"Lizzie, if you change one more time..." Lexi threatens me as I am midway taking off my third white top choice for Jaylan's basketball party.

I just want to look perfect.

I have to look perfect.

I am meeting Jaylan's close friends and family today.

This honestly means a lot to me because after learning about Jaylan's mom and how she passed away, I've never felt so stronger than ever about Jaylan.

Watching him unravel mentally is really hard to watch, listening to someone you love describe how they have been through so much. Seeing him cry, letting out his pain showed me, after so long, how much he doesn't want it to haunt him any longer.

I don't want him haunted by his past. I want him to succeed and grow, help fix his crown to stand tall, and not be afraid to share his story.

He loved Miss Evelyn so much... and I know she loved him too.

For some reason, in the living room yesterday at his grandparents' house, I felt like all three were there to help me comfort Jaylan.

So, today... meeting more people who love him just as much as I do is an honor. Humbly, I have to look perfect today.

Taking a deep breath, I do one last survey of the white over the shoulder top I have on.

Yeah, this is not going to work...

"But this is se-" Lexi taps my hand down, stopping me from taking it off. "It's not see-through. It's perfectly fine." Lexi laughs over her correcting me. We both look at the living room body mirror, inspecting my scalloped sleeve, white crop top with a drawstring in the middle and my light-washed jeans. Brown cardboard boxes sit to the side of the mirror, making my heart sink.

It's almost time and I'm not even close to that moment but I need to prepare my heart.

When I came back home Thursday night, after spending time with Jaylan at his grandparents' house, Maxine and Lexi were packing Lexi's brother's car with her stuff. He was coming from Atlanta to take it back to Philadelphia.

Lexi is really getting serious with her blog and getting ready for flight attendant school. I haven't seen her so focused like this in a very long time. It makes me wonder if her breaking up with Stephen was a good thing. As much as it is sad, I know this is going to be good for her.

Okay, maybe I should change my shirt. You can see my belly ring slightly.

About to pull off my shirt, Lexi smacks my hand again. "Elizabeth Maria."

"Just let me change this shirt." I fling it off and rush back into the room that's already a disaster from unpacking and beginning to pack myself.

Going into my closet, I pull out another white, off the shoulder shirt that's lower on my midriff. Looking at my outfit now, I sigh because I just feel like my mangoes and conga drum got bigger.

"This is useless!" I puff the air, moving the strands of my hair.

I swear Jaylan is catching a shooting star and wishing for them to be bigger.

Shaking my head, I toss the fifth white shirt onto the pile on my bed. Bending down, I kiss my stuffed animals on their head, grabbing my small overnight bag. Jaylan and I are spending the night at his grandparents' house tonight so we can have some one on one time. We really haven't since being back at home and living apart.

The more I think about it, the more I want to live with Jaylan. Now that I can get out of his strangulation holds, it's safe.

Walking out to the living room, Lexi is putting her books into a cardboard box. I frown, looking at her happily putting them in one at a time.

"Do you have to do that right now?" I ask softly, as I sit on the sofa next to Max, who is skimming through this month's Cosmopolitan magazine I subscribe too. They really have some helpful tips about love and sex. Jaylan seemed to like their last recommendation in Indianapolis.

Lexi frowns, holding her book in her hands. "Lizzie, we are almost halfway through and our lease is up literally right after graduation," she notes, setting a book in another box labeled 'Donations.'

"I know but can't we just enjoy each other's company?" I suggest.

Max coos and scoots close to me. "Of course, but being realistic, Lizzie, we have to start packing and just think about the future."

I sigh softly, trying to blink away my blurry vision. "I know."

Max softly rubs my arm. "I know how you feel but good things are coming for all of us," she reassures.

"Yeah, and we will be on our big girl shit," Lexi adds.

She bounces onto the couch next to me and scoops me in her arms. Tears form in my eyes and I can't help as they break, making the room completely silent.

"Oh, Lizzie." Max holds on to me too.

I could feel her damp cheeks on my already wet face and Lexi's too. I could feel my stomach twist thinking about the next couple of weeks of cleaning and packing. 0Separating from Max and Lexi is going to be the biggest step for me. They are my sisters and have been with me through the toughest times before Jaylan. Without them it is hard to imagine.

Surprisingly, I didn't think I would get this close to them when I first met them because we were complete opposites but through fights and laughter I don't regret anything with them.

"Ugh." Lexi sniffles.

"I'm sorry," I rasp.

Max sighs, her chest bumping my shoulder. "Don't. I know we have been together for so long, with just us three, and leaving is hard." She clears her throat.

"It just came so soon," I admit.

"I know studying your big brain out but just know being a nurse is way better than being a student. Plus, you've got Big Head never leaving your side." Max rolls her eyes and I snicker.

"I just want to be near you guys," I say softly.

"Oh, we will. Plus, you can use Big Head's money to fly and see me when he is on the road," she adds.

Lexi snorts and shakes her head. "Ignore her."

We snuggle up to each other, letting out a sigh in unison and looking at the cardboard boxes.

"You know what, Lizzie? Since you got your green card, we should have a girls' trip. You know, after this, maybe go to like Miami or like Key Wes-"

"Ooooh New Orleans, now that's a good trip," Lexi adds as she scrolls through her phone.

Lightness fills my chest, even though it feels tight. "That does sound fun."

"And no stinky boys allowed!" Lexi giggles.

"Seriously, because Marcus always ruins my fun," Max grumbles.

Lexi and I both look at her with pressed lips. "Now, you know that is not true," Lexi scolds

"He does," Max defends.

Bouncing my shoulders, I can only imagine Jaylan's small panic if I went on a girls trip, him being away from me for a couple of days.

"Well, maybe he can keep Jaylan company while we go together," I say.

Max nods in agreement and averts her eyes back to the magazine.

"So, do you like my outfit choice?" I ask, standing up from the couch.

Lexi scans her eyes at my outfit "Very presentable and serious girlfriend material," she assures.

Serious girlfriend material... I like that.

"I still say go for the slutty way, show a little tummy." Maxine pops her gum as she flips through my Cosmopolitan magazine.

"Not everyone is a hoe like you Max." Lexi grits her teeth playfully.

I furrow my brows. "Do I need to have the swear jar again?"

"No!" they say together.

I actually got four hundred dollars sophomore year because they were dropping the f word every two seconds. It worked and it actually started my savings for a time like this coming.

I miss this... I'm really going to miss this.

"Remember to be here at six pm sharp tomorrow afternoon for our girl time!" Max warns, with her coffin-shaped nail that's super sharp.

My eyes stretch wide and nod as she arches her brow.

"Squeaker, let me in!" Jaylan booms out from the intercom.

Lexi coos while Max pops her gum loudly, shaking her head. Skipping over to the intercom and pressing the button, she buzzes him in "There isn't a Squeaker here."

Not even two seconds later, a loud pound on our door echoes through our home. Max grumbles, getting up from the sofa and I follow on her heels. She swings open the door and Jaylan innocently smiles.

"Have her back at six pm sharp tomorrow evening." She jabs his chest.

"Ouch, damn... alright" Jaylan winces, blocking her finger.

Standing in the middle, Jaylan's eyes immediately fall and lock into mine. "You look very beautiful." He plants a kiss on my forehead.

Resting my head in his chest, Lexi coos softly and Max gags but I take my phone, giving her a soft donkey kick.

"Ready?"

"Back by six!" she demands.

Lexi scoffs. "Would you quit? Just wait till Marcus comes, I'm going to be all-" Lexi shouts.

Jaylan shuts the door mid-argument and I giggle as he clasps my hand. We walk down the stairs, swinging our hands with my bag in his other hand.

"Are you ready for your big party?" I beam, smiling looking up at Jaylan.

"Yeah," he mimics my voice.

Grunting softly, he laughs, kissing the side of my face. "I don't sound like that."

"Right, right, right," he dismisses, opening the car door for me.

"Jaylan, don't forget-" I remind him.

"I know, I know. Tickets," he teases.

Giving him his look, he shuts the door at me. As I'm buckling my seatbelt, my phone rings. I look to see it's Mamá facetiming me. My heart begins to race as I craddle my phone in my hands. Jaylan gets in like an old man, grunting. I snicker, sink my teeth in my lower lip, and swipe my finger.

My screen reads 'Connect' as the dots spin for connection. Jaylan looks over at me as he starts the car. When Mamá's screen becomes clear, her left hand is on the screen with this pretty, small, oval diamond ring. Her nails are done very pretty.

I tense up and I could feel my throat getting dry. "Mamá ?"

She flips the camera around and her face lights up as the sun shines in her face. She has on a pretty white babydoll dress, with her brown hair curled. It looks like she's highlighted it brown. She looks so excited, covering her mouth like me and shows off her pretty engagement ring.

"Ricardo me pide que me case con él esta mañana! (Ricardo asked me to marry him this morning!)" she says happily.

Faintly smiling, I watch her smile get bigger. "¡Puedes creerlo Mija! (Can you believe it?)" Mamá holds up her hand, wiggling her fingers.

I was afraid this was going to happen sooner than I expected but I didn't think it would be this soon. I wonder how Isabela feels right now or maybe she doesn't know yet. My throat is so dry and I push some strands in my face as Jaylan clasps my hands. "Me alegro por ti Mamá. (I am happy for you, Mamá.)"

Mamá smiles so brightly as she turns, showing Señor Ricardo waving in a nice white shirt and tan pants. It looks like they are outside at Paseo de Santa Lucia, a historical site. The fountains look so pretty and lively, a perfect proposal area.

"Muchas gracias por hablar con Ricardo. Significa mucho para mí. (Thank you so much for talking to Ricardo. It means so much to me)" Her words tug my heart.

I softly whimper and sink in my seat, making Jaylan look over at me for a second as he gets on the highway.

"De nada Mamá. ¿Ya le dijiste a Isabela y Mateo? (You're welcome, Mamá. Did you tell Mateo and Isabela yet?)" I ask.

"No les dije. Pero por favor no se lo digas, se lo diremos nosotros mismos cuando volvamos, (I did not tell them. But please don't tell them, we will tell them ourselves when we get back. ) she says softly and I clear my throat.

I know Isabela is going to lose her mind when they get home. Mamá is supposed to take her to see Papá today, help him finish decorating his room, and do some small exercises with the facility's Occupational Therapist.

I know it's not going to be good. She probably is going to lock herself in her room.

I better cancel Papá's appointment now.

I sigh deeply, feeling my heart pull so heavy. Jaylan rubs my hand, tracing over my ring finger. He looks over at me again for a second but I keep my focus on Mamá, who is smiling so happily. A part of me is happy for her and another part is heartbroken because I know after this... There is a new beginning for all of us.

New beginnings can be good but they also can be hard.

"Está bien, me alegro por ti Mamá. Estoy con Jaylan en este momento, así que hablaré contigo más tarde. (Okay, I am happy for you Mamá. I'm with Jaylan right now so I'll talk to you later.)

Mamá arch her brow observing my face and smiles warmly. "Dile a Jalen que dije hola. (Tell Jalen, I said hello.)"

Jaylan snorts softly. I tap his thumb and nod at Mamá. "Le diré a Jaylan que dijiste hola (I will tell Jaylan you said hello)," I correct, snickering softy. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jaylan smile.

Mamá blushes, bouncing her shoulders, covering her mouth, with her left hand flashing the engagement ring. "Te amo."

"Te Amo," I softly said, ending the call.

I toss my phone immediately in the cup holder and lay my hand back on the headrest, sighing deeply. Silence takes over the car as we drive past on the highway to get to Baltimore. My vision begins to blur and I sniffle before my nose gets clogged. Jaylan rubs my hands softly and takes it to his lips and kisses it.

"How is your mom?" Jaylan begins quietly.

Wiping a tear from my eye, I look over at Jaylan, who is concentrating on driving but pressing his lips to our clasped hands.

"She is okay..... She is engaged." I struggle to let out and clear my throat at the end.

He drops my hand in shock for a second. "What, really?"

Nodding at his drop jaw and mumbling something under his breath. "Yeah, tell me about it. I thought at least he would propose and invite everyone to see it but they did it untraditionally, which I guess is okay." I shrug.

Engagements normally involve families participating, at least in my family, well, Mamá's side of the family. Everyone helps contribute as far as throwing a party and watching the engagement happen. The way Ricardo did it, I actually like how it was private and nobody was around. However, I would want my siblings and family close by to celebrate after.

"That's real wild, Lizzie. How quick was that?" He furrows his brows a bit. It made me smile because he kind of was feeling the way I'm feeling about it.

"I mean, they were together for four years, on and off, because Mamá couldn't really decide if she wanted to pursue it and a lot of push back from at least Isabela, Papá, and I. But I think she just took that leap of faith and, well... Here she is." I sigh, thinking about the day she told us that her and Señor Ricardo wanted to date.

"So, are you happy... sad... mad....?" he questions.

I shrug. "Honestly, Jaylan, I do feel sad that my family is not really a family anymore... But happy Mamá is able to love the person she wants to be with."

"That makes sense but it's okay to be angry," he reminds me.

Nodding, I lay my head on his shoulder. He quickly kisses my forehead then pays attention to the road.

"I can't believe she is engaged," I recite.

"Me neither."

"If anything, I thought I would b- never mind." I shut my mouth and scold my brain for talking out loud!

Jaylan cackles softly, making my eyes peek up at him with a smile. "You would be what, Lizzie?"

"Uhh, nothing." My eyes stretch wide, avoiding his big smile.

"Come onnn, tell me. It's just you and me," he teases, poking me with his devil fork.

I can't believe I just said that out loud. I really need to start thinking before I speak again. "No... I said too much."

"Said too much, as in... You want to marry me?" he teases and I could feel his excitement warm my skin.

"Jaylannn."

"Elizzaabethhhh."

Softy grunting, I can't help but crack a smile, thinking... nah.. It's too early. I mean, we have only known each other for four months... And we only dated for three... Only Hallmark and Disney movies do that.

Shaking my head at my crazy thoughts, I look out the window. Of course, a highway bulletin catches my attention, advertising a bridal expo in June.

Oh no.

"I mean, Elizabeth Parker sounds pretty cool, right?" Jaylan eggs it on.

Holding back my smile, I humm. "Hmmm.. What about Jaylan Lucero?"

"Never," he says dryly but laughs afterwards.

Elizabeth Parker? I mean it would be cool right... Wait, what am I saying here?

"Elizabeth Maria Parker," Jaylan teases and I grunt softly but my lips tremble, slipping out giggles.

My chest warms up as he hums the wedding traditional song that I would never walk down to. If anything, it would be- Oh my gosh, Jaylan is going to be the death of me!

"Estas loco en la cabeza (You are crazy in the head)." I laugh softly.

Jaylan cackles as he continues to crack jokes about marrying him as we drive to Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve's house. The whole time he's saying all this crazy stuff we would never do, or I would never allow him to do! As soon as we know it, we pull up to the curve at the house. There are so many people parked here and my heart is racing. Aunt Lisa has a Maryland red, yellow, black, and white school color balloon arch by the door with the Welcome sign.

I smile because that was my idea, to have the balloon arch.

Jaylan gets out of the car with a big smile on his face, coming around to get me out of the car. He opens the door and holds his hand out. "For you, Mrs. Parker."

"Jaylan, don't be spreading any crazy rumors." I furrow my brow and his smile grows bigger.

"Rumors? What rumors?" he says innocently, snapping his devil tail on the concrete.

Giving him his look, he leans down and kisses me softly on my lips. The 90s music coming from the backyard of their house is blasting on the quiet street and Jaylan bops his head to beat. Hand and hand, we walk inside, where all these spices engulf my nose. They make my sensors go into overload, smelling so good.

Chatter echoes through the home as we walk through. As we get in the kitchen, Aunt Lisa and a few other women are chatting and talking while drinking wine as they cook. Aunt Lisa looks so pretty, with her red, short-sleeved, wrap dress on. One of the ladies looks familiar from the wellness clinic and catches sight of Jaylan.

"Well, well, well! Look who it is." She smiles big with her arms out.

Jaylan cracks a smile and closes in for the hug as she rubs his back. I stand back with my hands folded in front me. "Congratulations, Honey."

"Thanks, Ms. Yvette."

She smiles and looks back at me with a bigger smile at me. My cheeks flush. Aunt Lisa comes over and hugs me tight, placing a big smooch on my forehead "This is my new baby," she says in pride.

Jaylan sucks his teeth, being stinky and pushing us apart playfully and making me furrow my brows at him. The older women laugh and shake their heads. "Ms. Yvette, Ms. Sha'ron, Ms. Tameka, and Ms. Jo, this is Elizabeth, my girlfriend," Jaylan introduces me with pride.

The older women observe me and smile. "It's nice to meet you." Ms .Yvette sticks out her arms. Jaylan pushes me a bit and I close in the gap. The warmth of her body feels so good. It's nice to have moms around.

"You keeping this boy in line?" The lady with the braids, Ms. Tameka, smiles.

Aunt Lisa laughs, placing her hand on her hip. "She definitely does. I do not have to worry."

Jaylan presses his lips playfully and clasps my hand.

"Now, Jaylan. There are a lot of people here to see you but you need to make sure Lizzie is properly introduced," Aunt Lisa scolds.

He nods. "Where is Uncle Steve?"

"Outside, working the grill." Aunt Lisa points as I see Uncle Steve adding my charcoal to his really nice silver grill set.

Jaylan softly cackles and opens the patio door, allowing the music to flood in.

"Now, Lizzie. You can come join us if Jaylan gets out of hand." Ms.Yvette playfully presses her lips.

I nod softly, bouncing my shoulders and look up at Jaylan, who is smiling down at me. "Are you ready?"

"Ready," I answer, taking a deep breath.

As small as the backyard is, there are so many people . Aunt Lisa has seriously put in the work to make the party come to life. All the Pinterest ideas I shared she did, from the orange basketball drinking station, to a photo booth with Jaylan's cut out that Coach T allowed me to take from the locker room, to the tables with the red, black, yellow, or white table cloths.

It's perfect.

Jaylan and I walk around to each table. Everyone's so happy to see him because it's been forever since he has been home like this. To have a big win on his belt makes this moment even more special. Jaylan has gotten so many smooches from the church ladies, his cheeks have lipstick marks.

They missed him.

I even get to meet Jaylan's childhood friends. They gave me permission to give Jaylan a knuckle sandwich. Even Leon from church said hello!

Jaylan didn't like that too much.

I feel so overwhelmed being here but meeting everyone has been worth it. It makes me excited for what will come in the future, getting to know everyone on a personal level and building relationships with them. But the best part of it all is seeing everyone love Jaylan. He needs this on a daily basis to heal and I can see that with my own eyes right now.

Currently, Jaylan is misbehaving. Standing next to Uncle Steve by the grill, he's teasing him about his vintage Maryland bucket hat, to protect his bald head from the sun, with Jaylan's childhood friends. Shaking my head, my phone goes off and I glance over to see it's Isabela texting the sibling group chat

I gulp softly as I open up the message to read what she said.

Isabelly🌜🎠: So am I the last one to know Mamá is engaged?

Pedo Hermano 🥸: I guess, did she not tell you?

Isabelly🌜🎠: Why are you guys okay with this? I said no

Pedo Hermano 🥸: Stop being immature Isabela it's not that big of a deal

Isabelly left the conversation.

Me: Mateo :(

Waiting for a few seconds, I blink at my phone but he sends no response. I sigh adding Isabella back to our sibling group chat. I know she is probably really upset right now. She has a right to be but also Isabela has to know that Mamá deserves happiness too.

Okay, Lizzie, time to be a big sister but a firm one. In a separate text, I reply back to Isabela.

Me: Isabela I know where you are coming from and trust me I'm sad about this too but we are going to go through this together and not apart. I'm here and I want you to know I am here for you.

I bite the inside of my cheek, pressing send and she automatically reads it. Jaylan's cackles draw my attention as Uncle Steve points a spatula at him and his friends. A smile pulls on my lips to see the joy radiating out of him so purely. Glancing back down at my phone, it still reads and I sigh softly.

Tucking my phone back in my jeans pocket, I get up from the chair and walk over towards Jaylan.

"I want that one." Jaylan points at a crispy grilled hot dog.

Uncle Steve smacks his lips and I bump into Jaylan purposely. "Lizzie, get him for me," Uncle Steve pleads.

Jaylan smirks big and wraps his arms around my torso. Leaning down, he plants a kiss on my head. Aunt Lisa's happy squeals come from the kitchen, drawing our attention to probably another person she is happy to see. I really love her hospitality.

"I wonder who that could be?" Uncle Steve grumbles.

All the guys laugh at Uncle Steve and he cracks a smile. Aunt Lisa comes out with a brown, middle-aged man with a nice dress shirt and pants, with a guy next to him that looks around Jaylan and I's age. "Babe, that's Nathan," Jaylan whispers.

Nodding, I observe the man that could have been Jaylan's stepfather. He is very put together and I could see why Miss Evelyn was interested in him. Jaylan and I walk hand-in-hand over to them.

I lean into him as they shake hands. Behind us, Uncle Steve waves, interjecting, "Wow, what has it been, eleven years?" Uncle Steve says.

Nathan laughs softly, nodding his head and shaking hands with him. "Hard to believe. What happened to your hair?"

Jaylan cackles and dips his head down my neck to stop laughing. His warm breath fans over my skin.

"One word, Jaylan!" Uncle Steve glares at Jaylan.

Everyone laughs, including Jaylan and my shoulders relax when Nathan smiles at me.

"And you must be Elizabeth," he says kindly.

Tucking myself into Jaylan, he clears his throat. "Lizzie, this is Nathan. Nathan, this is my girlfriend, Lizzie. Lizzie, this is Nathan's son, Jeremiah. And Jeremiah, this is my girlfriend, Lizzie."

He smiles and shakes my hand. Silence takes over but we all smile at this moment.

"Well, we are so happy you could make it, Nathan. I'm sure you guys are hungry from the long drive," Aunt Lisa breaks the silence.

"Definitely, I got the speech about what you eat here is your lunch and dinner," Jeremiah jokes.

Everyone laughs again. With his shoulders bouncing and eyes beaming, right now I have never seen Jaylan like this. Him being in his element of happiness makes me happy, despite what's going on back home.

"Alright, food is ready but before we eat, I'm going to have the champion pray to bless the food/" Uncle Steve slaps around Jaylan's neck.

Jaylan laughs, shaking his head as he bows it. He clasps my hand and together, around all of us, we all hold hands. Jaylan lets out a light sigh.

"God, thank you for a good day and all the people here, coming together to celebrate good things and accomplishments. It's an honor to have people around to celebrate and not mourn and..." he pauses, swallowing. "I just would like to take this opportunity to have a moment of silence for my mom, who would want to be here today..."

Silence takes over but the heaviness in all our hearts. Soft sniffles come amongst the crowd and I feel myself tightening my eyes, holding back tears. Jaylan squeezes my hand and I squeeze his.

"Bless the food and the hands that prepared it. Amen," he rasps out with another quick squeeze.

"Amen." Opening my eyes, I look up at Jaylan and he locks his gaze at me.

"I love you," he mouths.

"I love you, too," I mouth back with a smile.

Aunt Lisa and her friends come out with food in their hands in silver tin foil.

I have to help.

Letting go of Jaylan's hand, I go into the kitchen and see what's left to grab. My eyes light up at the mac and cheese. Grabbing it, I hear, "Hello?" calling out in a frail voice.

"I guess everyone is in the back?" a feminine voice sas nervously.

"Hello?" Another stronger, masculine voice says. His voice is almost as strong as Jaylan.

Must be another family friend.

I shrug, take the pan, and walk out to see everyone lined up. Aunt Lisa points right next to her with the green beans. I place the mac and cheese on the burner and Aunt Lisa hands me a spoon.

"Lizzie, you don't have to do this. You are a guest!" Ms. Yvette taps the back of my elbow.

Dipping my chin down, the words come out like vomit from my inner thoughts, "But you guys are family and I want to help".

Aunt Lisa's eyes soften at me and she clears her throat. "Thank you."

Nodding, I turn to see Jaylan's big body front and center. He is pointing all everything he wants, like a king. As Jaylan focuses on food, a few soft 'oh no's' draw my attention. Looking up, I see an elderly couple escorted by Jaylan's identical twin.

This must be PJ.

I wouldn't think he would look like the way Jaylan describes him through his words. I could also see why Miss Evelyn chose PJ too. He has the same exact nose and eyes as Jaylan. The height of him is a dead giveaway of where Jaylan's dinosaur height comes from. His eyes are more sunken in and his shoulders tense as others look at him.

I can only imagine what others think of him.

I would like to talk with him if I could just to say hello or why won't he give Jaylan a chance.

I mean villains deserve second chances right?

Jaylan meets my gaze with a big grin, not aware who is here. I gulp softly as I put some mac and cheese on his plate. My spoon shakes, giving him a small plop.

"Babe, I'm the winner. Add some more," he whispers.

"Jay..." Aunt Lisa interjects and lifts her gaze to draw his attention.

Jaylan's eyes narrow and he turns around. His plate drops right on the buffet table and he turns, walking right over to all three of them. Jaylan looks back at me and My heart squeezes out so much blood as I see the happiness vacuum out of Jaylan so quickly.

"Fuck," he grumbles under his breath.

"Jaylan," I whisper, reaching for his hand but I catch air.

Aunt Lisa puts her spoon down. Her fingers tremble as she clasps my hand. Walking over to get to Jaylan, Uncle Steve is hot on his tail. Even from behind, I see Jaylan's shoulders hunching up and his hands in tight fists, making me gulp.

So much for a happy family day. 

Edited by the talented still_just_me!  Please be sure to check out her WP and her stories!

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Thank you all for you patience only ten more chapters left trying to bump out as much as a can! <3

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Translation: Pedo = Fart <3 lol  Hermano = Brother

Fart Brother :D