Chapter 33: Right Now Sounds Good To Me

"I'm so bored." I groaned, dropping my head face first onto the pillow. "And my dad's working and you won't entertain me."

Jack laughed next to me, "I'm all for entertaining."

I lifted my head up and rested it on my palm. He was still lying on his back with his eyes closed, "Is this a game to you?"

He turned his head in my direction and opened his eyes, "Don't you know me by now?" His smile turned into a grin.

I narrowed my eyes, glaring at him, "Oh, I know you all too well, Jack."

As I started to get out of his bed, I stumbled and fell to my butt. Jack of course started laughing and I stood up. "Where are you going?" He managed between laughs.

"My room where no one is laughing at me." I stuck my tongue out at him like a child and stomped little ways down the hallway to my room. I heard Jack's bare feet padding against the wooden floors but I wasn't quick enough to close my door. He scooped me up in his arms and I couldn't help the giggle that came out.

Jack tightened his hold around my legs when I struggled to get down, "Apologize and maybe, just maybe, I'll put you down."

I stopped the fight and hooked an arm around his neck, "You're going to be holding me for quite sometime then."

"You underestimate me."

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah."

He brought me to my bed and sat me down against the pillows. When contact was lost, I crossed my arms over my chest from a sudden chill. The warmth of Jack's chest was a loss I didn't know I needed right then. "Is this my punishment?" I asked, playfully pushing out my bottom lip.

He stopped in the doorway and turned around. The corner of his mouth tugged into a smirk, "No. We need more blankets and pillows."

I raised an eyebrow, but he didn't respond to that. He walked out of my room and didn't come back until five minutes later with his arms filled with the blankets and pillows from his bed. He dropped them on the floor and grinned at me, "Any idea yet?" He asked.

"Not one."

He walked to the other side of the room and pulled the chair from the vanity. There was another small chair near the closet that he also brought near the pile he made. "How about now?"

A smile slowly slid on my lips, "A fort?"

When he nodded, I jumped out of bed to help, "How old are we?"

"Psh. You're never too old to build forts. Especially in stormy weather."

I just shrugged, "You have a point."

We went to work, building the fort. It expanded several feet in all directions. We tried to make it as big as possible. I went inside the fort and started placing the pillows inside. We had some extra blankets and sheets in here as well to make it even more comfortable.

I wonder what my dad would think. Or even my grandparents for that matter. Jack and I are building a fort on our last day here. It almost sounds weird.

Almost.

We finished the fort and Jack joined me inside. He looked around and nodded his head, "We make a pretty good team." He lay back on the mountain of pillows that I made and he held out his arms for me.

I moved into them and rested my head on his chest. His warmth enveloped me as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer. "I like your ideas of entertainment."

I felt the rumble of Jack's laugh against my cheek, "I have plenty of ideas for entertainment, Juliet."

I tilted my head up to look at him, "I like the sound of that."

He curled his finger under my chin and tilted my face up more to meet his lips. It was a smooth, gentle kiss that left me wanting more when he pulled back. I twisted my body so my torso was against his and my mouth collapsed on his again.

His hands found their way to my jaw, caressing gently to guide my lips firmer on his. Once my lips were even with his, he moved his hands down to my hips. He griped them and maneuvered my body so I was straddling him. One hand stayed on my hip, the other brushed over my side and to my back. He traced the curve of my back until his hand was on the hem of my shirt.

My body felt like it was set on fire the second his fingers peeked under my shirt and the pads of his fingertips touched my bare skin. I moaned against his lips in response. He smiled against my lips.

I kissed his bottom lip and his chin, trailing down. He tilted his head back and I gained the access I needed to his jugular. I spent my time teasing him. I kissed, nipped, and sucked on small patches of skin as I made it down his chest. I curled my fingers against his abdomen as I kissed down his sculptured chest.

I came to a stop at the fresh scar that marked his skin. I grazed my lips over the fractured skin and kissed it lightly. Jack whimpered my name and sat up. In a quick motion, he had my face in his hands and my lips back to his.

He flipped our positions and I was now on the bottom. He didn't waste any time reconnecting our lips.

The sound of the front door slamming broke us apart.

Jack hissed a curse and moved back off of me.

"This sucks." I mumbled and sighed with defeat.

I moved around him and crawled out of the fort. Jack was behind me only a foot. Before I could leave through the door, his arm was around my waist and he pulled me to him, "This is far from over." He whispered and pecked my lips.

***

Later, when my dad got home, Jack and I went to the beach with my dad and Jules. It was all fun until Jack decided it was a good idea to drag me into the water. Instead of asking nicely, he threw me over his shoulder and ran into the water. I didn't kick or scream, I just let it happen because it was pointless to fight.

After the beach, we went home and cleaned up for dinner. My dad took us to his favorite restaurant in downtown LA. It was bittersweet because it was his way of saying goodbye until he could see me again. He enjoyed having Jack around as well. I really didn't want to leave so soon.

When we got home, my dad pulled me aside. I followed him to his office and it made me nervous. He closed the door behind me and walked around me to get to his desk. He pulled out a drawer and he held a medium sized wooden box in both of his hands. He brought it to me with a smile on his face. "This was your mother's."

He placed the box in my hands and I felt the weight of it, "Is this all you have left of her?"

"It's everything I couldn't part with."

"And you're giving it to me?" Tears stung my eyes.

He nodded, "You deserve it more than I do."

I pulled the latch on the box and slowly managed to open the lid. I balanced the box in the crook of my arm and Will held the lid steady while I looked, "There's a few journals from when she was in college in there. I thought you would like them. And there are a few small things in there that she always carried around that I couldn't let go. I wanted to give it to you when I came to visit, but I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me again."

There were other smaller objects like a butterfly hair clip, a pen, and it looked like a tube of lipstick. These are the things my dad couldn't part with and he is for me. He doesn't want to let her go just as much as I don't. I want to believe she's still here and in the other room.

I closed the lid and sat the box on his desk. I swiped my tears away and wrapped my arms around his torso, "Thank you so much."

He tightened his hold on me, "Thank you for coming. Thank you for giving me the chance I've been waiting for."

He pulled away and cupped my face in his hands, "You're so beautiful, Juliet. Just like her." He freed a hand and brushed it over my cheek, "You're so much like her, inside and out. I couldn't be more proud of you."

I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him again, "Thank you, Dad."

I heard his breath hitch before he sucked in a nervous breath, "Thank you."

This time when I pulled away, I looked up at him and his eyes glistened with tears, "I'll see you soon, right?"

He ran a thumb under his eye, "Already booked a flight for Christmas."

I couldn't help but smile, "Maybe I can come for Thanksgiving."

"I would love that."

I wrapped my hand around his and gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, "I'm glad to have you back."

We sat down on the couch that sat in his office and just talked for a bit. He told me more about the company he helps run and then we talked about what he was like when he was a kid and how my mom was. It was nice to be able to talk about her. It's a really touchy subject with my grandma, so I avoid that topic because I'm afraid she'll cry like she has previously.

He gave me another tight hug before saying goodnight and going upstairs for bed. I ventured through the large living area that smelled like apples and cinnamon on the search for Jack. The transparent French doors opened and Jack stepped through, soaked from head to toe from a recent night swim. He ruffled his hair with a towel and draped it over his broad shoulders.

When he finally noticed me, he smiled, "Hey."

"Hello, Trouble."

"I like your choice of pet names."

I walked up to him and tugged on the ends of the towel, "I hope you're not ready to come in yet."

He tilted his head like a confused puppy, "Why do you say that?"

"It is our last night here." I whispered, "My dad and Jules are in bed...we're finally alone. I think we should do something our parents wouldn't approve of."

"I like the way you think."

I dropped my hands down to his and turned him around to walk back outside. He smiled at me as I pulled him towards the pool. I stopped at the edge and dropped his hands. He drew the towel away from his shoulders and threw it on the table a few feet away.

I turned my back to Jack and gestured towards the zipper on my dress. His fingers delicately grazed the exposed skin of my back until his fingers gripped the zipper. The dress loosened around me and Jack's warmth was gone.

I turned back around to face him and let the dress pool at my feet. I stepped out of it and I walked to the steps that led into the water. Chills sped through my arms and legs as the cool water made contact with my skin.

The water sloshed behind me, telling me that Jack was close behind. His chest was pressed against his back and I leaned into his touch. "How'd your talk go with your dad?" He whispered in my ear, his bottom lip brush over the top.

"Great. He's planning on coming for Christmas and I'm coming for Thanksgiving. We have it worked out."

"I'm happy for you." His lips touched my jaw, "Everything worked out for you, too, Juliet."

I smiled to myself, "It did. And you've been there every step of the way. So I think I have a lot to thank you for, too." I turned until we were face to face, "Thank you, McKinnon."

He smiled effortlessly, "We have plenty of time to make it up to each other."

I hummed and snaked my arms around his neck, "You're just full of good ideas today, aren't you?"

He nodded and pressed his lips to the small space between my brows, "I'm always full of good ideas, my love."

I tilted my head back to catch his gaze, "I've noticed."

***

The next day, my dad drove us to the airport. We said our byes and clung to each other because he wasn't ready for me to go. I wouldn't have if I didn't have school starting on Monday.

We boarded the plane with no problems and we took off. This time, Jack fell asleep during the plane ride home. I just read while he slept.

The four-hour flight felt like only an hour because I got lost in another world. I poked Jack's cheek and he slowly came out of his deep sleep. I guess I shouldn't have kept him up all night.

And it's not what you're thinking. We stayed up talking all night and he slept in his own bed and I slept in mine.

We collected our luggage from the claim and went out to meet my grandparents. They welcomed us back with smiles and open arms. I was happy and sad at the same time to be back. This is home after all.

Jack and I went our separate ways when we got home.

I had to get my sleeping schedule back on track before school on Monday. I'm still four hours behind, so my body needs to adjust to Eastern Time again.

I unpacked my suitcase after dinner and the last thing left, wrapped in two towels, was my mom's wooden box. I unraveled the towels and placed the box on my desk. I sat down and opened it up. I plucked out a small-framed picture of my mom and dad when they were in high school and propped it on my desk. The small memory brought a smile to my lips. They were both so happy.

She had four journals, each marked with the years she spent in college. I piled them together and put them on my bedside table for night reading.

The journals were probably the best thing he could've given me. Well, the whole box is. Just having something my mother touched made my eyes water. It's her words, from her head. She could inspire me in many ways and I couldn't wait to start reading them.

I closed the box back up and placed it on the top shelf in my closet.

I gathered clothes for a shower and walked into my bathroom. I stripped from my clothes that felt like they were clinging to me and stepped into the steaming shower. I took my time, letting the water cascade down me to relax my stiff muscles.

I don't know how long I took, but I eventually got out when the water started running cold. I dressed in a pink camisole and a pair of sweatpants. I braided my hair down my back and got into bed.

I picked my phone up from the pillow beside me and checked my messages. I had one from my dad and he said he hoped I made it home okay and to call him in the morning. The next one was from Jack and it brought a bigger smile to my face, "I miss you already. Sleep well, Beautiful."

I texted him back and pressed send. I locked my phone and plugged it in on my bedside table, next to my mom's journals. The second my head hit the pillows again, I was out.

***

The weekend went by in a flash. I was waking up at 5:30 A.M. Monday morning before I could even blink. I had to drag myself out of bed and force myself to get ready. I took care of my business in the bathroom and walked back in my room to get dressed. I had to wear the normal school uniform and I pinned my hair back out of my face.

I went downstairs and my grandma already had my cup of coffee waiting for me. "You're a life saver." I took the first sip, the hot liquid burning my throat on its way down.

Nothing like coffee.

I didn't have the stomach to eat so I sat and talked to my grandparents. Of course they asked all the questions I expected them to, like if I was excited for school. I gave them an honest answer and told them yes. Only because it's my senior year and it'll fly by before I know it.

Lindy sent me a message, telling me she was outside. I told her she didn't have to drive me, but she insisted. I kissed my grandparents' cheeks and told them bye on my way out. I plucked an apple from the bowl and ran through the living room to reach the front door.

I opened the passenger door of Lindy's car and slid in, "Now you can tell me all about your trip to California." She giggled and clapped her hands.

I laughed, "But of course."

I filled her in on all the details. I left a lot of Jack and I out of it for privacy reasons. She knows not to push for anything, and I loved that about her. She does tell me she's dying to know, but she understands that we like our privacy since we don't get much of it anymore.

She dropped me off at the front of the school and I waved to her as she left. I clutched the strap of my messenger bag and walked inside. This day couldn't be over soon enough.

I walked to my assigned locker, which is the same one I've had since I started here. I only took a notebook out and a pencil for first period. Before I put everything in my locker, I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message to Jack, "I'll be thinking of you. Can't wait to see you when I get home. Good luck, Trouble." I tapped send and shoved everything in my locker.

The day went on too slow. I barely made it through without wanting to slam my head into a wall. I've always hated the first day of school because it's mainly about orientation, handing out papers you need signed, or anything else you may need for the rest of the year.

I unloaded my books in my locker at the end of the day and slung my bag across my chest.

No homework for me today.

I pushed through the rushing crowd and emerged outside. I felt like I could finally breathe.

As I started walking to the bus stop, a familiar figure stood against a black Jeep. One I knew really well.

He smiled at me and removed the sunglasses from his eyes, "Lindy said you needed a ride."

I didn't say anything and jumped in his arms. I wrapped mine tight around his shoulders and he hugged me back, "James! It's so good to see you." I unraveled my arms from around him and stepped back, "I was just heading for the bus."

His blue eyes sparkled under the sun as he wrinkled up his nose, "I'm saving you then. Those things are gross."

"I'm getting a car soon, it's only temporary."

He opened the passenger door for me, "Well, I would be happy to drive you home today." He kept his tone proper and teasing.

"Why thank you." I fake curtsied and climbed into the passenger side.

James ran around to the other side and started the car.

"Wait—you talked to Lindy?" I watched his nervous movements, like gripping the steering wheel and fighting a smile.

"We started talking when you went to California. I don't know if it's anything yet...but I like her." His cheeks turned a shade pinker.

"Awww, so cute." I poked his cheek, "I don't know why I didn't think of it before." I mumbled.

"We were kind of fake dating until about three weeks ago." His tone was teasing, "But since we cleared all that up, I asked for her number about two weeks ago. Talking to her has helped me...move on."

Now I was curious, "You never mentioned anyone."

"This person didn't know. But that's okay." He glanced at me with a smile, "She's happy where she's at. I'm glad I get to call her my friend."

My breath stopped when I realized who he was talking about, "James—"

"Don't apologize, Juliet." He shot me another smile, "I told you that night our friendship is more important than anything." Then he snorted, "Come on, how did you not know I kind of liked you?"

It was my turn to blush, "I'm kind of an idiot." I murmured.

James chuckled and stopped at a red light, "You had a lot going on. And that's okay. I'm completely okay with how everything turned out. I couldn't be happier for you and Jack. And I'm so happy you have your dad back in your life as well. Getting your attention wasn't really easy." He laughed lightly and started driving again, "I saw the way you looked at Jack. There's no one else. I hope to have that someday."

He was breaking my heart. I was scared to talk, because I'm afraid my voice will crack, "You'll have that, James. You deserve that more than anything."

He smiled sadly, "I still have time."

He changed the subject after that and asked me about my trip. I pretty much told him the same thing I told Lindy. Even when he parked in my driveway, I finished telling him the story before we both got out.

I hugged him tightly like I wouldn't get another chance, "We definitely need to hang out soon."

"Agreed." He pulled back, "I'll call you soon."

I nodded and he got back in his car. I waved to him as he backed out of my driveway and drove the way he came.

I let go of the breath I was holding and walked to Jack's. He finally got his car back and can actually drive it and it was parked in the driveway.

I always suspected how James felt, but I couldn't return the feelings. Everything I have is with Jack. Every part of my being feels like it belongs to Jack. Yes, I am my own person and I'm the only one that owns me, but Jack has my heart. I couldn't give that away to someone else.

I shook off the chills James left and rang the doorbell.

The door swung open and Jack stood on the other end, "I was wondering if I would ever see you again." He put his hands on my waist and pulled me inside.

"Today was way too long." I groaned.

Jack reached over my head and closed the door. His hand returned to my hip and he pulled me against his chest, "Tell me about it."

"Was your day okay?"

He released a hand again and tilted it back and forth, "It would've been better if no one was staring at me all day like I was walking around it a third eyeball on my forehead."

"Tomorrow will be better."

"It would've been better if you didn't go to that fancy school."

"Hey!" I laughed, "You had a chance to go to that 'fancy school'. Which was kind of dumb you didn't."

He shrugged and moved his hands to cup my face, "You love me anyway."

"That I do." I bit the corner of my lip, "Is there any news about Jeremy?"

Jack shook his head sadly, "Not yet. They're still looking for him."

I brushed my fingers over his jaw, "If he comes near you again, I'll castrate him."

Jack laughed and his lips were on mine in a flash. It was almost a peck, but he lingered, his lips lightly brushing over mine, "I still need a tutor." He whispered, his hot breath hitting my lips. I didn't mind his change of subject this time.

I smiled, "When do we start?"

"What are you doing right now?"

"What ever you're doing."

He dropped a hand and laced our fingers together. He started leading me towards the stairs, "My room is this way. It'll be easier for us to work in there."

Memories came flooding back from our first tutoring session, so I dragged it out, "Wouldn't the kitchen be easier?"

"You wouldn't want my parents to come home and find us, would you?" He looked over his shoulder.

"I do plan on yelling at you a lot."

We reached the landing and he pulled me further until we reached his room, "I know that. That's why we must close the door." He let go of me and closed the door in an exaggerated manner.

It made me giggle and he laughed, "What about the no distractions policy?"

He tapped his chin and took a giant step towards me, "It's a little too late for that, don't you think?" His fingers worked the button of my blazer. He popped it free and slid his hands up my shoulders. He pushed the fabric down my arms and it fell to the floor.

"Why do I get the feeling you really don't need help?" I said sarcastically.

He grinned at me and wrapped his fingers around my tie, "What? What gave you that idea?" He loosened it with his fingers without his gaze leaving mine.

"I think you're more into studying anatomy."

"Me? No. You must have me mistaken for someone else." He went to work on the first button of my shirt.

"I know you better than you know yourself, McKinnon." I jabbed his chest.

When he had the first two buttons undone, I gripped the fabric of his shirt around his waist. His fingers stilled on the third button, "I told you I like a girl that will play dirty."

"I know." It was my turn to smirk at him, "That's why I'm going to do this myself." I dropped my hands from his hips and I fumbled with the buttons of my blouse. I easily undid all the buttons until my shirt was hanging off of my shoulders. "Your move."

He gripped the back of his shirt and pulled it over his head slowly. At first he started walking towards me and then he ran. He scooped me up in his arms and tackled me to his bed. We were a mess of laughter as we both struggled to untangle ourselves.

He hovered over me, one hand keeping his balance and the other traced over the angles of my face, "How did I get so lucky?" He spoke softly.

"Just like I did." I moved a hand up his chest until I reached the curve between his shoulder and neck. I continued and settled my hand against the back of his neck, "I love you."

"Say it again." He said breathlessly.

"I. Love. You."

He kissed me with everything he had. I felt it spreading through my body. It was like a fire igniting in my bones. He mumbled his response against my lips and kissed me again.

He bumped his nose against mine in a playful motion when he pulled away, "Does this mean I'm finally your Romeo?"

"Obviously." I smiled and he teased my lips, "But, spoiler alert, we aren't dying at the end. What kind of happy ending would that be?" More sarcasm poured into my tone.

"A crappy one." He pecked my lips, "That's why we need to make one of our own. All I want is one with you."

"I couldn't imagine it being with anyone else."

He kissed me again, "When do we start?" He repeated my statement from moments ago.

"Right now sounds good to me."

--------------------

This came out longer than I expected, hahaha. It's the longest chapter out of all of them (almost 5k words). This is the last, final chapter (Currently crying). I hate letting go of books and the characters I've created. There will be an epilogue up soon. It probably won't be as long as this, but it'll be decent, haha.

Pllleeassee vote and comment? :) Was this a good ending?

Song: Still Into You (Live Acoustic) by Paramore

Thank you guys so unbelievably much for all the support! <3