What's Right in Front of You [colifer]

Chapter 1

Jennifer's heels clicked on the pavement, as she passed by the countless antique houses that filled the neighborhood. The sun was low on the evening sky, and it wasn't long before Jennifer reached the house that was the odd one out. Unlike the others, paint chipping and broken wood panels, the house was completely refurnished. The door was newly painted a dark chocolate like color, and the steps that once suffered from countless cracks and creaks were now replaced with sleek wood. It had a cozy feel to it, and it made almost anyone who entered feel like they're home. Climbing the steps, she went towards the door attempting to knock, but had trouble due to the fact both of her hands were already holding items. In one hand, she held a bottle of red wine for Colin and Helen- which she couldn't wait to have a glass of at their weekly dinner- and in the other hand she held a red fire truck for Evan. When she finally managed to knock, she waited patiently for them to open the door, and admired their blossoming garden in the meantime.

Jennifer adored flowers, but sadly she wasn't much of a green thumb. When she had moved out of her apartment in downtown Vancouver, and into her new home, Colin gifted her an orchid. Only a week later it had withered away, and Colin couldn't help but chuckle when she had informed him of what happened at work.

The door swung open, and Jennifer was greeted with a smiling Helen, who pulled her in for a hug, "Sorry for taking so long to answer the door, Colin and I were a bit preoccupied with making dinner. We don't want to burn it now do we."

Jennifer let out a laugh, as she hugged her back, "It's fine, no need to apologize. Anyways, I brought wine." Helen grinned when Jennifer flashed her the bottle, and grabbed it from her hands.

"This'll go well with dinner-" Before she could finish the sound of feet shuffling against the floorboards sounded throughout the house.

"Auntie Jen is here!" Evan cheered while Jennifer began to take off her shoes, realizing only then how much of a mistake it was to wear them due to the way they began to ache. She had walked all the way from her house which was only a block away from their house. "Auntie Jen!" He squealed before suddenly hugging her legs.

"Hey sweetie," Jennifer bent down and returned the hug, and couldn't help but smile at him, "I got you a present!"

"A present?" Evan's eyes went wide. Jennifer handed him a Toys R Us bag. It wasn't long before he reached in, and pulled out his gift.

"What do you say?" Helen asked, as Evan just broke out smiling

"Thank you Auntie Jen!" Evan said, before pulling her back into a hug. Helen gave them both one more smile, before heading back into the kitchen to continue to cook dinner.

"You're welcome." She returned the hug, before letting go and standing up. When Evan went to open the box, he frowned and Jennifer could tell he was struggling, "Need help?" He nodded, handing her the box, and it wasn't long before it was open.

"Thanks again, Auntie Jen! I love it!" Jennifer handed him everything the box contained which was the truck, and the plastic Dalmatian dog that was wearing a red fireman's suit.

He began to roll it around on countless surfaces, making noises to match the scenarios. "Adorable, isn't it?" Colin spoke from behind her, and she just nodded.

"Absolutely. Anyways, how are you?'

"Doing well, so anything exciting going on in your life?" Colin asked.

"Same as always just Ava and me against the world," Jennifer spoke and the thought of Ava instantly brought another smile to her face.

"You should have brought her. Evan would have loved to see her," Colin said.

"Yeah I should next time," Jennifer replied, before fixing her black, flowy dress that was beginning to scrunch up.

Suddenly, Helen's voice sounded from the kitchen, "Dinner's ready!'

*****

Jennifer was glad she had finally found an open time on her schedule, so she could go out to eat with Rose, her best friend. Even though Jennifer usually spent her weekends in L.A, she decided to mix it up a bit and decided to stay in Vancouver for the weekend. Luckily, Rose was free, and both of the girls decided it was time they finally got together to hang out.

"So where do you wanna go for lunch?" Rose asked, as she scrolled through her phone looking at possible options, "Because I have no idea where we should go."

Suddenly, Jennifer thought of the perfect place, "Hey, we should to that one cute diner on Robson. Colin and I went their awhile ago and the food was delicious!"

"You and Colin went on a date?" Rose asked, wiggling her brows at Jennifer before they both began to laugh.

"Seriously?" Jennifer asked, "It was just lunch, Rose."

"Admit it, you wish it was a date," Rose smirked, before giving Jennifer a knowing look.

"You know I have to get over him, he's married." Jennifer sighed, knowing that what Rose was saying was true. Ever since they recorded the scene in season 3 where Colin and Jennifer had shared a passionate kiss, she had fallen for him. She didn't know much she truly craved his lips until after she got a taste.

"You know what," Rose suddenly spoke up, "I know what you should do to get over him."

"What do I need to do?" Jennifer asked, giving her a skeptical look.

"You, my friend need a boyfriend."