It's the day of Avery's 17th birthday. For the past few weeks, Megan and Jason have been planning a trip to the local bowling alley. Whilst Megan, T.K., Owen and Carlos have been planning a meal out at a restaurant Avery chose. The bowling alley is where they plan for Jason to surprise her with the fact he's moved to Austin. He arrived last night and has met with Megan secretly to finalise the details. Once they'd done that, she'd made her way to the Strand residence where she spent the night.

Avery wakes up bright and early. It's her first birthday with Owen and T.K. since she was a kid and she doesn't know what to expect. She spends ten minutes lying in bed before getting up, putting her sliders on, picking her phone up from her bedside table, and making her way downstairs.

When Avery walks into the kitchen, she sees balloons and banners everywhere. Owen, T.K., Megan and Carlos are standing around the kitchen. On the counter are a few cards, some presents, and a small cake.

'Good morning.' Owen smiles as she reaches them.

'Good morning.' Avery smiles slightly.

'Happy birthday.' They all grin. Avery walks up to them and hugs each of them. They all sit on the stools around the counter.

'How did you sleep?' T.K. asks his younger sister.

'As usual.' Avery sighs. 'Not good.' She adds. 'You didn't have to do all this.'

'Are you kidding?' Owen raises an eyebrow. 'We haven't celebrated your birthday with you for years.'

'I appreciate it, I really do.' Avery says, making sure they know that she's not being ungrateful. 'It's just- mom never did this. It was always a quick "hello, happy birthday", kiss on the cheek, a card and a present. I'm not used to this.'

'I thought Jason used to do this for you.?' Megan questions. Avery narrows her eyes wondering how she knows this.

'He did.' Avery states slowly. 'How do you know that?'

'Erm, he told me.' Megan rubs the back of her neck.

'We wanted today to be special for you.' T.K. adds.

'Thank you.' She smiles. She picks the first card up and opens it. Seeing it's from Megan, she looks up at her friend and smiles. 'Thank you.'

'I have a present for you but I want to give it to you later.'

'Okay.' Avery nods. She opens the next card and sees that it's from Carlos. 'Thank you.' She smiles at him.

'Of course.' Carlos smiles back. 'These are from me.' He pushes over some presents. She unwraps them and sees that it's a new kindle, a case, and a pop socket. 'T.K. mentioned your current one won't hold its charge.'

'Thank you. I love it.' She grins. She then opens the cards from T.K. and Owen and thanks them both.

'Dad got you a different present so these are from me.' T.K. says, motioning to the other presents. Avery opens them and gasps when she sees a tripod. Avery had expressed interest in making "booktok" videos to T.K. but didn't know where to start. He also got her some books and a charm bracelet that has a heart charm with "sister" engraved on it.

'I love everything.' Avery smiles. 'Thank you.' She stands up and hugs everyone once more.

'Now for the present from me.' Owen smiles mischievously.

'Uh-oh.' Avery states. 'I know that smile.'

'Just follow me.' Owen says. They all follow Owen through the house and end up outside the room that was meant to be Owen's study but it hasn't actually been used. 'Now this was going to be my study but I haven't used it since we moved in.' Owen tells Avery 'So welcome to your reading room.' He opens the door and Avery walks in. The room has been completely cleaned out and there are boxes of bookshelves, furniture, and things to decorate the room with. 'We're going to help you set it up the way you want. You can read in here instead of on your bed. It's not healthy to be in bed all day reading.'

'Thank you.' Avery squeals as she hugs him.

'There goes my eardrums.' T.K. jokes, putting a finger in her ear. Carlos playfully slaps him on the chest.

'Be nice, she's excited.' Carlos whispers to him. Avery steps away from Owen.

'She has that many books that she needs a room dedicated to them?' Megan asks surprised. 'She only has like two bookshelves in her room.'

'The rest are in boxes and the shelves in her room are double stacked. With the shelves we've got, she can have them all on display.' Owen explains. 'We better get breakfast so we can get ready.'

'I thought we weren't going out until later?' Avery asks confused.

'We're going bowling.' Megan informs her. 'We thought it would be something nice for us to do during the day.' Avery spins to face T.K.

'Prepare to have your ass whooped.' She narrows her eyes at him.

'Nothing like some brother/sister rivalry to start the day.' Owen laughs. 'Come on.' They all head back to the kitchen and have breakfast before getting ready for the day ahead.

A few hours later, Avery, Megan, T.K., Carlos, and Owen arrive at the bowling alley and see the rest of the 126 waiting for them alongside Grace.

'There's the birthday girl.' Judd grins as they walk up to them.

'Hey, Judd-meister.' Avery smiles as they hug. She turns to Grace who is standing next to Judd.

'Hey, Grace.' Avery smiles.

'Hey, sweetie.' Grace smiles back as they hug. 'Happy birthday.' She adds once they've parted.

'Thank you.' She hugs everyone else, as she does, they wish her happy birthday, and they make their way to the alley that they booked.

Once they're set up, Avery takes the first bowl, getting a strike. She turns to T.K. who is bowling next.

'Beat that.' She sticks her tongue out at him. She sits next to Judd. 'Booooooo!!!' Avery hollers as T.K. bowls, throwing him off and causing the ball to go into the gutter. T.K. turns to face Avery and sees the smirk on her face. 'Seems as though you're a little bit off your bowling game.'

'Only because you distracted me.' T.K. scowls.

'I didn't distract you.' Avery shakes her head 'Did I distract him, Judd?' Avery asks Judd.

'I don't think you did.' Judd laughs. T.K. shakes his head laughing as he goes to bowl again.

It has been 20 minutes, it's Avery's turn to bowl. Unknown to her, Jason is sneaking up behind her, everyone grinning as they watch. Avery swings the ball behind her, getting ready to bowl but Jason is too close to her and the ball hits him right between the legs. Owen holds back a snicker as he walks off to find an attendant for first aid.

'Jesus fucking christ.' Jason hisses as he drops to the floor. Avery spins around.

'Jase?! What the fuck are you doing here?!' She exclaims.

'Nice to see you too, Ave.' He says through gritted teeth. She hands the ball to Megan and helps Jason stand up. 'Gotta say that's the first time I've been hit in the dick with a bowling ball by my best friend.'

'Your ego can take it.' Avery pats him on the back. Owen walks up to them with one of the workers.

'Let's go back to the first aid room and get some ice on that.' Owen tells Jason, clearly laughing now. Jason, Avery and Owen walk to the first aid room with Jason. As soon as they're in there, Jason sits on the trolley and the attendant hands him an icepack. He places it on his groin over his trousers.

'I'm so sorry.' Avery apologizes, trying to hold back her laughter.

'You don't sound sorry.' Jason jokes. 'Jokes aside, I'm fine.'

'Maybe we should get you to the hospital.' Owen suggests. 'Make sure nothing is broken.'

'I'll be fine.' Jason shakes his head. 'You two go back out there. I'll check myself and join you.'

'You sure?' Avery raises an eyebrow.

'Yeah.' Jason nods.

'Okay then.' Avery nods. 'We'll see you in a bit.' Owen and Avery walk out and rejoin everyone.

'How is he?' Megan questions.

'He'll live.' Avery shrugs.

Nearly half an hour later, Jason rejoins them.

'All good?' T.K. asks him.

'Yep.' Jason nods. He turns to Avery. 'I am so getting him you back.'

'I'd like to see you try' Avery smirks. They then share a tight hug. 'I can't believe you're here.' She adds as they part. 'How long are you in Austin for?' Jason rubs his hand on the back of his neck as he looks at Megan. 'What?' Avery looks between the two teens.

'Well,' Jason starts, 'I kinda live here now.'

'WHAT THE FUCK?!' Avery shouts. 'Oops,' she adds quieter when she sees people looking at them. 'When?!'

'Moved here yesterday.' Jason informs her.

'We wanted to surprise you.' Megan says.

'You were in on this?' Avery asks Megan and she smiles proudly. 'So that's what all of those secret phone calls and messages were about?'

'Yep.' Megan nods.

'Happy birthday, bitch.' Jason grins pulling her in for another hug.

'I'm so going to kill you.' She whispers in his ear.

.

It gets to the end of their time at the bowling alley. Everyone is heading to a small restaurant that Avery has chosen - nowhere too big or too busy. Avery is sitting in between Jason and Megan. They are talking amongst themselves whilst they are waiting for the food to arrive.

'So, now that you've moved here, does that mean you can be my personal uber again?' Avery asks Jason.

'I guess so.' Jason chuckles.

'Personal uber?' Megan laughs.

'Whenever Avery needed a lift, I'd be the first person she would call.' Jason clarifies. 'It always used to be at a time I was free too, it was like she was psychic. Like the time she came to LA. It was like she knew I was close by when she called for a ride.'

'Well, I wasn't quite myself that time, so that doesn't count.' Avery points out. 'But all the times before then...hell yeah.'

'Could never say no to Avery.' Jason laughs. 'She was quite persuasive.'

'Hey, L.A. is big. Ubers are expensive. Why pay for Ubers when I have a perfectly good friend who drives?' Avery says.

'She makes a valid point.' Megan states.

'You know you're gonna be ubering for both of us now, right?' Avery raises her eyebrow at Jason.

'Is that even a word? "Ubering"?' Jason laughs.

'It is now.' Avery shrugs. 'So?'

'Yes... I will be ubering for both of you.' Jason sighs. 'But you know what else is expensive?' He says, more to Avery. 'Gas.'

'You can afford it.' She gives him a light push. 'Plus, don't forget you were the one that started offering me lifts everywhere when you started driving.'

'T-true.' Jason stutters, 'but I didn't think I'd be your personal chauffeur.'

'But you love it.' Avery smiles.

'I do.' Jason laughs, nodding. The waiter brings out the food and starts setting the plates in front of the correct people. Avery has ordered a small pasta dish with some garlic bread. By the end of the meal, she's eaten nearly three-quarters of her food. It's more than she ate a few days previously, but knowing she doesn't like it when they compliment her on how well she's doing, no one says a word. After everyone has had dessert, everyone else from the 126 gives Avery presents and cards. She's gotten mostly Barnes and Noble gift cards and some stationary. Seeing as its starting to get late, they all pay and say their goodbyes.

Jason, Megan, Avery, Carlos, T.K. and Owen are standing outside the restaurant.

'I'm going to Carlos' for the night.' T.K. tells Avery and Owen. 'So I'm riding with him.'

'Why don't you two just move in together?' Avery says. T.K. and Carlos share a look. 'Oh my god, you two are looking for a place!'

'We are.' T.K. laughs, nodding. 'We were waiting until we found somewhere to tell you. Dad knows already.'

'What is it with the secrets today?' Avery laughs. 'I'm happy for you too.' She steps forward and hugs them.

'We'll see you tomorrow.' T.K. states. 'Bye.' They all say goodbye and T.K. and Carlos leave. Owen turns to Megan.

'How are you getting home?' He asks her.

'I was going to get an Uber.' Megan states.

'I've got my car. I'll drop you home.' Jason tells her.

'Are you sure?' Megan asks.

'He's sure.' Avery nods, smiling.

'Okay, cool. Thanks.' Megan smiles at Jason. She turns back to Avery. 'Do you want to come over for a bit?' Avery looks at Owen.

'Go on.' Owen nods.

'Jason, you're more than welcome to join too.' Megan tells Jason and he nods gratefully.

'I'll bring Ave home later.' Jason tells Owen.

'Thanks.' Owen nods.

'See you later, dad.' Avery smiles, hugging him.

'Bye.' Owen kisses the top of her before leaving.

'I call shotgun.' Avery says immediately.

'Of course, you do.' Jason laughs shaking his head. They all walk to Jason's car and whilst Jason and Avery get in the front, Megan gets in the back. As soon as they're in, Avery looks through the glove compartment.

'What are you looking for?' Megan asks.

'Her "Ave-Kit".' Jason answers for Avery just before Avery squeals. 'She found it.' Avery takes out a make-up bag and places it on her lap.

'It's something Jase put together for me when we first became really good friends.' Avery explains. 'It's got some fidget toys, some little snacks that I like, some hairbands and scrunchies, and one of his beanies.' She takes the beanie out of the bag and places it on her head. She fixes it so her hair isn't messy.

'You two must've taken quite a few road trips.' Megan laughs.

'Tell me about it.' Jason shakes his head. 'This one got me to drive all the way to New York one time.'

'What?!' Megan exclaims. 'Wait-'

'We didn't listen to the law much back in L.A.' Jason states. 'Regarding driving and drinking.'

'Avery Kate Strand, I never would've guessed.' Megan mocks surprised.

'Yeah, well. That's behind me.' Avery sighs. 'My mom didn't really care what I did. Until I got the tattoo and we got into argument and she died.' There are a few moments of silence. 'Ignore I said that.'

'Ave.' Jason states, concerned.

'I'm fine.' Avery smiles slightly. Jason raises an eyebrow. 'Day and night.' Jason sighs, knowing that if she's saying this at this moment, it means she's done with the conversation.

'Day and night.' Jason nods and he starts the drive. After a few minutes, Megan speaks up.

'Have you two ever explained to me why you say "day and night" to each other.?' She asks them. Jason and Avery look at each other.

'I don't think so?' Avery shakes her head. 'But in case we haven't - it started off as a reminder that we'll always be there for each other and then eventually it turned into something we say all the time.'

'Plus, based on the context of whatever the conversation is about, we can tell whether we want a situation dropped or whether we're okay. Stuff like that.' Jason says. 'So when Ave said it just know, it meant she wanted the conversation to be dropped.'

'Yep.' Avery nods.

'When did you start using it?' Megan queries.

'I moved to L.A. when I was 12. Met Jason in school shortly after so we started saying it when I was 13. So like five years.' Avery replies. 'He was the only true friend I had back in L.A.' Jason and Avery smile slightly at each other.

Half an hour later, Avery, Jason, and Megan are sitting in Megan's front room.

'So your birthday present.' Megan states, getting a small box out of her pocket. She hands it to Avery. She unwraps it and hands the wrapping paper to Jason.

'Geez. thanks. I love being a trash can.' He laughs sarcastically. Avery opens the box, ignoring him. In the box is a necklace with a handcuff charm attached to it and the words "partners in crime" engraved on it.

'Awe, I love it.' Avery smiles. 'It definitely matches us.' She adds with a laugh. Jason looks at the necklace.

' "Partners in crime".' He quotes the engraving. 'I like it.'

'I have a matching one.' Megan shows her the necklace she has on, and sure enough, it's the same necklace.

'Thank you.' Avery grins, leaning forward and hugging Megan.

'Too tight, Ave.' Megan gasps.

'Yeah, she gives tight hugs.' Jason states. 'She bruised my chest once with how tight she hugged him.'

'You got that bruise from trying to play football and you know it.' Avery playfully pushes him. They spend the next couple of hours talking and watching a movie before they decide to call it a night. Jason and Avery say goodbye to Megan before Jason drives Avery home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ta-da!!! Jason is here to stay! I can't wait for y'all to learn more about Jason and his history with Avery! Myself and DharmaWinter, who owns the character of Megan, have a few things up our sleeves regarding our stories so be sure to keep an eye out!!

Let me know what you think of this chapter!

Much love