Chapter One-Hundred-Forty-Six
"So…now that you seem to be feeling better, how about we go downstairs and see what Jackie is making us for breakfast?" Nick asked after the three of them had spent a long time just sitting in bed talking.
"Sounds good – I just need to get dressed. I don't think Jackie and Harold would like it very much if I ran around their house in my underwear," Ashley pointed out and Brian laughed.
"Why not? Kota got away with running around naked."
"Yeah, it may be cute when you are four years old, but I don't think they'd say the same for a seventeen year old."
"I would," Nick smirked and Kori punched him in the arm.
"OW!"
"Watch it mister…" Ashley raised her eyebrow and reached over and rubbed Nick's arm.
"What? You don't make comments like that with your girlfriends protective older sister sitting right here, you just don't."
"Do I have permission to punch Wiley when he makes comments like that too?"
"Wiley wouldn't make comments like that because we aren't dating."
"Pffft…liar. How long are you going to keep trying to hide it from me?" Ashley replied and she got up with the blanket wrapped around her waist as she went over to the dresser to get some clothes.
"I'm not hiding anything from you," Kori insisted and Ashley rolled her eyes before going into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her. When she came out a few moments later dressed in shorts and her tanktop she put the blanket on the bed and reached for Nick's hand as he, Brian, and Kori were all standing there waiting. Nick gladly accepted it and the two of them followed Kori and Brian downstairs. When they got down there they went into the kitchen to find everybody, minus Kevin and Elenore in the kitchen. Howie, Riley, the kids – minus Josh, and his parents were all there.
"Where is my son?" Brian asked with a raised eyebrow, as he looked around the kitchen concerned. Jackie smiled and pointed out the window. Brian went over and stood next to her and he looked outside. When he did he grinned when he found his brother Harry out there with Josh and the two of them are just covered from head to toe in paint. There is a piece of paper on the ground that has artwork painted on it as well. Brian looked at Jackie with a small smile on his face and demanded an explanation of the classic moment before him.
"Harry came over earlier and took him outside to paint – Spencer, Kota, and Ellie painted too and then Kevin gave Kota and Ellie both a bath before he left with Ellie."
"Lily, Tyke, Chance, an' Lil' Rok all painted too Uncle Brian! Kevy ended up havin' to gives Lily an' Lil' Rok a bath too," Dakota spoke up cheerily, and Brian turned and grinned at her as Nick stood there holding her.
"Oh he did, did he?"
"Uh-huhs!"
"He must've really enjoyed that."
"Hehe," Dakota giggled and Nick smiled and kissed her forehead affectionately.
"So what are you all going to do today?" Jackie asked curiously.
"Well Riley and I are taking Josh to the mall today. My goal is to get a Christmas list going so that I can start planning," Brian answered. "Really? Well Wi and I were planning on going with Ashley and Nick…do you mind if we come a long?"
"Really? We are going to the mall with you?" Nick asked confused, as he wasn't clued in on that information and he looked beside him at Ashley with a raised eyebrow.
"Heh…I sort of forgot to tell you…cause we made the plans at the park right before my meltdown…"
"Oh…well I guess we are then," Nick replied while chuckling slightly.
"We don't mind, as long as you all don't mind us ditching you at some point and doing our own thing," Brian replied with a grin on his face. "I mean we love you and all, but I want to spend sometime alone with Riley and Josh."
"Yeah and Brian and I don't get much alone time, so you people had better be okay with it," Riley teased.
"Yeah no problem," Kori laughed.
"Yeah, it will be tough without you, but I think we'll manage" Wiley added.
"And are you sure you want Josh with you? I don't mind baby sitting him if you two really want to be alone," Ashley added.
"No thanks, I want him with us. The more he gets used to Riley in the picture the better." Ashley raised her eyebrow at Brian in curiosity as she recognizes the hidden meaning behind those words and she smiled a little bit.
"What?" He questioned, noticing it right away.
"Nothing, nothing…" Ashley answered. "I just think you two are a cute couple, that's all." She added, and she looked over at Jackie and shared a secret look with her. Brian narrowed his eyes at her though he decided he would let it go for now. Everybody was silent for a few moments until suddenly the back door opened and Harry poked his head in.
"Oh good…there you are Brian! Josh and I are done painting now and let me just tell you now the kid is in strong need of a bath right now."
"Well you are the one who took him out there to paint bro, why don't you give him a bath?"
"He's your kid!"
"And you got him dirty," Brian laughed.
"He would much rather prefer his father to bathe him then me."
"Nah, I think Uncle Harry should do it. What better way for you to get to know your nephew over a game of toy boats and rubber duckies?"
"We bonded just fine over a game of paint war."
"And you are just going to leave me to clean up the mess? I don't think so!"
"That's what big brothers are for though, right? And anyway, he really does want you not me."
"Whatever you are just being lazy."
"I'm serious – you could even ask him yourself." Harold Jr. insisted and he turned and looked outside.
"Josh who do you want to give you a bath, me or your father?"
"Brian," Josh answered loud enough for Brian to hear, and Brian groaned.
"You made him say that."
"I did not!" Harold laughed. "I offered to give him a bath and he insisted that you do it. He was pretty serious about it too."
"Whatever," Brian laughed and he rolled his eyes and got up from his chair and he went outside to tend to his son. When he got out there he found Josh standing there covered in head to toe of every color of paint that there is – way worse then the way he was when he looked out at him through the window. Brian shook his head smiling.
"Well you look like you had a lot of fun – did you paint anything besides yourselves?"
"Yeah! Uncle Harry, Ellie, Kota, Spencer, an' me painted this mural earlier," Josh explained happily. Brian went over to the big long paper laid out on the ground and he looked at all of the little paintings on it.
"Very nice – you all did a great job," he complimented, causing Josh to beam ever so proudly. "I bet your Grandmother will want to hang it up somewhere as soon as it dries too."
"You think so?"
"Oh I know so."
"Cool," Josh smiled and he looked his mural over with pride. He has never had his artwork hung on the wall before. Brian grinned as he turned his attention on his multi-colored son.
"Wow you are a mess. Are you sure you don't want your Uncle Harry to give you a bath?"
"Yes I'm very sure," Josh insisted, the smile on his face fading somewhat and he went over and hugged Brian's leg tight. The smile on Brian's face faded too, as he became very concerned and he looked over at his brother.
"I told you he was pretty serious about it…" Brian knelt down then and looked Josh in the eyes.
"What's wrong buddy?" Josh looked at him for a few moments, afraid to tell him what is on his mind in fear of hurting his new uncle's feelings. He likes his Uncle Harry and all, and that is the last thing he wants to do. After a few moments of thinking about it he leaned up on his tiptoes and whispered into Brian's ear.
"I like Harry an' all but I don't trust anyone but you…since…you know…what happened to Ellie and me…."
"Ohhh…I see," Brian replied, completely understanding. He looked over at his brother then who was standing there watching them.
"He says you are a cool uncle and all, and he had lots of fun with you but he needs me to give him a bath because I am the best at doing the Donald Duck impression," Brian explained, covering up for Josh for now. He will come up with a better explanation later that won't hurt Harold's feelings. Harold noticed the 'I'll explain later' look in his younger brothers eyes. They've grown up together their whole lives and know how to read each other pretty well by now.
"Ohhh got'cha…yeah, you better do it bro. Donald Duck is too important to mess up," Harold replied while winking at Josh. Josh grinned appreciatively. He likes anyone who understands just how important the ill-tempered Duck really is. Hence his love for Brian. Brian smirked and stood up and he gathered the paint-covered boy up into his arms.
"I better carry you…my mother…your grandmother, won't be too happy with me if we get paint on her carpet." Josh slid his arms around Brian's neck and rested his head against his shoulder and Brian looked over at his brother.
"This paint had better be washable," he threatened as he could just feel the paint wiping off of Josh and onto him.
"Don't worry it is. I'm smarter then you give me credit for, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Brian replied and he carried Josh into the house. Harold followed him and just as he reached the doorway he was immediately stopped.
"HARRY, Don't you dare take another step inside this house like that!" Jackie scolded firmly.
"But Ma…I was just –"
"NO. You are not going to get paint on my carpet!"
"But how am I supposed to get upstairs to take a shower if you won't even let me come in?" Harold Jr. whined like he were a little boy again.
"You should have thought about that before you decided to get all dirty," Jackie replied while smiling some as she concentrated on breakfast.
"So you are just going to make me stand out here all day?" he questioned and Brian laughed amusedly as he disappeared in the living room with Josh. Harold scowled at the door that his younger brother just walked out of. "What about breakfast? Ma I'm hungry too!" Jackie rolled her eyes smiling.
"Oh alright…but take your shoes and socks off first – and if I find any paint on my carpet you are in trouble young man."
"Yes mama," Harold replied obediently and he took his shoes and socks off and left them at the door before going inside the house. He started for the door to the living room but was suddenly stopped again.
"Hold it!" Harold stopped abruptly and turned and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"You forgot to close the door." Harold took in a deep breath that he didn't realize he was holding – he thought he got some paint on her floor and was going to get scolded again. Nick laughed amusedly and Harold turned and went to shut the door.
"Shut it Carter I can still kick your ass you know." Harold warned. When he had the door shut he turned and left the kitchen to go take a shower.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile in New York, Brooke ended up sleeping in late. She and AJ ended up falling asleep in each other's arms the night before and then at the crack of dawn AJ awoke and carried her into her own bedroom and laid her in bed before Jaime woke up and caught them. When he went back to the guestroom and climbed into bed next to Laila he went back to sleep for another hour and then was awoken by a very energetic two-year-old who wanted her breakfast and to play. He of course obeyed the little girl's demands suddenly feeling like he is turning into Nick and he brought her downstairs to find Jaime and Peyton awake and in the kitchen but their parents had gone to work. Peyton eyed the two curiously as they walked in noticing right away the missing member of the "picture perfect family" that Brooke so unknowingly created – her sister.
"Brookie isn't up yet?"
"No not yet."
"That's weird…she's usually up by now." AJ nodded.
"She must be really tired," he shrugged and Laila reached eagerly for the blonde woman who she's grown very much in love with.
"Pey Pey!" She pleaded. Peyton grinned cheerily and reached for her too and AJ handed her over.
"Hiiii baby!" she exclaimed, and immediately began playing with her and causing immediate giggles from the little girl. AJ was happy for the distraction – he looked over at Jaime who was sitting there watching him and he can just see his questioning eyes.
"Do you have stuff to make French toast and eggs? I was thinking of making Brooke breakfast in bed."
"Yup of course. Mom makes sure we have lots of that around when Brooke is here – it's her favorite."
"I know," AJ grinned. "Will your mom mind if I use her kitchen? I'll clean it all up when I'm done."
"How many times do we have to tell you to make yourself at home Aje?" Peyton asked while not taking her attention away from Laila. AJ grinned and shrugged, before going to get all of the stuff he would need out and Jaime helped him do it while looking at AJ incredulously.
"What?" AJ asked after awhile when ignoring it was becoming way too hard.
"You can cook?"
"Yeah I learned from my mom," AJ grinned. "I've always wanted to cook for Brooke so I figured Id do that now since I have the chance," He explained before getting busy making breakfast. Jaime went over and sat back in his chair and he sat there watching AJ with interest. He can just tell that he really loves his sister but he still has no idea if he can trust him. Thadius was a nice guy at first too, and then Jaime learned that he was actually pulling a Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hyde on him. And why is his sister, the early riser orphanage owner still sleeping? It is not like her so that can only mean one thing. Something was keeping her up all night – or someone. He just hopes AJ didn't pull a Thadius on Brooke the moment he was sleeping. Peyton noticed her brother staring at AJ with a contemplated gaze and she rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm.
"OW! What was that for?" Peyton looked down at Laila who was sitting in her lap with her head rested against her chest and she is sucking her thumb as she watches AJ with fascination as he moved around the kitchen. Peyton got up and sat her down on the floor and she handed her, her toys.
"Aje, Laila is sitting on the floor here – I'll be right back okay?"
"Kay," AJ replied and he watched as Peyton grabbed Jaime by the arm and yanked him out of the kitchen to talk in private. AJ chuckled quietly to himself as he continued to make breakfast and he kept an eye on Laila at the same time. He knows they are talking about him but he doesn't mind in the least bit. He isn't oblivious to how skeptic Jaime is and he honestly doesn't blame him. He would be skeptic too if he had a sister who was raped. Hell if he had a sister, he wouldn't even be as nice as Jaime is. No one of the opposite gender would dare go near her unless it was his bandmates. But he loves Brooke and he'll do whatever it takes to earn his trust and prove he would never hurt her.
~*~*~*~*~
"Do you really have to stare at him like that? It's rude! And if Brooke saw you doing it she wouldn't be too happy."
"I just can't believe how you can be so quick to trust him – look what happened to our sister Peyton! I vowed I wouldn't let it happen again and until he proves he isn't like Thadius he is under my strict watch."
"He isn't like Thadius! He is nothing like him, he is perfect."
"Yeah and if you ask me, he is too perfect."
"Is it really such a crime that the man could actually love her? And make her happy? I haven't seen her happy like this in a very long time Jai…it's a good thing."
"I want her to be happy just as much as you do, but I'm just worried he is too good to be true. No one is this perfect."
"So he can cook…so what? Some guys can, it is actually pretty hot."
"Will you please put aside the fact that he is a Backstreet Boy and think about our sister here?"
"I am thinking about her. I think he is the best thing that has ever happened to her and I am not going to let you take that away from her."
"Because he is a Backstreet Boy and that automatically makes him Mr. Right in your eyes."
"No because I recognize love when I see it. If you take that away from her…"
"I'm not going to take anything away from her if it really is what's best for her. But I'm just saying he has to prove that he is a good guy – the last one I so easily trusted raped her and I am not going to be that blind ever again." Peyton rolled her eyes and shook her head and then she went back into the kitchen. Jaime sighed and pushed a strand of his long black hair out of his face before going upstairs to check on his sister. Peyton can be quick to trust AJ and she can let the fact that he is a big time Backstreet Boy blind her, but he isn't going to. If he really is perfect for his sister…fine. But he has to prove it. When he reached Brooke's bedroom he went inside to find her curled up in her bed sleeping heavily – he knows she isn't going to be waking up anytime soon. He couldn't help but smile a little bit as he went over and recovered her up as her blankets had fallen on the floor. After doing that he pulled up a chair and he sat there and watched over her not making a sound, as he does not want to wake her. He sat there feeling very guilty. It must have been really hard on Brooke to have to deal with him and Thadius practically being best friends…no wonder she was so determined to move to Florida. Thadius was around ALL the time and Jaime was just oblivious to it all. Never again…
Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter.
Enjoy =)
Enjoy =)
