- they wanted to do that. Personally, I didn’t care what happened at this point. This whole weekend has been fucked up since day one almost and I hated it.]

- it was over. I needed to be home in the safety of the house. I’ve lived in for three years now. I loved my dad but right now. I hated him so much. I couldn’t even see straight. When E walked in the door with Ares and everyone else I set up enough so someone could sit between me and Creeper if -

- to breathe. creeper was sprawled out on the couch and all he did was open his arms as an invitation for me to climb into them. I didn’t even hesitate. I just climbed on top of him and laid there as if him holding me would make it all go away. I would stay in town for the party, but as soon as -

[I don’t remember the drive to my aunt's house. all I remember is hiding in her car. By the time we got to her house, I quickly got out of it and made my way up the front steps with Aphrodite. I was triggered, and if anybody around me knew that it was going to be E. Aphrodite lick my hand as a cue -

- in the circumstance, but I wasn’t sure if Tia would let us all stay with her. Before I even have a chance, Pedro was on the phone with her and she was on her way. I knew she would be pissed at my dad, but her first concern would be to get us out of here.]

- speak up but when he did, my entire body froze. “Alex are you drinking?” I didn’t know what to do. My eyes locked with Pedro’s and both of us ran for the front door. We both had similar triggers when it came to this, but mine were worse because I lived with him. I knew what I would normally do -

[once his arms were around me, I felt safer. The answer to his question didn’t really need to be said but I did anyway.] not really no but there’s nothing I can do about it now. [part of me wanted to run away. It was something I did frequently when I lived here. I wasn’t expecting Uncle Keith to -

- popcorn for everyone.]

-I could do to make myself feel more at peace at the moment. I smiled at him, wrapping my arms around his middle, whispering in his ear.] can you make the candy flatter for me because I don’t wanna do it and make the popcorn too. [I gently kissed his neck before going into the kitchen to make the -

[I wasn’t trying to be painfully difficult for anyone, but I was getting tired of my brother getting away with things that was not allowed to.] my mother must’ve given him some last night or he wouldn’t be like this. [I said that quietly so only he heard me, but I was frustrated. There was nothing -

- that didn’t apply when it came to me. I finished my food and left the table going to set up the movies in the living room. If my dad was going to be a jerk, I was just going to avoid the situation for as long as I could.]

[I smiled once he brought my plate back, kissing him softly, ignoring the lecture from my dad. “Alex, they are teenagers, but they are being respectful and not being disgusting. Leave them alone.” I was thankful uncle Keith said something because I was tired of my brother getting away with things -

- saw the look on his face and I knew something would be said to her before he went back to Ireland. For now, I was going to enjoy my dinner and go snuggle up on the couch with E.] Baby, can you get the corn off the cob for me? I don’t wanna make a mess.

- blame you for that one. As much as I would like to say that I adored Gemma, I cannot do that because I don’t lie.” I laughed at that because he was the first person other than Papa to say something like that to me.] I’ve tried to be good to her since I moved, but it’s like she doesn’t care. [I -

- usually because the club is a bunch of assholes now.” I smiled at Uncle Keith.] I would like that. I haven’t been there since the funeral for obvious reasons. I’m going to Gemma‘s party tomorrow, but I don’t know if I’m staying there. [I didn’t miss the eye roll or the chuckle. “Baby, I can’t -

[I returned the kiss and smiled.] You’re welcome, baby. [I heard the whisper in my ear, and I almost melted. I knew why he said it, but hearing it meant more than he realized. “The two of you are sweet. I like it. Lexi, wow I am here. Would you like to go visit Tommy? I know you don’t like to do -

- getting up to get the drinks for everyone so no one would have to get up later.]

- Pedro making sure his words were loud enough to make them stop. “Enough. you can do more of that later we are about to eat dinner and you should’ve been helping your sister set the table. For that you can clear you can load the dishwasher and you can take the dogs out.” I sat in my chair before -

- over to my dad and tapped him on the shoulder.] I don’t mean to be a pain, but if you’re going to get on me an E about our PDA, please remember that you have a son that’s doing the same thing. Get on him too because it’s not fair for you just to get on me about it. [Dad smiled and walked over to -

[I shrugged, taking his hand and leading him out to the back deck.] I’m so used to doing things by myself here I don’t even expect Pedro to help which I should because he was my brother, but I don’t. He’s too busy sucking Nan’s face anyway. [I love their relationship, but I also hated it. I walked -

|| Yesss

- neck.] I’m starving. Dad makes really good steak you’re going to love it. Not as much as you love something else attached to me, but we won’t go there right now.

[I heard my dad ask me to set the deck table for dinner and I didn’t argue. Once I was done, I went into the living room and sat on E’s lap, keeping my voice low.] Hi baby. Dinner should be ready soon I think. I was just asked to set the table. [I kissed him hard and wrapped my arms around his -

- hi to him. He’s one of the good ones Bubs. You can ask your best friend. He just met him a few minutes ago.

- walked over to Pedro trying to get him to focus on me.] hey do you want to play some games or just watch movies? It’s OK either way I’m just asking because I know you and I don’t want you overstimulated and getting upset. [he grabbed my hand and looked in uncle Keith direction.] it’s OK come say-

[I quickly kissed him back, shrugging my shoulders when he asked if we were going to play games too.] I have no idea you need to ask Bubs because I don’t wanna overstimulate him and make him feel horrible. I have no problem either way, but I’m trying to take his situation into consideration. [I -

- took his hand.] see they aren’t all jackasses.

- chuckled and shook his head. “ Alexis, of course I am you invited me. I do have manners, sweet pea. Besides, someone has to represent your pop. He would have loved this for you.” I hugged him so tight. I was almost positive. He couldn’t breathe.] thank you so much. [I walk back over to E and -

[I smiled, standing next to E.] I don’t wanna sound crazy but what are you doing here? [uncle Keith chuckled and shook his head. “ well I got an invitation in the mail for someone’s birthday party next week.” my eyes went wide, and I nearly jumped over the dinner table.] you’re coming? [again he -

- closest friends and when he moved to Belfast before the accident, I was heartbroken. I understood the club was expanding, but that didn’t take away the hurt that was left behind.]