"And then Aubrey decided it would be a good idea to follow us up the tree, but of course she didn't know how to and ended up falling and breaking her arm."

"You forgot to mention the part where you pushed me out of the tree."

"Small details." Jackson waved me off.

All of us were currently scattered around the living room sharing random stories. Dinner long done, along with Sophie and Charlotte. The two girls passed out on the couch in-between Lucas and Annie.

Conversation slowly died as yawns replaced words. It may only be 8 o'clock but the stress of today was enough to make me exhausted. Judging from the yawn that came out of Olivia I wasn't the only one tired.

"We better get going. Got to get these two to bed." Lucas spoke up a second later.

Not wanting to wake the sleeping little girls we all quietly got up and said our goodbyes. Promising to see each other tomorrow to make gingerbread houses.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm exhausted." Jackson huffed, flopping back on the couch and putting his feet on the table.

"Remember you're in the office." My mom reminded him.

"That isn't fair." He groaned.

"I'm not making Olivia take the blow up. She's the guest."

"But I'm your favorite child." Jackson whined.

"Dream on. We all know I am the favorite. I'm the baby." I stuck my tongue out at him. Everyone knows the youngest is the favorite.

"I love you both equally." My mom moved towards Jackson, kissing the top of his head and saying goodnight, before heading my way. "But Lucas is my favorite."

"What!" Both Jackson and I exclaimed. Mom just laughed and pulled me into a hug.

"I'm glad you are home sweetie."

"Me too, Mom." I whispered, hugging her small frame. She pulled away from me and hugged a surprised Knox and Olivia.

"Hope you two sleep well. Make yourselves at home okay?" Patting Knox's arm she looked over at Olivia.

"You still okay to get up early to help at the bakery?"

"Of course!" The excitement radiating from Olivia was cute. When my mom asked her earlier if she wanted to help out tomorrow, she didn't even hesitate before saying yes. I knew she would regret saying yes to getting up early tomorrow though. She didn't know that when my mom said early, she means 5 o'clock.

"We don't have to leave until 7-ish. So get some sleep." Looking at all four of us she grinned. "Goodnight kids." A chorus of goodnights followed her out of the room.

"I'm going to go help Olivia settle in." Knox spoke suddenly. I knew he probably wanted a bit of alone time with his sister. Maybe to even talk about things and decide if they really wanted to stay or not.

"Sounds good. I'll be up soon."

"Goodnight Aubrey and Jackson." Olivia sent the two of us warm smiles before following her brother out of the living room.

With everyone gone I moved to the couch and fell down beside Jackson with a sigh.

"You okay?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah. Just tired."

We sat in silence for a few minutes, both content to just sit by each other. Jackson and I have always been close; more than me and Lucas just because of the age differences. Jackson was always my partner in crime and he was always there when I needed him.

"I don't think I've ever seen mom so excited for you to bring someone home." Jackson laughed.

"You should have heard her over the phone when I told her." I shook my head. "Why didn't you bring anyone home?" I laid my head back and to the side to look at him. He jus shrugged.

"It's still too new." His words made me pause. Could I have just said that to my mom and avoiding bringing Knox and Olivia here? The thought made me want to groan. It would have still made her happy that I was 'with someone', even if it was a lie. But a better lie then bringing two strangers home and forcing them to co-exist with my family.

Oh god. What have I done.

"We both decided to wait before introducing to everyone. I want to make sure it goes somewhere before getting everyone's hopes up." Jackson continued, making the pit in my stomach grow even more.

"Enough about me, what about Knox. He seems like a nice guy...quiet but nice." I pushed the dread in my stomach aside.

"He is nice."

"Very brooding." Jackson wiggled his eyebrows at me. "And very attractive."

"Don't hit on my boyfriend." I smacked his arm.

"We can always share."

"Gross. Never say that again." I made a face. Jackson just laughed.

"But seriously." Jackson sobered up. "I'm glad you are happy Aubrey. You deserve to be." At his words I felt tears prick the corner of my eyes. My guilt growing with each passing second.

"You do too Jacky." We shared a smile. I sat there for another moment before I yawned. Taking that as my cue I stood up. "Have fun on the blow up." I teased.

"Yeah have fun with your boyfriend. But remember the walls are thin!" Jackson called out after me. With my back turned to him I rolled my eyes. Yeah that isn't going to happen.

I slowly made my way up the stairs, each one getting me closer to my shared room with Knox. I wasn't quite sure how this was going to work. Do we share the bed? Does he take the floor? I haven't had time to try and find a sleeping bag.

Pausing at the top of the stairs I looked down the hall and found Olivia's door already closed. My own was slightly cracked so I knew Knox was in there.

I can do this. I can be an adult and share the bed with him. Wasn't like we were going to do anything. Knox cant even stand me.

I continued on standing there silently having a talk with myself and nodding; most likely looking like a lunatic. Knowing I was stalling I took a deep breath and opened my bedroom door all the way.

The room was empty as I entered which gave me a little relief until I noticed the light and sounds coming from the bathroom. Knox was clearly taking a shower and the thought of that was enough to make my face burn.

Pushing that image away I shut my door behind me and headed for my suitcase, my warm PJ's calling my name. I was busy taking my stuff out to get ready for bed I hadn't notice the shower being turned off or the door opening behind me.

In my own little world I stood up with my arms full ready to change and take my makeup off. Turning around I froze mid-step not at all processing the sight in front of me.

Sweet baby jesus.

I love Aubrey's brother Jackson :D I feel like he would be such a cute character to write about. Can you guys believe Christmas is literally around the corner? I swear ever since October the rest of the year has flown by!