The final boxes have been moved into her new room which was in her grandparent's house. It was a temporary solution to cut down some costs during her pregnancy. Harley didn't have to break a sweat while she sat comfortably on her bed while her father had helped carry all the heavy boxes out from her previous apartment. She started unboxing her things and tried to sort them out so she could place them around the room. It had been a challenge for her to adapt to the sudden changes that made her life a tumultuous mess. But, life had its way to give you enough reason to keep living.

Harley finally told him a few days after she broke the news to her grandmother. Gregor and Jenna didn't take the news too well when she sat them down during dinner. They were furious at how stupid they were for not using any protection. The sermon took place for half an hour until their utmost disappointment had settled in. Harley had been crying the whole time, feeling lost and alone.

She felt a hand on her shoulder as she continued to hide through her shame. Then, her dad spoke softly this time, "Harley, this was a lot to take in and we were just surprised. I'm sorry for blowing off like that."

Looking up, she saw that her father's gaze had softened. "I'm so sorry, dad. I just – I don't know what to do." She sobbed some more, feeling hopeless as it is.

"We're here for you, kid."

Jenna reached out and held her hand to try and comfort her. She had been treating her nicely which felt odd for the first few weeks. Growing up, her dad didn't much do a perfect parenting job since his late wife left him during Harley's birth. Nonetheless, he tried his best to be there and provide for her only daughter. Everything shifted when Gregor remarried, gaining an instant parent each to Sean and Harley. It didn't sit well with the family. The stifling tension in getting everyone together was a tough thing to adjust to. In the end, everyone should have realized that family was family. No matter the circumstances, they were bound together.

"Listen," Jenna started, "I know we haven't been a family but we will do everything we can to help out. Right, Greg?"

"Of course," he muttered.

With that assurance, Harley was able to release some of the pressure she felt. Now that her family knew, she could always count on them to be there for her. Jenna even offered to come with her during her check-ups.

She had applied to a number of jobs and for some reason, she ended up as a retail salesperson at a huge department store in Arkansas. Basically, all she had to do was to assist customers that were also expecting. She only had little knowledge with her pregnancy but her employer seemed to find it as an advantage for buyers to feel at ease while they shop for baby items. It was a good start to earn her own money to afford the things she needed for the little human. Harley was going to start on Monday. Right now, she had the weekend to move everything and settle.

"These are the last of your stuff from the car. I think we're done," her father spoke from behind. Harley looked back to see her dad dusting off his hands as he looked around her room. She smiled gratefully, "Thanks, dad."

"You need help with arranging?"

Harley stood from her bed "There's no need. I'll be fine. Thanks again."

When he was about to leave, Gregor then questioned the situation with Gray's family, "So, uh, I was wondering if you told Gray and his family about the news?"

Harley sighed, "I can't tell them. This will ruin him."

"You might not realize it yet but this may ruin you both in the long run. Get some rest."

♪ ♫ ♬

The holidays were ending soon and it was time to get ready for the new year. People are bustling the streets to enjoy the last few days of 2005. The city of Arkansas was getting ready for their community events, musical parties and the most awaited fireworks display that would blasting by midnight.

In LA, the boys kept practicing their setlist even after doing the biggest event of the season a few days ago. They were tired and at wits' end, wishing they were back home celebrating with the family. However, their manager was also working hard to get them where they were now.

"Alright boys, I'm giving you all the weekend off. A job well done for your performance during the Christmas Concert Festival. We'll resume by Monday. And for the love of god, don't get too shit-faced during the new year. I need you to focus, an upcoming tour is around the corner. Got that?"

"Yes, sir!" everyone gave Peter their mock salute, internally groaning that they only had two days to catch up on sleep. Knowing how band life was supposed to be, the boys expected an all-out party for the new year. Who needed sleep, right?

As the boys talked about their plans for the weekend, Gray thought of a more exciting pastime to do on their break or rather doing something exciting with someone. A brilliant idea came to mind and he hoped that Peter wasn't going to lose his shit. Gray stood from the couch and caught up with him outside the studio room.

"Hey, Peter! Wait up."

Peter stopped walking as he looked over his shoulder. Gray ran up to him and asked, "This is last minute but can I come home for the weekend?"

"You're not up for a party this weekend?"

He smiled wistfully and answered, "Nah. I'd rather be home."

His manager paused, thinking it over with an impassive expression. Gray had predicted to tell him to fuck off but then the unexpected happened, "Suit yourself. I expect you to be back by Monday and don't be late. You've been working hard. But, don't expect me to go easy on you next time."

Gray flashed his teeth with a wide smile, appearing to be so pleased with the turn of events. "Yes, sir! I would kiss you but I don't want to get a sexual harassment lawsuit from you," he chuckled, finding hilarity in teasing his boss.

"Get lost before I take it all back," Peter barked at Gray. The band loved to make fun of Peter with their immature pranks and innuendos. They knew he wasn't taking all their jokes seriously but he was easily annoyed. It made it all more entertaining for them.

Later that night, Gray called Harley about her plans for tomorrow. She didn't have to work before the new year as she had already worked during the Christmas season. It was also perfect timing that she was off on Sundays. Gray had the whole weekend with her. Rushing home, he lightly packed some clothes and essentials. He didn't have to think twice and booked an early flight on Saturday.

He knew about Harley's situation with her moving to her grandparents' house. A white lie was only a temporary solution. She had told him that she was thinking of going to college so she needed to save up some money for tuition. It wasn't a suspicious excuse but Gray would have loved it if she would just agree with going to school in LA. Money wasn't a problem since the band got enough cut from their performances and album sales. Although, he knew that Harley was stubborn, wanting to do everything her way. It was something he found in Harley that he would never be able to change. Once she had decided on something, her mind was already set.

Gray had trouble sleeping that night as he was too excited to go home for the weekend. He knocked out once he was inside the plane. As they landed at the airport safely, he bought a cup of coffee before taking the cab to his home. He would just drop off his things and have a quick breakfast with his parents then leave to surprise Harley.

When he arrived outside her grandparents' house, he quickly dialed her number. It took several rings but she finally answered but was groggy from being woken up, "Hello?"

"Hey, sorry to wake you but I have a surprise."

"Can't it wait? I don't think I'll even remember speaking with you right now. I'm half asleep," she mumbled through the phone still wrapped up under her thick comforter.

He chuckled, "It can't wait. Check the front door."

Harley grumbled incoherently, "Really? Like now?"

"Yes!"

"Hold on."

He could still hear Harley moving around her room as she forgot to end the call. Gray had a big smile on his face, waiting for her to open the door. Hearing the locks twisting, he stood perfectly still as he waited for Harley's reaction. However, when the door opened she was already looking down, expecting a package on her doorstep. Lifting her phone to her ear, she then mumbled, "Gray? Are you still there?"

"Yeah?" he questioned, trying to hold his laughter.

"Should I be expecting a package? I don't see it anywhere."

Silly girl he jokingly thought. "Look up, sleepyhead."

She was wearing pajamas with her hair all over her face. Harley still in a daze looked up to see Gray in front of him.

The phone was still pressed to her ear. She then asked, "Huh? Am I dreaming or are you actually standing in front of me?"

♡ ♡ ♡

hello!

sorry it took long to update. i hate having writer's block. i was also uninspired to do anything. i was just in a dark place last september. but i'm really trying my best to work hard on wattpad.

thanks for staying xx i hope you enjoyed the update.

x jovi