I stood in front of my mirror, uncomfortably shifting from foot to foot as I examined my entire body.

I, honestly, didn't pay much attention to my body. I could typically be found wearing a loose sweater, or anything that didn't put my body on display.

But here I stood- in nothing but my underwear. Almost... admiring myself.

My phone began to ring, making me grab it from my dresser. I shot myself one last glance in the mirror, answering the call before I even checked to see who it was.

"Hello?" I asked, dropping my arm that was covering my bare chest.

"Hey, pretty."

My eyes went wide at Brian's voice. I quickly covered my chest, but knitted my eyebrows together at the realization that he couldn't even see me.

"H-hey," I greeted, "hi."

"How's my girl? I hope ready to see me, because I'm on my way."

"Well, that's a pleasant surprise," I said, biting down on my lip as I meekly dropped my arm yet again.

"Yeah, I'll be there in a few. Didn't just wanna show up unannounced."

"Okay, well, I'll see you in a few," I said, smiling.

"See you."

He hung up and I dropped my phone on my bed, leaning down to grab a bra from my drawer. I decided to search for one that actually matched my underwear- usually, I couldn't be bothered with attempting to match my undergarments.

I stared at myself after I put on the bra I'd found, smiling a small smile. "Cool."

I walked into my closet and grabbed a tank top and some leggings, throwing a sweater on top. I was my mother's daughter- I could always be found in a sweater.

I jogged downstairs and saw Brian standing at the island with Dad, making me smile a broad smile. "Hi there."

"Hey, beautiful," he greeted, opening his arms for a hug.

I walked into them and wrapped my arms around his waist, deeply inhaling the scent of his cologne. He smells so good.

I pulled away and looked up at him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "How was work?"

"Same old, same old," he said, "Mr. King-"

"I already know what you're going to say. It was my pleasure."

"Seriously, you helped me more than I could ever express," he said, "I-I mean-"

He was cut off by his phone ringing, making him shoot Dad a worrisome look. "I'm sorry, let me grab this."

He answered the call, and I could see that it was Thomas calling. I smiled, realizing that Brian had spent some of the money on Charlie and Thomas.

"Hey, kiddo," Brian said, putting Thomas on speaker, "listen, I know you're stoked about your new phone-"

"Mom just left," Thomas said, "a-and Charlie and I are here alone. She left with this big bag."

I could see the color drain from Brian's face, his eyes meeting mine.

"Mom left you alone?"

"Yeah," he said, "she just said she had to go. Didn't even lock the door. Brian, I don't want to be here alone. These people scare-"

"I'm on my way," he said, "I-I'll be there in a second."

He hung up, leaning his head back. "I have no clue how long she's going to be gone-"

"Hey, don't worry about it," I said, rubbing his arm.

"Hey, why don't you bring them here?" Dad suggested, "let them play in the pool, play outside a little?"

"Sir, that-that's okay-"

"No, I'm grilling today," Dad said, "Lena and I would love to have them over. Please."

I looked over at Dad, biting down on my lip.

"Sir, I don't want to be in your hair."

"You won't be in my hair, Brian," he said, "I'll even drive with you to pick them up. We can take my truck, save you the gas money."

"Are you sure?" Brian asked, biting down on his lip.

"Positive," he said, "c'mon. You wanna drive?"

"I-I wouldn't trust myself behind the wheel of any of your vehicles."

Dad smiled and patted his shoulder. "Hey, we'll be back, okay?"

"Yeah," I said, smiling as Dad pressed a kiss to the top of my head. Brian looked over his shoulder as Dad walked outside and back down at me, shaking his head.

"Fran, they're not gonna know what to do," he softly said.

"Give them some credit," I said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

He smiled down at me before running towards the door, making my smile slowly fade.

Why had Brian been dealt the hand he'd been dealt?

~*~

"You good?"

Henry looked over at me, nodding. "Y-yeah. Why do you ask?"

I shrugged. "Walking a little funny."

"Yeah, I fucked my ankle yesterday. Soccer."

"Rub that shit in," I muttered, kicking the ball towards him.

"You'll be back, I promise," he said.

"Not if Dad keeps governing every fucking move I make," I grumbled.

"He's just trying to keep your shit under control."

"Because I've proven I can't do that myself."

"I never said that."

"I did," I said, "I'm a fucking loose cannon."

At least you're self aware.

"I don't think that's true," he softly said, showing off his footwork that he was famous for.

Henry and I, honestly, hadn't talked much about future plans. We'd been busy being teenage boys, and then, we got caught up in our own shit.

"Henry, you do realize if you don't play soccer, it's going to be a waste of talent, right?"

He looked over at me, gripping his hips. "I still convince myself I'm not good enough."

"That's coach," I said, shaking my head, "don't let that shit get to your head."

"Well, once you hear it enough," he muttered, trailing off.

Trust me, I know.

"Hey, can I tell you something?" I asked.

He looked over at me. "Of course."

"Um," I began, looking down at the ground, "Amelia's pregnant."

He didn't have much of a reaction initially, but knitted his brows together shortly after. "Yours?"

"Yeah," I said, nodding as I folded my arms over my chest.

"Shit," he said, "what's the plan?"

"Uh, well, there was a plan," I said, "she was gonna get rid of it."

He nodded. "And?"

"She can't," I said.

I was still coming to terms with the fact- of course I didn't want to just get rid of it in the beginning, but now, I had no clue how we were going to manage an entire other human being. We were still busy growing up ourselves.

"Shit," he muttered, "that's kinda heavy."

"Yeah, tell me about it," I said, "I'm nervous. I haven't told anyone."

"Not even Uncle Jo?" He asked.

"I-I mean, he knows she's pregnant, but he's still under the impression that we're not keeping the baby. He lit my ass up when he found out."

I knew he wanted to say he agreed with Dad.

"Which wasn't an uncalled for reaction," I said, "I just think it's hilarious how I've gotten myself into this many life-altering situations within the past six months. Really."

"I'll drink to that," he said, "n-not saying that I've gone through even half the shit-"

"No, man, I get it," I said, "you've had your shit going on, too."

"We've set, like, a world record, or something," he said, nodding as he looked over at me.

"Had to," I muttered, chuckling.

He smiled over at me, shrugging. "Looks like we're stuck with each other through it all, though."

I chuckled and threw my arm around his neck. "I'll take it."

~*~

"Alright, one more, and that's it," Dad chuckled, raking his wet hair back away from his face, "I'm not kidding, Charlie."

Charlie laughed and jumped up and down. "Come on!"

Dad pushed himself up and out of the pool, scooping Charlie up from the ground. He threw him over his shoulder and shot him a glance. "You ready?"

"Hell yeah!"

"Charlie, I told you, that's a very bad word," Brian said.

"Hell yeah!" Dad chuckled out, "sorry, Brian. Bad language."

Brian smiled, his eyes locked on the pair.

"Three, two, one!" Charlie yelled, and Dad ran and jumped into the pool with him.

I giggled, watching as the two came up from underwater.

"Alright, no more," Dad said, "I'm an old man, I can't be doing this."

I looked over at Mom, who was sitting with Thomas at the table. She was helping him study, and looked to be so proud of him.

"They don't know what to do with this," Brian said, looking over at me.

"Let them enjoy it," I softly said.

"The attention? They've never had that from an actual parent figure," he said.

Brian had been on edge all day, even though everyone had tried to keep him as relaxed as possible. As terrible as his mother was, he was still worried sick about her.

"No word?" I softly asked, reaching over to gently rub his arm.

He shook his head, his eyes locked on me. "None."

"I'm sorry," I whispered, leaning my head back against my chair.

He swung his legs over the side of his chair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head before standing up. "Not your fault."

"Alright," Dad said, wrapping a towel around his neck, "who wants seconds?"

"We get seconds?" Thomas asked, spinning around in his chair.

"Uh, heck yeah," Dad said, "and thirds, and fourths. There's a shit ton of f-"

"Language," Mom scolded, wrapping an arm around one of his much larger arms.

"Well, put me in my place, then," he said, grinning down at her.

She giggled and pressed a kiss to his lips, making Thomas and Charlie both giggle.

"What's funny?" Dad asked.

"Kiss again!" Charlie yelled.

"Oh, you mean like this?" Dad asked, dipping Mom as he pressed a kiss to her lips.

Brian smiled, making me stand up and wrap my arms around him from behind. I pressed a kiss to his back, looking up at him. "I wish you'd eat something."

Hero walked outside, and I almost saw the old Hero. He was wearing a backwards hat, and he even had a small smile on his face. He looked confused, gripping the strap of his backpack. "Hey?"

"Hi," I greeted, running to give him a hug. He wrapped an arm around my neck and rubbed my shoulder.

"What is going on?" He chuckled.

"Uh, long story. I'll tell you later?" I said, looking up at him.

He smiled down at me, making me smile. "You look like you again."

"It's the douchebag look, isn't it?" He asked, letting go of me and dropping his bag.

"Hey, momma," he greeted, wrapping his arms around Mom's neck for a hug.

Dad and Hero, unfortunately, had a tiny strain on their relationship right now. They were working through it, though; or at least attempting to, and that had to count for something.

"Hey, get some food," Dad said, roughly patting Hero's back, "doesn't that shit smell good?"

"Hell yeah," Hero said, leaning over the grill.

"Hey, kiddos, come on," Brian said, wrapping his arms around my neck, "it's time for us to head home-"

"No," Charlie whined, "I don't want to go back."

Mom looked down at the kids, biting down on her lip. "Jo."

"Why don't you guys stay here for the night?" Dad asked, "Brian, you can sleep outside in the doghouse-"

Brian laughed, making Dad chuckle. "I'm kidding. You can take the pool house. And my men Charlie and Thomas can take two of the guest bedrooms. Does that sound good?"

"Please, Brian?" Thomas asked, "we'll get our own rooms!"

Brian looked down at me. "Are you going to be uncomfortable with that?"

"What? No," I said, "please stay."

Dad smiled, opening his arms. "Sounds like a big, huge slumber party to me!"

He held up his hands and Charlie and Thomas gave him high-fives, making me look back at Dad with a huge smile.

I'd known that Dad was a wonderful man, but seeing how he'd gone above and beyond for Brian and the kids had really solidified that.

~*~

"Shit," I sighed, stepping out of the shower. I wiped the steam off of the mirror with my towel, brushing my wet hair back with my fingers.

I still felt anxious, but I'd stopped worrying so much about Mom. I felt safe here.

I wrapped my towel around my hips and walked out of the bathroom, still amazed by the pool house. Honestly, Mr. King could've given me the dog house, and I'd still be amazed.

I sat on the bed, moving my hips. This was definitely the most comfortable mattress I'd ever sat on.

The door opened, making me walk out of the bedroom.

"Knock knock."

I walked into the living area, smiling at Mr. King. "Hey, Mr. King."

"Hey," he greeted, "mind if I visit for a sec?"

"It's your house, so not at all," I chuckled.

"Making yourself at home?" He asked, sitting down on the couch.

"I don't really know what to do with all this space, to be honest," I said, walking into the kitchen.

He didn't say anything, making me turn around to face him. I leaned against the counter, rubbing the nape of my neck. "Thank you, Mr. King. For everything."

"You are very welcome," he said, "can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"I-I was helping the boys get showers and everything, and I noticed..." he trailed off, and my stomach dropped, because I knew what he was about to ask.

"I-I noticed some marks," he said, nodding.

"Whatever you're about to ask, yes, sir, she does it," I said, nodding as I hung my head.

"And is that where all of your scars are from?"

"Yes, sir," I meekly admitted, clenching my jaw.

He nodded, bracing his elbows on his thighs. "I'm sorry, if I made you uncomfortable."

"You, uh, you didn't. I figured you'd see them at some point."

He stood up after a few seconds of silence, clearing his throat. "Well, I'll get out of your hair. Lena and I will drop the boys off at school tomorrow."

"Okay, thank you," I said, "y-you'll have to go into the office with them and just let them know-"

"Right," he said, "right. Thanks for the tip."

"Of course," I said, "have a good night, sir."

"You, too, Brian. Make yourself at home, okay?"

I smiled as he opened the door and walked out, making me let out a sigh. I checked my phone one last time before setting it down and attempting to forget about it for the night.

I walked into my bedroom, dropping my towel. Mr. King had been kind enough to drive me back to our apartment to pack some bags for the boys and I to last us a few days.

I grabbed a pair of underwear out of my bag, stepping into them. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, trailing my eyes down my body.

You really don't get time to check yourself out.

It felt weird. I turned around and cleared my throat, my eyes going round when I saw Fran standing in the middle of the living room.

"H-hey, I'm so sorry-"

"It's okay," she said, shaking her head.

"Let me- ow," I stumbled out, tripping over my bag, "let me get some pants-"

I pulled out a pair of plaid sleep pants, quickly and disgracefully stepping into them.

"Hey," I greeted, making her giggle.

"Hi," she said, biting down on her lip.

She walked into the bedroom, placing a pillow and an extra blanket on the bed. "Just in case."

"Thank you," I said, "d-does your dad know you're here?"

"It took some convincing," she laughed out, raking her fingers through her hair.

I smiled, admiring how beautiful she was. I'd seen her look beautiful, but she looked exceptionally beautiful right now. Simple- her hair pulled back into a braid, her glasses on, and pajamas.

I sat down on the bed, feeling that weird feeling I felt sometimes when I saw her. She sat next to me, making me look down at her bare legs.

"I don't see you in shorts often."

She looked over at me. "I don't see you shirtless often."

I smiled over at her. "Can I kiss you?"

She nodded, slowly leaning in. I pulled back, sucking in a breath.

"Is it the glasses?" She softly asked.

"What? No," I chuckled, "no, I just- I feel weird. I don't want to, like, disrespect your dad-"

She softly grabbed my jaw, pulling my lips to hers for a kiss. She pulled away after a few seconds, smiling. "Feel weird now?"

I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her closer, pressing my lips against hers. She rested her hand on my leg, making my heart rate speed up. I used my extra hand to grab her and pull her into my lap, earning a giggle from her.

I trailed my hands down her back and to her backside, pulling her closer.

"Woah," I muttered, pulling away from her and taking my hands off of her, "I am so sorry-"

"No," she said, "don't-don't be sorry."

She pushed her glasses further up her nose, biting down on her lip.

I cleared my throat and pulled her into me for a hug, my hand resting in the curve of her back. She pressed a kiss to my neck, making goosebumps rise.

"Tell your dad I said thank you, again," I whispered, pulling away from her.

She nodded, chewing on her lip. "I will."

"Goodnight," I said, tucking a chunk of hair behind her ear.

"Goodnight," she said, "I hope you rest."

I smiled and watched as she stood up, watching as she walked towards the door.

"I love you," I said, making her stop and turn around.

"I love you, too," she said, a soft smile crossing her face.

I stood up and walked with her to the front door, opening the door for her. "I'm gonna stand right here and make sure you make it inside."

She giggled, pressing one last kiss to my cheek. "Goodnight, Brian."

"Goodnight, Fran," I said, watching as she ran back to the house. I closed the door as soon as I saw she made it inside.

I couldn't help my smile- how on earth had I scored Francesca King?

~*~

🥺

❤️