{California}
"You ready, babe?" Jack walked up behind me in the mirror.
"I think so," I furrowed my brows.
"It's just going to be my mom, don't over think it." He played with my hair.
"Are you sure she wants me to come?" I asked, looking back at him.
"She asked for you specifically." He laughed, reaching for his cologne on my dresser.
"Right." I bit my tongue checking my outfit one last time.
"I'll wait for you in the Jeep," Jack kissed my cheek before leaving the room.
I was sick to my stomach and I couldn't even explain it.
I followed slowly behind Jack grabbing the last of my things.
"They locked Steven up." He said once I sat in the passengers seat.
"Who's Steven?" I asked, confused.
"Bryn's kidnapper," Jack whispered like the words were forbidden.
"For how long?" I clenched my jaw.
"Twenty five years, if he's lucky."
"Wow." I stared down at my feet.
An awkward silence filled the car with every breath we took.
"He won't hurt her again- or you for that matter." He spoke as if it were a promise.
"Jack-"
"Your my responsibility now California, and I'm not going to let anyone hurt you." Jack cut me off.
"I love you." He continued.
"Oh stop," I blushed, watching the car beside us make a right.
"You do know that, right?" He asked.
"How could I forget, you remind me every hour." I laughed kissing the top of his hand.
"That's only because you mean the world to me." He smiled before driving across the intersection.
"Hey- what are your biggest fears?" I asked, playing with the Lokai bracelet he was wearing.
"Losing you."
-
"California, it's so nice to see you again." Jacks mother looked happier than ever.
"You too, ma'am." I smiled handing her the flowers Jack and I had bought the night before.
"Oh thank you," She smiled down at the tulips.
"And call me Iris." She said once Jack and I both entered the front door.
"Of course." I nodded, watching her intently.
"Hopefully you two are hungry, I might have went overboard." She laughed, putting the flowers in a tall vase.
"Don't you always." Jack smiled kissing her on the cheek.
"Please." She defended happily.
"I love what you've done with the kitchen." I beamed, trying to make conversation.
"Thank you, it's a working progress."
"Let's eat." Jack pulled out my chair for me.
"You two go ahead, I'll be right back." Isis left through the corridor.
"Did I do something again?" I whispered, laughing.
"Someone's at the door!" Jack shouted, the doorbell ringing.
