriage." Alexis laughed.

She was making things so awkward. I mean, marriage now? I was just one month from eighteen for God's sake. I was still just a kid. And Jason had just grasped what being in a relationship meant only recently.

"Not a chance." Jason denied again.

My heart suddenly felt really heavy.

"Er..okay." Ace said awkwardly. "Well, we should get going. We just wanted to know if you were still going home for Christmas. Lexy and I are gonna drive together there early tomorrow morning to get there Christmas Eve. Alright."

I walked towards the door once again and unlocked it.

"We'll see you there." Jason said, giving them a quick wave.

I smiled when Alexis moved to hug me. She hugged me tightly, her height slightly taller than mine. "Don't worry, he keeps denying it now but just you wait." She whispered before pulling away. I nodded, not having any words to say.

"See you." Ace said, giving me a pat on the shoulder.

"You too." I waved. When they were both out and walking down the hallway, I closed the door softly with a sigh. I turned around to see Jason giving me an odd look.

"What...?" I asked hesitantly. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No, but you do have pretty low expectations of me."

For some reason, I knew what he was referring to.

"I'm sorry, okay. I just didn't think it would be appropriate of me to want to go with you to a family Christmas thing. I didn't want to seem forward."

He sighed deeply. "I would never have left you alone on Christmas, Daisy. You know that right?"

"Yes..." I murmured.

"I really hope so. Come here." he opened his arms and motioned for me to come forward. I smiled giddily and walked straight into his arms. I felt at peace when my head hit his chest and his arms wrapped securely around my back.

"I would love to go with you." I mumbled quietly, my arms going around his waist. He smelled so good, like the after smell of a fresh shower and men's cologne. I could inhale him all day.

"And I would love to have you. I'm still so sorry about yesterday, about the way I acted. If I'd known about your parents I would have invited you along way before today already. I love having you with me, Daisy. I hope you know that."

I nodded slowly. "And I'm sorry for not telling you about my past and my parents." I apologized, feeling glad that my face was hidden in his chest. He pulled away all too what quickly.

"Is there anything else I need to know?" He raised his brows in question.

"Michael is my brother." I blurted, casually chuckling afterwards.

"Are you serious?" He asked, a look of disbelief crossing his face. "All the amount of times I have threatened him to stay away from you was for nothing? That's why he kept laughing at me and god, I wanted to beat his face up so badly. Geez, Daisy. Now I'm embarrassed." He groaned.

I giggled and placed a kiss on his lips, hoping that he would look past this tiny lie.

"His name is Micheal McKenway," I scoffed. "You should be embarrassed because you couldn't figure out that we're related on your own."

I pushed away from him and walked towards the kitchen island. I was starting to crave those gummi bears right about now.

"Sweetheart, he doesn't even go by that name. His last name is Gordans." Jason stated, coming to sit on the seat opposite to mine. I offered him a gummi bear after a long debate, which fortunately for me he declined. I needed every last one of them. It surely was news that Micheal didn't keep our fathers last name but rather changed it to out mother's maiden name. I had no idea why though, because my parents had him during wedlock and they've been married since they passed away. Micheal must have had a good reason to change his surname. Probably because of the bad reputation my parents gave our name through gambling.

"Oh." I shrugged. "Well, that's all I can say for now. I have nothing else to tell."

I grew awkward as soon as the words left my mouth. Perhaps the fact that I've been living with his rival gang for the later stages of my life will forever remain unknown, and maybe he wouldn't even be mad if he found out. What if I was being paranoid for no reason? I should just tell him the truth.

"Actually, you know what, there's more I need to tell you." I began nervously.

"What is it?" He asked, giving me an encouraging smile.

I should tell him. I have to. There should be no more secrets.

"I've lived with-"

Oh god.

"The orphanage for so long."

Daisy, you A class bastard!

"You can tell me anything, Sweetheart. Go on."

Argh and he was being so sweet, which made the guilt eat me alive. Couldn't he get mad now for no reason so that I would feel slightly less bad for being a big liar? I was being an asshole and even having the conversation with myself proved it.

"When I was eleven, my parents packed a bag for my sister and I one day. I was busy with some homework when they said that they were taking us out for ice cream. I knew something was wrong that day by the weird looks Micheal was giving me, and by the two suitcases that were packed for us."

I recalled my memory of the last time that I saw my parents and my heart squeezed in pain. It's been seven years, but the memory felt so fresh in my head. Up until today, I still missed my parents so much. I wished they were alive and well. I wouldn't even have to see them, I just wished that they were somewhere out there and safe.

I looked anywhere but at Jason and continued my story.

"We ended up driving for hours and then suddenly we came to a stop by this huge old looking building. These nuns came out to collect Sara and I before we got whisked away to the orphanage. They weren't even kind enough to let my sister and I stay together." I said harshly.

"I'm so sorry." Jason said, sending me a sympathetic look. Before we were together, I didn't even think that he could feel sorry for someone. Things changed so much.

"After that day, I haven't heard of my family since. I was alone for so long till today. I used to think that my parents were out there somewhere, living there lives. I grew at peace with the fact that they left me. Up until I came to school here, I had no idea about the whereabouts of my family. Until I met Micheal for the first time in eight years. He told me that my parents had a gambling problem that put them in so much debt. They couldn't afford to sustain their lives or ours, so they sent us away. They died in a car crash a few years ago. I was living my life without knowing that my parents were dead." My throat suddenly clogged up as the words struggled to get past my lips. I didn't notice that Jason was no longer in his seat but rather by my side, till I felt his hands grip my arms from behind soothingly.

"It's okay, Daisy. You don't have to say no more." He assured, stroking my arms soothingly. I couldn't help it, I turned around and wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. His arms came around my back and he rubbed me soothingly.

"I have to get it out. I just found out by Micheal this year, atleast three months ago that my sister is married and living close by but I couldn't even bring myself to go visit her. Can you imagine? I'm awful, I'm an awful person. My sister got married so young because she was alone for so long and wasn't able to take care herself. So she got married to the first guy she met just for support. I'm terrible, I should visit her but I can't. She's going to remind me about everything that happened and I don't want to be reminded." I was talking shakily as tears were welling up quickly in my eyes.

"No, baby. You're not terrible. You're human, it's normal for you to be feeling the way you are." Jason said as he rubbed my back up and down soothingly.

"You know about feelings?" I asked, trying to joke and crack the saddened atmosphere.

"Not much, only when I'm with you. I'm not a feelings expert, but I do know that you are the most kind and sweetest person I've met. And your actions can only be blamed on your emotions. Look at me."

I lifted my head up and rested my chin against his chest. He bent down and placed a lingering kiss on my forehead.

"It's hard to overlook our past, but everything is okay now. One day, you will find the courage to go visit your sister and when you do, everything will feel whole again. You will have your brother, sister, those annoying ass friends of yours,"

I wanted to protest but the smile forming on my face proved that I was happy.

"And you will have me. I'm gonna be here for a long ass time and you're not getting rid of me anytime soon. So don't cry, Sweetheart. There are so many things to smile for."

My heart bloomed in my chest. God, he was amazing.

"I can't bring back your parents and I can't change your past, but I can make your future so much better. I can't promise that we won't fight and I will probably be an asshole for most of the time, but I can promise that I will do everything I can to make you whole again."

"I am whole. With you." I said softly, having nothing else to say to him. I was speechless and so in love.

"Okay, good. Because I thought I was gonna have to go all philosopher on your sexy ass."

I giggled causing a huge smile to lit up in his face.

"I made my girl smile again."

I blushed when he called me his once again. I could never get enough of it.

"Now that you're happy, can we have hard sex on this counter right here. All that talk of emotions and shit is making me nauseous. I need something sinful to make me feel better again."

I laughed and reached my head up to place my lips on his. He was sinful and intoxicating. But he was also just the right mix and amount of good as well. And I couldn't get enough of him.

***

The next day came by after long hours of making love with Jason. I was exhausted when morning reached. It probably wasn't a good idea to do the deed all night long when we had to get up early for our roadtrip to Chicago. I packed a duffel bag for myself only, as Jason said that he already had clothes at his parents mansion. He had a huge room as well, for whenever he was doing gang business in Chicago and needed a place to stay, or for when he decided to visit again as he's said.

I wasn't so fond of meeting his father but his step mother sounded like a delight. I tried not to judge but it was disturbing to know that his father willingly handed an entire gang over to his two sons. How could he live knowing that they were at risk every single day? I wouldn't be able to. I guessed it had to do with the fact that Jason and I grew up in entirely different childhoods. To me, gangs were dangerous and you should have stayed away from it. But to him, gangs meant his entire life.

It was amazing how we were so different but managed to fall in love with each other.

I awoke before Jason the morning and prepared us snacks and breakfast for the car. I also packed in a healthy smoothy for us both. Mainly because I was so sure that I was down with the cold at this point and also because Jason was into health eating. Something about maintaining his high stamina level and fit body, and all the energy he would need for the gang. I honestly couldn't remember what he was saying over all the donuts I was eating at the time when he told me. Okay, so I stress ate. All the time. And now it was probably catching up to me that's why I felt nauseous all the time.

I dressed in leggings and a pretty light pink jersey before slipping on a pair of black sweats. It was cold outside and I needed all the warmth I could get. I brushed my hair up into a high ponytail and slipped on Jason's leather jacket.

"Is it just me or are you wearing my favorite jacket?" Jason asked sleepily as he descended the stairs.

"Just for the time being." I reasoned. "I made you a fresh smoothly and a whole wheet bread sandwhich. I know how much you like those health crap." I chuckled. "I also prepared clothes for you and took out a towel and left it by the shower railing."

"You're acting more clingier than my step mom. And trust me, she's clingy."

"No, silly. She just cares about you and so do I. Now go take that shower and get dressed. We don't want to be late for our trip. It takes about 13 hours to drive to Chicago from here. I did my research." I stated proudly. I wanted to show him that I was optimistic about meeting his family.

"Alright, 'mom'. Thank you." He chuckled.

I flushed red when I realized I was acting like his wife or something.

"I'll be waiting, now go." I shoed him off.

He left after giving me a kiss on the cheek.

After ten minutes Jason was done and we were ready to go. I shoved my two bags in the backseats of Jason's car and pulled on my seatbelt. We were on the road in no time and on our way to Chicago, a city that I have never been to before. In fact, I've never once been out of New York. I was growing more and more excited as we drove, realizing that not only would I get to meet Jason's parents, but I would also be leaving New York for the first time.

***

"How many more hours?" I asked, groaning afterwards. I pushed my seat slightly to the back for a more comfortable space. The heaters in the car was making it so hot so I ended up in my sweater and tights. It was inappropriate but I couldn't care. I never knew I was the impatient kind of girl until I was stuck in a car for the last few hours. We had one bathroom break at a gas station but that was it.

"You asked me that five minutes ago and the answer remains six more hours."

"Seriously? I knew it. We're gonna die." I said dramatically.

"Just go to sleep, babe. You'll wake up when we get there." Jason soothed, using one hands to rub my thigh soothingly.

"No, I'm okay." I sighed and straightened up. "You should give me the wheel every now and then."

"You can drive?" He asked with a scoff.

"Excuse me, but I'm not entirely useless." I grumbled. "A friend of mine taught me. Her name was Cassandra. Or Cass, as I'd like to call her."

He turned to look at me expectantly, probably expecting me to go on.

"Cass was what you could call a bad influence, but she was my only friend in highschool. She was two years older than me but we were in the same grade. I went too early to school and she failed a year."

"She was in the orphanage with you?" He asked.

"Y-Yes." I stuttered out.

"It must have been tough."

"It was."

"But you're okay now. And atleast you can drive." He smirked slightly. "You're not entirely useless."

I slapped his arm lightly. "I'm serious. Let me drive. I'll follow the GPS correctly and you can get some rest. You've been driving for seven hours now."

"You can drive in one hours time, okay?"

"Fine, I'm gonna get some rest now but you better wake me up in an hour. You haven't gotten any sleep."

Unlike me who was slept for atleast a hour of the drive, he hadn't almost slept at all.

"Alright. Don't worry, I'm not tired." he assured. We were driving on a straight road by now and have been for the past hour. There was one or two turns now and then but other than that it was straight.

Feeling assured that he would wake me up if he got tired, I fell asleep again after less than five minutes of lying on my seat. I felt tired and drained.

My eyes slowly began creeping open and I let out a tired yawn. I sat up and stretched my arms, noticing that the skies were a dull shade of blue already. I blinked slowly trying to adjust to my surroundings, when my eyes flew open suddenly as I realized where I was. The car was stopped and I took in the empty seat besides me. Where was Jason? I slowly removed my seatbelt and pulled it away from me. I peered out of the window to see that we were parked in unknown but beautiful territory.

I gasped and unlocked my door before pushing it open. This must be it! Jason's father's mansion. I got out of the car slowly and looked up and about my surroundings. The car was parked in some driveway with many other luxurious cars all parked neatly in a line. I first looked towards the big giant gates surrounding the territory and then the security block at the front gate.

"Jesus. . ." I mumbled. The mansion was huge. It towered high up into the sky and was a neat cream colour. It was decorated by two huge pillars and a long staircase that led to the huge front double doors that were wide open. I closed the car door absentmindedly, too much in awe by my surroundings. I've never been to a place like this before.

My attention was averted from the huge water fountain in the middle of the driveway when I heard laughter and chatter. I glanced towards the double doors to see Jason emerge from inside, along with an unknown woman and girl. It must've been his step mom and step sister. I grew nervous instantly at the thought of meeting them.

I recognized Ally from the wallpaper on his phone. I still recalled it being a picture of him, Ace, Alexis and Ally when they were younger. She was so pretty with long honey blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Her expression seemed so excited when she spoke to Jason and her mother. And don't even get me started on his step mom. She had honey blonde hair as well, tied up in a high ponytail. Her blue eyes seemed so sharp and I was afraid to know what she would think of me.

I realized only when they began making their way over to the car that I was still only dressed in my leggings and an old sweater. Oh god, I looked like a street child. I should have dressed nicely, but I was considering the weather rather than the introductions. I bent down and opened the car door again. I searched for my jersey and quickly pulled it on and over my head. I straightened it out to notice that it was wrinkled.

Jason, that damn idiot! I told him to wake me up before we arrived.

"Daisy, come over here." Jason called out, motioning towards them with his hand.

I smoothed my hair out and awkwardly walked towards them. I planted a smile on my face but could feel myself become shy. I wanted to slap Jason for this. Here I resembled a crow and his mom and sister looked so prim and proper.

"Mother, Ally I would like you to meet someone incredibly special to me. Daisy, my girlfriend." he said, a proud smile on his face. "Daisy, this is my mom Julia and my sister, Ally."

I was completely taken by surprise when I felt arms wrap about my shoulders in a hug. I hugged Ally back awkwardly as she squealed.

"Oh my god, I knew it! Ace owes me a hundred bucks. He said you would never find the one and I told him you would!"

"You losers betted on me?" Jason scoffed.

Mrs Black chuckled. "Allison, please have some manners. The poor girl look traumatized."

I blushed. "It's nice meeting you Mrs Black. You as well, Ally."

"The pleasure is all mine. Please, call me Julia."

I nodded, not having anything else to say.

"She is so much more gorgeous than you described, Jason. She's a stunner." Julia commented.

I flushed and my cheeks became unbearably hot.

"You knew about her, mom? And you didn't tell me?" Ally asked in disbelief.

I was so relieved that they seemed to like me.

"I know how crazy you can get over things like this, hun."

Ally pouted in response.

I smiled at their encounter, remembering what it felt like to have a mother. I absolutely missed the feeling and I wished that I could have my mom back. I missed her so much.

"Where are Ace and Alexis?" Ally asked.

"They should be here any time soon."

"Let's go inside so long then."

Jason smiled sheepishly at me when Julia and Ally left to walk inside.

"I'm going to have words with you later on." I said threateningly. I wasn't mad at him at all. His mom and sister turned out great.

"They love you just as I knew they would. You have that charm on you that lets everyone instantly fall in love with you."

I shoved him away playfully and laughed.

"You don't think it's because I'm beautiful?" I asked playfully.

"Definitely that too, baby."

"Jason," Julia called. "Stop flirting with Daisy and come on. I've made your favourite."

I grinned when his hand latched around mine.

Julia's friendly smile was already catching onto me.

By seven pm, Ally and Alexis had already given me a tour of the mansion. It was breathtaking and huge. Both Ace and Alexis arrived shortly after we did and the amount of screams of excitement that came from both Alexis and Ally could probably be heard by the neighbors. But then again I doubted since the mansion's territory stretched so far they wouldn't even know their neighbors. I helped the girl's and Julia set up dinner and I got to know both Ally and her mom. They were amazing and so genuine, I could tell why Jason would open up to them so quickly after his real mother had passed away.

I had yet to meet his dad and I was so anxious to. The last time I heard of him he had convinced Jason to break up with me. He was 'drowning himself in work' as Julia put it and he would be back any minute now. My heart sounded rapidly in my chest. What if he didn't like me? What if he kicked me out of his home? What if he convinced Jason once again to leave me? Did he even know that we're weren't broken up anymore? All the questions in my head were giving me a headache.

I placed the last bowl of mashed potatoes on one end of the long dining table, then I let my eyes scan all the meals that Julia had cooked. She really went out of her way for Christmas. They could've hired a chef but Julia claimed to love cooking herself.

"All set. We just have to wait till dad arrives." Alexis said, taking a seat by the table. I stood to the side awkwardly when they all took their seats, as if they already knew where they sat. Despite how friendly everyone was being, I still felt out of place.

Jason took my hand and pulled me towards one of the end seats. He opened the chair and motioned for me to sit.

When I sat down gratefully he bent towards my sitting position. "You look stunning."

"Thanks." I smiled. I got dressed in a new outfit consisting of a long, long sleeved teel dress. The sleeves were lace and it had a v-neck neckline.

"Remember, don't be intimidated by my dad. If you feel uncomfortable we can leave." he said, his tone suddenly serious.

"It's okay, we won't have to leave." I said assuringly. I wasn't even so sure myself.

"Good." he placed a kiss on my forehead before taking the seat besides me. It was then we heard the bang of the front door. I jumped in my seat startled.

I waited expectantly, silent while the rest chatted. Ally and Alexis were chatting while Ace and Julia were too. They were probably catching up after haven't seeing eachother after so long.

"Good evening." A deep voice suddenly entered the dining room. I felt Jason tense besides me. He was respectful and always cautious of his father. So were Ace and Alexis. It must have been how they were raised.

"Hon, you're home." Julia smiled and got up from her seat. I looked towards Mr Black awkwardly. Julia took his briefcase from him and placed it on a nearby table. It was amazing how both Jason and Ace resembled their father. He looked to be much older with greying hair. He was dressed in a grey suit and his stern expression told me to slip out of my seat and under the table.

"Ah, you must meet Daisy before we begin dinner." Julia said.

"Daisy?" He gave her a puzzled look.

"Yes, you don't remember?"Julia looked awkward for a second before she regained her composure. She must have known how he felt about Jason's relationship with me.

Mr Black's eyes snapped over to me and I shrunk in my seat when his stare hardened. After moments passed, he finally said something.

"I thought you got rid of her Jason."

"Reece!" Julia exclaimed in disbelief.

Jason stood up instantly.

"I knew it. I knew that you wouldn't come home and be excited to see your kids after nearly a year." Jason snapped, his fists clenching tightly. "I told you how I feel about her and you'd be damned first before I get 'rid' of her."

I flinched when Mr Black's hands slammed against the table.

"If you're going to come here once a year then you better respect me, boy. I won't tolerate your behavior."

Jason scoffed. All the while my eyes were wide and fearful. I had a feeling this would've happened. I've ruined a perfectly good family dinner. I should have never came.

"God, you're insufferable. I do everything you tell me to, every damn thing and you never appreciate it, ever. Not once. Yes, I do come here only a few times a year but when I do, you could treat me better than this. Daisy is my girlfriend, you have no say in our relationship." Jason ended off. If his father had half the temper of him, I was afraid of the outcome.

"I don't have a care in the world of what you have to say," Mr Black rolled his eyes. "I want her gone, right now."

"Reece, please be rational. She has done nothing wrong." Julia said desperately. "Please don't ruin this dinner."

"I don't want to hear you speak, Julia. This is a family dinner. I see the whole family plus an outsider which I won't accept."

I stand up against my own thoughts. "I'm sorry." I apologized, looking strongly at him. I kept my emotions inside. I couldn't show any evidence of hurt now. "I'm sorry that I came here hoping for your approval. I should have known better. I can't say that it was a pleasure to meet you because then I'd be lying. You hurt Jason with your words, you made him feel worthless and small and for that I won't forgive you. He's amazing, and he can do so much better without your constant jabs and crappy remarks that made him insecure about himself."

I remembered the time I told him that I loved him and he threw it right back in my face in the worst way. He was under the influence of his dad, telling him over the phone to make it worse, that he couldn't find love which led Jason to believe that he wasn't worth it.

"If you do it again, if you pursuade Jason to end our relationship then I won't stop fighting for us. I love him." I ended off, the rest of my monologue suddenly stuck in my throat.

I pushed my chair away and without giving anyone a second glance I walked away. I heard both Julia and Alexis calling me when I made my way towards Jasons room. I sat down on his bed and placed my head in my hands. I ruined all chances I had with his family. It wasn't moments later that I heard the door open softly. In came Alexis.

"Daisy?" Alexis sat down besides me and placed a hand on my back.

"I'm okay." I wiped away my residue of tears with the sleeves of my dress.

"You're not okay. My father can be a real fucking jerk when he wants to. I'm so sorry about that."

"I just wanna go. I think I've ruined my chances with your family, Lex." I said sadly. "Your father hates me."

"Trust me, he does not hate you. You remind him too much of my mother. She passed away way too soon. Jason is his eldest son and although he rarely ever showed it, he's so proud of him. Life in a gang is so dangerous and my dad barely just got out alive. My mom didn't get out at all. He's worried that Jason will have the same fate as him and lose you. He's worried that he would become engulfed in depression for the rest of his life, just as he is."

"But I don't understand. He's married Julia."

"And yes, Julia is amazing and so kind hearted, and we all love her. So does my dad, but he still misses my mom so much. He used to tell me nearly everyday how much he misses her, when I still lived here."

"It's truly a tragedy, Alexis. And I'm so absolutely sorry about your mother, but your dad have to understand that this is both mine and Jason's choice. We're choosing to be together despite the odds." I told her, trying to explain.

"Then please, try to tell him that." She smiled softly at me and squeezed me into a hug.

I hugged her back in appreciation. For people who came straight from a family of gangs, they were better than your average person.

"Where's Jason?" I asked.

"Standing his ground with our dad. I've never seen him lash out like on our dad ever."

"Oh god, I've ruined everything."

"Don't say that."

"I have to go down there. Thanks so much for the talk."

"Anytime."

I descended the staircase and walked to the dining area again with paced strides. To my surprise I didn't hear shouting or any yelling but quiet talking. Before I rounded the cormer, I waited and listened.

"-she means the world to me, dad. Please don't act like this. She's been worrying for your approval the whole drive here."

"She can stay, Jason. But if something happens to her and you're absolutely broken, then don't come crying to me. I'm warning you now. You have more than twenty more years left with the gang. Anything can happen in that time. You're going to make so much more enemies and they're going to target her first."

"I'll protect her with my life, and I'll take my chances."

I waited a few moments of silence before entering the dining room again. The only people present were Jason, Mr Black and Ace.

"Jason?" I called out. All head snapped towards me.

"Come here," Jason motioned towards them with a hand. I hesitantly walked forward. "My father have something to tell you."

I look towards Mr Black expectantly.

"I apologize for my behavior." His expression remained neutral as he said this. Geez, he really wasn't a feelings kind of guy

"And I'm sorry for what I said."

"No, I admire that you stood up for yourself. If anyone is to stand by my son's side, it's going to be someone strong and fierce."

I smiled instantly. If you looked at the three of them together, you would be threatened immediately. They were tall and built, and tattoos lined their skin. Too bad I was in love with one of them.

Dinner resumed after an awkward conversation with Mr Black. He was growing onto me with his random facts and words of wisdom. Jason told me that he hasn't smiled as much as he did tonight, and I was utterly relieved by that. Julia's dishes were so good and possibly the best food I've ever eaten. I haven't had such a good home cooked meal in so long it was utterly refreshing. Her desserts were even better by the end of the day.

I conversed with Ally as well, and she turned out to be a delight. When it was time to retire back to Jason's room, I became relieved. I was tired from talking all night long. It was past eleven pm when I slumped down onto Jason's bed after having taken my dress off.

"Daisy," he began with a sigh. "I knew my father would love you once he got to know you. But I'm still sorry for the way he acted."

"You don't have to apologize, Jason. It's okay." I smiled and walked towards him, clad in my lace underwear. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his lips softly. He hands rested on my back as he returned the kiss.

"You're so precious, forgiving him so easily. God, I love you." He made a sound similar to a groan plus a sigh.

"He was pleasant to be around for the past few hours. He's interesting company." I chuckled. "And I love you too. Thank you for defending me against your father." I whispered, resting my head against his chest. He lifted me up and carried me towards the bed.

"Anytime, Sweetheart. I'll always defend you against anyone."

"Hmm. My hero." I said quietly, sighing when we were under the covers and I was engulfed in his arms. This was it. This was exactly what I've needed my whole life. Him, he was all that I wanted.

He's my hero.

When morning came, we exchanged our Merry Christmas's and Julia served the loveliest breakfast. We opened gifts at the Christmas tree and surprisingly Mr Black was being so pleasant and soft hearted. I guess it has to do with the fact that his whole family was here and well, and they had another year to celebrate together.

We stayed the entire day at their mansion. I haven't had such a good time as I did there. When it was time to leave I felt utterly sad, and Jason promised to visit very soon again. I exchanged numbers with Ally and hugged her goodbye. I bid farewell to Jason's parents as well before we were on our way back home. I would have stayed longer, but finals were in January. I couldn't afford to miss out on a day to study.

My life was finally catching up to me if I thought about it. Jason knew I was an orphan and that my parents were dead. I've just gotten his parents approval. What could go wrong?

Only, everything went wrong. And my whole life came crashing down.

****

A.n/ what do you think will happen???

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