"I'll be here. Take your time." the driver stated as Bailey looked over at him. The stretch limo was parked outside of the Jonas house just as the sun was beginning to set. The sky was mixed with various shades of pink, orange, and a little mix of a light purple as the Los Angeles air began to cool.
"Thank you so much." Bailey exited the vehicle, her heart in her throat as her heels clapped up the walkway and to the front door. Her index finger came into contact with the white button next to the door handle. Hearing the doorbell echo through the house, Bailey began to tap her heels in nervousness. She was still completely clueless as to what she was going to say.
After counting to 10, she then began knocking on the door itself, making sure she was hitting it hard enough. "C'mon." she whined, then froze when she heard a faint, 'I'm coming!' on the other side of the door. Listening to the clicking of the locks, she door was pulled open to reveal a messy-looking Joe. His shaggy hair was shooting up all over the place, his plain white t-shirt on his chest was wrinkly, and his pajama pants had a billion creases in it.
"Bailey." he breathed out, his mouth hanging open as he took in her appearance. "W-what are you doing here? You're premiere is like, now." Joe stated, standing in the doorway.
"I know, I know." she quickly replied, looking down and playing with her fingers.
"This is your movie! Why aren't you there?" he asked, his voice still showing that he was surprised. He was still trying to comprehend that she was really standing there in front of him.
"How about you tell me why you're not there?" she spat, looking into his eyes. They glistened back at her before shifting away. "Really, Joe." her voice softened.
"You don't need me." he muttered. "You need to be at the premiere!" he exclaimed, beginning to get a little frustrated with the fact that she was missing out on her big day because of him.
"That still doesn't justify why you're not there!" she cried. "Don't you get why I'm here right now? I need you!" her voice cracked, her eyes beginning to water as she stared back at him. "Joe, I need you. I need you to be there. I need you with me."
"No you don't." he replied, his voice low and his eyes locking on hers.
"Joseph, stop being so stubborn!" her voice cracked, her vision blurring as the tears began to form.
"Don't cry." Joe ordered, his voice softening as he looked deep into her. "Please don't cry." he reached out to her as her eyes shifted up. "You're gonna ruin your make-up, you know." he chuckled, lightly, his thumb brushing along her jaw line.
"I don't care, I really don't care!" Bailey replied quickly. "Now come on, go get dressed! You're coming back with me."
"What?" he laughed, then shook his head. "First, you start running away from me every time I try to fix things. Then when I try to avoid you and save you a trip, you go out of your way to come back to me anyway? You make no sense!" he shrieked, throwing his hands up.
"Joe! We don't have time to bullshit right now." Bailey spat, her hands grabbing his. "Just come on. We have to make it back before the movie ends."
"No, you have to make it back." he corrected.
"And I'm not going unless you come with me." she stared back at him, not withdrawing from her statement as she let go of him and crossed her arms in front of her chest, staring back at him hard.
"I can't." he muttered, looking away from her.
"Why the fuck not!?" she exclaimed.
"Because, isn't Jasmine supposed to be there?"
"Are you serious? Why does that even matter?! It's my premiere. You'd be with me." her voice began to sound very pathetic. Standing at his doorstep, her words repeated themselves, trying to convince him to just come. "Anyway, I don't think she's even there. . ." she trailed off, breaking her stare.
"Uh-oh." Joe eyed her. "What'd you do?" he stared at her hard, then recognized her dress. "Oh my God, you stole her dress?!"
"No, I didn't steal her dress!" she exclaimed, almost wanting to laugh.
"It looks a lot better on you, by the way." Joe added. "You look gorgeous."
"Why thanks." Bailey rolled her eyes. "But no. . .I kinda, uh, hit her first." she trailed off. "-Then took her dress." Joe's eyes smiled back at her, but his lips did nothing but flap.
"I want to laugh really bad right now, but that'd be mean." he bit his tongue, his lips somewhat curling a little. "You're amazing."
"Then come to this stupid premiere with me!" she cried once again, now becoming angry at how much time was being wasted.
"Alright, alright." Joe finally caved, putting his hands up, relieved that she actually wanted him there. "But you go now, and I'll meet up with you once I get ready."
"Ok!" Bailey squeaked, the excitement in her gut returning as her hands clapped together. "Just call me when you get there, ok?" Joe nodded with a smile. "-And there's an after party, and you're going to that too, by the way. They're making me do a speech!"
"Ok, ok. Just go! You're gonna miss the end of the movie!" he laughed at how her mood changed to quickly once he let her back into him.
"Oh please, it's not like I don't know what happens." she rolled her eyes with a chuckle as his eyes widened. "Ok, ok. I'm going!" she finished quickly, then turned to run back to the limo.
"Bails!" Joe yelled before she could take her first step. Instantly, she turned background to see him moving in on her. His moist lips softly collided with hers, her bronzy eyes closing as his hand raised to her jaw line for a moment. Slowly pulling away after a few seconds, Joe grinned, then turned around and entered his house, Bailey darting off towards the limo with the feeling of his lips still on hers.
Once shutting the front door to the house, Joe leaned his back against the wood, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath, contemplating on what he was going to do. His feelings that were all over the place before she arrived on his doorstep were now arranged inside of him. He knew exactly what he needed to do now, he just hoped he could actually do it.
- - - - -
"Joseph, are you being serious right now?" Kevin exclaimed into his cell phone prior to exiting the theater, Nick and the rest of his family behind him as he lead them to their limo. They were off to the hall where the 'after party' was being held.
"What's he saying?" Nick hissed, wanting in on the conversation.
"You're being really stupid right now, you know that?" Kevin spat, ignoring Nick beside him. "Do whatever, Joe. Just know you're supposed to be here right now!" he finished, then slammed his phone shut.
"Well?" he questioned attentively, his eyes perking up as he slid into the limo after him.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it." he muttered, his anger inside of him rising at what Joe had just told him.
It was within minutes when the Jonas family, minus Joe of course, arrived at the hall. Entering through the huge double doors, they saw that the place was pretty much packed. The DJ was already blasting, people were in the center of the massive space dancing, people were lined up at the buffet on the side. It definitely looked like one hell of an after party.
Departing from their parents, Nick grabbed Kevin's arm at the sight of Bailey; the first time either of them had a glimpse of her the entire night, besides on the big screen. Pulling him over to her, Nick stepped up, locking onto her eyes with a smile.
"Bails, you look amazing." he smiled, leaning in for a hug. Smiling back nervously, Bailey wrapped her arms around his body, her heart beginning to beat even faster. The movie was over, the party had started, and she still had yet to see Joe.
"Thanks." she beamed, pulling away and leaning into Kevin. "So, how'd you guys like the movie?" Bailey questioned cautiously, hoping that chatting with her two good friends would distract her thoughts from Joe.
"I'll be honest, it turned out a lot better than I thought it would." Kevin chuckled, still staring at her. He couldn't help himself, she looked absolutely stunning. "Wow. Only if Joe could see you right now." his voice softened out, shaking his head, obviously not knowing she had made a little trip to his house during the movie, so he had seen her. Joe also left that part out over his short phone conversation with Kevin himself.
"He's supposed to be here." she muttered, her eyes scanning the people around her as she stepped up on her tippy toes. Kevin shot Nick a quick glance, then began.
"It's alright, Bails. We're here for you." he assured, placing a warm hand on her shoulder, wondering why his brother was being to retarded when it came to her. She was perfect.
"Yep." Nick nodded, backing up Kevin's statement. "Good luck on that speech thing they're making you do. Ugh, I hate those things." he chuckled.
"Thanks Nick, that's real assuring." Bailey forced out a laugh, her stomach still flopping around inside of her.
"Bailey!" she turned at the sound of her name to see a beaming Bobby jogging over to her. "They're about to cut the music so we can put in our two cents about working on the movie. You ready?" Staring into his ice blue eyes, Bailey froze. She absolutely hated talking in front of a mass of people, not to mention ones she didn't even know. Public speaking was not one of her things and it was definitely not something she was excited about.
"Bathroom break!" she exclaimed, taking a few small steps backwards. "You know, gotta freshen up." she smiled weakly. "I'll meet you over by the stage in like, two minutes."
"Alright." Bobby smiled, then nodded to Kevin and Nick in acknowledgement before drifting off towards the stage.
Turning around and darting in the opposite direction, Bailey needed a place to escape to. Knowing the bathroom was going to be absolutely packed with girls 'fixing' themselves up, and that paparazzi flooded the outside, her options were limited. Her feet clicking beneath her as the back of her gown dragged along the floor, she headed towards the lobby of the hall. Laying eyes on the door to the walk-in coat closet, she quickly slipped in and closed the door behind her. Leaning against the cold surface of the wall, Bailey whipped out her cell phone to call Joe for the tenth time since the movie ended. He was supposed to make it there towards the end of the movie; now they were already forty-five minutes into the party and he was nowhere to be seen, not to mention his cell phone continued to go to voicemail.
All of the anger and nervousness inside of Bailey's body was overwhelming. He was supposed to be there with her and he wasn't.
On the verge of tears for the second time that day because of him, Bailey began to pace back and forth, her legs moving faster and faster beneath her as she took in everything once again. The boy that she loved had just blown her off and it pretty much killed her.
"Uh, is this thing on?" she heard faintly as the music died down a bit, it registering in her mind that everything was starting. "We'd like to thank you for coming to this wonderful premiere." the voice continued as Bailey's insides went haywire. Breathing in deeply, she paced for a few more seconds before the focused on the voice again. "-And we'd like to have Ms.Bailey Baker herself come up here. Let's give it up!" the announcer's voice exclaimed before being drowned out by the clapping of at least 800 pairs of hands.
Panicking, Bailey stopped pacing and snatched open the door, her body making an appearance in the back doorway to the hall, the stage all the way on the opposite side of where she was standing. Slowly taking a few steps forward, the screech of the mic on the stage made the crowd flinch, followed by another voice.
"Um, hey." a different voice echoed through the hall. "Yeah, I'm, uh, not Bailey, but I'd like to say a few things before she comes up here." Instantly, Bailey's body shut down. Her legs froze as she stood off towards the back, her eyes staring over at the stage where the one and only Joe Jonas was attached to the mic. His dark hair was straightened and styled, his broad shoulders were covered by a sleek, black blazer. If Bailey hadn't already stopped at the sound of his voice, his appearance would've stopped her anyway. "Bailey Baker is an amazing girl." he paused, his eyes slowly scanning the crowd for her. Knowing she was there somewhere, he continued. "Besides the fact that she's staring in an amazing movie, -"
"You didn't even see it!" Nick shouted from the crowd, then received a smack from Kevin next to him and a glare from his brother on stage.
"Shuttup!" he hissed into the mic before regaining himself. "Anyway, Bailey herself, as a person, is just amazing. Her personality is one of a kind. Her laughter is contagious, the way she speaks and her body language makes you feel comfortable, no matter how much of a stranger you are, and her humor is down right disgusting." Joe chuckled into the mic, watching as the crowd smiled up at him. "She voices her opinions in the right way. She knows how to make you smile when you're down, how to make you feel wanted in awkward situations, and how to make a killer pizza bagel." the crowd laughed as Bailey now stood from the center of the hall, listening to every word flow out of his mouth. "What I'm basically trying to say is, I'm really stupid for letting someone like her go. Someone so pure, so. . .amazing that it feels like you're on top of the world when you're with them. -I'd come up with a way better word than 'amazing', but my heart is beating too fast right now." Joe breathed into the mic, his eyes still searching for her in the crowd. "I made a really huge mistake by letting her go, and I'd give up everything I have right now just to go back and do it over." he swallowed hard once his eyes finally found hers. "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. And you don't know what it's like to feel so alone. Every time you smile and laugh, you glow. You don't even know." he spoke right to her, watching as her eyes shimmered, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Bailey, I'm so sorry. Sorry for giving up on us, sorry for putting you through all this crap, sorry for missing your premiere." he shifted his eyes to the floor as they began to burn. "I really hope you can forgive me."
It was at that moment that Bailey started off towards the stage, silent tears of mixed emotions trickling down her cheeks. Jogging around to the side and up the steps in her heels, Joe turned to her as she threw herself into him, her arms wrapping around the back of his neck as her chin rested on his shoulder. She squeezed her eyes shut as his grasp around her waist tightened, the crowd beginning to whistle and clap as the two embraced one another.
"I love you so much, you have no idea." she mumbled into his neck, her lips slightly grazing his skin as his warmth took over her body.
"Likewise." he replied softly into her shoulder, his eyes closed as well as he took in her scent and the energy surrounding him. "Bails, I need you. We need each other." Joe took a deep breath, then began to softly sing in her ear, his lips touching her earlobe as he released the air from his lungs. "Everyone knows it's meant to be, falling in love, just you and me."
"Oh my God, Joseph." she pulled away and playfully pushing him in the shoulder. Watching him grin, she smiled as she pulled his lips down to hers, a new and bigger surge of energy spreading throughout her body at the connection. Slowly sliding her tongue into his mouth, she felt him squeeze her waist as she pressed a little more into his body.
"Ok, we get the point!" Kevin shouted to them before the announcer took over the mic, causing Bailey and Joe to pull away from one another.
"I think that about sums it up." he stated, then waved for the DJ to continue blasting his music, the crowd beginning to dance it up in the center of the floor.
- - - - -
"So, back to work tomorrow." Joe sighed, his arm wrapped around Bailey as she snuggled into his bare, toned chest on the couch in her living room. His thumb stroked her skin in a circular motion on her hip as it peeked out from under her tight tank top that was folded up a big. Her loose, messy curls rested on his shoulder as her warm breath hovered on his neck.
"You're back to work tomorrow, I believe I'm done." Bailey responded, her hands playing with his free hand, her fingers twisting his purity ring as her legs bent over across his lap. The television was off, her iPod was off the docking station, their phones were shut down. Just sitting in the stillness taking in each others company was all they wanted. It was, however, only 1 in the afternoon the day after the huge premiere.
"What?" he asked in disbelief. "You're kidding."
"Definitely not." she chuckled, interlacing her fingers with his. "I'm dunzo, I had my share." she stated. "Disney said since the movie was my first real thing, that they weren't making me agree to any contract until I decided that acting was really what I wanted to do." Bailey sighed. "Even though it's kinda fun and all. . .working with you is actually better, no matter how many screaming fans or bitchy co-workers I have to put up with." his chest vibrated as he chuckled.
"How touching." he replied with a laugh, causing Bailey to reach up and pinch his nipple. "Hey!" Joe exclaimed as she burst out into laughter.
"I was being serious." she stated, readjusted her head on his chest. "I don't know. Maybe I could score a job at the warehouse cleaning up the J.O.N.A.S. set or something." she shrugged, then looked up at him.
"Or maybe I could just hire you as my, erm, personal assistant." he grinned, flickering his eyebrows down at her, making her laugh.
"Babe, there's no need for that. You've already got me." her eyes looked up at him. "Forever."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
"Rise and shine!" Bobby exclaimed, barging into Bailey's bedroom with a cardboard cup holder from the Coffee Beanery in his hands. Placing the two drinks on Bailey's dresser, he looked over at her still body and let a tiny smirk appear on his face. She didn't move a bit. "BAILEY! GET YOUR ASS UP!" he yelled, watching as her body jolted under her covers.
"Fuck off." she groaned into her pillow, pulling her blanket closer to her face. "Leave me be."
"Um, I don't know if you remember, but there's a huge premiere tonight for this little thing called 'Traffic Jam'? Yeah, well, it's the most anticipated Disney movie of the year, and you're still in bed. Get up!"
"Ughhh." Bailey mumbled again. "What time is it?"
"Six thirty." he replied simply, then walked over and took a seat at the edge of her bed.
"You're sick, you know that?" she groaned, her tired eyes still shut. "Why in the world are you up so early?"
"Well first off, I had something to pick up this morning. And two, I needed to be over here early because I know it takes you like, an hour just to roll out of bed." Bobby stated. "Now get up, I brought you your favorite. -Oh, and there's someone in the living room for you."
Instantly, Bailey's eyes shot open at his last words. She then sat up in bed and snapped her head over to look at him. Her eyes were wide and her hair was all over the place. Wiping her eyes and scooting to the edge of her bed, she fixed her shorts that were riding up, pulled out the fold in her cami, then spoke.
"It's not him, is it?" she whispered, then felt like smacking the hell out of Bobby as he smiled. It was a moment before he answered, in between sips of his coffee.
"I wouldn't do that with you looking like that now, would I?" he chuckled, then exited her room. Feeling her body relax a bit from the little jolt of fear from thinking he was there at her house, she grabbed the warm cup from the holder and placed it up to her lips. Sipping on the sweet substance of her favorite White Chocolate Mocha, she trailed into the living room after slipping on her sheep-lined moccasins.
"Bobby, where is -" Bailey began, then stopped mid-sentence when she saw one of her favorite people standing in the living room. Putting down her drink and running up to her best friend, the momentum from her sprint knocked her down into the couch. "Sailor Sarah!"
"Barnacle Bailey!" she laughed in response as her arms wrapped around her. "Ok, ok. Loosen up." she chuckled, letting go of her.
"You said you couldn't make it, you faggot!" Bailey exclaimed, her eyes and smile wide of excitement.
"Dude, this is your big day! I wouldn't miss it." she replied as if it was the most obvious thing ever. "Plus, Bobby thought you'd want your B-F-F with you when you got ready. Show me this amazing dress of yours!" she grinned, standing up from the couch. Bailey quickly nodded, then grabbed her drink with one hand on her friend with he other before rushing back into her bedroom.
Smirking from the doorway with his arms crossed and a pleased look on his face, Bobby nodded in satisfaction.
"I. Am. God." he chuckled to himself, then glanced down at his watch. "- And so it begins. . ."
- - - - -
"Bails, you look stunning." Sarah gasped, taking a step back as her best friend took a 360 in front of her. Her long, dark blonde hair was curled into perfect, spiral ringlets. Half of her soft locks were pulled up into a flowy, sparkling clip as the bottom spirals rested on her shoulders and back. The silky material of her orange gown clung to her curves as the halter strap lifted and hugged her chest. A tiny pair of triangle-cut diamond studs accompanied her ears as a thin, silver bracelet hung around her right wrist, Joe's silver ring on her left ring finger. Silver, strappy heels were on her feet, making her a few inches taller than her best friend who was staring at her in awe. "Seriously, babe. I don't care what you say, you are getting some tonight." she chuckled, her eyes still locked on her dress.
"Oh my God, shut up." Bailey chuckled, looking over at the full body mirror that was set up in a hotel room.
For the past 4 hours, Bailey and Sarah were held away in a hotel room near the theater where the movie was going to be shown, props to Bobby. Apparently when getting ready for premieres, your hair dresser and make-up artist are supposed to keep you captivated in a hotel room until you are fully made-up; and let's just say, those 4 hours of 'work' paid off. Without looking like a wax-figure, her make-up was done absolutely perfectly. Her eyes were outlined with a smoky, black eyeliner, kissed with a thin line of light sparkles on the top of her eyelids. Her lashes where thick and bold as a bronze shadow accompanied her eyes and cheekbones, blending in with the light orange of her dress.
"When Bobby sees you, he's going to faint." Sarah commented, winking a little as she examined her own self in the mirror. Thanks to Bailey and her way with words, she was able to score her hairdresser and make-up artist to work their magic on her as well; graciously handing over the soft pink dress they had brought for back-up incase something tragic happened to her own new gown.
"Oh wow. You're hilarious." she turned to face her. "Sweetie, Bobby's gonna faint when he sees you." she smiled as she watched a little pink appear on her cheeks. "Plus, he's not even the one I'm trying to impress tonight." Bailey trailed off, disconnecting her stare.
- - - - -
"A red carpet, for a movie premiere?" Bailey forced out a little chuckle as their limo pulled up to the entrance of the theater. Sitting in-between Sarah and Bobby in the lit up vehicle, her stomach began to knot up as she stared through the tinted window at all the people. In addition to the flashes from various, high-tech cameras, the screams from kids their age and younger, all of it could be seen and heard through the glass. Seeing all the people roped off, and all the other stars scattered around, it was highly overwhelming.
"Psh, it's not red. It's maroon." Bobby corrected with a tiny smirk.
"Oh, well my bad.." Bailey chuckled, putting her hands up in defense.
"Yeah, that's what I said." he laughed, then looked from Bailey, then to Sarah. "You guys ready?" he asked, his hand moving to the door handle. After taking a deep breath, Bailey nodded her head as Bobby pushed the door open, the screams becoming louder as the barrier was broken to the outside world.
Taking Bobby's hand, Bailey's heels clicked as they hit the concrete. Sarah stepped out after, finding her way around the side and around the crowd, making her way into the theater where she'd meet back up with them at their seats.
Within seconds, Bailey was lead onto the front of the carpet, Bobby's hand casually making it's way to the small of her back, slowly leading her down the never-ending line of screaming and flashing. The fact that so many people knew her name was insane. The paparazzi yelling for her to 'Look here!' and 'Smile big!' gave her a feeling of importance. Touching the hands of 'fans' yelling that they loved her, how she's their 'hero'. It seemed a bit odd to her, since they hadn't even seen anything yet.
Being pulled to that side by a 'Disney 365' host, Bobby and Bailey were wrapped up in a two minute questionnaire involving their movie 'Traffic Jam'. Taking briefly about the hard tasks on set, and remembering different lines, the little interview was over in no time. A smile never left her face throughout all the commotion. Her breathing was steady as her heart pumped over-time, taking in everything around her.
"No, no. This is amazing! We wouldn't change it for the world." Bailey's ears perked up as a familiar voice was heard off behind her. How she was able to hear it over all the screaming, she couldn't say, but her body began to heat up as she spun around, her eyes scanning the other people on the maroon carpet. "Yeah, we're just here supporting our good friend Bailey, and we can't wait to see the movie." Bailey watched as Kevin smiled into a camera, standing beside Nick in their tight pants and jackets.
"So where's your other brother, Joe?" the interviewer asked, shifting the mic from her mouth to Nick's who was looking a little uneasy.
"Oh, he got really sick last night. The Chinese we had for dinner messed with his stomach, so he stayed home. He's really sorry that he couldn't make it, but he sends his love out to everyone." Nick smiled into the camera, nodding into the mic.
From across the way, Bailey turned back around, putting her back towards them as her heart sunk in her chest. For the first time since she left the hotel, her smile faded as her mind blanked out. It was at that moment that she wanted to leave. She was so wrapped up in her own mind that she hadn't even realized that Bobby had lead her down the rest of the carpet. Within the next passing moment, they made their way into the gigantic theater and to their seats, Bailey falling into the velvet cushioned bottom next to Sarah.
"Well that was something, aye?" she chuckled, looking over at Bailey's expressionless face. "Hey Boo, smile! You're freaking famous now." Sarah nudged her, getting a weak chuckle out of her. "What's wrong?"
Bailey went to answer until she noticed three familiar faces make their way to their seats a few rows in front of them. She couldn't help but smile as she heard a faint, whiney voice speak as they took their seats.
"-But Mommy, what if I tall bald guy sits in front of me? I won't be able to see!" Frankie stated worriedly, his big eyes looking up at Mrs.Jonas who was smiling down on him.
"Then I'll just sit you up on your father's lap, sweetie." she laughed, then rustled his hair before he slid back into his seat.
"-Just a little amazed with everything, that's all." Bailey finally responded, looking over at Sarah and nodding her head. Somewhat convinced, she nodded, then began to glance around as other people took their seats.
Within minutes, Bailey noticed Kevin and Nick take their seats as well, next to their parents. It killed her even more to see the entire family without Joe. It was because he wasn't there that she couldn't make herself go over and say a simple 'hey' for them. She had noticed them glancing all over, looking for her, but she didn't have the heart to approach them herself. She was the reason the life of their family wasn't there with them. Sick off Chinese food? Joe didn't even like Chinese.
It wasn't too long before 'Traffic Jam' was announced. Before the movie started rolling, the entire audience was informed that there'd be a little ceremony afterwards at the hall two blocks from the theater and everyone was invited. Without blatantly stating it was an 'after party', the crowd became anxious. It was just then when the lights dimmed and the movie began rolling.
Five minutes into the movie and Bailey was cringing. Seeing herself in the big screen felt so awkward, not to mention she couldn't even remember what was even supposed to happen in the script since her mind was elsewhere. Every other minute, she'd glance down at Joe's empty seat wishing he was there, her heart breaking every time. She couldn't take it any more.
Right then, she stood up from her seat, attracting the attention of Bobby who was sitting next to her. His eyes looked up in confusion as her hands waved for him to move.
"I have to use the bathroom." she hissed, getting Bobby to move his legs. Making her way past him and out of the theater, her hand dug into her purse for her phone. Seeing that it was only 7pm, she shoved her phone back in and rushed outside. Rushing up to the only limo parked outside, she knocked quickly on the window, anticipating the man in the tux behind the wheel to roll down the window. Once he did, Bailey began rambling. "I really need to get to -"
"Get in." he stated, leaning forward so she could see he face. He was their limo driver from earlier. Looking a bit confused, Bailey began to rethink her naivety. "Bobby already told me, get in. I'll take you right now." Pausing only for a moment, she slid into the passengers seat, her mind set on what she was going to say showing up on Joe's doorstep.
"Fuck off." she groaned into her pillow, pulling her blanket closer to her face. "Leave me be."
"Um, I don't know if you remember, but there's a huge premiere tonight for this little thing called 'Traffic Jam'? Yeah, well, it's the most anticipated Disney movie of the year, and you're still in bed. Get up!"
"Ughhh." Bailey mumbled again. "What time is it?"
"Six thirty." he replied simply, then walked over and took a seat at the edge of her bed.
"You're sick, you know that?" she groaned, her tired eyes still shut. "Why in the world are you up so early?"
"Well first off, I had something to pick up this morning. And two, I needed to be over here early because I know it takes you like, an hour just to roll out of bed." Bobby stated. "Now get up, I brought you your favorite. -Oh, and there's someone in the living room for you."
Instantly, Bailey's eyes shot open at his last words. She then sat up in bed and snapped her head over to look at him. Her eyes were wide and her hair was all over the place. Wiping her eyes and scooting to the edge of her bed, she fixed her shorts that were riding up, pulled out the fold in her cami, then spoke.
"It's not him, is it?" she whispered, then felt like smacking the hell out of Bobby as he smiled. It was a moment before he answered, in between sips of his coffee.
"I wouldn't do that with you looking like that now, would I?" he chuckled, then exited her room. Feeling her body relax a bit from the little jolt of fear from thinking he was there at her house, she grabbed the warm cup from the holder and placed it up to her lips. Sipping on the sweet substance of her favorite White Chocolate Mocha, she trailed into the living room after slipping on her sheep-lined moccasins.
"Bobby, where is -" Bailey began, then stopped mid-sentence when she saw one of her favorite people standing in the living room. Putting down her drink and running up to her best friend, the momentum from her sprint knocked her down into the couch. "Sailor Sarah!"
"Barnacle Bailey!" she laughed in response as her arms wrapped around her. "Ok, ok. Loosen up." she chuckled, letting go of her.
"You said you couldn't make it, you faggot!" Bailey exclaimed, her eyes and smile wide of excitement.
"Dude, this is your big day! I wouldn't miss it." she replied as if it was the most obvious thing ever. "Plus, Bobby thought you'd want your B-F-F with you when you got ready. Show me this amazing dress of yours!" she grinned, standing up from the couch. Bailey quickly nodded, then grabbed her drink with one hand on her friend with he other before rushing back into her bedroom.
Smirking from the doorway with his arms crossed and a pleased look on his face, Bobby nodded in satisfaction.
"I. Am. God." he chuckled to himself, then glanced down at his watch. "- And so it begins. . ."
- - - - -
"Bails, you look stunning." Sarah gasped, taking a step back as her best friend took a 360 in front of her. Her long, dark blonde hair was curled into perfect, spiral ringlets. Half of her soft locks were pulled up into a flowy, sparkling clip as the bottom spirals rested on her shoulders and back. The silky material of her orange gown clung to her curves as the halter strap lifted and hugged her chest. A tiny pair of triangle-cut diamond studs accompanied her ears as a thin, silver bracelet hung around her right wrist, Joe's silver ring on her left ring finger. Silver, strappy heels were on her feet, making her a few inches taller than her best friend who was staring at her in awe. "Seriously, babe. I don't care what you say, you are getting some tonight." she chuckled, her eyes still locked on her dress.
"Oh my God, shut up." Bailey chuckled, looking over at the full body mirror that was set up in a hotel room.
For the past 4 hours, Bailey and Sarah were held away in a hotel room near the theater where the movie was going to be shown, props to Bobby. Apparently when getting ready for premieres, your hair dresser and make-up artist are supposed to keep you captivated in a hotel room until you are fully made-up; and let's just say, those 4 hours of 'work' paid off. Without looking like a wax-figure, her make-up was done absolutely perfectly. Her eyes were outlined with a smoky, black eyeliner, kissed with a thin line of light sparkles on the top of her eyelids. Her lashes where thick and bold as a bronze shadow accompanied her eyes and cheekbones, blending in with the light orange of her dress.
"When Bobby sees you, he's going to faint." Sarah commented, winking a little as she examined her own self in the mirror. Thanks to Bailey and her way with words, she was able to score her hairdresser and make-up artist to work their magic on her as well; graciously handing over the soft pink dress they had brought for back-up incase something tragic happened to her own new gown.
"Oh wow. You're hilarious." she turned to face her. "Sweetie, Bobby's gonna faint when he sees you." she smiled as she watched a little pink appear on her cheeks. "Plus, he's not even the one I'm trying to impress tonight." Bailey trailed off, disconnecting her stare.
- - - - -
"A red carpet, for a movie premiere?" Bailey forced out a little chuckle as their limo pulled up to the entrance of the theater. Sitting in-between Sarah and Bobby in the lit up vehicle, her stomach began to knot up as she stared through the tinted window at all the people. In addition to the flashes from various, high-tech cameras, the screams from kids their age and younger, all of it could be seen and heard through the glass. Seeing all the people roped off, and all the other stars scattered around, it was highly overwhelming.
"Psh, it's not red. It's maroon." Bobby corrected with a tiny smirk.
"Oh, well my bad.." Bailey chuckled, putting her hands up in defense.
"Yeah, that's what I said." he laughed, then looked from Bailey, then to Sarah. "You guys ready?" he asked, his hand moving to the door handle. After taking a deep breath, Bailey nodded her head as Bobby pushed the door open, the screams becoming louder as the barrier was broken to the outside world.
Taking Bobby's hand, Bailey's heels clicked as they hit the concrete. Sarah stepped out after, finding her way around the side and around the crowd, making her way into the theater where she'd meet back up with them at their seats.
Within seconds, Bailey was lead onto the front of the carpet, Bobby's hand casually making it's way to the small of her back, slowly leading her down the never-ending line of screaming and flashing. The fact that so many people knew her name was insane. The paparazzi yelling for her to 'Look here!' and 'Smile big!' gave her a feeling of importance. Touching the hands of 'fans' yelling that they loved her, how she's their 'hero'. It seemed a bit odd to her, since they hadn't even seen anything yet.
Being pulled to that side by a 'Disney 365' host, Bobby and Bailey were wrapped up in a two minute questionnaire involving their movie 'Traffic Jam'. Taking briefly about the hard tasks on set, and remembering different lines, the little interview was over in no time. A smile never left her face throughout all the commotion. Her breathing was steady as her heart pumped over-time, taking in everything around her.
"No, no. This is amazing! We wouldn't change it for the world." Bailey's ears perked up as a familiar voice was heard off behind her. How she was able to hear it over all the screaming, she couldn't say, but her body began to heat up as she spun around, her eyes scanning the other people on the maroon carpet. "Yeah, we're just here supporting our good friend Bailey, and we can't wait to see the movie." Bailey watched as Kevin smiled into a camera, standing beside Nick in their tight pants and jackets.
"So where's your other brother, Joe?" the interviewer asked, shifting the mic from her mouth to Nick's who was looking a little uneasy.
"Oh, he got really sick last night. The Chinese we had for dinner messed with his stomach, so he stayed home. He's really sorry that he couldn't make it, but he sends his love out to everyone." Nick smiled into the camera, nodding into the mic.
From across the way, Bailey turned back around, putting her back towards them as her heart sunk in her chest. For the first time since she left the hotel, her smile faded as her mind blanked out. It was at that moment that she wanted to leave. She was so wrapped up in her own mind that she hadn't even realized that Bobby had lead her down the rest of the carpet. Within the next passing moment, they made their way into the gigantic theater and to their seats, Bailey falling into the velvet cushioned bottom next to Sarah.
"Well that was something, aye?" she chuckled, looking over at Bailey's expressionless face. "Hey Boo, smile! You're freaking famous now." Sarah nudged her, getting a weak chuckle out of her. "What's wrong?"
Bailey went to answer until she noticed three familiar faces make their way to their seats a few rows in front of them. She couldn't help but smile as she heard a faint, whiney voice speak as they took their seats.
"-But Mommy, what if I tall bald guy sits in front of me? I won't be able to see!" Frankie stated worriedly, his big eyes looking up at Mrs.Jonas who was smiling down on him.
"Then I'll just sit you up on your father's lap, sweetie." she laughed, then rustled his hair before he slid back into his seat.
"-Just a little amazed with everything, that's all." Bailey finally responded, looking over at Sarah and nodding her head. Somewhat convinced, she nodded, then began to glance around as other people took their seats.
Within minutes, Bailey noticed Kevin and Nick take their seats as well, next to their parents. It killed her even more to see the entire family without Joe. It was because he wasn't there that she couldn't make herself go over and say a simple 'hey' for them. She had noticed them glancing all over, looking for her, but she didn't have the heart to approach them herself. She was the reason the life of their family wasn't there with them. Sick off Chinese food? Joe didn't even like Chinese.
It wasn't too long before 'Traffic Jam' was announced. Before the movie started rolling, the entire audience was informed that there'd be a little ceremony afterwards at the hall two blocks from the theater and everyone was invited. Without blatantly stating it was an 'after party', the crowd became anxious. It was just then when the lights dimmed and the movie began rolling.
Five minutes into the movie and Bailey was cringing. Seeing herself in the big screen felt so awkward, not to mention she couldn't even remember what was even supposed to happen in the script since her mind was elsewhere. Every other minute, she'd glance down at Joe's empty seat wishing he was there, her heart breaking every time. She couldn't take it any more.
Right then, she stood up from her seat, attracting the attention of Bobby who was sitting next to her. His eyes looked up in confusion as her hands waved for him to move.
"I have to use the bathroom." she hissed, getting Bobby to move his legs. Making her way past him and out of the theater, her hand dug into her purse for her phone. Seeing that it was only 7pm, she shoved her phone back in and rushed outside. Rushing up to the only limo parked outside, she knocked quickly on the window, anticipating the man in the tux behind the wheel to roll down the window. Once he did, Bailey began rambling. "I really need to get to -"
"Get in." he stated, leaning forward so she could see he face. He was their limo driver from earlier. Looking a bit confused, Bailey began to rethink her naivety. "Bobby already told me, get in. I'll take you right now." Pausing only for a moment, she slid into the passengers seat, her mind set on what she was going to say showing up on Joe's doorstep.
"Tell me why I'm here again." Bobby stated, his hands deep into the pockets of his blue jeans as Bailey's hand shuffled through the racks of a formal shop on the Strip. Her eyes were wide as they scanned the colors and cuts of the dressed before her, nothing was catching her eye.
"Because, the premiere is tomorrow and I don't even have anything to wear yet!" she spat out, moving to another rack as her sneakers squeaked on the shiny, marble floor. "Plus, I needed to get out."
"Cheya you did." Bobby chuckled, standing off behind her. "When I walked in at noon, you were still in your PJ's with a spoon and a jar of peanut butter. Luckily, I was your savior." Bailey laughed at his last line.
"Sure, just keep telling yourself that." her eyes continued to shift from dress to dress as the metal hanger clinked in front of her on the rack.
"Excuse me." a male who looked to be in his last twenties approached Bailey, a tiny lisp on his voice as he folding his hands in front of his body. His black rimmed glasses make his bleached spikes pop as his bright green eyes stared at her in somewhat of an annoyance. "Are you having trouble finding the right prices? If so, there's cheap-o store around the corner that you can take your last season, sweatpants wearing hobo to and find something affordable." the man cracked, his voice bold as Bailey and Bobby both turned to look at him in shock.
"No, I'm just having trouble finding a beautiful dress. This store seems to have everything else but that." without hesitation, Bailey snapped, her eyes flaming as her hand moved from the rack and gripped her purse. "Oh, and money isn't the issue. It's your lack of style." she continued, eyeing the conniving man and spilling her guts. Since her and Bobby entered the store twenty minutes prior to their exchange of words, the man had been shooting glares their way the entire time. Looking down upon them and assuming as if they didn't have any business being there pissed Bailey off to some extent. Not to mention, she was pretty stressed out with thoughts of Joe. This man's smart mouth and ignorance seemed to push her off the edge. "C'mon Bobby, I'll spend my $10,000 paycheck elsewhere." her eyes squinted at the man, then grabbed Bobby's arm and yanked him out of the store, letting go once they were out of site.
"Jeeze. You're like a ticking time bomb." he chuckled, looking over at her, trying to lighten up her mood a bit. Her eyes stayed straight ahead as her body tensed up. "Talk to me."
"There's nothing to talk about." she replied bluntly before stopping in front of another store. Yanking open the glass door, she stepped inside, Bobby right behind her.
"You're so full of lies!" his voice was soft as he released another chuckle. "It's him, isn't it?" she stayed quiet, her legs moving over to the nearest rack of dresses. "You haven't said anything about him since that night you babysat. . . Ohhh." he cooed, then literally smacked himself in the forehead. "So, you gonna tell me what happened?"
"Oh, look at this one." Bailey exclaimed, holding up the bottom of a light pink dress.
"Bails, seriously. Just -" Bobby and Bailey both stopped at the sound of a familiar voice.
"Look, I'm just here to return this ugly thing. That's all." the feminine voice exclaimed. Quickly, Bailey dipped down behind a rack of dresses in the center of the store, leaving the view of the counter.
"Are you kidding me? Out of all people, we run into her." Bailey hissed, peeking through the dresses, watching as Jasmine finger nails clicked on the countertop.
"Hello, still waiting." she spat at the woman at the register.
"Reason for return?" the woman hesitantly asked, her scared eyes looking across at Jasmine.
"I don't even like it. I got it only because Joseph just loved it." she flicked her long hair off her shoulders. "I really think it's boring and ugly, which is why I brought it back." she finished simply. "I need something more. . .more. . ."
"Skanky?" Bailey asked, standing and making herself viewable. Jasmine quickly spun around, and obvious look of offense playing on her face. "Makes sense, since it'll match your personality perfectly."
"Oh no." Bobby mumbled behind her, slowly straightening out his body as well.
"Excuse me?" Jasmine shrieked, moving the sunglasses that were covering her eyes to the top of her head, her other hand shooting to her waist.
"I don't believe I st-stuttered." Bailey stated, placing her hand on her throat only for a moment to add more 'umph' to her comment, her eyes glaring at MissThing in front of her.
"Bailey, don't -" she barely even heard Bobby's voice off to the side. She was too busy paying attention to the girl standing before. The girl that was to blame for all the chaos over the past month and a half.
"If that's what you want to say Joe likes, that's fine by me." Jasmine smirked, shrugging her shoulders and making Bailey laugh.
"Hun, you act as if he's even into you. You're his co-worker, not his girlfriend." she snapped, watching Jasmine's smirk fade for a millisecond before it reappeared.
"That makes two of us." her eyes flickered, declaring war. "Besides, if he didn't like me, he wouldn't have let me re-name that dirty little thing you call a pet."
"HA! Taco?" Bailey cackled. "Oh please, as if you even have a say to what his name is."
"It's Twiggy, and I believe I do." she responded boldly, as if her tone was supposed to be intimidating or something.
"Bullshit." she replied quickly, making her gasp.
"You did not just curse at me!" she squeaked, her jaw dropping and her fist balling up.
"Oh, I believe I did." Bailey smirked, her stare not breaking.
"No wonder Joe got rid of you. You're so immature." she rolled her eyes, causing Bailey to squint hers. Not really knowing what to come back with, Bailey turned to her side, glancing back at Bobby.
"I'll show you maturity." she snapped. "Don't worry, Bobby. I'll be the bigger person, right now." she muttered, it looking as if she was going to turn and just walk away.
Instead, Bailey spun around in the opposite direction and slapped Jasmine in the face, the smack echoing through the store followed by a scream and then a grunt. Jasmine instantly grabbed onto Bailey's shoulders and pushed her backwards, her back colliding with the rack of dresses as her feet stumbled underneath her. Catching her balance and yanking herself from her grasp, Bailey's arms started flailing all over the place, her fists coming into contact with Jasmine's body a few times as Bobby and the woman at the counter yelled for them to stop. For some reason, one line stood out from all the rest as if an alarm was set off inside of them.
"If you don't stop, I'm calling the cops!" she woman cried hopelessly. The movement between the girls stopped as Jasmine jumped away, straightening out her shirt and wiping her bloody lip before grabbing her purse off the counter. Within seconds, she stormed out of the store leaving Bailey standing there; hair a mess and dresses scattered all over the place as the woman reached for her phone.
"Aw man, you don't need to call anyone!" Bailey exclaimed, darting to the counter, her hands gripping the edge. Quickly, the woman jumped back, a little startled from her sudden movement. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she pleaded.
"Way to go, Bails." Bobby chuckled from behind, stepping over the dresses and appearing to her side as her eyes looked at the counter. Laying off towards the left of the register was the dress Jasmine returned. It was a long, silky, low-cut, light orange dress, accompanied with rhinestones around the straps and slit. It was absolutely gorgeous.
"Here, here." Bailey reached into her purse. "Don't call the cops, I'll buy the dress!" she stated quickly, snapping open her wallet for her new credit card as the woman relaxed a little. Sliding the plastic on the counter and looking up at the woman, she hesitantly took the card and rang her up.
Within minutes and after a polite and awkward, 'Thanks for shopping!', Bailey and Bobby exited the store. Their steps were silent for a moment before Bobby burst out into laughter, receiving a confused glare from Bailey as she looked over at him.
"You need that boy so much, you don't even realize." he stated, shaking his head and looking down, instantly sparking her attention at his choice of words.
"Why is that?" she asked, her voice hardening.
"I don't think you're ready for this. . ." he trailed off, looking away from her stare as they continued down the Strip.
"Bobby, I swear. Just say it." Bailey snapped, getting a little aggravated. She had her dress, the premiere was tomorrow, she just rumbled with some girl, and Joe was still on her mind; she was only a little stressed.
"Alright, alright. I'm about to give you the best advice ever." he cleared his throat. "'When you love someone, and they break your heart. Don't give up on love, have faith; restart.' -Quoted from someone amazing, who you need right now." Bobby paused with a sigh. "Working with you in the beginning was so much fun. You were full of laughter, full of smiles. Now that he's out of the picture, you're completely miserable and I can't stand even being around you."
"Well, good thing the movie is over with, huh? Now you don't have to be around me." she stated, feeling a slight burn in her eye as the venom slipped from her mouth.
"Yep. A really good thing." he emphasized, knowing she'd take his response the wrong way.
"Thanks, you're such a good friend." she muttered.
"Now you have time to be with him; become who you were when I first met you. You can have your boy back." Bobby replied honestly, pausing for a moment as she obtained his words. "You need him."
"Because, the premiere is tomorrow and I don't even have anything to wear yet!" she spat out, moving to another rack as her sneakers squeaked on the shiny, marble floor. "Plus, I needed to get out."
"Cheya you did." Bobby chuckled, standing off behind her. "When I walked in at noon, you were still in your PJ's with a spoon and a jar of peanut butter. Luckily, I was your savior." Bailey laughed at his last line.
"Sure, just keep telling yourself that." her eyes continued to shift from dress to dress as the metal hanger clinked in front of her on the rack.
"Excuse me." a male who looked to be in his last twenties approached Bailey, a tiny lisp on his voice as he folding his hands in front of his body. His black rimmed glasses make his bleached spikes pop as his bright green eyes stared at her in somewhat of an annoyance. "Are you having trouble finding the right prices? If so, there's cheap-o store around the corner that you can take your last season, sweatpants wearing hobo to and find something affordable." the man cracked, his voice bold as Bailey and Bobby both turned to look at him in shock.
"No, I'm just having trouble finding a beautiful dress. This store seems to have everything else but that." without hesitation, Bailey snapped, her eyes flaming as her hand moved from the rack and gripped her purse. "Oh, and money isn't the issue. It's your lack of style." she continued, eyeing the conniving man and spilling her guts. Since her and Bobby entered the store twenty minutes prior to their exchange of words, the man had been shooting glares their way the entire time. Looking down upon them and assuming as if they didn't have any business being there pissed Bailey off to some extent. Not to mention, she was pretty stressed out with thoughts of Joe. This man's smart mouth and ignorance seemed to push her off the edge. "C'mon Bobby, I'll spend my $10,000 paycheck elsewhere." her eyes squinted at the man, then grabbed Bobby's arm and yanked him out of the store, letting go once they were out of site.
"Jeeze. You're like a ticking time bomb." he chuckled, looking over at her, trying to lighten up her mood a bit. Her eyes stayed straight ahead as her body tensed up. "Talk to me."
"There's nothing to talk about." she replied bluntly before stopping in front of another store. Yanking open the glass door, she stepped inside, Bobby right behind her.
"You're so full of lies!" his voice was soft as he released another chuckle. "It's him, isn't it?" she stayed quiet, her legs moving over to the nearest rack of dresses. "You haven't said anything about him since that night you babysat. . . Ohhh." he cooed, then literally smacked himself in the forehead. "So, you gonna tell me what happened?"
"Oh, look at this one." Bailey exclaimed, holding up the bottom of a light pink dress.
"Bails, seriously. Just -" Bobby and Bailey both stopped at the sound of a familiar voice.
"Look, I'm just here to return this ugly thing. That's all." the feminine voice exclaimed. Quickly, Bailey dipped down behind a rack of dresses in the center of the store, leaving the view of the counter.
"Are you kidding me? Out of all people, we run into her." Bailey hissed, peeking through the dresses, watching as Jasmine finger nails clicked on the countertop.
"Hello, still waiting." she spat at the woman at the register.
"Reason for return?" the woman hesitantly asked, her scared eyes looking across at Jasmine.
"I don't even like it. I got it only because Joseph just loved it." she flicked her long hair off her shoulders. "I really think it's boring and ugly, which is why I brought it back." she finished simply. "I need something more. . .more. . ."
"Skanky?" Bailey asked, standing and making herself viewable. Jasmine quickly spun around, and obvious look of offense playing on her face. "Makes sense, since it'll match your personality perfectly."
"Oh no." Bobby mumbled behind her, slowly straightening out his body as well.
"Excuse me?" Jasmine shrieked, moving the sunglasses that were covering her eyes to the top of her head, her other hand shooting to her waist.
"I don't believe I st-stuttered." Bailey stated, placing her hand on her throat only for a moment to add more 'umph' to her comment, her eyes glaring at MissThing in front of her.
"Bailey, don't -" she barely even heard Bobby's voice off to the side. She was too busy paying attention to the girl standing before. The girl that was to blame for all the chaos over the past month and a half.
"If that's what you want to say Joe likes, that's fine by me." Jasmine smirked, shrugging her shoulders and making Bailey laugh.
"Hun, you act as if he's even into you. You're his co-worker, not his girlfriend." she snapped, watching Jasmine's smirk fade for a millisecond before it reappeared.
"That makes two of us." her eyes flickered, declaring war. "Besides, if he didn't like me, he wouldn't have let me re-name that dirty little thing you call a pet."
"HA! Taco?" Bailey cackled. "Oh please, as if you even have a say to what his name is."
"It's Twiggy, and I believe I do." she responded boldly, as if her tone was supposed to be intimidating or something.
"Bullshit." she replied quickly, making her gasp.
"You did not just curse at me!" she squeaked, her jaw dropping and her fist balling up.
"Oh, I believe I did." Bailey smirked, her stare not breaking.
"No wonder Joe got rid of you. You're so immature." she rolled her eyes, causing Bailey to squint hers. Not really knowing what to come back with, Bailey turned to her side, glancing back at Bobby.
"I'll show you maturity." she snapped. "Don't worry, Bobby. I'll be the bigger person, right now." she muttered, it looking as if she was going to turn and just walk away.
Instead, Bailey spun around in the opposite direction and slapped Jasmine in the face, the smack echoing through the store followed by a scream and then a grunt. Jasmine instantly grabbed onto Bailey's shoulders and pushed her backwards, her back colliding with the rack of dresses as her feet stumbled underneath her. Catching her balance and yanking herself from her grasp, Bailey's arms started flailing all over the place, her fists coming into contact with Jasmine's body a few times as Bobby and the woman at the counter yelled for them to stop. For some reason, one line stood out from all the rest as if an alarm was set off inside of them.
"If you don't stop, I'm calling the cops!" she woman cried hopelessly. The movement between the girls stopped as Jasmine jumped away, straightening out her shirt and wiping her bloody lip before grabbing her purse off the counter. Within seconds, she stormed out of the store leaving Bailey standing there; hair a mess and dresses scattered all over the place as the woman reached for her phone.
"Aw man, you don't need to call anyone!" Bailey exclaimed, darting to the counter, her hands gripping the edge. Quickly, the woman jumped back, a little startled from her sudden movement. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she pleaded.
"Way to go, Bails." Bobby chuckled from behind, stepping over the dresses and appearing to her side as her eyes looked at the counter. Laying off towards the left of the register was the dress Jasmine returned. It was a long, silky, low-cut, light orange dress, accompanied with rhinestones around the straps and slit. It was absolutely gorgeous.
"Here, here." Bailey reached into her purse. "Don't call the cops, I'll buy the dress!" she stated quickly, snapping open her wallet for her new credit card as the woman relaxed a little. Sliding the plastic on the counter and looking up at the woman, she hesitantly took the card and rang her up.
Within minutes and after a polite and awkward, 'Thanks for shopping!', Bailey and Bobby exited the store. Their steps were silent for a moment before Bobby burst out into laughter, receiving a confused glare from Bailey as she looked over at him.
"You need that boy so much, you don't even realize." he stated, shaking his head and looking down, instantly sparking her attention at his choice of words.
"Why is that?" she asked, her voice hardening.
"I don't think you're ready for this. . ." he trailed off, looking away from her stare as they continued down the Strip.
"Bobby, I swear. Just say it." Bailey snapped, getting a little aggravated. She had her dress, the premiere was tomorrow, she just rumbled with some girl, and Joe was still on her mind; she was only a little stressed.
"Alright, alright. I'm about to give you the best advice ever." he cleared his throat. "'When you love someone, and they break your heart. Don't give up on love, have faith; restart.' -Quoted from someone amazing, who you need right now." Bobby paused with a sigh. "Working with you in the beginning was so much fun. You were full of laughter, full of smiles. Now that he's out of the picture, you're completely miserable and I can't stand even being around you."
"Well, good thing the movie is over with, huh? Now you don't have to be around me." she stated, feeling a slight burn in her eye as the venom slipped from her mouth.
"Yep. A really good thing." he emphasized, knowing she'd take his response the wrong way.
"Thanks, you're such a good friend." she muttered.
"Now you have time to be with him; become who you were when I first met you. You can have your boy back." Bobby replied honestly, pausing for a moment as she obtained his words. "You need him."
With her legs crossed and a paper plate on her lap loaded with pizza bagels, Bailey chewed away next to Frankie on the couch in the living room. With pizza sauce covering his face, he continued grubbing as well.
Even with Scooby-Doo on the television in front of her, Bailey's mind seemed to drown out every 'Yikes!' exclaimed by Shaggy himself. Oh the irony. It wasn't too long before she turned at the sound of a door closing upstairs. Listening to a set of feet clomping down the steps, she spun around to see Joe entering the living room with an acoustic guitar in his hands.
"Oh no." Bailey barley got out of her full mouth. Quickly chewing and gulping down, Velma let out a 'Jinkies!' on the TV. Moving quickly to set her plate down on the end of the table, Bailey went to stand up.
"No, sit!" Joe spat.
"Frankie, go eat in your room." Bailey turned to the little boy who looked like his missed his mouth a few times with that bagel.
"-But mom says I'm not- " he began, his voice high.
"Nonsense! Go ahead, you're allowed." she lied, knowing she was going to have to clean up whatever mess he made before Mr. and Mrs.Jonas got home.
"-But I wanna see if Scooby - " Frankie started again, his whine sounding like nails on a chalkboard. With a quick movement of her arm, Bailey grabbed the remote control and clicked off the television.
"They live, I promise. Now go." she hurried him out, then turned to Joe. "You too."
"I'm not going anywhere." Joe started boldly, sitting down into the love seat adjacent to the couch Bailey was on.
"Fine, then I will." she then stood and began walking away. A hand on her shoulder startled her as she turned to see Joe behind her and his guitar tossed onto the couch.
"No, you're gonna sit down and you're gonna listen." he stated, then pulled her back down. Her backside reluctantly reconnected with the cushion as Joe sat next to her and grabbed his guitar.
"No. I'm not going to listen. Joe, you know I -" Bailey was cut off.
"-Can't resist when I sing to you? Exactly. Now shut up." he spat, then placed his fingers on the neck of his guitar, his eyes looking down at the strings. The oxygen in Bailey's lungs froze as Joe's voice filled her ears, the notes from the chords blending and backing his vocals perfectly
"Can you hear me? Does anyone around me
Feel the way that I feel now?
'Cause from the window where I sometimes cry
I just wanna see your face tonight.
And I'm willing to lose everything I am.
'Cause I need you more than ever.
I need your help to find where I've been going wrong so far."
Bailey's eyes began to water as she listened to the boy pour his heart out. With every lyric and every note, her heart began to ache. His voice was full of sincerity and hope as his eyes continued to stare downward, never meeting hers since the first strum. He had her.
"When you're near me, I feel like I just found me
In the traces of the boy from yesterday.
But in a world that is so black and white
I will take the steps to change my life
And I won't be coming back here again.
Now I need your loving hand to guide me
Through the maze of all the things inside me.
And then I'll know that I'm alright."
That was it. Joe's eyes shifted up and met hers as he continued, a tear finally slipping from her eye. Quickly, she wiped it away as he locked his stare, his captivating, oh-so-familiar stare. The one that she fell in love with. The one she was still in love with.
"Please help me get from worse to better
Before these tears soak through this lonely sweater.
And let me know that I'm alright.
I still have one strike of this match left
And I'm holding onto my last breath
And it's getting a little dark around to see here.
Take me under your wing tonight.
Make me so perfect in your eyes.
Hold on, it'll be alright.
You're not alone.
And you'll be here forever.
Forever you'll stay.
And you promise to love me.
You'll love me always."
"I hate you so much." the words left Bailey's body in almost a whimper, her emotions flowing out of her with every tear as Joe put his guitar down, his eyes tearing up as well. She knew she didn't mean it, he knew she didn't mean it; it was actually the exact opposite of how she felt. As if it was one swift movement, Bailey leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his body, her chin resting on his shoulder as she pulled his chest into hers. Instantly, Joe wrapped his arms around her warm waist and squeezed, letting his eyes close as he inhaled her scent that almost put him into a trance. Holding onto her body was like holding onto the world, it was something he didn't want to let go of. Feeling her hot tears on his neck, he squeezed even harder, afraid that she was going to disappear at any given moment. It had to be a dream. There was no way he was holding onto her again.
"You don't know how sorry I am." he croaked, his warm breath hovering down the collar of her shirt as she squeezed her eyes shut, her hands still grasping his body. Just holding onto him made her feel a thousand times better, it made her forget about everything as she breathed in his aroma. Her tense body relaxed in his arms as he turned his neck and kissed the side of her head, warmth and love spreading throughout her body once again.
"I know, I know." she mumbled. "I am too." her voice faded out, causing Joe to slowly pull away from her.
"Bails, you didn't do anything." he stated softly. "It's my fault. I started all this." Joe's mind quickly returned to the present time as Bailey wiped her eyes and looked away from him. It was silent for a moment before she stood from the couch, one arm sliding under her elbow as she propped her hand over her mouth.
"I still don't get why you ended it in the first place." her voice cracked before she turned around to face him.
"Things were crazy. With the show, your movie. There wasn't any time. I told you this." he stated boldly, then took a deep breath. "I know I took it too far, but I wanted to see if I could make it without you. It was hectic, and I knew at some point, some time, we'd go through something like this." Joe paused as his heart sped up. "I couldn't do it, Bails. I couldn't go on without you." she looked away from him, her eyes focusing on everything else but him.
"Well, I'm still trying to see if I can go on without you." she replied softly, her eyes locking onto his, her hand falling from her mouth and crossing in front of her chest. It hurt to see the sadness drown out the life in his eyes, but she needed to do this. She needed time to think things over and see if she really needed him.
"What are you talking about?" Joe asked, his voice cracking as well and his mind racing, wondering why the moment that felt so right only minutes ago felt like it was just shot to hell. Bailey shook her head as she slipped on her shoes.
"I'll just see you at the premiere." she concluded, her eyes leaving his and her hand grabbing her purse. "Tell Frankie I had to go." she got out before exiting the house, leaving the person she wanted standing in the living room speechless.
Even with Scooby-Doo on the television in front of her, Bailey's mind seemed to drown out every 'Yikes!' exclaimed by Shaggy himself. Oh the irony. It wasn't too long before she turned at the sound of a door closing upstairs. Listening to a set of feet clomping down the steps, she spun around to see Joe entering the living room with an acoustic guitar in his hands.
"Oh no." Bailey barley got out of her full mouth. Quickly chewing and gulping down, Velma let out a 'Jinkies!' on the TV. Moving quickly to set her plate down on the end of the table, Bailey went to stand up.
"No, sit!" Joe spat.
"Frankie, go eat in your room." Bailey turned to the little boy who looked like his missed his mouth a few times with that bagel.
"-But mom says I'm not- " he began, his voice high.
"Nonsense! Go ahead, you're allowed." she lied, knowing she was going to have to clean up whatever mess he made before Mr. and Mrs.Jonas got home.
"-But I wanna see if Scooby - " Frankie started again, his whine sounding like nails on a chalkboard. With a quick movement of her arm, Bailey grabbed the remote control and clicked off the television.
"They live, I promise. Now go." she hurried him out, then turned to Joe. "You too."
"I'm not going anywhere." Joe started boldly, sitting down into the love seat adjacent to the couch Bailey was on.
"Fine, then I will." she then stood and began walking away. A hand on her shoulder startled her as she turned to see Joe behind her and his guitar tossed onto the couch.
"No, you're gonna sit down and you're gonna listen." he stated, then pulled her back down. Her backside reluctantly reconnected with the cushion as Joe sat next to her and grabbed his guitar.
"No. I'm not going to listen. Joe, you know I -" Bailey was cut off.
"-Can't resist when I sing to you? Exactly. Now shut up." he spat, then placed his fingers on the neck of his guitar, his eyes looking down at the strings. The oxygen in Bailey's lungs froze as Joe's voice filled her ears, the notes from the chords blending and backing his vocals perfectly
"Can you hear me? Does anyone around me
Feel the way that I feel now?
'Cause from the window where I sometimes cry
I just wanna see your face tonight.
And I'm willing to lose everything I am.
'Cause I need you more than ever.
I need your help to find where I've been going wrong so far."
Bailey's eyes began to water as she listened to the boy pour his heart out. With every lyric and every note, her heart began to ache. His voice was full of sincerity and hope as his eyes continued to stare downward, never meeting hers since the first strum. He had her.
"When you're near me, I feel like I just found me
In the traces of the boy from yesterday.
But in a world that is so black and white
I will take the steps to change my life
And I won't be coming back here again.
Now I need your loving hand to guide me
Through the maze of all the things inside me.
And then I'll know that I'm alright."
That was it. Joe's eyes shifted up and met hers as he continued, a tear finally slipping from her eye. Quickly, she wiped it away as he locked his stare, his captivating, oh-so-familiar stare. The one that she fell in love with. The one she was still in love with.
"Please help me get from worse to better
Before these tears soak through this lonely sweater.
And let me know that I'm alright.
I still have one strike of this match left
And I'm holding onto my last breath
And it's getting a little dark around to see here.
Take me under your wing tonight.
Make me so perfect in your eyes.
Hold on, it'll be alright.
You're not alone.
And you'll be here forever.
Forever you'll stay.
And you promise to love me.
You'll love me always."
"I hate you so much." the words left Bailey's body in almost a whimper, her emotions flowing out of her with every tear as Joe put his guitar down, his eyes tearing up as well. She knew she didn't mean it, he knew she didn't mean it; it was actually the exact opposite of how she felt. As if it was one swift movement, Bailey leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his body, her chin resting on his shoulder as she pulled his chest into hers. Instantly, Joe wrapped his arms around her warm waist and squeezed, letting his eyes close as he inhaled her scent that almost put him into a trance. Holding onto her body was like holding onto the world, it was something he didn't want to let go of. Feeling her hot tears on his neck, he squeezed even harder, afraid that she was going to disappear at any given moment. It had to be a dream. There was no way he was holding onto her again.
"You don't know how sorry I am." he croaked, his warm breath hovering down the collar of her shirt as she squeezed her eyes shut, her hands still grasping his body. Just holding onto him made her feel a thousand times better, it made her forget about everything as she breathed in his aroma. Her tense body relaxed in his arms as he turned his neck and kissed the side of her head, warmth and love spreading throughout her body once again.
"I know, I know." she mumbled. "I am too." her voice faded out, causing Joe to slowly pull away from her.
"Bails, you didn't do anything." he stated softly. "It's my fault. I started all this." Joe's mind quickly returned to the present time as Bailey wiped her eyes and looked away from him. It was silent for a moment before she stood from the couch, one arm sliding under her elbow as she propped her hand over her mouth.
"I still don't get why you ended it in the first place." her voice cracked before she turned around to face him.
"Things were crazy. With the show, your movie. There wasn't any time. I told you this." he stated boldly, then took a deep breath. "I know I took it too far, but I wanted to see if I could make it without you. It was hectic, and I knew at some point, some time, we'd go through something like this." Joe paused as his heart sped up. "I couldn't do it, Bails. I couldn't go on without you." she looked away from him, her eyes focusing on everything else but him.
"Well, I'm still trying to see if I can go on without you." she replied softly, her eyes locking onto his, her hand falling from her mouth and crossing in front of her chest. It hurt to see the sadness drown out the life in his eyes, but she needed to do this. She needed time to think things over and see if she really needed him.
"What are you talking about?" Joe asked, his voice cracking as well and his mind racing, wondering why the moment that felt so right only minutes ago felt like it was just shot to hell. Bailey shook her head as she slipped on her shoes.
"I'll just see you at the premiere." she concluded, her eyes leaving his and her hand grabbing her purse. "Tell Frankie I had to go." she got out before exiting the house, leaving the person she wanted standing in the living room speechless.
"But Mom! I don't wanna go!" Joe whined, on his mother's heels as she entered the living room. His fingers played with the bright tie around his neck as his puppy dog eyes burned a hole in the back of her head. It wasn't for a moment when she turned around to face him as she sat down on the couch. "She's just so. . .so. . .ugh."
"Joseph, you agreed to go out to dinner with her and you're going. You gave her your word." Mrs.Jonas stated, looking up at her son.
"It's Jasmine! I thought you hated her? Why won't you let me just stay home?" he almost squeaked at how his own mother was turning on him.
"You know I don't hate people. . .But you can't back out on your word. You're going to dinner and that's final." she stated.
"What about Frankie?! You and dad are going out, Kevin and Nick are going to a movie; hello? Me, stay here with Frankie. It's completely logical!" Joe continued, trying to come up with an excuse bold enough to be able to bail on dinner with Jasmine.
"Joseph Adam, if I have to tell you one more time; I swear, boy." her eyes narrowed at him, then softened after a moment. "Besides, I already have someone taking care of Frankie, thanks for your concern." she nodded, then looked from him then to the television. "Was that a car door I heard outside?" her voice perked up, causing Joe to exit the living room and make his way over to the door.
"Hope you have fun tonight, mother." he forced a smiled, then exited the house to see Jasmine already making her way up the walkway.
Only moments after Joe left the house, Mr.Jonas entered the living room as he slid his arms into his light jacket. Patting his pants down and feeling his wallet and cell phone, he smiled down at his wife as she stood from the couch.
"Kids gone?" he asked, she happily nodded.
"Kevin and Nick left about 10 minutes ago, Joe just left, and Bailey should be here any -" Mrs.Jonas stopped as the doorbell echoed through the house. Her eyes flickering and a tiny smile appearing on her face, she made her way over and opened the door.
"Hey Mrs.J." Bailey smiled, stepping in cautiously, glancing around behind her for any familiar faces. After saying hello to Papa J, she averted her attention back to Mrs.Jonas.
"Don't worry, sweetie. Joseph just left. It's just you and Frankie for the night." she reassured her. "Kevin and Nick should be back before him, so you won't have any. . .encounters, if you want to call it." she kept her warm smile on her face. "We won't be back 'til late, but you don't have anything to worry about."
"-And thanks for coming on such short notice." Mr.Jonas added, following his wife out the door. Smiling an 'anytime' as the door closed, Bailey turned to the quiet house. The fact that it was quiet with Frankie irked her a bit.
"FRANKIE!" she called out, setting her purse down on the edge of the couch and kicking off her shoes. Still, the house was quiet. "Frankieee." she continued to coo, approaching the basement door.
"You gotta find me!" she faintly heard his voice, then yanked the door open to see the basement was already lit. Biting her lip and killing her smirk, she silently stepped downward, her fingers trailing along the railing before she hit the landing at the bottom. Glancing around the open space, she looked out for any sight of movement. Biting her tongue, she noticed a big lump of something on the couch with a blanket over top of it.
"Hm, I wonder where he could be. . " she spoke out loud, tiptoeing towards the couch, watching as the blanket shook a little from the laughter that Frankie was trying to contain. About to pounce on him, Bailey noticed a lit up case on the shelf above the television. "Aw." she cooed, forgetting about Frankie and averting her attention to the gecko laying before her. "What the -" she breathed out, reading the new name-tag by his lid. In hot pink, foamy letters, 'Twiggy' was spelled out neatly where 'Taco' used to be. "Bullshit." she murmured, peeling the letters off before reaching her hand in and grabbing the orange gecko.
"Hey!" Frankie exclaimed, causing Bailey to spin around. "You were supposed to find me!" he cried, the blanket flying off of his body and to the floor. "Woah, he's orange again." he exclaimed, shooting up from where he was laying and stopped in front of Bailey, his tiny fingers coming up and stroking the back of Taco's scaly head.
"Wasn't he always orange?" she questioned, looking down at his shaking head. "Oh."
"I'm hungry! Mommy said not to eat anything until you got here." he whined, pulling his hand back and looking up at her. "She said it'd give you something to do."
After putting Taco back in his case, Bailey followed Frankie back upstairs and into the kitchen. Yanking open the fridge, she observed the contents inside.
"You want pizza bagels?" she yelled to him in the living room.
"We don't have any. Joe ate them all!" he yelled back, crossing his legs on the couch as he turned on the Disney Channel.
"We'll make our own, not those frozen ones." she stated. "Come in here and help me!"
"No!" he yelled back stubbornly.
"Frankie, you little fart. If you want to eat, come in here and help me!" Bailey continued, pulling out a jar of pizza sauce and bag of shredded mozzarella. Grabbing the bag of mini-bagels off the counter, she carried the contents to the table where Frankie was now seated with his arms crossed in front of his chest. "Oh smile, you little Gremlin." she laughed, poking his side and making a smile appear on his lips.
Within minutes, cheese and globs of sauce were all over the table. A little red dab topped off Frankie's nose as a few finger marks accompanied Bailey's cheeks. Laughter echoed through the house as they lined up numerous completed pizza bagels on the baking sheet. Standing from the wooden chair, Bailey grabbed an oven mitt off the oven door and pulled it open, placing the sheet onto the middle rack of the 350degree hot box. The door squeaked shut as the front door to the house cracked open.
Hearing a car door and a vehicle drive off, Bailey looked down at Frankie as they listened to the door shut. Waving at him to come to her, Bailey motioned for Frankie to hide under the table since they didn't know who had entered the house. Grabbing a large carving knife out of the holder on the kitchen counter, Bailey leaned up against the wall as she inched towards the corner of the kitchen. Mouthing for Frankie to stay quiet, she quickly turned the corner to come face to face with Joe.
"Holy shit, Bails!" he exclaimed, his hands instantly shooting up in innocence. Quickly, she looked over at her own hand and lowered the knife before turning back into the kitchen. Jamming it back into the holder on the counter, she turned and glared at him.
"You're not supposed to be home." she stated bluntly, waving for Frankie to come out from under the table. "You scared the crap out of us."
"Well, um." Joe stood there uneasily for a moment before clearing his throat and taking in his surroundings. "Looks like you two had fun." he chuckled, looking at the white specks of cheese that were scattered on the table top. He then looked back to Bailey who was wiping her saucy face.
"What are you doing home?" she asked before grabbing a sponge off the side of the sink to clean up their mess.
"Oh, I uh, kinda have a stomach ache. . .and a little head ache. . .and my back sort of aches a little too." he forced out, slipping his hands into his pockets as he leaned against the doorframe. Within seconds, Frankie shook his head and exited the kitchen.
"Kinda? Little? Sort of? Nice, Joseph." she forced out a chuckle, then wiped down the table, her lam catching the bits of cheese.
"I just didn't want to be there, with her." he stated, his eyes studying her movement as she trailed to the trashcan and wiped off her hands.
"With who?" Bailey questioned, turning to look at him as she tossed the sponge into the sink.
"Um, Jasmine." he reluctantly replied, averting his eyes away from hers.
"Figures." she sighed, then made her way past him and into the living room, letting her body fall down into the couch. Within a moment, Joe followed her and sat on the opposite side of where she was.
"She just talks so damn much. . .It's like. . .just shut up." Joe groaned, hoping that he could think of something to say to relieve the tension between them.
"Then why'd you go?" she questioned curiously, looking over at him.
"Mom made me." he sighed, then looked away from her. "But I bailed anyway and decided to come back here." he shrugged.
"Did you know I was going to be here?" Joe's eyes looked over into her blue ones, pausing for a moment before he shook his head.
"Nah, but mom kind of hinted towards you being the one watching Frankie." he shrugged, a piece of dark hair falling into his eyes. It wasn't for a moment before he decided to move it with a swing of his head, making Bailey almost choke on her own oxygen. She absolutely loved it when he did that.
"So, um." she cleared her throat. "Why would she do that?" Joe's eyes found hers again.
"I'm not quite sure. Maybe she planned it." he lied, then caught her eye once again. He knew exactly why. "Maybe she wants us back together or something." he finished, his tone sounding as if he was guessing. "Everyone in this house misses you, Bails."
"-And I miss every single person in this house as well." she replied, her voice and her stare breaking only for a moment. "But too bad this wasn't my choice."
"Aw, c'mon. Don't say that."
"Why? It's true." Bailey spat. "You ended it, Joe. Not me."
"Yeah, and I shouldn't have." he stated, his body turning on the cushion to fully face her. "Bails, I regret it so much. I got lost in all the work, there wasn't any time." he rambled. "I'm sorry. If I could take it back, I would." Bailey began to feel her eyes sting a bit as they shifted downward.
"Me too." she muttered, facing forward and away from him.
"So, can you let me fix things? Can we just forget about that stupid argument and just get back together?" Joe pleaded, his voice almost cracking. "Bails, I miss you so much."
"Are they done yet?!" Frankie called from the basement, interjecting into the conversation. Rising from the couch, Bailey wiped her eyes, ignoring Joe's words and headed into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Terd. Almost done." she yelled back, almost cracking as the hot air from the oven kissed her cheeks. Pulling out the hot tray and placing it on the stove, she took off the mitt and made her way back into the living room; Joe was gone
"Joseph, you agreed to go out to dinner with her and you're going. You gave her your word." Mrs.Jonas stated, looking up at her son.
"It's Jasmine! I thought you hated her? Why won't you let me just stay home?" he almost squeaked at how his own mother was turning on him.
"You know I don't hate people. . .But you can't back out on your word. You're going to dinner and that's final." she stated.
"What about Frankie?! You and dad are going out, Kevin and Nick are going to a movie; hello? Me, stay here with Frankie. It's completely logical!" Joe continued, trying to come up with an excuse bold enough to be able to bail on dinner with Jasmine.
"Joseph Adam, if I have to tell you one more time; I swear, boy." her eyes narrowed at him, then softened after a moment. "Besides, I already have someone taking care of Frankie, thanks for your concern." she nodded, then looked from him then to the television. "Was that a car door I heard outside?" her voice perked up, causing Joe to exit the living room and make his way over to the door.
"Hope you have fun tonight, mother." he forced a smiled, then exited the house to see Jasmine already making her way up the walkway.
Only moments after Joe left the house, Mr.Jonas entered the living room as he slid his arms into his light jacket. Patting his pants down and feeling his wallet and cell phone, he smiled down at his wife as she stood from the couch.
"Kids gone?" he asked, she happily nodded.
"Kevin and Nick left about 10 minutes ago, Joe just left, and Bailey should be here any -" Mrs.Jonas stopped as the doorbell echoed through the house. Her eyes flickering and a tiny smile appearing on her face, she made her way over and opened the door.
"Hey Mrs.J." Bailey smiled, stepping in cautiously, glancing around behind her for any familiar faces. After saying hello to Papa J, she averted her attention back to Mrs.Jonas.
"Don't worry, sweetie. Joseph just left. It's just you and Frankie for the night." she reassured her. "Kevin and Nick should be back before him, so you won't have any. . .encounters, if you want to call it." she kept her warm smile on her face. "We won't be back 'til late, but you don't have anything to worry about."
"-And thanks for coming on such short notice." Mr.Jonas added, following his wife out the door. Smiling an 'anytime' as the door closed, Bailey turned to the quiet house. The fact that it was quiet with Frankie irked her a bit.
"FRANKIE!" she called out, setting her purse down on the edge of the couch and kicking off her shoes. Still, the house was quiet. "Frankieee." she continued to coo, approaching the basement door.
"You gotta find me!" she faintly heard his voice, then yanked the door open to see the basement was already lit. Biting her lip and killing her smirk, she silently stepped downward, her fingers trailing along the railing before she hit the landing at the bottom. Glancing around the open space, she looked out for any sight of movement. Biting her tongue, she noticed a big lump of something on the couch with a blanket over top of it.
"Hm, I wonder where he could be. . " she spoke out loud, tiptoeing towards the couch, watching as the blanket shook a little from the laughter that Frankie was trying to contain. About to pounce on him, Bailey noticed a lit up case on the shelf above the television. "Aw." she cooed, forgetting about Frankie and averting her attention to the gecko laying before her. "What the -" she breathed out, reading the new name-tag by his lid. In hot pink, foamy letters, 'Twiggy' was spelled out neatly where 'Taco' used to be. "Bullshit." she murmured, peeling the letters off before reaching her hand in and grabbing the orange gecko.
"Hey!" Frankie exclaimed, causing Bailey to spin around. "You were supposed to find me!" he cried, the blanket flying off of his body and to the floor. "Woah, he's orange again." he exclaimed, shooting up from where he was laying and stopped in front of Bailey, his tiny fingers coming up and stroking the back of Taco's scaly head.
"Wasn't he always orange?" she questioned, looking down at his shaking head. "Oh."
"I'm hungry! Mommy said not to eat anything until you got here." he whined, pulling his hand back and looking up at her. "She said it'd give you something to do."
After putting Taco back in his case, Bailey followed Frankie back upstairs and into the kitchen. Yanking open the fridge, she observed the contents inside.
"You want pizza bagels?" she yelled to him in the living room.
"We don't have any. Joe ate them all!" he yelled back, crossing his legs on the couch as he turned on the Disney Channel.
"We'll make our own, not those frozen ones." she stated. "Come in here and help me!"
"No!" he yelled back stubbornly.
"Frankie, you little fart. If you want to eat, come in here and help me!" Bailey continued, pulling out a jar of pizza sauce and bag of shredded mozzarella. Grabbing the bag of mini-bagels off the counter, she carried the contents to the table where Frankie was now seated with his arms crossed in front of his chest. "Oh smile, you little Gremlin." she laughed, poking his side and making a smile appear on his lips.
Within minutes, cheese and globs of sauce were all over the table. A little red dab topped off Frankie's nose as a few finger marks accompanied Bailey's cheeks. Laughter echoed through the house as they lined up numerous completed pizza bagels on the baking sheet. Standing from the wooden chair, Bailey grabbed an oven mitt off the oven door and pulled it open, placing the sheet onto the middle rack of the 350degree hot box. The door squeaked shut as the front door to the house cracked open.
Hearing a car door and a vehicle drive off, Bailey looked down at Frankie as they listened to the door shut. Waving at him to come to her, Bailey motioned for Frankie to hide under the table since they didn't know who had entered the house. Grabbing a large carving knife out of the holder on the kitchen counter, Bailey leaned up against the wall as she inched towards the corner of the kitchen. Mouthing for Frankie to stay quiet, she quickly turned the corner to come face to face with Joe.
"Holy shit, Bails!" he exclaimed, his hands instantly shooting up in innocence. Quickly, she looked over at her own hand and lowered the knife before turning back into the kitchen. Jamming it back into the holder on the counter, she turned and glared at him.
"You're not supposed to be home." she stated bluntly, waving for Frankie to come out from under the table. "You scared the crap out of us."
"Well, um." Joe stood there uneasily for a moment before clearing his throat and taking in his surroundings. "Looks like you two had fun." he chuckled, looking at the white specks of cheese that were scattered on the table top. He then looked back to Bailey who was wiping her saucy face.
"What are you doing home?" she asked before grabbing a sponge off the side of the sink to clean up their mess.
"Oh, I uh, kinda have a stomach ache. . .and a little head ache. . .and my back sort of aches a little too." he forced out, slipping his hands into his pockets as he leaned against the doorframe. Within seconds, Frankie shook his head and exited the kitchen.
"Kinda? Little? Sort of? Nice, Joseph." she forced out a chuckle, then wiped down the table, her lam catching the bits of cheese.
"I just didn't want to be there, with her." he stated, his eyes studying her movement as she trailed to the trashcan and wiped off her hands.
"With who?" Bailey questioned, turning to look at him as she tossed the sponge into the sink.
"Um, Jasmine." he reluctantly replied, averting his eyes away from hers.
"Figures." she sighed, then made her way past him and into the living room, letting her body fall down into the couch. Within a moment, Joe followed her and sat on the opposite side of where she was.
"She just talks so damn much. . .It's like. . .just shut up." Joe groaned, hoping that he could think of something to say to relieve the tension between them.
"Then why'd you go?" she questioned curiously, looking over at him.
"Mom made me." he sighed, then looked away from her. "But I bailed anyway and decided to come back here." he shrugged.
"Did you know I was going to be here?" Joe's eyes looked over into her blue ones, pausing for a moment before he shook his head.
"Nah, but mom kind of hinted towards you being the one watching Frankie." he shrugged, a piece of dark hair falling into his eyes. It wasn't for a moment before he decided to move it with a swing of his head, making Bailey almost choke on her own oxygen. She absolutely loved it when he did that.
"So, um." she cleared her throat. "Why would she do that?" Joe's eyes found hers again.
"I'm not quite sure. Maybe she planned it." he lied, then caught her eye once again. He knew exactly why. "Maybe she wants us back together or something." he finished, his tone sounding as if he was guessing. "Everyone in this house misses you, Bails."
"-And I miss every single person in this house as well." she replied, her voice and her stare breaking only for a moment. "But too bad this wasn't my choice."
"Aw, c'mon. Don't say that."
"Why? It's true." Bailey spat. "You ended it, Joe. Not me."
"Yeah, and I shouldn't have." he stated, his body turning on the cushion to fully face her. "Bails, I regret it so much. I got lost in all the work, there wasn't any time." he rambled. "I'm sorry. If I could take it back, I would." Bailey began to feel her eyes sting a bit as they shifted downward.
"Me too." she muttered, facing forward and away from him.
"So, can you let me fix things? Can we just forget about that stupid argument and just get back together?" Joe pleaded, his voice almost cracking. "Bails, I miss you so much."
"Are they done yet?!" Frankie called from the basement, interjecting into the conversation. Rising from the couch, Bailey wiped her eyes, ignoring Joe's words and headed into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Terd. Almost done." she yelled back, almost cracking as the hot air from the oven kissed her cheeks. Pulling out the hot tray and placing it on the stove, she took off the mitt and made her way back into the living room; Joe was gone
"Don't you agree?" Joe's ears perked up at the spike in her voice. Instantly, he nodded before she continued her rant about the most pointless things. He began to zone out again, playing with the straw in his cup as he sat at the little table at the pizza parlor across from Jasmine, the girl he thought was becoming a little more, but now realized that there wasn't even a chance. At the studio and hanging out at his house, Jasmine seemed like a cool girl. But after 3 hours of shopping, and now lunch, Joe realized he was in way over his head. "-And I freaked! Could you believe she said that to me?!" Jasmine asked, her eyes locking onto his.
"No way, really?" Joe questioned, trying to sound as into the conversation as much as he could. Luckily, his tone was convincing enough and Jasmine continued blabbering.
After letting out a tiny sigh, Joe began to zone out again, thinking about the movie premiere that was going to take place the following week. He couldn't wait to see Bailey again, as confusing as that may sound. Once she walked away from him that one day, after he pretty much ended things, he hadn't seen her. He had heard about her, was updated on the tiny things from his mother, but he hadn't seen her with his own two eyes.
It was another minute as his eyes began to drift. Looking past Jasmine, and past the table behind her, he noticed their waiter approaching with a smile. After declining any refills and extra napkins, Joe kept his smile as he watched the polite man walk away. It wasn't until he noticed a familiar face off in the distance that he choked in his own saliva, instantly attracting Jasmine's attention.
"I know! I can't believe she said that either!" she exclaimed, then continued on as Joe regained his composure. He eyed Jasmine for a moment before averting his eyes back to, what he now realized, was Bobby Blake's table. Ten seconds didn't pass until he identified the other person he was with; his own Bailey.
Joe couldn't help himself, he had to stare. Even if it was just the back of her head, it was the most he'd seen of her in the past week. That was just enough to trip him back into their little game.
Giving an occasional head-nod to Jasmine after every pause, Joe constantly looked past her and at Bailey. Accidentally keeping his stare a little too long, he watched as she casually turned around in her seat, her eyes immediately finding his; she knew he was there. Feeling his lips curve into a smile of acknowledgement, his face instantly dropped when he saw her eyes widen and her body spin back around, her arm hitting her glass of soda and knocking it over into her lap. Joe flinched from across the patio of tables as Bailey shot up from her seat, sponging her front side with a hand full of napkins as the root beer soaked into her clothing. Within seconds, she disappeared from the table and into the restaurant. Instinctively, Joe wanted to get up and run after her, but he knew that it was the wrong time and place. He didn't have to do anything.
- - - - -
Biting her lip, Bailey's eyes watered as she wiped her shirt down in the bathroom. Glancing up into the mirror in front of her for only a second, her cheeks reddened even more of embarrassment. She couldn't believe what had just happened.
After slamming the damp paper towel into the trash bin, Bailey closed her eyes and leaned forward on the porcelain sink, slowly building herself back up so she could walk out as if nothing was bothering her. Right now, it wasn't the fact that her entire front side was stained a faded brown color, it was because Joe was sitting out there waiting for her reappearance.
Taking a deep breath, Bailey started for the door. Looking down and flattening out her shirt, she pushed open the door with her elbow, her focus down below. After the turned the corner out of the bathroom lobby, she collided with something hard. Almost falling over, she felt a pair of hands grab her sides, pulling her back into balance. It was a moment before an imaginary electric surge spread throughout her body as she realized who caught her from falling. It was Joseph.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you, literally." Joe almost stuttered, not really knowing how she was going to act towards him. It had been so long, talking to her almost seemed like a brand new thing.
"It's alright, don't worry about it." she replied, placing her hands on his and removing them from her waist. Pressing her lips together and raising her eyebrows, Bailey began to step around him to head back to her table. She stopped once she felt his warm grasp on her upper arm, making her turn around to give him an attentive look.
"Are you alright?" he asked, sincerity in his voice, his eyes staring back into her blue pools as she watched him stare down at where his skin touched hers.
"Fine. Thanks for caring." she faked a tiny smile, then continued her way back to her table.
Joe stood there for a moment, still letting everything seep in. Still a little high off her touch, and even scent, he continued to zone out, looking like an idiot while standing in the middle of the bathroom lobby with a weird gaze. After returning to reality, he finally realized something; he probably just ruined the best thing that ever happened to him.
About fifteen minutes flew by, Bailey was back at the table with Bobby and Joe had returned to Jasmine. Bailey chewed away on her pizza, completely getting lost in her thoughts about everything. Their new movie, the premiere, Joe. Bobby knew not to talk to her because he could see her mind cranking away. If it was one thing he learned from his mother, it was not to question a woman when she had something on her mind; don't speak unless spoken to. And boy, you better say what they want to hear if you're asked.
"Is he looking over here?" Bailey hissed, keeping her back to Joe's table as her eyes locked on Bobby's. He shifted his eyes and caught hold of Joe's stare. After sighing, he gave her a little nod which made a tiny whimper leave Bailey's body as she let the crust of her pizza fall to the plastic plate.
"Forget about him." Bobby leaned forward and whispered. "He's not even worth it, Bails." Her eyes watered, looking over into is.
"I can't." she replied. "I can't forget about him, Bobby. I want him so bad."
"Well then, go for him." he replied hopelessly, not knowing what it was that she wanted to hear.
"I can't." Bailey spat, almost wanting to slam her head down on to the table.
"You know, I'm getting kind of sick of you." he stated, his voice sounding a little annoyed.
"What!" she exclaimed, a little surprised at this tone.
"Yeah, you say you're over the boy and that you're gonna try to move on, and now you're sitting here and have basically, like. . .melted all over again at the sight of him. It's kinda hard to -"
"Ugh." she groaned, putting her face into her hands that were propped up onto the table with her elbows.
"Yep, he's definitely looking now."
"Thanks, faggot." Bailey muttered, then listened to the silence between them for a moment. "I just. . .don't know what to do."
"Want my opinion?" Bobby offered, his eyes perking up.
"Please." she simply replied, actually putting all her attention towards him.
"There's nothing that you can do, really. It's all up to him now." he sighed, then leaned back in his chair. "I know that's not what you really want to hear, but you've pretty much done your part."
"I wouldn't say so." she stated.
"And why is that?" he asked, a bit intrigued.
"If you haven't noticed, a relationship takes two. It doesn't matter who makes the move. It just matters if there's even a move made in the first place." Bailey admitted, pretty much stating it straight out. "The thing is. . .I don't know if I want to make that move."
"See, that's where you lose me." Bobby admitted. "You say you're into him, then you don't want to do anything to try and get him back. Why?"
"Fear." she responded bluntly. "Fear that'll he'll just throw it all away again."
"No way, really?" Joe questioned, trying to sound as into the conversation as much as he could. Luckily, his tone was convincing enough and Jasmine continued blabbering.
After letting out a tiny sigh, Joe began to zone out again, thinking about the movie premiere that was going to take place the following week. He couldn't wait to see Bailey again, as confusing as that may sound. Once she walked away from him that one day, after he pretty much ended things, he hadn't seen her. He had heard about her, was updated on the tiny things from his mother, but he hadn't seen her with his own two eyes.
It was another minute as his eyes began to drift. Looking past Jasmine, and past the table behind her, he noticed their waiter approaching with a smile. After declining any refills and extra napkins, Joe kept his smile as he watched the polite man walk away. It wasn't until he noticed a familiar face off in the distance that he choked in his own saliva, instantly attracting Jasmine's attention.
"I know! I can't believe she said that either!" she exclaimed, then continued on as Joe regained his composure. He eyed Jasmine for a moment before averting his eyes back to, what he now realized, was Bobby Blake's table. Ten seconds didn't pass until he identified the other person he was with; his own Bailey.
Joe couldn't help himself, he had to stare. Even if it was just the back of her head, it was the most he'd seen of her in the past week. That was just enough to trip him back into their little game.
Giving an occasional head-nod to Jasmine after every pause, Joe constantly looked past her and at Bailey. Accidentally keeping his stare a little too long, he watched as she casually turned around in her seat, her eyes immediately finding his; she knew he was there. Feeling his lips curve into a smile of acknowledgement, his face instantly dropped when he saw her eyes widen and her body spin back around, her arm hitting her glass of soda and knocking it over into her lap. Joe flinched from across the patio of tables as Bailey shot up from her seat, sponging her front side with a hand full of napkins as the root beer soaked into her clothing. Within seconds, she disappeared from the table and into the restaurant. Instinctively, Joe wanted to get up and run after her, but he knew that it was the wrong time and place. He didn't have to do anything.
- - - - -
Biting her lip, Bailey's eyes watered as she wiped her shirt down in the bathroom. Glancing up into the mirror in front of her for only a second, her cheeks reddened even more of embarrassment. She couldn't believe what had just happened.
After slamming the damp paper towel into the trash bin, Bailey closed her eyes and leaned forward on the porcelain sink, slowly building herself back up so she could walk out as if nothing was bothering her. Right now, it wasn't the fact that her entire front side was stained a faded brown color, it was because Joe was sitting out there waiting for her reappearance.
Taking a deep breath, Bailey started for the door. Looking down and flattening out her shirt, she pushed open the door with her elbow, her focus down below. After the turned the corner out of the bathroom lobby, she collided with something hard. Almost falling over, she felt a pair of hands grab her sides, pulling her back into balance. It was a moment before an imaginary electric surge spread throughout her body as she realized who caught her from falling. It was Joseph.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you, literally." Joe almost stuttered, not really knowing how she was going to act towards him. It had been so long, talking to her almost seemed like a brand new thing.
"It's alright, don't worry about it." she replied, placing her hands on his and removing them from her waist. Pressing her lips together and raising her eyebrows, Bailey began to step around him to head back to her table. She stopped once she felt his warm grasp on her upper arm, making her turn around to give him an attentive look.
"Are you alright?" he asked, sincerity in his voice, his eyes staring back into her blue pools as she watched him stare down at where his skin touched hers.
"Fine. Thanks for caring." she faked a tiny smile, then continued her way back to her table.
Joe stood there for a moment, still letting everything seep in. Still a little high off her touch, and even scent, he continued to zone out, looking like an idiot while standing in the middle of the bathroom lobby with a weird gaze. After returning to reality, he finally realized something; he probably just ruined the best thing that ever happened to him.
About fifteen minutes flew by, Bailey was back at the table with Bobby and Joe had returned to Jasmine. Bailey chewed away on her pizza, completely getting lost in her thoughts about everything. Their new movie, the premiere, Joe. Bobby knew not to talk to her because he could see her mind cranking away. If it was one thing he learned from his mother, it was not to question a woman when she had something on her mind; don't speak unless spoken to. And boy, you better say what they want to hear if you're asked.
"Is he looking over here?" Bailey hissed, keeping her back to Joe's table as her eyes locked on Bobby's. He shifted his eyes and caught hold of Joe's stare. After sighing, he gave her a little nod which made a tiny whimper leave Bailey's body as she let the crust of her pizza fall to the plastic plate.
"Forget about him." Bobby leaned forward and whispered. "He's not even worth it, Bails." Her eyes watered, looking over into is.
"I can't." she replied. "I can't forget about him, Bobby. I want him so bad."
"Well then, go for him." he replied hopelessly, not knowing what it was that she wanted to hear.
"I can't." Bailey spat, almost wanting to slam her head down on to the table.
"You know, I'm getting kind of sick of you." he stated, his voice sounding a little annoyed.
"What!" she exclaimed, a little surprised at this tone.
"Yeah, you say you're over the boy and that you're gonna try to move on, and now you're sitting here and have basically, like. . .melted all over again at the sight of him. It's kinda hard to -"
"Ugh." she groaned, putting her face into her hands that were propped up onto the table with her elbows.
"Yep, he's definitely looking now."
"Thanks, faggot." Bailey muttered, then listened to the silence between them for a moment. "I just. . .don't know what to do."
"Want my opinion?" Bobby offered, his eyes perking up.
"Please." she simply replied, actually putting all her attention towards him.
"There's nothing that you can do, really. It's all up to him now." he sighed, then leaned back in his chair. "I know that's not what you really want to hear, but you've pretty much done your part."
"I wouldn't say so." she stated.
"And why is that?" he asked, a bit intrigued.
"If you haven't noticed, a relationship takes two. It doesn't matter who makes the move. It just matters if there's even a move made in the first place." Bailey admitted, pretty much stating it straight out. "The thing is. . .I don't know if I want to make that move."
"See, that's where you lose me." Bobby admitted. "You say you're into him, then you don't want to do anything to try and get him back. Why?"
"Fear." she responded bluntly. "Fear that'll he'll just throw it all away again."
"An entire week off?" Joe repeated, staring across from his mother at the breakfast table. His father and brothers surrounded it as well as the scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast plates were passed around.
"Mhm. Isn't it great? Mr.Parker decided that since everyone was working so hard, he'd give the entire crew a week off. Since filming will be over only a few days after your little break, he said he wanted to get you all loosened up a bit for your last shots of the season." Mrs.Jonas stated happily. "Bailey has off too, isn't that great?!" the entire table snapped over to look at Joe after he dropped his steel fork onto his china plate.
"Yeah, isn't it great Joe? The reason you broke her heart was because you guys didn't have any time together, and now we have a week off that probably would've fixed things." he paused for a moment. "Regretting it yet?" Kevin eyed him from across the table, then received 'the look' from his mother. He then bowed his head down in apology before he began eating.
"Yeah, great." Joe muttered, his fingers twirling the for between his fingers as his mind began to drift. He himself wasn't sure why he let her go so easily. -And the answer to Kevin's question? Of course. Why wouldn't he regret it? Almost his entire family was looking down upon him because of it, which made him realize another thing; this certainly wasn't the way things should be.
The Jonas family ate for another ten minutes before Joe offered to clear the table. With the plates and silver ware for five clinked in his arms, the doorbell rang, signaling Frankie to jump out of his seat.
"I got it. I got it. I got it. I got it!" he squealed, running through the house and to the front door. With a few yanks of the doorknob, Frankie finally got a good enough grip to pull it open. Instantly his face dropped before spinning around and running away from the open door. "Ewww." he cried, rushing back into the kitchen and to his mother's chair.
"Frankie honey, who is it?" Mrs.Jonas laughed, bringing her eye level down to his.
"I'll get it." Nick stated, placing the napkin from his lap on the table before he made his way into the living room himself. "Oh, hey Jasmine." he gave her a tiny smile, then waved for her to follow him into the kitchen. Once Kevin heard her name, her coughed up a little of his freshly-swallowed orange juice.
"Hey." Jasmine smiled, taking a glance at everyone in the kitchen, her eyes finally landing on Joe who just filled up the sink with the dirty dishes.
"Oh, hey." he smiled in return, wiping his hands on his pants from the access junk on the dishes.
"So, I was thinking." Jasmine began in front of the entire family. "Since we have the week off, me and you could go down to the shops and just hang out a little. Maybe pick up a little something for the premiere next week."
"What premiere?" Nick piped up, obviously paying attention to the arrangements that were being made right in front of him.
"The 'Traffic Jam' premiere, with Bobby Blake of course!" she smiled over at him. "It's supposed to be dressy, so I need to find an amazing dress!"
"Oh, with Bailey too, right?" Nick questioned, looking over at Jasmine. She nodded.
"Duh."
"Well, how nice." Nick flickered his eyebrows at Kevin before exiting the kitchen.
"Anyway, you up for it? -That is, if Denise says it's ok." Jasmine grinned, looking down at his mother who was still seated at the breakfast table.
"Oh, of course." Mrs.Jonas pushed out a smile before grasping onto her coffee mug.
"Cool. Let me go grab my wallet, and then we'll go." Joe smiled, then made his way out of the kitchen, Jasmine following close behind him. Kevin then shot his mom a questionable look after reading an annoyed expression on her face.
"Since when does that girl call me Denise?" she asked, her eyes looking over at her husband and then to Kevin. Looking displeased, she took another sip of her coffee and shook her head. "That's yet another reason why that boy is getting back with Bailey."
- - - - -
"Bailey, open up!" Bobby knocked on the door to her small home. "C'mon, Bails. Just let me in."
"No Bobby, I'm not going out today." she yelled from her cocoon on the couch. Wrapped up in her warm, fuzzy crème blanket, her pajama cover legs were wrapped up from top to bottom, her head sinking back into the cushion as her messy bun of hair began to sag.
"But it's a week off! You can't stay inside the whole time!" he exclaimed from the doorstep, his body leaning onto the oak frame.
"Watch me!" she yelled back.
"Don't make me pick the lock." he threatened, placing a hand on his hip as he stood outside.
"Do it." she challenged, her voice bold and intriguing, but deep down she could really care less. It got a little quiet for a minute, the tiny clicking of the doorknob filling her ears every few seconds. Surprisingly, it wasn't too long before she heard the door open and footsteps coming towards the living room.
"You want the 'I told you so' now or later?" Bobby grinned, looking down at her from behind the couch.
- - - - -
"I'm not eating." Bailey stated stubbornly, leaning back in the steel chair outside of a pizza parlor on a strip in LA. They were surrounded by various stores, other restaurants and a whole bunch of locals. They were both seated under a little umbrella table with two sodas and two menus. Bailey was only there because she was pretty much dragged and threatened with bodily harm.
"Oh come on. Just stop complaining and live a little." Bobby stated. "He's not the end of the world, you know."
"You have no idea." she muttered, her fingers playing with the corner of the leather-edged menu. It was quiet between the two for a moment as Bailey's eyes skimmed the various food items printed up in front of her. Out of nowhere, she let out a chuckle.
"What?" Bobby asked cautiously, not really knowing what to expect.
"I had Rhianna's 'Umbrella' song stuck in my head, and I was skimming the appetizers." she chuckled mid-sentence. "-And I saw mozzarella sticks, and then I was thinking. . .if like, I ordered them using the 'umbrella' beat." Bailey laughed again. "You know what I'm talking about?" Bobby reluctantly shook his head. "I'd be like, 'Hey, can I order the mozzarella-ella-ella sticks sticks sticks, order my mozzarella-ella-ella sticks sticks sticks sticks.'" she began laughing again at herself, watching as Bobby's face dropped.
"Why are you so weird." he laughed, shaking his head as she shrugged.
"You just don't have a sense of humor, that's all." Bailey grinned, then looked back down at the menu. After a moment of Bobby's silence, she looked back up at him. "What?" he quickly shook his head and looked at his own menu. "Bobby, seriously." she chuckled, causing him to look up and look past her. "Oh no, is you're girlfriend here?" she joked.
"I don't have a girlfriend."
"That would suck, I'd have to be like, -wait, what?" she questioned. "You told me in the beginning that you had a girlfriend."
"I know." he replied before taking a sip of his soda. "That was only so things wouldn't seem weird between us."
"Oh?"
"You were with Joe, and I was some new guy, and I didn't want it to be awkward, so I just said I had a girlfriend to avoid all the extra worried thoughts about various scenes and such. -You know what I mean?" he questioned, his tone sounding as if he was unsure of what her response would be.
"Oh. . ." Bailey replied. "Well, that's cool I guess?" she forced out a chuckle which resulted in Bobby giving her a nod. It was a few moments before waiter finally stopped by to take their orders. Luckily, Bailey didn't embarrass Bobby by ordering the mozzarella sticks. "What in the world do you keep staring at?" she asked, referring to the occasional glances he took behind her.
"Nothing." he chuckled hopelessly, then averted his eyes. Smirking, Bailey turned around to see what he'd been looking at. Her heart pretty much stopped when she saw Joe and Jasmine sitting off behind them at their own table.
"Mhm. Isn't it great? Mr.Parker decided that since everyone was working so hard, he'd give the entire crew a week off. Since filming will be over only a few days after your little break, he said he wanted to get you all loosened up a bit for your last shots of the season." Mrs.Jonas stated happily. "Bailey has off too, isn't that great?!" the entire table snapped over to look at Joe after he dropped his steel fork onto his china plate.
"Yeah, isn't it great Joe? The reason you broke her heart was because you guys didn't have any time together, and now we have a week off that probably would've fixed things." he paused for a moment. "Regretting it yet?" Kevin eyed him from across the table, then received 'the look' from his mother. He then bowed his head down in apology before he began eating.
"Yeah, great." Joe muttered, his fingers twirling the for between his fingers as his mind began to drift. He himself wasn't sure why he let her go so easily. -And the answer to Kevin's question? Of course. Why wouldn't he regret it? Almost his entire family was looking down upon him because of it, which made him realize another thing; this certainly wasn't the way things should be.
The Jonas family ate for another ten minutes before Joe offered to clear the table. With the plates and silver ware for five clinked in his arms, the doorbell rang, signaling Frankie to jump out of his seat.
"I got it. I got it. I got it. I got it!" he squealed, running through the house and to the front door. With a few yanks of the doorknob, Frankie finally got a good enough grip to pull it open. Instantly his face dropped before spinning around and running away from the open door. "Ewww." he cried, rushing back into the kitchen and to his mother's chair.
"Frankie honey, who is it?" Mrs.Jonas laughed, bringing her eye level down to his.
"I'll get it." Nick stated, placing the napkin from his lap on the table before he made his way into the living room himself. "Oh, hey Jasmine." he gave her a tiny smile, then waved for her to follow him into the kitchen. Once Kevin heard her name, her coughed up a little of his freshly-swallowed orange juice.
"Hey." Jasmine smiled, taking a glance at everyone in the kitchen, her eyes finally landing on Joe who just filled up the sink with the dirty dishes.
"Oh, hey." he smiled in return, wiping his hands on his pants from the access junk on the dishes.
"So, I was thinking." Jasmine began in front of the entire family. "Since we have the week off, me and you could go down to the shops and just hang out a little. Maybe pick up a little something for the premiere next week."
"What premiere?" Nick piped up, obviously paying attention to the arrangements that were being made right in front of him.
"The 'Traffic Jam' premiere, with Bobby Blake of course!" she smiled over at him. "It's supposed to be dressy, so I need to find an amazing dress!"
"Oh, with Bailey too, right?" Nick questioned, looking over at Jasmine. She nodded.
"Duh."
"Well, how nice." Nick flickered his eyebrows at Kevin before exiting the kitchen.
"Anyway, you up for it? -That is, if Denise says it's ok." Jasmine grinned, looking down at his mother who was still seated at the breakfast table.
"Oh, of course." Mrs.Jonas pushed out a smile before grasping onto her coffee mug.
"Cool. Let me go grab my wallet, and then we'll go." Joe smiled, then made his way out of the kitchen, Jasmine following close behind him. Kevin then shot his mom a questionable look after reading an annoyed expression on her face.
"Since when does that girl call me Denise?" she asked, her eyes looking over at her husband and then to Kevin. Looking displeased, she took another sip of her coffee and shook her head. "That's yet another reason why that boy is getting back with Bailey."
- - - - -
"Bailey, open up!" Bobby knocked on the door to her small home. "C'mon, Bails. Just let me in."
"No Bobby, I'm not going out today." she yelled from her cocoon on the couch. Wrapped up in her warm, fuzzy crème blanket, her pajama cover legs were wrapped up from top to bottom, her head sinking back into the cushion as her messy bun of hair began to sag.
"But it's a week off! You can't stay inside the whole time!" he exclaimed from the doorstep, his body leaning onto the oak frame.
"Watch me!" she yelled back.
"Don't make me pick the lock." he threatened, placing a hand on his hip as he stood outside.
"Do it." she challenged, her voice bold and intriguing, but deep down she could really care less. It got a little quiet for a minute, the tiny clicking of the doorknob filling her ears every few seconds. Surprisingly, it wasn't too long before she heard the door open and footsteps coming towards the living room.
"You want the 'I told you so' now or later?" Bobby grinned, looking down at her from behind the couch.
- - - - -
"I'm not eating." Bailey stated stubbornly, leaning back in the steel chair outside of a pizza parlor on a strip in LA. They were surrounded by various stores, other restaurants and a whole bunch of locals. They were both seated under a little umbrella table with two sodas and two menus. Bailey was only there because she was pretty much dragged and threatened with bodily harm.
"Oh come on. Just stop complaining and live a little." Bobby stated. "He's not the end of the world, you know."
"You have no idea." she muttered, her fingers playing with the corner of the leather-edged menu. It was quiet between the two for a moment as Bailey's eyes skimmed the various food items printed up in front of her. Out of nowhere, she let out a chuckle.
"What?" Bobby asked cautiously, not really knowing what to expect.
"I had Rhianna's 'Umbrella' song stuck in my head, and I was skimming the appetizers." she chuckled mid-sentence. "-And I saw mozzarella sticks, and then I was thinking. . .if like, I ordered them using the 'umbrella' beat." Bailey laughed again. "You know what I'm talking about?" Bobby reluctantly shook his head. "I'd be like, 'Hey, can I order the mozzarella-ella-ella sticks sticks sticks, order my mozzarella-ella-ella sticks sticks sticks sticks.'" she began laughing again at herself, watching as Bobby's face dropped.
"Why are you so weird." he laughed, shaking his head as she shrugged.
"You just don't have a sense of humor, that's all." Bailey grinned, then looked back down at the menu. After a moment of Bobby's silence, she looked back up at him. "What?" he quickly shook his head and looked at his own menu. "Bobby, seriously." she chuckled, causing him to look up and look past her. "Oh no, is you're girlfriend here?" she joked.
"I don't have a girlfriend."
"That would suck, I'd have to be like, -wait, what?" she questioned. "You told me in the beginning that you had a girlfriend."
"I know." he replied before taking a sip of his soda. "That was only so things wouldn't seem weird between us."
"Oh?"
"You were with Joe, and I was some new guy, and I didn't want it to be awkward, so I just said I had a girlfriend to avoid all the extra worried thoughts about various scenes and such. -You know what I mean?" he questioned, his tone sounding as if he was unsure of what her response would be.
"Oh. . ." Bailey replied. "Well, that's cool I guess?" she forced out a chuckle which resulted in Bobby giving her a nod. It was a few moments before waiter finally stopped by to take their orders. Luckily, Bailey didn't embarrass Bobby by ordering the mozzarella sticks. "What in the world do you keep staring at?" she asked, referring to the occasional glances he took behind her.
"Nothing." he chuckled hopelessly, then averted his eyes. Smirking, Bailey turned around to see what he'd been looking at. Her heart pretty much stopped when she saw Joe and Jasmine sitting off behind them at their own table.
"Hurry, hurry!" Mrs.Jonas called out the window of her jet black Expedition as she put the vehicle in park, watching as her boys casually walked out of the warehouse and onto the moonlit sidewalk to the car. "I'm going to miss my new episode of House!"
"Hey Mom, nice to see you too." Joe smiled, climbing into the front passenger's seat as Kevin, Nick and Jasmine loaded into the back. "Hey, can we take Jasmine home?"
"Sure." Mrs.Jonas smiled, putting the SUV into gear after everyone was buckled up. After relaxing into his seat, a sweet, warm scent filled his nose. Instantly, he glanced over at his mother.
"Whatever you're wearing smells really good." he complimented honestly, breathing in the scent as he listened to the backseat-ers sniff away as well. Joe looked over at his mother and smiled.
"Son, what'd I tell you about brown-nosing?" she asked, causing Jasmine to snicker from behind her.
"What? I was being honest!" he exclaimed, turning in his seat to see a grin on his mother's face.
"Well, that's good." she replied, her voice perking up. "I'll let Bailey know you like her new perfume." Mrs.Jonas bit her tongue, trying to keep her face from lighting up at her son's speechlessness.
"Oh. . ." he trailed off, turning away and looking out the window. Instantly, he was taken back to a place he didn't want to be, erupting a feeling in his gut that he thought had dissolved a bit over the past week since he broke it off. Now that captivating scent and the thought of Bailey at the same time was a bit overwhelming. "Bailey was here?" Joe finally asked.
"Yeah, I just dropped her off at her house. I took her out to dinner and caught up on a few things." she cleared her throat. "-A few things that you forgot to mention to me, young man."
"Told you." Kevin muttered from the back, shaking his head in disgrace as Nick rolled his eyes. If anything, Kevin and Nick were pretty much pissed at Joe for dumping Bailey. Not to mention, they all knew that this Jasmine girl was to blame. She was working the chemistry in the script off-set and it was having a major effect on Joe. With Bailey not being there to fill that spot herself, he thought it was best to just, kind of, transform to someone else.
"Can we please talk about this later?" Joe pleaded, quickly shifting his eyes to the backseat at Jasmine, then back to his mother. After a simple nod, the low sound of Maroon 5 exited the speakers in the vehicle as everyone's vocal chords laid to rest. A few minutes passed before Joe reached for his vibrating phone in his pocket.
'Awkward. . . :]
-Jas'
Smiling down into his lap, Joe began to key back. It wasn't until after he sent his reply that a slight wave of déjà vu swept over him, causing a feeling of guilt to accompany his hungry stomach. That used to be his and Bailey's thing.
- - - - -
"I miss you so much." Bailey sighed into her cell, plopping down and kicking off her shoes as she sunk back into her soft, suede-like couch. Even if she was by herself in a little home in the middle of LA, it was the most comforting and calming place to be after a long day out. She absolutely loved the place Ross picked for her.
"You too, Boo." Sarah smiled into her receiver back home in Delaware. "How's everything going over there?" she asked, her bare feet clapping on the tiled floor in her kitchen as she reached and yanked open the refrigerator door.
"Well, after work Mrs.Jonas took me out to dinner and we talked for a while. We went to -" Bailey began happily, then stopped mid-sentence when Sarah interrupted.
"You went out to dinner with your ex-boyfriend's mother?" she asked, almost wanting to laugh at how messed up her question sounded.
"Yeah, well, apparently she 'adopted me into their family' and 'no matter what happens between me and Joseph, she still loves me'." Bailey breathed in, letting a laugh escape her own lips as she listened to Sarah cave on the other line.
"I can't believe it's been a week already. . ." her voice trailed off, hinting towards the major mess she had to pick verbally on the phone that day Joe called it quits. Since then, Bailey hadn't really spoken of him, by name anyway.
"Unfortunately."
"Have you seen the new Popstar!?" Sarah asked at of curiosity, finally walking out of the kitchen with an apple in her hand and her best friend on her ear.
"Amuse me, please." Bailey sighed, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt that scrunched up a little past her bellybutton as she slouched back into the cushion.
"Ok." Sarah cleared her throat as she plopped down on her own couch and snatched up the magazine on the armrest. "'Joe Jonas and Jasmine Jennings; Romance in the air?' Then insert some picture of the two of them just sitting there. You want me to read the actual article?"
"Ugh." she groaned in response.
"Yeah, you're right." she began in a matter-of-factly tone. "There's no way he's moved on. That boy was pretty much infatuated with you. Not to mention, that skank probably has more STDs than Paris Hilton. . .and maybe a few videos as well. Don't worry, he'll run back to you soon." Sarah smiled as she heard a tiny laugh from her friend.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." Bailey smiled, her eyes slowly closing as her phone rested on her shoulder. She was going on 36 hours without sleep.
"Anytime, Bails." she replied truthfully; that's what she was there for. It was silent for another moment as Sarah continued to flip through the magazine, almost biting her tongue at the turned page. "Oh snap."
"Oh what?" Bailey mumbled, slowly drifting off to sleep.
"There's a picture of you and Bobby."
"Hey Mom, nice to see you too." Joe smiled, climbing into the front passenger's seat as Kevin, Nick and Jasmine loaded into the back. "Hey, can we take Jasmine home?"
"Sure." Mrs.Jonas smiled, putting the SUV into gear after everyone was buckled up. After relaxing into his seat, a sweet, warm scent filled his nose. Instantly, he glanced over at his mother.
"Whatever you're wearing smells really good." he complimented honestly, breathing in the scent as he listened to the backseat-ers sniff away as well. Joe looked over at his mother and smiled.
"Son, what'd I tell you about brown-nosing?" she asked, causing Jasmine to snicker from behind her.
"What? I was being honest!" he exclaimed, turning in his seat to see a grin on his mother's face.
"Well, that's good." she replied, her voice perking up. "I'll let Bailey know you like her new perfume." Mrs.Jonas bit her tongue, trying to keep her face from lighting up at her son's speechlessness.
"Oh. . ." he trailed off, turning away and looking out the window. Instantly, he was taken back to a place he didn't want to be, erupting a feeling in his gut that he thought had dissolved a bit over the past week since he broke it off. Now that captivating scent and the thought of Bailey at the same time was a bit overwhelming. "Bailey was here?" Joe finally asked.
"Yeah, I just dropped her off at her house. I took her out to dinner and caught up on a few things." she cleared her throat. "-A few things that you forgot to mention to me, young man."
"Told you." Kevin muttered from the back, shaking his head in disgrace as Nick rolled his eyes. If anything, Kevin and Nick were pretty much pissed at Joe for dumping Bailey. Not to mention, they all knew that this Jasmine girl was to blame. She was working the chemistry in the script off-set and it was having a major effect on Joe. With Bailey not being there to fill that spot herself, he thought it was best to just, kind of, transform to someone else.
"Can we please talk about this later?" Joe pleaded, quickly shifting his eyes to the backseat at Jasmine, then back to his mother. After a simple nod, the low sound of Maroon 5 exited the speakers in the vehicle as everyone's vocal chords laid to rest. A few minutes passed before Joe reached for his vibrating phone in his pocket.
'Awkward. . . :]
-Jas'
Smiling down into his lap, Joe began to key back. It wasn't until after he sent his reply that a slight wave of déjà vu swept over him, causing a feeling of guilt to accompany his hungry stomach. That used to be his and Bailey's thing.
- - - - -
"I miss you so much." Bailey sighed into her cell, plopping down and kicking off her shoes as she sunk back into her soft, suede-like couch. Even if she was by herself in a little home in the middle of LA, it was the most comforting and calming place to be after a long day out. She absolutely loved the place Ross picked for her.
"You too, Boo." Sarah smiled into her receiver back home in Delaware. "How's everything going over there?" she asked, her bare feet clapping on the tiled floor in her kitchen as she reached and yanked open the refrigerator door.
"Well, after work Mrs.Jonas took me out to dinner and we talked for a while. We went to -" Bailey began happily, then stopped mid-sentence when Sarah interrupted.
"You went out to dinner with your ex-boyfriend's mother?" she asked, almost wanting to laugh at how messed up her question sounded.
"Yeah, well, apparently she 'adopted me into their family' and 'no matter what happens between me and Joseph, she still loves me'." Bailey breathed in, letting a laugh escape her own lips as she listened to Sarah cave on the other line.
"I can't believe it's been a week already. . ." her voice trailed off, hinting towards the major mess she had to pick verbally on the phone that day Joe called it quits. Since then, Bailey hadn't really spoken of him, by name anyway.
"Unfortunately."
"Have you seen the new Popstar!?" Sarah asked at of curiosity, finally walking out of the kitchen with an apple in her hand and her best friend on her ear.
"Amuse me, please." Bailey sighed, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt that scrunched up a little past her bellybutton as she slouched back into the cushion.
"Ok." Sarah cleared her throat as she plopped down on her own couch and snatched up the magazine on the armrest. "'Joe Jonas and Jasmine Jennings; Romance in the air?' Then insert some picture of the two of them just sitting there. You want me to read the actual article?"
"Ugh." she groaned in response.
"Yeah, you're right." she began in a matter-of-factly tone. "There's no way he's moved on. That boy was pretty much infatuated with you. Not to mention, that skank probably has more STDs than Paris Hilton. . .and maybe a few videos as well. Don't worry, he'll run back to you soon." Sarah smiled as she heard a tiny laugh from her friend.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." Bailey smiled, her eyes slowly closing as her phone rested on her shoulder. She was going on 36 hours without sleep.
"Anytime, Bails." she replied truthfully; that's what she was there for. It was silent for another moment as Sarah continued to flip through the magazine, almost biting her tongue at the turned page. "Oh snap."
"Oh what?" Bailey mumbled, slowly drifting off to sleep.
"There's a picture of you and Bobby."
What?" Bailey asked, her lips at the tip of her newly opened water bottle. Bobby's eyes locked on her in a trance, as if he was studying every curve of her face. He hesitated before he spoke.
"It looks like you've got something on your mind." he replied simply, scratching the back of his dark, spiky head before shifting his eyes away from her, his backside leaning against the table with various snacks, soda cans and water bottles scattered about.
"And why do you think that?" she questioned, her attention fully focusing on him as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well. . .I don't know. It just seems like your kind of distracted." Bobby replied, his tone caring and comforting. "-Not that it's a bad thing, but I'm just saying. . .Sometimes this whole acting thing can cause a lot of stuff to build up inside."
"Oh." she replied, looking down and away from him, knowing he was right and taking a mental note that he noticed a difference in her attitude.
"Not to mention your boy is standing right behind you, looking kind of down because he hasn't seen his girl in a while." Bobby smiled, then motioned his water bottle behind her, causing her to turn around to see Joe standing there, a weak smile playing on his lips. Within a few seconds, he walked off to leave Joe and Bailey alone.
"Hey." she smiled, stepping towards him to give him a hug. Instead, Joe put his hands up, causing a look of confusion and pain to spread across her face that he could easily read.
"I think we need to talk." he informed, his tone low and a bit saddened. It was almost immediately that Bailey's body began to shut down, her blood freezing in her veins. Anyone with a heart knew that those were the few words you did not want to hear while in a relationship.
"Is everything ok?" she cautiously asked, hoping that she was just making horrible, horrible assumptions and that everything was alright. "It's not Taco, is it?" Bailey's heart softened up a bit when she heard him release a faint chuckle from his lungs. His eyes averted hers for a second before they finally latched onto hers, her heart beginning to go into panic mode again.
"No, it's not about Taco." Joe cleared his throat, then grabbed her hand. "C'mon." he began, unknowingly sending a tingle up her arm and pulling her into a slow pace down the walkway. For once, the tingle wasn't a feeling of anticipation, but a feeling of nervousness and fear. By the way he was acting, she knew that this probably wasn't going to go well.
"Joe, please tell me what -" Bailey began as he pulled her down on the edge of a vacant set.
"Bails, -" he cut her off, looking down at his hands that were now detached from hers. "- since the show has started, and since you started this movie thing, things have been crazy."
"Border lining insanity, I agree." she forced out a chuckle, hoping to see some kind of perk in his dull facial expression. Instead, it looked like his face fell even more. A pit of nervousness in her stomach began to form as her teeth squeezed down on her tongue. She knew this wasn't good.
"With all this time spent on the show, and on the movie, we don't have time for us." Bailey watched him push the words out of his mouth, looking as if he was going to choke; his eyes still avoiding hers. "It sucks knowing that I have a wonderful girlfriend that I can't be with because our schedules are too hectic. -Not to mention that the time that's not being spent with me is actually being spent with some hot, potential Abercrombie dude who sweats you like crazy."
"Joe!" she exclaimed, her jaw dropping at his statement; his wide eyes darting to hers.
"What? It's true!" he cried back, instantly getting defensive.
"I can't believe you just said that." Bailey shook her head, looking away from him.
"Look, maybe we should just. . .I don't know. Take a little time off? I mean, that way with you working on the movie, and me on the show, we can be more focused on our stuff than whether or not we're going to be able to hold a five-minute conversation for that day." Joe drifted off, his stare disconnecting with hers once again. That was really starting to bug the hell out of her.
"You think we should take a break? Is that it?" Bailey asked, feeling her eyes watering as she stared over at him.
"Well, I was talking with Jasmine, and she said -" he began.
"Jasmine? You're basing this on what Jasmine says? Are you kidding me?" she cracked, feeling as if the entire world was put on hold as his eyes connected with hers. "And you're worried about Bobby? Please, Joseph. Don't even try and play that."
"No, don't you." Joe replied boldly, trying to ignore the fact that tears were forming in her eyes. "Jasmine is my friend, and my co-worker. You have, or had, nothing to worry about."
"Likewise." Bailey snapped. "Bobby is my friend, and my co-worker. You had nothing to worry about." her eyes shifted up to look at the tall, open ceiling of the warehouse, trying to keep the tears from leaking out of her eyes. A few seconds later, she stood up from her seat on the edge of the set and crossed her arms, slightly turning her body away from Joe and trying to take in what was happening. She tensed up once she felt him standing behind her. "So where does this leave us?" she questioned softly, not letting a single drop fall from her eye as her stare focused on the hard ground beneath her.
"I don't know. . ." Joe trailed off, then stepped in front of her. Now he was the one looking to find her eyes. "Things won't change much, since we haven't really been talking anyway." he watched as she widened her eyes, trying to dry out the wetness. He then felt his heart ache even more. "I really don't want to do this, but everything is -"
"-Crazy, I get it." Bailey croaked. "Just go. I've gotta get back to set." she muttered, waving him off as her legs began to move from under her, her eyes not daring to look at him one last time. She knew that one look would make her crack, and she still had a face to put on for the camera.
"Ok kiddies, we ready and raring to go?" Mr.Parker exclaimed once Bailey appeared on set. Bobby was already in place waiting for the next cue. After Parker received two nods, he began to speak again. "Alright. I wanted to take care of this next scene real fast, since you two are in the appropriate attire." he cleared his throat. "I want you guys to do Act 7, Scene 3. -But we're not rolling quite yet. We're going to do a practice run-through since you haven't learned this part fully."
"Here, I have an extra." Bobby stated with a tiny smile after watching Bailey glance around for her script. She gave him a weak smile in return, then took the packet that he handed out for her to grab. "Hey, are you alright?" he asked, his voice a little softer so the crew off-set couldn't hear.
"I'm fine." she grinned up at him, somehow managing to play things off like she hadn't just had her heart torn out. "I'm just ready to do this thing." she finished, glancing down at the lines that she was about to act out. After skimming her part, her breathing slowed down as she realized what she was going to have to read.
"Now I want you guys to get into this, act as if the cameras are rolling. Bailey, we'll have you start." Mr.Parker called out. Bailey's eyes shifted up to Bobby to see him give her a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, she began to act out her part, using the tone and expression the script said to.
"So this is it, Dan? You're just going to throw away everything we had!" Bailey exclaimed, the wall that she had just built inside of her minutes ago was slowly beginning to shatter.
"Yes!" Bobby replied, his voice shooting back at her with just as much energy as she threw at him. "Kelsey, I just can't take it anymore! We have to. It's costing us too much." his voice softened at the end.
"I get it." she replied weakly, her eyes tearing up again as she thought about Joe. "It's just not meant to be, is it?" Bailey's voice cracked as Parker stared at the two from off-set in amazement. Quickly, he waved for the camera guy to start rolling; the acting seemed brilliant in his eyes.
"I guess not." Bobby sighed. "Kels, we're gonna be alright. It's just. . .give it time." The set went silent for a moment as a few tears cascaded down Bailey's cheeks. Bobby eyed her uneasily, not knowing if she was crying on purposely.
Bailey stared down at her next few lines, her eyes blurring as she tried to concentrate on the words below. Out of frustration, she slammed the packet against her leg and turn to Mr.Parker.
"I can't do this." she mumbled, then dropped the script and rushed off set, leaving everyone with a questionable expression on their faces. Two seconds didn't pass until Bobby ran after her.
"It looks like you've got something on your mind." he replied simply, scratching the back of his dark, spiky head before shifting his eyes away from her, his backside leaning against the table with various snacks, soda cans and water bottles scattered about.
"And why do you think that?" she questioned, her attention fully focusing on him as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well. . .I don't know. It just seems like your kind of distracted." Bobby replied, his tone caring and comforting. "-Not that it's a bad thing, but I'm just saying. . .Sometimes this whole acting thing can cause a lot of stuff to build up inside."
"Oh." she replied, looking down and away from him, knowing he was right and taking a mental note that he noticed a difference in her attitude.
"Not to mention your boy is standing right behind you, looking kind of down because he hasn't seen his girl in a while." Bobby smiled, then motioned his water bottle behind her, causing her to turn around to see Joe standing there, a weak smile playing on his lips. Within a few seconds, he walked off to leave Joe and Bailey alone.
"Hey." she smiled, stepping towards him to give him a hug. Instead, Joe put his hands up, causing a look of confusion and pain to spread across her face that he could easily read.
"I think we need to talk." he informed, his tone low and a bit saddened. It was almost immediately that Bailey's body began to shut down, her blood freezing in her veins. Anyone with a heart knew that those were the few words you did not want to hear while in a relationship.
"Is everything ok?" she cautiously asked, hoping that she was just making horrible, horrible assumptions and that everything was alright. "It's not Taco, is it?" Bailey's heart softened up a bit when she heard him release a faint chuckle from his lungs. His eyes averted hers for a second before they finally latched onto hers, her heart beginning to go into panic mode again.
"No, it's not about Taco." Joe cleared his throat, then grabbed her hand. "C'mon." he began, unknowingly sending a tingle up her arm and pulling her into a slow pace down the walkway. For once, the tingle wasn't a feeling of anticipation, but a feeling of nervousness and fear. By the way he was acting, she knew that this probably wasn't going to go well.
"Joe, please tell me what -" Bailey began as he pulled her down on the edge of a vacant set.
"Bails, -" he cut her off, looking down at his hands that were now detached from hers. "- since the show has started, and since you started this movie thing, things have been crazy."
"Border lining insanity, I agree." she forced out a chuckle, hoping to see some kind of perk in his dull facial expression. Instead, it looked like his face fell even more. A pit of nervousness in her stomach began to form as her teeth squeezed down on her tongue. She knew this wasn't good.
"With all this time spent on the show, and on the movie, we don't have time for us." Bailey watched him push the words out of his mouth, looking as if he was going to choke; his eyes still avoiding hers. "It sucks knowing that I have a wonderful girlfriend that I can't be with because our schedules are too hectic. -Not to mention that the time that's not being spent with me is actually being spent with some hot, potential Abercrombie dude who sweats you like crazy."
"Joe!" she exclaimed, her jaw dropping at his statement; his wide eyes darting to hers.
"What? It's true!" he cried back, instantly getting defensive.
"I can't believe you just said that." Bailey shook her head, looking away from him.
"Look, maybe we should just. . .I don't know. Take a little time off? I mean, that way with you working on the movie, and me on the show, we can be more focused on our stuff than whether or not we're going to be able to hold a five-minute conversation for that day." Joe drifted off, his stare disconnecting with hers once again. That was really starting to bug the hell out of her.
"You think we should take a break? Is that it?" Bailey asked, feeling her eyes watering as she stared over at him.
"Well, I was talking with Jasmine, and she said -" he began.
"Jasmine? You're basing this on what Jasmine says? Are you kidding me?" she cracked, feeling as if the entire world was put on hold as his eyes connected with hers. "And you're worried about Bobby? Please, Joseph. Don't even try and play that."
"No, don't you." Joe replied boldly, trying to ignore the fact that tears were forming in her eyes. "Jasmine is my friend, and my co-worker. You have, or had, nothing to worry about."
"Likewise." Bailey snapped. "Bobby is my friend, and my co-worker. You had nothing to worry about." her eyes shifted up to look at the tall, open ceiling of the warehouse, trying to keep the tears from leaking out of her eyes. A few seconds later, she stood up from her seat on the edge of the set and crossed her arms, slightly turning her body away from Joe and trying to take in what was happening. She tensed up once she felt him standing behind her. "So where does this leave us?" she questioned softly, not letting a single drop fall from her eye as her stare focused on the hard ground beneath her.
"I don't know. . ." Joe trailed off, then stepped in front of her. Now he was the one looking to find her eyes. "Things won't change much, since we haven't really been talking anyway." he watched as she widened her eyes, trying to dry out the wetness. He then felt his heart ache even more. "I really don't want to do this, but everything is -"
"-Crazy, I get it." Bailey croaked. "Just go. I've gotta get back to set." she muttered, waving him off as her legs began to move from under her, her eyes not daring to look at him one last time. She knew that one look would make her crack, and she still had a face to put on for the camera.
"Ok kiddies, we ready and raring to go?" Mr.Parker exclaimed once Bailey appeared on set. Bobby was already in place waiting for the next cue. After Parker received two nods, he began to speak again. "Alright. I wanted to take care of this next scene real fast, since you two are in the appropriate attire." he cleared his throat. "I want you guys to do Act 7, Scene 3. -But we're not rolling quite yet. We're going to do a practice run-through since you haven't learned this part fully."
"Here, I have an extra." Bobby stated with a tiny smile after watching Bailey glance around for her script. She gave him a weak smile in return, then took the packet that he handed out for her to grab. "Hey, are you alright?" he asked, his voice a little softer so the crew off-set couldn't hear.
"I'm fine." she grinned up at him, somehow managing to play things off like she hadn't just had her heart torn out. "I'm just ready to do this thing." she finished, glancing down at the lines that she was about to act out. After skimming her part, her breathing slowed down as she realized what she was going to have to read.
"Now I want you guys to get into this, act as if the cameras are rolling. Bailey, we'll have you start." Mr.Parker called out. Bailey's eyes shifted up to Bobby to see him give her a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, she began to act out her part, using the tone and expression the script said to.
"So this is it, Dan? You're just going to throw away everything we had!" Bailey exclaimed, the wall that she had just built inside of her minutes ago was slowly beginning to shatter.
"Yes!" Bobby replied, his voice shooting back at her with just as much energy as she threw at him. "Kelsey, I just can't take it anymore! We have to. It's costing us too much." his voice softened at the end.
"I get it." she replied weakly, her eyes tearing up again as she thought about Joe. "It's just not meant to be, is it?" Bailey's voice cracked as Parker stared at the two from off-set in amazement. Quickly, he waved for the camera guy to start rolling; the acting seemed brilliant in his eyes.
"I guess not." Bobby sighed. "Kels, we're gonna be alright. It's just. . .give it time." The set went silent for a moment as a few tears cascaded down Bailey's cheeks. Bobby eyed her uneasily, not knowing if she was crying on purposely.
Bailey stared down at her next few lines, her eyes blurring as she tried to concentrate on the words below. Out of frustration, she slammed the packet against her leg and turn to Mr.Parker.
"I can't do this." she mumbled, then dropped the script and rushed off set, leaving everyone with a questionable expression on their faces. Two seconds didn't pass until Bobby ran after her.
Why don't you look like a gorgeous princess." Mr.Parker sarcastically stated as a yawning Bailey walked past him and into the warehouse. Her hair was tossed up into a messy bun and she was still in the sweatpants that she slept in after she got off at 2am earlier that morning. Only 8am and she was already back to work. "Looks like we're sending you to hair and make-up first thing." he forced at a chuckle, noticing the unpleasant expression on her face as she ignored his comment. With his eyes wide, Mr.Parker then walked away as Bailey headed to get all dolled-up for the little 'scene' that was supposed to be filmed that day.
Sitting in the cushioned swivel chair as a petite woman blow dried her hair, Bailey couldn't help but think of how much she was missing while she was working on the Disney movie. The only thing on her mind was the rejection text that she had to reply to Joe before she went to bed only hours before and how much she missed him. It was aggravating; when she was free to do something, Joe was busy. When Joe was free to do something, she was busy. Nothing was working out and it was absolutely nerve wrecking. All she wanted to do was be able to hold a decent, twenty-minute conversation with her boyfriend face-to-face. Was that too much to ask?
Also knowing that Joe was spending almost all of his time with his co-star, that happened to be a gorgeous female of his age, it didn't settle her nerves any better. Without Bailey there, anything could happen. She felt completely hopeless, as if the one she loved was slowly slipping away from her grasp and there was nothing she could do about it.
"All done sweetie." her hairdresser/make-up artist smiled down at her, taking one last look of her completed work. After two hours of hair and make-up, Bailey looked stunning. "Damn chicka! Miley Cyrus, look out! There's a hot new star-bitch in town. Ow owww." she snapped her fingers, snapping Bailey out of her thoughts and actually getting a smile to appear on her lips. "Cheer up, girl. Whatever is on your mind can't be bigger than what you're doing here now. Concentrate and get into your role! You have a lot of people waiting to see what you're made of."
"Thanks." Bailey replied, forcing out a chuckle as she stood from the chair. Within moments, she made her way to set, seeing that Bobby was already dressed and prepped himself. His dark hair was gelled up, spiking all over the place at difference angles and his jeans hung around his waist at just the right spot; they weren't too baggy, but they weren't too tight either. Ironically, a pale blue Ed Hardy shirt covered his chest as a plain, gray button up was undone overtop of that. Bailey couldn't lie, the boy looked absolutely adorable.
- - - - -
"Why are you up so early, sweetie? You don't have to be at the studio for another two hours." Mrs.Jonas looked up from her coffee mug at the kitchen table as Joe entered. It was only 9am and they didn't have to be in until noon.
"I'm going down to the warehouse, see if I can see Bailey for a few." he replied quickly, a little pissed after reading her text saying, 'Sorry babe, can't do anything tonight. <3' first thing after he awoke.
"Sweetie, you know she's working." she eyed him, then sighed once she noticed the look of determination on his face. "Just don't barge in in the middle of something, alright Joseph?" Joe quickly nodded, then grabbed a Sunny Delight out of the fridge and ran out to the car where Kevin awaited to give him a ride.
It wasn't long before Joe entered the busy warehouse. It looked like almost every person in there was on a mission; everyone was running all over the place with either a clipboard in their hands, or a cell phone or walkie-talkie up to their ears or mouth. It looked pretty hectic.
Before he knew it, Joe found the set Bailey was on. He couldn't help but smile as the set-light from up above shown down on her, lighting up the entire living-room scene. She was wearing a soft gray and yellow sweater that clung to her curves, a pair of form fitting jeans that hung low around her waist, and then a little pair of white socks that were slipped on her size 8 feet. With her dark blonde hair laying in little ringlets on her shoulders and her eyes outlined with a smoky gray substance, it certainly flattered her entire appearance. He couldn't help but watch as the scene began.
A doorbell sound echoed through the set, causing Bailey to stand up from the couch and walk over to the 'door'. Turning the knob, she pulled it open to reveal a depressed expression upon Bobby's face as he stared down at her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked through gritted teeth; it was all in the script.
"Kelsey, would you just hear me out?" Dan, Bobby's character, asked, his eyes pleading down at Bailey's. She rolled her eyes, then crossed her arms.
"I'm listening." she snapped, her eyes locked onto his icy blue ones. Bailey tried her best to keep her stare hard and cold, but her real feelings made her want to melt right there on set.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear." Bobby's voice was smooth and soft as he played his lines over and over again in his mind, taking another step closer to Bailey as the cameras continued rolling, dozens of people staring at them from off-set.
"Sure, Dan. Did it take you all of the past week of ignoring me to come up with that line?" she asked, his body taking another step close to her. At that moment, Bailey felt like fainting after inhaling his warm, American Eagle scent. She told him dozens of times not to wear that when they were filming together because it was distracting, but he didn't seem to listen.
"Just let me fix it!" Bobby replied boldly, his voice almost cracking, just like it was supposed to in the script.
"And how in the world do you plan on doing that?" Bailey asked, her hand finding it's way to her hip as she stared up at him.
Within seconds, she watched as his eyes closed, his body moving in even closer to her. She knew that this part in the scene was happening, but now that they were actually rolling, she became nervous as ever. With her heart echoing in her mind and her eyes slowly closing, she felt his soft lips press up against hers for a moment before goosebumps trickled up her back.
"Cut!" Mr.Parker exclaimed through the megaphone, a grin plastered on his face as he approached the set. "That. Was. Perfect!" It was another moment before people standing around the set began to clap at the cute little scene. Bailey and Bobby couldn't help but blush a little at how well they had done.
"That's just how I pictured it to be!" Madam Louise beamed, stepping up onto the set with a toothy smile. "You two have so much chemistry, it's amazing!"
"Thanks." Bobby chuckled, since Bailey couldn't seem to find the words to speak.
"Oh, Bailey, I think someone was looking for you." Louise began, then turned around to scan the people scattered below the set. It wasn't for a moment before she turned back around. "Oh never mind. I don't see him. -You two can go have a break for doing so marvelous!" she clapped, then gleefully hopped off set, leaving Bailey and Bobby chuckling a little.
"May I escort you, Ms.Amazing Actress, to the refreshment table down yonder?" Bobby questioned, a weird accent playing on his voice as he stuck his arm out to grab. Laughing, Bailey nodded, then linked arms with his and stepping off set, completely unaware that Joe was just there moments ago
Sitting in the cushioned swivel chair as a petite woman blow dried her hair, Bailey couldn't help but think of how much she was missing while she was working on the Disney movie. The only thing on her mind was the rejection text that she had to reply to Joe before she went to bed only hours before and how much she missed him. It was aggravating; when she was free to do something, Joe was busy. When Joe was free to do something, she was busy. Nothing was working out and it was absolutely nerve wrecking. All she wanted to do was be able to hold a decent, twenty-minute conversation with her boyfriend face-to-face. Was that too much to ask?
Also knowing that Joe was spending almost all of his time with his co-star, that happened to be a gorgeous female of his age, it didn't settle her nerves any better. Without Bailey there, anything could happen. She felt completely hopeless, as if the one she loved was slowly slipping away from her grasp and there was nothing she could do about it.
"All done sweetie." her hairdresser/make-up artist smiled down at her, taking one last look of her completed work. After two hours of hair and make-up, Bailey looked stunning. "Damn chicka! Miley Cyrus, look out! There's a hot new star-bitch in town. Ow owww." she snapped her fingers, snapping Bailey out of her thoughts and actually getting a smile to appear on her lips. "Cheer up, girl. Whatever is on your mind can't be bigger than what you're doing here now. Concentrate and get into your role! You have a lot of people waiting to see what you're made of."
"Thanks." Bailey replied, forcing out a chuckle as she stood from the chair. Within moments, she made her way to set, seeing that Bobby was already dressed and prepped himself. His dark hair was gelled up, spiking all over the place at difference angles and his jeans hung around his waist at just the right spot; they weren't too baggy, but they weren't too tight either. Ironically, a pale blue Ed Hardy shirt covered his chest as a plain, gray button up was undone overtop of that. Bailey couldn't lie, the boy looked absolutely adorable.
- - - - -
"Why are you up so early, sweetie? You don't have to be at the studio for another two hours." Mrs.Jonas looked up from her coffee mug at the kitchen table as Joe entered. It was only 9am and they didn't have to be in until noon.
"I'm going down to the warehouse, see if I can see Bailey for a few." he replied quickly, a little pissed after reading her text saying, 'Sorry babe, can't do anything tonight. <3' first thing after he awoke.
"Sweetie, you know she's working." she eyed him, then sighed once she noticed the look of determination on his face. "Just don't barge in in the middle of something, alright Joseph?" Joe quickly nodded, then grabbed a Sunny Delight out of the fridge and ran out to the car where Kevin awaited to give him a ride.
It wasn't long before Joe entered the busy warehouse. It looked like almost every person in there was on a mission; everyone was running all over the place with either a clipboard in their hands, or a cell phone or walkie-talkie up to their ears or mouth. It looked pretty hectic.
Before he knew it, Joe found the set Bailey was on. He couldn't help but smile as the set-light from up above shown down on her, lighting up the entire living-room scene. She was wearing a soft gray and yellow sweater that clung to her curves, a pair of form fitting jeans that hung low around her waist, and then a little pair of white socks that were slipped on her size 8 feet. With her dark blonde hair laying in little ringlets on her shoulders and her eyes outlined with a smoky gray substance, it certainly flattered her entire appearance. He couldn't help but watch as the scene began.
A doorbell sound echoed through the set, causing Bailey to stand up from the couch and walk over to the 'door'. Turning the knob, she pulled it open to reveal a depressed expression upon Bobby's face as he stared down at her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked through gritted teeth; it was all in the script.
"Kelsey, would you just hear me out?" Dan, Bobby's character, asked, his eyes pleading down at Bailey's. She rolled her eyes, then crossed her arms.
"I'm listening." she snapped, her eyes locked onto his icy blue ones. Bailey tried her best to keep her stare hard and cold, but her real feelings made her want to melt right there on set.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear." Bobby's voice was smooth and soft as he played his lines over and over again in his mind, taking another step closer to Bailey as the cameras continued rolling, dozens of people staring at them from off-set.
"Sure, Dan. Did it take you all of the past week of ignoring me to come up with that line?" she asked, his body taking another step close to her. At that moment, Bailey felt like fainting after inhaling his warm, American Eagle scent. She told him dozens of times not to wear that when they were filming together because it was distracting, but he didn't seem to listen.
"Just let me fix it!" Bobby replied boldly, his voice almost cracking, just like it was supposed to in the script.
"And how in the world do you plan on doing that?" Bailey asked, her hand finding it's way to her hip as she stared up at him.
Within seconds, she watched as his eyes closed, his body moving in even closer to her. She knew that this part in the scene was happening, but now that they were actually rolling, she became nervous as ever. With her heart echoing in her mind and her eyes slowly closing, she felt his soft lips press up against hers for a moment before goosebumps trickled up her back.
"Cut!" Mr.Parker exclaimed through the megaphone, a grin plastered on his face as he approached the set. "That. Was. Perfect!" It was another moment before people standing around the set began to clap at the cute little scene. Bailey and Bobby couldn't help but blush a little at how well they had done.
"That's just how I pictured it to be!" Madam Louise beamed, stepping up onto the set with a toothy smile. "You two have so much chemistry, it's amazing!"
"Thanks." Bobby chuckled, since Bailey couldn't seem to find the words to speak.
"Oh, Bailey, I think someone was looking for you." Louise began, then turned around to scan the people scattered below the set. It wasn't for a moment before she turned back around. "Oh never mind. I don't see him. -You two can go have a break for doing so marvelous!" she clapped, then gleefully hopped off set, leaving Bailey and Bobby chuckling a little.
"May I escort you, Ms.Amazing Actress, to the refreshment table down yonder?" Bobby questioned, a weird accent playing on his voice as he stuck his arm out to grab. Laughing, Bailey nodded, then linked arms with his and stepping off set, completely unaware that Joe was just there moments ago
"I didn't even think we'd make it back in time for dinner." Kevin grinned, first to step into their house after a long eighteen hour day. The night before, they didn't get back from their late 'snack' with Jasmine and the crew until a little before midnight, leaving them with almost four hours of sleep. Not to mention, they still had to catch up and spend a little time with their mother.
"See what happens when you go in early? You get out early as well." Mrs.Jonas smiled, wiping her hands on her crème colored apron as she greeted her boys in the living room, giving them each a hug as if she hadn't seen them in weeks.
"Oh, Jasmine and Timmy are coming for dinner too, ma." Nick mentioned, pulling away from his mother's embrace.
"Ok, that's fine." she smiled, then went in for Joe.
Within the next ten minutes, Jasmine and Timmy arrived, filling up the entire dining room. With Nick, Kevin, Joe, their parents and Frankie, it was a full house. Throughout the lovely dinner prepared by Mrs.Jonas, it was full of random conversations and laughter. It was probably the most lively time they each had in a while, since the productions of the show had started.
After clearing off the dinner table and taking the dishes into the kitchen, everyone under the age of 21 made their way to the wreck room with their games, instruments, music, etc. Timmy following behind Nick to the foosball table, Kevin plopped down on the couch as Joe walked over to the end table to show Jasmine the 'tiny shit' he'd been bragging about at 'work.'
"Are you ready for this?" Joe asked, his body blocking the case where one of his prized possessions laid. Laughing, Jasmine nodded before Joe stepped out of the way, waving his arms in front of the clear case without even looking. "Meet Taco." he grinned, watching as the excitement on her face faded.
"Ew. I thought you said he was orange." Jasmine stated, looking at him oddly.
"He is." Joe chuckled, giving her a weird look.
"Um, he's definitely as green as your shirt." she replied, watching as he glanced down at his shirt, then to 'Taco.'
"Oh my God." he mumbled. "Mom!" he screamed, his voice cracking as he rushed to the doorway. "What'd you do with Taco?!"
"Joseph, I didn't do anything with him." she yelled back.
"Didn't you think I'd notice if you swapped geckos or something?! At least get the same color if you let the original die!" Joe cried out, not knowing where his little orange buddy went to. It wasn't for a moment before Mrs.Jonas appeared in the doorway with the phone in her hand.
"Joseph, my dear." she began sweetly. "Taco changes colors, hun. Like a chameleon. I thought you knew that." Mrs.Jonas tried her best not to laugh at her son, but she couldn't help it when Jasmine began laughing behind him.
Joe's face fell, not believing that he didn't even know that his gecko could change colors. Feeling kind of stupid, he reluctantly turned to see Jasmine's jaw bobbing up and down as a belly-laugh exited her mouth. Feeling a little stupid, he turned back to his mother, quickly changing the subject.
"So, who was on the phone?" he asked, crossing his arms as if he was really interested, even though he was just trying to change the subject.
"Bailey." she smiled back. "Oh, and she's doing fine; incase you were wondering." her tone somewhat hardened, her soft stare slowly disappearing. Joseph hadn't talked to Bailey since the night before, when he had to cancel their dinner plans.
"Why didn't she call me?" he asked, sounding a little hurt, his mind racing as he began to comprehend that his girlfriend called his mother instead of him.
"She said she did; you didn't answer." Mrs.Jonas narrowed her eyes at him, a little disappointed that not only did he not have time for his family, but his girlfriend as well. She then felt a little bad for him once he frantically patted his pants down for his phone. Finding it in his back pocket and snatching it out, the screen blinked; 3 missed calls. Wondering why his phone didn't ring, he then saw the 'silent' icon activated on the top of the screen. Mentally cursing to himself, his mother continued. "-But don't bother calling her now, she had to go because Parker has her working late. She just wanted to call and check up on me, unlike my own son." she playfully nudged him, Joe giving her a weak smile in return.
"Thanks, mom." he sighed, flipping his phone to the side and texting her; his heart filling up with guilt. In the corner of his eye, he saw his mom walk away and felt Jasmine peering over his shoulder as he began to text.
'you.me.dinner.together.tomorrow.
I miss you. <3'
Once he hit 'send', he slid his phone back into his pocket and looked over at Jasmine to see a smirk playing on her lips.
"Aren't you sweet." she smiled, his eyes staring back at hers for only a moment before grinning and nodding at her comment. Making his way back over to Taco's 'home', he lifted the lid and grabbed hold of the little guy who was still green as can be.
"Hey buddy." he whispered, his finger stroking his head, missing the feeling of his webbed feet on his palm. It had been days since he paid any attention to him. "You miss your mommy, huh? Is that why you're green?"
"Ha ha. What, you talk to the thing?" Jasmine asked, chuckling at how serious he was being.
"Duh." he rolled his eyes, attracting his attention to back to Taco as he took a seat on the couch.
"You never cease to amaze me." she smiled, taking a close seat next to him, smiling down at the little gecko.
"See what happens when you go in early? You get out early as well." Mrs.Jonas smiled, wiping her hands on her crème colored apron as she greeted her boys in the living room, giving them each a hug as if she hadn't seen them in weeks.
"Oh, Jasmine and Timmy are coming for dinner too, ma." Nick mentioned, pulling away from his mother's embrace.
"Ok, that's fine." she smiled, then went in for Joe.
Within the next ten minutes, Jasmine and Timmy arrived, filling up the entire dining room. With Nick, Kevin, Joe, their parents and Frankie, it was a full house. Throughout the lovely dinner prepared by Mrs.Jonas, it was full of random conversations and laughter. It was probably the most lively time they each had in a while, since the productions of the show had started.
After clearing off the dinner table and taking the dishes into the kitchen, everyone under the age of 21 made their way to the wreck room with their games, instruments, music, etc. Timmy following behind Nick to the foosball table, Kevin plopped down on the couch as Joe walked over to the end table to show Jasmine the 'tiny shit' he'd been bragging about at 'work.'
"Are you ready for this?" Joe asked, his body blocking the case where one of his prized possessions laid. Laughing, Jasmine nodded before Joe stepped out of the way, waving his arms in front of the clear case without even looking. "Meet Taco." he grinned, watching as the excitement on her face faded.
"Ew. I thought you said he was orange." Jasmine stated, looking at him oddly.
"He is." Joe chuckled, giving her a weird look.
"Um, he's definitely as green as your shirt." she replied, watching as he glanced down at his shirt, then to 'Taco.'
"Oh my God." he mumbled. "Mom!" he screamed, his voice cracking as he rushed to the doorway. "What'd you do with Taco?!"
"Joseph, I didn't do anything with him." she yelled back.
"Didn't you think I'd notice if you swapped geckos or something?! At least get the same color if you let the original die!" Joe cried out, not knowing where his little orange buddy went to. It wasn't for a moment before Mrs.Jonas appeared in the doorway with the phone in her hand.
"Joseph, my dear." she began sweetly. "Taco changes colors, hun. Like a chameleon. I thought you knew that." Mrs.Jonas tried her best not to laugh at her son, but she couldn't help it when Jasmine began laughing behind him.
Joe's face fell, not believing that he didn't even know that his gecko could change colors. Feeling kind of stupid, he reluctantly turned to see Jasmine's jaw bobbing up and down as a belly-laugh exited her mouth. Feeling a little stupid, he turned back to his mother, quickly changing the subject.
"So, who was on the phone?" he asked, crossing his arms as if he was really interested, even though he was just trying to change the subject.
"Bailey." she smiled back. "Oh, and she's doing fine; incase you were wondering." her tone somewhat hardened, her soft stare slowly disappearing. Joseph hadn't talked to Bailey since the night before, when he had to cancel their dinner plans.
"Why didn't she call me?" he asked, sounding a little hurt, his mind racing as he began to comprehend that his girlfriend called his mother instead of him.
"She said she did; you didn't answer." Mrs.Jonas narrowed her eyes at him, a little disappointed that not only did he not have time for his family, but his girlfriend as well. She then felt a little bad for him once he frantically patted his pants down for his phone. Finding it in his back pocket and snatching it out, the screen blinked; 3 missed calls. Wondering why his phone didn't ring, he then saw the 'silent' icon activated on the top of the screen. Mentally cursing to himself, his mother continued. "-But don't bother calling her now, she had to go because Parker has her working late. She just wanted to call and check up on me, unlike my own son." she playfully nudged him, Joe giving her a weak smile in return.
"Thanks, mom." he sighed, flipping his phone to the side and texting her; his heart filling up with guilt. In the corner of his eye, he saw his mom walk away and felt Jasmine peering over his shoulder as he began to text.
'you.me.dinner.together.tomorrow.
I miss you. <3'
Once he hit 'send', he slid his phone back into his pocket and looked over at Jasmine to see a smirk playing on her lips.
"Aren't you sweet." she smiled, his eyes staring back at hers for only a moment before grinning and nodding at her comment. Making his way back over to Taco's 'home', he lifted the lid and grabbed hold of the little guy who was still green as can be.
"Hey buddy." he whispered, his finger stroking his head, missing the feeling of his webbed feet on his palm. It had been days since he paid any attention to him. "You miss your mommy, huh? Is that why you're green?"
"Ha ha. What, you talk to the thing?" Jasmine asked, chuckling at how serious he was being.
"Duh." he rolled his eyes, attracting his attention to back to Taco as he took a seat on the couch.
"You never cease to amaze me." she smiled, taking a close seat next to him, smiling down at the little gecko.
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