Chapter 21: 7 Days A Week

-Juliet-

Jack's body jerked under my arm while he slept and I tightened my arm around him. I nuzzled my face against his neck and kissed his smooth skin. "Jack." I whispered.

He lifted a hand and wrapped his fingers around my forearm, "I'm fine." His voice was strained, almost shaking.

"Was it another memory?" I whispered.

"A small one." He paused, "It was at the bar and everything went white when I left." He spoke softly.

I felt his heart steady against my wrist, "What could be triggering your memories?"

Jack stirred and I loosened my arm from around him. He turned on his back and I lifted my head up on my hand while resting on my elbow. I looked down at him, barely seeing the outline of his sharp jaw in the darkness. The sun was starting to rise; still not much light seeped into the room.

"This may sound...weird, but...I think you're the one triggering my memories. I know it sounds complicated. But I only get them when you're around I've noticed."

I touched his jaw, tracing my finger over his skin, "But your first memory—"

"Wasn't clear until that night you slept over."

Still, that doesn't make sense. There's no way I could've helped Jack remember. I don't know how that's possible. "I don't see how I could trigger them, Jack." I ran my finger along his chin and across the other side of his jaw, "If I triggered them, then I should've a long time ago because we've been seeing each a lot since the beginning of summer. Why would it start happening now and not then?"

He watched me with a steady, yet soft gaze, "I don't know. I'm not saying for sure that it's you, but it makes sense, I guess. I haven't had anything in two days and then all of a sudden?"

I scanned his face, my finger still idly tracing his jaw, "Well you were talking about me in that memory. Maybe that memory alone can trigger the rest."

Jack grabbed my hand, nuzzling his face against my palm, "Maybe." His lips touched my palm, kissing it lightly before dropping my hand against his chest. "I'm guessing you have to go now?"

There was a bit of hesitation before I nodded, "I'm sorry. I'll see you in a few days." I choked on the last word, "But tell me if something happens and I'll be here in a heart beat."

He smiled a little, "Call me before you go to bed. I want to hear your voice."

I returned his smile, "I promise." I tilted my body a little until I was halfway leaning on his chest. My face hovered over his as I met his lips.

So much for that morning breath thing.

He responded without a moment of hesitation.

He pulled me, until I was fully on top of him. I straddled his hips and let my hands travel of the length of his abdomen, feeling the dents and valleys of his sculpted chest under my fingertips. His skin was smooth against my palms. One of his hands wound its way into my hair, the other had a firm grip on my hip.

I pulled my lips away and pressed my forehead against his

"Sure you have to go?" He said, his tone teasing.

I laughed, pecked his lips, and climbed off of him, "Unfortunately." I sat on the edge of his bed to put my shoes on. When I got the last one on, I felt Jack's arm go around my waist and I yelped as he pulled me back. Jack nuzzled his face against my neck and laughed. I let out an embarrassed laugh, which only made him laugh that much harder.

"Wish you could stay a bit longer." He mumbled against my neck, leaving a small kiss and pulling away.

"I do, too. But soon we won't have to worry about your boundaries." I stood up again and turned around to face him. He was sitting on the edge, and with my height and his, we were face to face. "You'll be sneaking in my bedroom window before you know it."

Jack's smile widened, "You know me well."

I pecked his lips and backed away, "I know you better than you think, McKinnon."

I didn't miss the raise of his eyebrow before I turned around and walked out of his bedroom door. I made my way quietly down the stairs, careful not to wake his parents. What a disaster that would be?

I made it to my room without any problems. I'm pretty used to sneaking back in. It's something I would have never found myself doing. Well, I didn't expect to feel this way about Jack either and he's been next door this whole time.

It was hard falling back to sleep. I snuggled under my blankets, already missing the feel of Jack around me. I had to be at work at two, but I was tempted to just call out. I've already done that twice in the past month, I think I should just tough it out.

My bed dipped a few hours later, waking me up. James sat perched on my side of the bed, his blue eyes bright and smiling. "What do you want?" I mumbled and closed my eyes again.

"Nothing. Your grandma wants you."

I opened my eyes again to meet his, "I'll be down in a minute."

He gave me a smile and retreated out of my room.

I got out of bed with a huff and walked into my bathroom. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and pulled my curls back into a ponytail. I changed my clothes because I didn't want to be seen wearing what I was yesterday. I pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and went downstairs.

My grandma was in the kitchen, tending to a freshly baked sheet of cookies. She smiled when she saw me, and I returned it. "Good morning, Sunshine."

"Good morning, Grandma." I kissed her cheek and leaned against the counter beside her, "Did you need something?"

"Yes." She took off the oven mitts and turned towards me, "I want to talk to you about your father."

The letter.

I totally forgot about the letter.

"What about him?"

"He reached out to me yesterday."

My heart fell into the pit of my stomach, "He did what? Why?"

Her smile faltered a bit, "It was through Email, Juliet. He didn't come here. I would have kicked him out."

I slumped in relief, "I think it's time to get a new email address and get rid of the one you've had for what? Twenty years?"

She laughed, "You're right about that one."

"So," I sighed, "What did he say?"

"It was a pretty long email. He started with the night he left you in our care and didn't come back." She smiled sadly, "He said he left to better himself. To be someone you could be proud of. He talked about the night he saw you for the first time in fourteen years. He apologized a million times in the email. He mentioned he would like to see you before he leaves."

"Leaves?"

"Back to California where he lives. He helps run some giant video game company. It does seem he has changed."

I swallowed back the tears, "Why'd it take him so long, Grandma? He left me because he didn't want me. He was all I had and he left me." I whimpered.

She caressed my cheeks in her hands and smiled at me, "But look where you are now, my love. You're perfect in every way that counts. If you don't want to talk to him, you don't have to. This is your decision and you're the only one that can make it. I won't tell you not to and I won't tell you to. Whatever choice you make, Honey, me and your grandpa will back up one hundred percent."

I nodded as tears stung my eyes. She dropped her hands and wrapped me in a hug that I desperately needed. "Thank you, Grandma."

"You know I love you more than anything."

"You too."

I cried a bit, but wiped my tears clean when she pulled away. She handed me the plate of cookies and a grin slid on my face, "You always know how to make me feel better." I grabbed a cookie from the plate and took a bite. She blew me a kiss and I walked out of the kitchen with the cookies in hand.

I really needed to talk to my grandma about Jack. But I think I should wait for this thing with my dad to blow over. I was itching with curiosity after what she told me about that email. He lives in California, on the opposite side of me. I guess he couldn't get far enough.

My thoughts were on a loop, but I canceled them out when I stopped in front of James's door. I knocked on the door while balancing the plate in one hand. He opened the door, his eyebrows perking in surprise, "What's up?"

"Nothing." I walked past him and into the room, "Thought we could watch something before I go to work." I waved the cookies in front of him, "I have plenty."

He smiled and closed the door.

I took a seat at the edge of the bed and James sat next to me. I offered him a cookie and he greatly accepted. "Everything with your grandma okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just stuff about...you know who."

"Voldemort."

I snorted, "Exactly."

The end of my shift was beckoning. Madison went home already and left me to lock up the diner. I cleaned up some of the tables and clocked out. I think it's been a slow day all together, and now I get to go home and fall asleep to the sound of Jack reading to me.

He did always get mad when I fell asleep, but there was just something about his voice that was soothing.

I locked the front doors and ventured towards my car parked on the other side of the lot. The thought of getting home was the only thing driving me.

No pun intended.

When I got home, everyone was asleep but Meredith. She sat perched at the end of my bed when I walked into my room with a huge smile on her face. She always had a smile on her face though, so this wasn't surprising at all. What's surprising is actually seeing her. I haven't seen much of her lately, except at dinner.

"How long have you been waiting?" I asked, setting my keys on my dresser and shrugging out of my jacket.

"Only a few minutes." She stood up and walked up to me, "I actually have a huge favor to ask you."

"As long as it's reasonable." I joked.

"Long story short, I met a guy here." She looked like she was about to jump out of her skin. The giant smile didn't leave her face.

"Okay? And what do you want me to do?"

"He invited me to this club downtown on Friday, but I don't want to go alone."

Yikes. "Won't that be...I don't know...a little awkward?"

She shook her head quickly and grabbed my hands, "Not at all. James agreed to go also. But he would only go if you went. You would really be helping me out."

I've been to parties with Lindy, but not a club. How am I even going to get in? I was not about to go searching for someone to make me a fake ID. "Could I invite someone?"

"Of course. Invite anyone you want."

Lindy would love this one. "Then I'll go."

She squealed and threw her arms around me, "Thank you so much. I owe you big time."

And she ran out of my room.

What just happened? I can't believe I just agreed to that. But her and James both have been nothing but kind to me, it's the least I can do for Meredith.

I grabbed one of Jack's t-shirts I had hoarded and took a quick shower. I let the warm water soothe my aching muscles for a few moments, just basking in the feel of the relaxation. When I felt at ease, I got out of the shower and got dressed. I pulled my hair out of its ponytail and shook out my hair. My hair fell in gentle waves down my back as I massaged my sore scalp.

When I felt ready, I grabbed my phone and sat at my window seat. I looked over at Jack's and his room was dark. I pressed Jack's name on my phone and it started ringing. On the third ring, Jack's room lit up. "Hey." Jack's husky voice carried through and a smile touched my lips.

"Were you asleep?"

The curtains opened and he stood there with a matching smile, "Not yet. I was watching some Ghost hunter thing on TV. I just had it on for background noise but actually got into it."

"Maybe that's your calling." I teased, "Jack. The Ghost Hunter."

"Ha-ha, you're hilarious."

"I know." I let out a dramatic sigh, "So, what are we reading tonight?"

He looked to his left and picked up a small book on his bedside table, "Feeling a classic, so I picked nineteen eighty-four by George Orwell. I'm sure you already knew that though."

I nodded, but I didn't know if he could see, "Read it my freshman year and probably a million times after that. I give you points for your choice."

He laughed lightly, "I'm pretty sure you're the reason I read it. I saw you with it all the time. I like being curious." He held the book up to the window, "I've completely worn out my copy."

"I have an extra copy I can give to you."

"That'll give you an excuse to come see me then." I could see the smirk tugging on his lips from here.

"I'm all yours Friday."

"You're mine seven days a week." He said softly.

I turned away when I felt the blush creeping up my neck and I didn't know what to say. Sometimes he would say things like this and it made me feel...I can't explain it. But I get flustered and I can't say anything because I'm afraid of mumbling and stumbling over my words.

"I can still make you blush even from all the way over here."

I looked out my window again, "I miss you already."

"This house arrest thing is a bigger fun sucker than you are." His tone turned to teasing and I didn't have to see him to know he was smiling.

A smile easily slid on my lips, "I'm gonna take that as a compliment."

Conversations like this are what I live for. They seem so simple, and normal. Like he's the boy next door I have a huge crush on and I want to talk to him for hours. But of course, our situation isn't that simple. Hopefully it will be soon. And I'm counting the days.

"Get comfortable."

I pulled my blanket up to my waist and snuggled against the pillows behind me. I closed my eyes as Jack started reading. I envisioned him next to me. His fingers toying with mine in a playful dance. His steady breathing and heartbeat to match.

Maybe that's why I always fell asleep.

It took me two hours to fall asleep to the sound of Jack's voice tonight. Which is a record. The last thing I heard him say was "Good night, beautiful." before I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The house was quiet when I woke up the next morning. I assumed everyone was gone. Or my grandparents are already out in the yard working. I got out of bed and did my daily routine before sitting at my desk. I slowly pulled the drawer open and carefully plucked the letter from the top.

Even though it was paper, it felt heavy in my hands. Heavy with the words my dad wasn't able to tell me in person.

I opened the top and pulled out the neatly folded piece of stationary paper. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to prepare before I unfolded it. The letter was long. It read:

"Butterfly,

I'm not really good with words. There are things that can't be written out, rather spoken. But I know you don't want to see me, so this will have to do. And I don't blame you for not wanting to see me. I wouldn't want to see me either. What I did to you is horrible and I would do anything to take it back.

There's no excuse for what I did. I was a selfish person. So unbelievably selfish, Juliet. When your mom died, that was it for me. I couldn't be happy and you didn't deserve that. You deserved to be treated like you're the only person in the world and then some. I should've been there to spoil you. To buy you anything you asked for because you were my little butterfly.

I wouldn't be surprised if you ripped this letter up before you could read it. But I need you to know that I still love you. I never stopped loving you. You are my flesh and blood and I would do anything for you. I would pull down the stars for you if I could.

Everything I've done in the past fourteen years has been for you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be who I am today. You were the motivation I needed, Juliet. And you're still my motivation. I will work as hard as I have to, to make it up to you. I want to be someone you can be proud of. And hopefully, one day I will be.

I'll be staying at the Hilton until the end of the month if you decide you want to talk about anything. I'm sure you want to know about your mom and I would be happy to answer any questions."

He didn't sign the letter. He didn't have to, I guess.

Hot tears welled up in my eyes and spilled over. I choked on a sob as folded the letter back up and stuffed it back in the envelope. I swiped at my eyes, but the tears wouldn't stop.

I stood up, my chest tightening with anxiety.

Maybe my dad did love me, and maybe everything he did was for me. But it wasn't hard to make a phone call to explain. He knew where I lived and never visited me. He never cared enough to. Until now.

Now I wanted to see him before he left. I wanted to talk to him about Mom and hear what she was like through his eyes. He loved her just as much as he said he loved me. And that I believe.

I wasn't ready to forgive him. Not yet. I don't think I'll ever to be able to forgive him after abandoning me. This is my choice to make and I hope I'll be making the right one.

My phone started ringing, making me jump. I wiped my eyes and picked my phone off my bed. Jack's name flashed across my screen and I answered it quickly, "Hey." I said smoothly, trying to keep my voice calm.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Juliet."

I choked on another sob, but I didn't want Jack to know I had been crying. I haven't told him about the letter yet. "Juliet," He said again, "Come outside."

I hung up the phone and didn't bother putting shoes on. I tried composing myself as I walked down the stairs, but if anything, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to cry. The sobs were building up in my throat. I swallowed them and stepped outside.

As I rounded the corner of my house, Jack was already standing behind the white line. I didn't think and just ran to him. I don't know if it was sympathetic look on his face, or just seeing him.

I ducked under the line of string and Jack immediately pulled me against him. His hand braced against the back of my neck and he held tighter. He leaned down, pressing his temple against mine as he whispered something to me. I could barely make out his words through my daze.

I wasn't crying, but I was close to it again.

Jack's other arm wound around my waist and he turned his head into the side of my neck, "I could tell something was wrong."

"My d-dad." I choked on another sob.

"Do you want to come inside? My parents won't be back for awhile."

I nodded against him and he slowly pulled away from me. He led me inside his house and locked us inside. I didn't think twice about what I just did out in the open. My grandparents could have seen.

At this point I didn't care if they did. They'll find out eventually. But I want to be the one to tell them, not someone from across the street.

Jack wrapped me back in his arms and I melted against him, "Do you want to talk about it?"

I pulled away from his arms and walked into the living room. I sat down on the couch and let out a shaky breath, "He left me a letter a few days ago...I finally read it today."

Jack kneeled in front of me, taking my hands between his own, "It wasn't a good letter I'm guessing."

I shook my head, "I wouldn't say it was bad." I went into detail about the letter. The small aspects that upset me the most and other smaller details. He watched me intently, listening to every word I had to say.

"You should see him if you really want to."

"I think I do."

Jack released my hands and ran his thumbs under my eyes, "No more crying."

I leaned back against the couch and sighed, "No more crying." I repeated more for my sake than his.

He stood up and sat down next to me. I leaned my head against his shoulder and let out a more steady breath. "So," I started, "did you get your results?" I lifted my head and pivoted my body to face him.

"Yeah, just got the email this morning."

"And?"

A smile crept on his face, "I passed all of them."

"Jack!" I beamed, "That's so amazing. I'm happy for you. That means you get to start your senior year."

His smile fell into a frown, "That's if I can get out of this."

I touched the lock of his hair that curled around his ear, "You'll get out of this and you'll start your senior year. You'll get to go to prom and all that high school jazz."

Jack snorted, "If only prom was the only thing I had to worry about."

"You basically ruined junior prom. You and your friends anyway."

Jack's smile was back, "Oh come on, it's like a high school tradition to spike the punch."

"Jack, there was a group of kids so drunk that one of the guys decided it would be funny to pee in the middle of the gym. Another guy thought he was Tarzan and failed to swing with a paper streamer and dislocated his shoulder."

Jack started laughing, probably reliving the memory. He was drunk off his ass too while he encouraged both guys to do what they did. There were many other faults at that prom, but those were the ones that stuck out the most. And I only went to that prom because of Lindy and she went to the one being held for my school.

I have to say Lindy's was more entertaining.

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Sorry it took so long to update! I'm gonna try and update again tomorrow for you guys! :)

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Have a good day/night, wherever you're from, hahaha. :)