*~*Chloe’s POV*~*

“Mommy, I’m hungry.” A little voice squeaked as I opened my eyes to see Jayden still lying on Zacky’s chest, his bright green eyes shining from the window’s light.

“Alright sweetie, let’s get some breakfast. Don’t wake Zacky.” I whispered back as I slowly felt the warmth of Zacky’s hand slide down my back and leave my body feeling cold as I carefully crawled out of the bed.

I grabbed a warm bath robe from the back of my bathroom door and wrapped myself in it as an attempt to rewarm my body. Jayden carefully rolled off Zacky and slid off the edge of the bed, making a small thud on the carpeted floor before he reached up and held my hand as we walked out of the bedroom.

“Mommy, I love Zacky. He’s my best friend.” Jayden said quietly as we walked down the hall towards the stairs.

“I thought I was your best friend?” I fake pouted.

“You are mommy… Zacky’s your best friend so that makes him my best friend.” Jayden continued on with his logic.

“Oh I see…” I said giggling lightly at my son’s thought process as we made our way downstairs.

I had expected everyone to be asleep still, but instead found the blankets and pillows had all been neatly stacked on the living room floor and everyone was in the kitchen surrounding the island, sipping on coffee.

“Mommy, can Zacky be my daddy?” Jayden looked up at me as we stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

Everyone stopped their quiet conversation and stared at me, waiting for my answer. I was in shock of his question. I didn’t know what to say. I knew Zacky wanted to be here when I told him. I honestly wasn’t ready for that yet either. My palms got sweaty instantly and I was overcome with nervousness and stuttering before Jimmy saved my ass.

“It’s Jayden the dinosaur boy! You’re awake!” Jimmy yelled as he sat his coffee down before opening up his arms for a hug.

“Uncle Jimmy!” Jayden ran to him excitedly, forgetting his question, as Jimmy picked him up and spun him around hugging him.

“Good morning Chloe.” Val said giving me a hug and whispering, “That was close.”

I was still shaking a little from the shocking question, “Yeah. Good morning everyone. So, who wants breakfast?”

Jayden and Jimmy’s hands flew up as Jimmy jumped up and down holding Jayden, “OOOOooo! Us! Us! Us!”

“Pancakes, my son?” I asked receiving a nod from him.

“Well, you just sit your ass right here then.” Matt said standing and pulling out the stool he was seated on, “We got this.”

“What?! No, that’s okay guys. I can get it.” I replied as Matt, Brian, Val, and Michelle started pulling things out to cook.

“Hush. You look so exhausted. Let us give you a break.” Brian said walking past and ruffling my hair, “Jimmy go play with Jayden in the living room.”

Jimmy took Jayden out into the living room and I could hear them both growling like dinosaurs as Johnny set down a cup of coffee in front of me.

“Thanks guys. You really don’t have to do this, I can make the food.” I said taking a sip of the warm liquid.

“Nonsense Chlo. When we came over last night, you and Zack both looked like you needed a break. You’re a part of this family, more officially now than ever, and we are all more than willing to help out.” Matt said.

“Where’s Zacky?” Johnny asked.

“Still asleep.” I answered.

“What?! Really?! He’s such a light sleeper, I figured he would have gotten up after you and Jayden left his side.” Val exclaimed as she turned around in shock.

“Wait, what?! How do you…?” I started.

“I came upstairs earlier to ask you if you had any Tylenol but you all were sleeping and I didn’t want to wake you… He must really be exhausted.” Val said going back to breaking eggs in a bowl.

“Yeah, Jay has a way of doing that to you… especially sick.” I said.

“He seems to be feeling better today.” Johnny said peeking out into the living room, as if on cue, Jayden’s coughing started.

“I think it’s all of his uncles and aunties that make him feel better.” I replied smiling at Johnny, “Jayden come here sweetie.”

Jayden was coughing as he came into the kitchen, holding his little hand over his mouth, “Mommy?”

I felt his forehead and was thankful he didn’t have a fever, “Jay not too rough okay? I don’t want you to get all sick again.”

“It’s not me, Mommy. It’s Uncle Jimmy. He chased me.” Jayden confessed between little coughs.

“JIMMY!” I yelled out.

Jimmy came scrambling on all fours like a dog into the kitchen, “Yessss….”

“Not too rough please. I don’t want him coughing up a lung.” I scolded.

“Yes ma’am.” Jimmy saluted me before slouching down more, “Care for a ride Jay?”

Jayden climbed up on his back and they went back into the living room to play. We all giggled at the way Jimmy had the mind of a child yet we all knew behind all his childish ways, he was really a genius.

“So, what are you all doing on this fine Wednesday?” I asked.

“Well, I was thinking we have a band practice at mom’s… we should have one before the show on Saturday night…” Matt trailed off from the stove.

“You have a show on Saturday night?” I questioned feeling mildly hurt that Zacky didn’t mention it.

“Yeah, I got a call from Larry yesterday. Didn’t you hear us talking about that last night?” Matt replied.

“Oh, no… I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I was listening to the history of Johnny…” I said, “Wait, did you say band practice at your mom’s? You guys still practice in your parents’ garage?”

“Yeah. We like it there. It’s homey.” Brian smiled.

“Your parents don’t mind?”

“Not really. The neighbors have gotten used to it.” Val shrugged from her spot at the sink.

“You should come, Chlo. Like old times.” Michelle said.

“Yeah, I’m sure Jayden would love to see his da-” Johnny started before Jayden walked in.

“Mommy, is the pancakes done yet?” Jayden asked as he walked around to where I was sitting.

“Not yet sweetheart. Go play with Uncle Jimmy while the grown-ups talk.” I said ushering him back out and staring at Johnny.

“Sorry Chloe… I’ll watch what I say more carefully.” Johnny apologized.

“Are your parents home Matt?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m sure they’d love to see you Chloe…” Matt answered before turning to see the uneasy look on my face, “Come on Chloe, they won’t tell the Baker’s if we tell them not to.”

“What about your sister?” I asked remembering the way she would tattle on Matt when we were all younger.

“She’s gone to college. You should just come. It’ll be fun.” Val replied.

“It’s kind of up to Zack.” I said looking down in my cup of coffee.

“What’s up to me?” Zacky said coming into the kitchen fastening his belt.

I avoided glances from Val and Michelle as I turned and looked at his hair sticking in all directions.

“I was telling Chloe that we were going to have practice today at my folks’ place and that she should bring Jayden along…” Matt said.

“So what’s up to me? I don’t get it.” Zacky asked.

“Well, do you want us to come? I don’t want to impose.” I said shyly.

“Have you given her, her coffee?” Zacky questioned everyone looking around before chuckling lightly, “Of course I want you guys to come. Why would you think otherwise?”

I felt foolish as soon as the words left my mouth. Of course he would want us to come. Even if he didn’t, everyone else wanted us to come and they were my friends too. My face got hot and I knew I was blushing as I looked back down into my now empty coffee cup. Two fingers went under my chin as Zacky tipped my face up and stared in my eyes with his green ones.

“Why would you think I wouldn’t want you to come?” he said softly as everyone else went back to making breakfast.

I shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Come here, let’s talk for a minute.” He said grabbing my hand and pulling me out onto the back patio.

I sat down in the lawn chair next to him, hiding my face in my hands. He lit a cigarette and pulled my chair closer to his.

“Look at me Chloe.” I did as I was told, “Why would you think I wouldn’t want you to come to practice at Matt’s parents?”

“I just thought maybe you didn’t want the Sanders to know about Jay. I mean the Haner’s already know and I am so thankful that they are letting us figure it out but I don’t know if Matt’s parents will do the same. I just don’t want this getting back to your parents before you’re ready.” I rambled off, feeling nervous.

He took my hand in his free one, “The Sanders have known us all for years, they will understand just like the Haners did. Our situation is a delicate one and no one wants to be the reason why it ends badly. Don’t you remember how we were like a big family before you left? We are still that family and we all take care of each other. You’re still part of this family, Chloe and now so is Jayden.”

“Okay… I don’t know… I just feel like I’m pushing you into being around us constantly.” I said watching him take a drag from his cigarette.

“You aren’t pushing me into anything. I love spending time with you and Jayden. In fact I would love it if you and Jayden would come to the practice today. It’s always fun and Matt’s mom still makes us all snacks.” He said trying to coax me.

“Alright Zee. We’ll come.” I said before the back door slid open, Jayden running outside and Zacky quickly pulling his hand back.

“Mommy! Mommy! Uncle Matt said we get to go to his mommy’s house today to play music!” Jayden exclaimed jumping up and down on the concrete patio.

“Yes sweetheart we do. Is breakfast ready?” I asked as I stood from the chair.

“I think so. I’ll get in my chair.” Jayden said running back inside the house and shutting the door.

“Well that’s a nice change from last night…” Zacky smirked as he stamped out his cigarette.

“Isn’t it? I’m glad he’s feeling better today. He’s still coughing but not nearly as bad.” I said starting to head to the door before Zacky grabbed my hand.

“Chloe,” He stared into my eyes speaking lowly, “Don’t ever think I don’t want you and Jayden around. He’s my son and you’re his mother. I always want you to come along.”

I didn’t know what to say or exactly how to respond to his statement so I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly before kissing his cheek softly as I pulled away from him. He smiled and his face blushed slightly under the California sunlight. He grabbed my hand in his again and led me back into the house without another word.

Everyone was seated at the table and turned to look at us as we walked into the room. Jayden had an open seat on either side of him, which I knew was of his own doing.

“Mommy sit here. Zacky you sit here.” Jayden said pointing to the chairs.

“Really? I was going to sit on your lap.” Zacky teased earning giggles from Jayden as he took his seat.

“So… band practice?” Matt asked treading lightly.

“Just like old times.” I smiled as I picked up my fork.

“Yay! I can’t wait to see you play music Zacky!” Jayden cheered.

“What about me?” Jimmy asked faking hurt feelings.

“I can’t wait to see all of you play Uncle!” Jayden smiled big.

“Eat your food son. Your uncles and aunties made breakfast special for you.” I said as I ate.

“Ok mommy… thank you uncles and aunties for my Mickey Mouse pancakes!” Jayden thanked everyone as he took a bite of a Mickey Mouse ear.

“You’re welcome buddy.” Brian replied before a phone started ringing.

I giggled as I watched 7 grown adults search their pockets for their phones to see if it was theirs. Michelle excused herself from the table to answer her phone as both Brian and Val gave her a strange glance. There was an awkward tension and I couldn’t help but feel like Brian was trying to listen to Michelle’s phone conversation in the other room.

“So, Michelle has been looking into making her own fashion line. You remember how she used to design stuff in high school?” Val said breaking the uncomfortable silence.

“Yeah, I remember. She had some really cute ideas. That’s great that she’s pursuing it.” I said truly happy for my friend.

“Yeah, great.” Brian said sullenly as he took another bite of his food.

Another awkward silence fell upon us as we quietly ate together, ever so often I’d look up to Brian seated directly across from me to see him get more and more agitated by Michelle’s absence. She finally returned to the table, sitting down next to Brian without so much as a word as to who called her and resumed eating as if Brian wasn’t glaring holes into the side of her head. I looked around the table to see that most of us had stopped eating and were watching the volcano that was Brian, about to explode. Zacky broke his eyes away from the disaster waiting to happen and looked at me almost pleading to do something.

“Michelle, Val said that you’re trying to start up your own fashion line? That must be a lot of work.” I said sweetly trying to ease the building tension.

She looked up at me, “Oh yeah. It is. I thought it would be easier since we live here in California, but it really isn’t. I called some places in New York to see if they were interested and a few have called me back so far. I’m hopeful though.”

“Well, I can talk to some old acquaintances in New York to see if I can get some extra push for you if you’d like?” I offered.

“Wow! Really Chlo!? That’d be amazing. Thank you.” She smiled.

“No problem.” I smiled back as I looked over to Zacky who smiled in approval of my tension distraction.

“Mommy, I’m done.” Jayden said holding his sticky syrupy hands out.

“Alright, let’s get you cleaned up so we can go.” I said as I stood and ushered Jayden to the sink to wash his hands.

Notes

Another chapter... Hope you guys like it. Comments always appreciated! Much Love and Aloha! <3 <3 <3 XoXo