Me Without You

I lay groaning on Zack’s couch watching bad evening television. He had come to pick me up shortly after Alex had left, explaining that Jack needed May and I had to be kept occupied and prisoner. Apparently I was nothing but trouble where these things were concerned.
“Will you shut up?” Zack yelled from the kitchen after I let out another loud groan.
“No! I’m bored!” I sulked, crossing my arms over my chest and turning my attention back to the shitty Dr. Phil episode that was playing.
“I’m a kidnapper, not an entertainer.” Zack laughed as he brought me an iced teas and lifted my legs up to slide himself under them. “The remote is right there, you can always change the channel.” I reached out my arm but then flopped back down when my fingers just didn’t reach far enough. “Lazy shit.” Zack sighed as he reached out and handed it to me.
“I’m pregnant.” I stated in my defence, causing Zack to double over.
“You only use that when it suits you! Every other time we try do things for you, you get angry that we treat you like you’re made of china.” I smiled up at one of my best friends, bearing all my teeth in a ridiculous way.
“All I wanted was cuddles.” I smirked. “Now you’re stuck babysitting. So you can bloody listen to my complaints and fetch me as much ice tea as I ask for.”


“Thank god.” Zack’s voice carried from his doorway to the living room. “She’s driving me insane.” I smiled as I heard the distinct chuckle of Jack Barakat at Zack’s front door. Quickly after that Jack appeared in the living room and beamed at me. I answered with my dirtiest scowl.
“Now, don’t be like that. Get off your ass.” I crossed y arms over my chest and snuggled down into the couch farther. “Jasey-Rae. I have spent all day avoiding you and planning things so you will get in my car, drive to our house, get yourself in something nice, and you will enjoy what awaits you.” When I continued to refuse to move Jack shrugged and scooped me up so he was cradling me. I squirmed as much as I dared but he wasn’t fazed a bit. Especially not with Zack walking in front holding open doors and even helping him slide me into the back of the car. Jack quickly jumped in the driver’s seat and locked the door so I couldn’t escape.
“Come on, Jack. I said I didn’t want a party.” I growled as we made the trip back to the house.
“It’s not a party.” Jack simply stated, turning up the radio so he couldn’t hear my protests to his whole plan. He had gone missing all day and granted, he did have donuts delivered to me, but I still wasn’t impressed with his lack of presence on my birthday, even if it was to surprise me. As we pulled up on our driveway Jack jumped out and opened my door so he could make sure I made no attempt to escape. I was still convinced he had a party ready, what else could it be? As we reached the door Jack leaned down to kiss me gently, confirming my suspicions that whatever he had done was waiting for me behind that door. Jack squeezed my hand gently and whispered happy birthday as he pushed the door open, revealing a path made of twinkle lights directing me through the house.
“You liar.” I muttered. “You said I could get changed.” Jack shrugged and pushed me on. Apparently what I was wearing would do for now. I rounded the corner to the living room to find the whole thing over turned. Sheets were draped from the roof and down the walls to make the whole room feel like a tent, with multiple lamps spread throughout the mattress covered floor. The TV had been shifted slightly so that it was at optimum viewing capacity for the people who had set up camp in the ‘tent’.
“You said you’d be happy with a movie night.” Jack whispered against my hair in the doorway. “Well, here you have it.” I turned and reached up on my tiptoes to kiss him.
“Thank you, Jacky. I love it.” I smiled as we tiptoed our way over the bouncy floor, avoiding the massive bowls of popcorn and settled ourselves down next to Alex and Zack who must have boosted it over here after we left. Alex threw us a blanket while Jack propped up a couple of pillows for us to lean on. Rian beamed as he pressed play and my favourite animated film started to play, The Little Mermaid.
“Happy Birthday, baby.” Jack smiled as I snuggled between him and Alex. I leaned my head on Jack’s shoulder as Alex flung an arm over my mine. The way things had settled down between the three of us, and how we could simply be friends again made me smile. I didn’t want this to become an issue where I could only act normal around Alex when Jack wasn’t around. This was all I could ever ask for. Everyone to be happy. Everything to be simple. I knew that soon enough something would happen to stir the pot, but for now I was happy. It was the best birthday Jack could have given me.

Notes

HI GUYS
So I'm plugging away at this while also planning something else ;) A prequel is on its way!
The next chapter has been screaming at me to write it since the beginning so it's definetly something to look forward to.
I love you all for reading!
xx