“Pax? What’s wrong?” Parker asked as Payton and Patton looked at me.“Shaun and I talked about sex. I mentioned I hooked up with someone in high school,” I mumbled, not looking at my brothers.“You did what?” Parker asked, shocked.I nodded.“Why would you hook up with someone?” Parker questioned wh
#Chapter554SpiralPaxAfter that day, I did what any mature adult does; I avoided people. It didn’t help that my classmates whispered about me or that Shaun and I weren’t speaking now. I kept my distance from everyone, including my brothers. It’s a little hard when you share the same house.I stopp
“Pax, when we’re feeling threatened, we have a flight or fight reaction. Your anxiety sent you into a flight reaction, which is common. Have you been drawing?” JJ asked me.“Yeah, it helps,” I said.“Good, keep drawing, and we need to get you back on your medication. The major problem happened recen
#Chapter555CommunicationShaunIt was time that Pax and I communicated with each other and came to an understanding. After everything, we both went through on our own. The last thing we need is miscommunication between each other.We sat on my couch and talked.“Your dad came to see me,” I said.Pa
Parker walked over and handed me the phone. I took it from him.“Hey, Pops,” I said, sniffled.How’s it going with you and Shaun?“It’s a little rough. Shaun’s sitting on me,” I answered.Yeah, I don’t want to know. Pax, the more you open, the better it is.“I’m working on it. JJ said it’s helpful,”
#Chapter556Houston, our cousin, is a toolKaxonI made my way home and ran into the house. I slammed the door behind me as the others looked at me, confused.“Is there a reason that you came in here like something’s chasing you?” Markus asked.“Well, not something, but someone,” I answered as my co
“I like Kaxon. He needs a shove, and I plan to give him one,” I mentioned with a look.Skylar giggled as I grabbed a book off my nightstand. Tomorrow is a new day.KaxonThe next day, I got up and went to get some coffee and a donut. I need delivery because, well, I’m lazy. I strolled to the bakery.
#Chapter557Christmas FolliesPaxChristmas break arrived, and we all went home for Christmas. We were bringing people with us. I couldn’t wait since it was my first Christmas with Shaun as an official couple. Plus, he was staying with us, which was even better.We arrived home and dragged our bags
#Chapter654Happy anniversary, Patty and NateMaggieWe got back, and everyone got settled. The boys went to pick up family members from the airport. The girls and I checked the hall to make sure everything is ready. Lyric and Larkin brought the cake and desserts. Lakin and Luna helped Lex and Nash
“That’s why I became a pastry chef,” I said, surprising Dad. “You taught me you could love what you do and make people happy. You were patient with me and never raised your voice while encouraging me.”“You had this shyness to you that people didn’t understand. It didn’t matter because I did,” Dad s
#Chapter653GraduationPresleyIn the next few weeks, we spent studying for finals as Payton, Parker, and Markus finished school. Our parents were coming in along with the brothers and sisters. They had to pick up their caps and gowns for graduation.After my last final, I came home and collapsed on
Pax looked at me and arched an eyebrow.“Okay, we had a lot of issues, but it’s time to put those issues to rest,” I reasoned.“I didn’t understand why we didn’t get along growing up,” Pax said to me.“Because brothers fight, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t protect you if someone else hurts you,” I r
#Chapter652ResolutionKayleeWe returned from our trip, and Caleb called us down to the station. I didn’t know what to expect coming into the station. Presley and I entered and stopped. I looked at the station, remembering what happened.“Are you okay?” Presley asked me.I sighed. “I didn’t underst
Markus walked as he dragged me behind him until we were out of earshot from everyone. He released my arm.“If you want to redeem yourself, then you and I are working together,” Markus informed me.“Redeem me with what?” I asked.“Nora,” Markus told me.“I apologized to Nora. We’re good,” I replied.
#Chapter651Spring break funPresleyWe spent the rest of spring break kicking back and having fun. We needed it after the few years we had. My brothers and I faced off against our cousins, Shaun, and Hayden in beach volleyball.The girls hung out and talked. Now, here is the issue with our girls. T
I looked at Josie, who talked to Selena. I ignored a girl because I had issues, and it turned out to be the best thing for me.I almost lost my chance with someone incredible because I didn’t see Josie. It took her to open my eyes before I lost my chance.Josie looked at me, and I smiled. “What?” Jo
#Chapter650Spring breakPresleyWe went to Myrtle Beach for spring break since our family owns a beach house. Plus, I thought Kaylee could use the distraction. Jaime was still working on the case with Martinez. His lawyer wasn’t budging.Caleb thought it was best if Kaylee didn’t return to work unt