you had it!" Neki huffs, his eyes fixed on the screen. It's Friday afternoon and I made the mistake of answering the door to these two idiots, who are supposedly waiting for Parker to get back from football training, but I'm pretty sure they're just here to play Call of Duty and raid the Ashford fridge. Jackson and I are at the kitchen island, where we've been for the past hour drawing.

"Could you hand me the navy please, Jack." I let out a breath as I look over my work.

He picks it up, handing it to me with his little fingers.

"Yours is so good." he says quietly.

"Thanks Jack, so is yours." I smile.

He shakes his head a little. "I don't like it."

"Why not?"

He shrugs, clearly frustrated.

"Here, how about we swap." I switch our canvases. "Let's switch every 5 minutes and see what happens."

He looks up, his eyes brightening.

"Okay."

We switch about 3 times before our canvases are filled. They actually look way better than I thought they would when I suggested the idea. Jackson gives me a toothy smile.

"Can I keep this one?" he points to the one that was originally his.

"Of course kid. Let me set them on the rack to dry." I pick up each of the canvases.

As I walk into the living area, I remember about the two teenage boys I'm supposed to be watching too.

"Feet off the table Neki." I sigh as I walk past.

"Sorry Mom." he says, glancing at me with a little smirk.

"Are you guys gonna sit around here all day? Because Jack and I were gonna play Mario."

"Yeah, sorry sweet cheeks, Mrs A wants us over for dinner too." he continues to stare at the screen.

I push my head in my hands. I have a splitting headache and this is not helping.

James looks up at me, concern written on his face.

"Are you okay, Elena?" he brings the controller down to his lap, turning his attention to me.

I nod. "I'm just a little tired."

It was stupid of me to think I could study all night and look after Jack on 3 hours of sleep. I study when I'm stressed because it makes me feel organised and prepared, and boy does Parker Ashford stress me out.

"Why don't you go lay down for a little while babe? We'll hang out with Jack." Neki leans back.

"No." I shake my head. "It's fine you don't have to."

"Elena you look like you haven't slept at all." James adds.

I look between them. Then I turn to James.

"An hour." I say after a moment. "I want you guys to wake me up after an hour."

"Done." he nods.

"I'm gonna sleep right here, and I'm a very light sleeper." I warn. "And please, for the love of God, don't make an 8 year old play COD."

"Of course." James switches off COD and turns it to some marvel game.

"Jack?" I call and he looks up at me. "Come here kiddo."

Once he's close enough I kneel down to his height.

"I'm just gonna take a nap okay bud? You can play with James and Neki for a little while." I wipe the paint from his cheek with my thumb and rub it on my already covered arms.

Jack nods.

"If you need anything wake me up." I take his face in my hands and tickle his ears, making him giggle.

"Okay Elena." he nods reassuringly, moving to sit beside Neki.

I look over at James, who's smiling at me.

"What?" I narrow my eyes.

"Nothing. You're just cute."

I feel my cheeks heat up and glance over at Neki, who is obliviously playing with Jack.

"Shut up. Wake me up, okay James?" I check, and he just smiles at me, leaning back in his seat.

I roll my eyes, turning and walking towards the sofa seat opposite. I take a final glance at Jackson before rolling over, closing my eyes.

"Elena?"

I hum what is supposed to be a yes, but just sounds more like a noise.

"Elena?" My shoulder is shaken a little.

"Mhm?" I roll over, my eyes still closed.

"It's time to wake up Elena."

I open one eye to see James' beautiful face leaning over me, smiling. I really don't appreciate how gorgeous he is.

"What time is it?" I whisper, closing my eyes and rubbing them.

"4:30."

My eyes snap open.

"What?"

"4:30. Pm."

I sit up, pushing my hair back off my face. My eyes scan the room, and I realise the afternoon sun has dulled as it turns to evening. Neki and Jack are nowhere to be seen.

"Why didn't you wake me up James?" I whine, looking up at him with my hands in my hair. "You promised. You said 1 hour. It's been 7."

"You needed to sleep Elena." he says matter-of-factly.

"Where's Jackson? Did you guys give him lunch?" I sit up, even more worried.

"He's alive and well Elena, calm your tits."

I look over as Neki walks down the stairs, Jackson by his side. He's freshly bathed, the paint out of his blonde hair with fresh clothes on. I sigh in relief.

"We ordered pizza for lunch." James explains. "And we cleaned up after."

I stand up as Neki approaches and look between the both of them. And then I wrap my arms around each of their waists and hug them.

"Thank you." I breathe.

The mix of their different scents makes me dizzy. James still has his sweet scent, whereas Neki smells more harsh, like a mixture of wood and Jack's banana shampoo.

"It's okay babe, anything for you." Neki laughs.

I let go, and both of them are looking down at me, smiles on their faces. I turn to Jackson.

"Hey buddy, I'm really sorry I missed out on our fun day today." I stroke his fluffy hair from his forehead.

He shrugs his shoulders, smiling. "It's okay."

"I promise I'll make it up to you this weekend, okay?"

He nods, and I pull him in, giving him a quick squeeze.

"You should probably go get ready for family dinner night." James says, motioning to the paint all over my arms and shirt.

"Okay." I nod slowly, walking over to the stairs. Once I'm off the rug, the marble floor is cold beneath my feet.

"I won't be long Jack." I call before running up the stairs, trying my best not to slip.