I read Jack's letter over and over again, feeling both relieved and incredibly sad. He was right, in so many ways. I felt terrible for how I thought about things, but now at least I could change it. I went to his room to.... I don't know, thank him? Maybe?

But when I got there he was gone, so I just sat down on the bed and waited till he got back from, wherever. I didn't even realize I was crying again until I looked up to see him when I heard footsteps, and felt my tears go down my cheeks. Wiping them, I ave a small gesture of a thank you, before looking back down. I was thinking about getting up and leaving when suddenly I felt arms around me.

Jack was hugging me. I leaned into him, feeling more relief and taking in his entire being and wrapped my arms back around him. I rested my head on his chest for a moment, before giving Jack a small squeeze and let go, walking out of the room.

I had to go, there was no way I couldn't hold it in any longer. Hugging Jack just felt...so right. I felt safe, I like I was home. I wanted to hold on to him and make sure he never let me go, but that wasn't possible.

He's my brother.

This has to be hormones. I mean, he's a teenager. I'm a teenager. He's good looking, and we barely have lived together, this was bound to happen. I just, needed to get used to him, that's all. It would go away. Maybe I should try dating or something, find a different guy to hang around. Hell, if I get desperate enough I could just take up Alex on his offer.

Which surprisingly, did happen. The third night of me hiding in my room from Jack most of the time, I got a message.

“Hey pretty.” -Alex
“Hey flirty.” -Me
“So umm, I was talking with Jack.” -Alex
“Yeah?” -Me
“And I suggested throwin a party at your place. No rents, you get to meet people, ya know. It could be partly a welcoming party!” -Alex
“That actually sounds cool.” -Me
“Well, I'm glad you think so cause I got a question.” -Alex
“Oh?”
“Will you be my date for the party?” - Alex
“Really Lex?” -Me
“Look, I know I hit on you all the time, mostly jokingly. But you're actually really cool, just give me a shot. Please?” -Alex
“Okay.” -Me
“Really?!” -Alex
“Yeah” -Me

Alex was so stoked, he said thank you about a hundred times. Told me to just wear my usual clothing, no need to get fancy for him, but of course, he requested I wear my ruined panties that Jack had wrote Property of Alex Gaskarth on. I rolled my eyes, and told him maybe. Cause sadly, I still had them.

About fifteen minutes later I got a knock on my door.

“It's open.” I calld, and Jack appeared in my door way.
“Hey uhh, Ember?”
“Hmm?”
“Is t okay if I have some people over? Like a party? You could meet more people, and Lex, Zack, Rian, and Cass will there. And-”
“It's cool Jack.” I gave him a small smile. “Alex told me about it already.”
“He did?” Jack asked, scrunching his eye brows. “You guys have been talking?”
“Once in awhile, yeah.” I shrugged. “Here I'll even help set up. When does it start? I'll go get pizzas.”
“Oh, well, I was thinking in a few hours. The guys are taking care of beer, so we can go get the pizza together or something.” He suggested.

I faltered a little at that, being alone in a car with Jack was kinda nerve racking. I mean, even though I was going to this things as Alex's date. I still felt weird around Jack. Nodding, he smiled and we headed downstairs to prepare everything.

We put away anything breakable, moved the furniture around, and scavenged out pantry for all the bags of chips we had. When it came around time for us to go get all the pizza we pre-ordered, Jack had grabbed my hand dragging me to his car, getting more and more excited. Telling me about his other friends, and how he'll introduce me, and how apparently this party was getting bigger as time ticked by. I just stayed quiet and let him have his moment. Little did I know that Jack was expecting me to stick by him throughout this.

It became apparent when Alex finally arrived, actually being later then a lot of guest who weren't even supposed to be here. I had already a cup half empty of beer, and was talking with Rian, Zack, and Cass. Alex came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Hey there.” He smirked as I looked up at him.
“You are so late.”
“I couldn't find a parking spot.” He shrugged. “These jerks are taking up the entire block.”
“Oops?” I chuckled, and Zack spoke up.
“Why is he holding you like that?”
“Ember agreed to be my date this evening.” Alex said, boastfully. I just shrugged as Cass and Rian laughed, not believing.
“It's true.”
“Spekaing of which, I hear music, and I wanna dance with my sexy lady. Come on!” Alex said, dragging me away.
“What about Jack? He's supposed to meet us back here.” Zack spoke up.
“Just tell him my date arrived.” I called back.

Alex and I danced together in the mess of bodies. It started out innocent, but Alex had eventually move behind me and started grinding against my lower back. I felt a little uncomfortable, but just let it slide. I was supposed to be having fun. Frowning, I finished off my beer quickly.

“Watch it honey, a little girl like you is gonna get wasted, fast.” Alex said in my ear.
“Maybe that's the plan.” I smirked back, and he chuckled.
“Hey, someone throw me a beer!” He yelled, and soon enough there was a can in his hand. “For you, my lady.”
“Aren't you a charmer.” I winked, and started on it.

Soon, I was feeling looser, and a little wobbily, but still coherent. After awhile, Alex claimed he was tired and needed a break. We managed to get a spot on the sofa. Alex dragged me down on top of him so I was sitting in his lap. For whatever reason, I found this hilarious, and laughed and he hugged me closer.

“Did you wear the underwear.”
“Hmmm, maybe.” I slurred. Alex chuckled and leaned in to kiss my neck.
“Wanna show me?”
“Umm...” I went to say no, but Alex soon was attacking my lips with his. Even in my fuzzy, alcohol induced mind, I knew this is not what I want. I shoved his chest, but Alex moved his hands so they were on my waist, keeping me close to him.

Someone help me.

Notes

No, bad Alex. That's not yours.