Tuesday
Jaden's pov
The first thing I saw was Lexie's arms wrapped around me and her head laying on my chest I sighed and kissed the top of her head and started unwrapping them because I had to go film downfalls high today even though I really didn't want to leave Lexie alone after what happened yesterday. I could take her with me though she doesn't have school with Rafy today and josh has to film his podcast and I don't know what the other boys are doing but like I said before I don't really want to leave her alone so I lightly tapped her on the shoulder.
End of pov
Lexie: hmm
Jaden: want to come with me to the set today?
Lexie: I am tired (whines)
Jaden: you can sleep in the car just please come with me
Lexie: why (whines)
Jaden: because I don't know what the other boys are doing today and I want to be with you
Lexie: ugh okayyy
Jaden: I am going to take you to your room so you can get dressed and you call me when your done I don't want you putting weight on your foot just yet
Lexie: so your gonna just carry me around like a baby for a couple of days?
Jaden: yeah pretty much
(Jaden gets up from the bed with her in his arms and walks across to her room and sits her on the bed while he goes to her closet)
Jaden: what about this? (Pulls out a black long sleeve shirt with a lotus flower on it and a pair of sweats)
Lexie: it's gonna be hot (whines)
Jaden: well you can't wear leggings or jeans with a cast it's too tight
Lexie: what about shorts?
Jaden: (sighs) fine (passes her a pair of high waisted jean shorts) get dressed and call me when your done
Lexie: yeah yeah I got it Mr. overprotective
(Jaden leaves the room and walks back to his room to see josh awake and pulling on a gray BFF's hoodie)
Josh: morning babe
Jaden: good morning (walks over and pecks him on the lips) are you heading out?
Josh: yeah what about you?
Jaden: I am gonna take Lexie with me to film downfalls high
Josh: (laughs) yeah who knows will happen if we leave her alone with them again, I could take her if you want though
Jaden: nah it's okay but if you want call me when your done recording and we can go to lunch or something
Josh: okay sounds good I am gonna head out now love you
Jaden: love you too
(Josh leaves the room and Jaden starts to get ready)
Lexie's pov
I took my pajama shirt off and put the long sleeves but then I had to take off my pajama shorts which was like a mission because of the stupid cast but I finally got them on and went to put my shorts on and realized that I am still sitting on the bed so I would have to stand up for two seconds and let me tell you the second I put weight on my foot I bit my lip to stop from screaming in pain. I finally got the shorts on and then put on sandals and called Jaden to come get me and five minutes later he came into my room and took me to the bathroom and sat me on the counter while I brushed my teeth and attempted to put my hair in a braid. Key word attempted in the end I just left my hair down and we went downstairs to see Bryce filming with J-Rod and addy so life's obviously back to normal.
End of pov
J-rod: morning Lexie
Lexie: morning
Blake: where are you going?
Lexie: with Jaden he doesn't trust you guys anymore (jokes)
Noah: hey it wasn't our fault Bryce was a dummy
Jaden: true but I am still taking her and we are going to be late if we don't go now
Kio: alright bye guys
Them: bye
(They get in the car and start driving)
Jaden: shit you need to eat
Lexie: or we could you know just skip it
Jaden: nice try we are stopping at Starbucks since it's the closest
Lexie: okay
(Jaden pulls up to Starbucks and gets her a croissant with a s'mores frappe and five minutes later they get to the set)
Kells: there you are Jaden your late
Jaden: I know I am sorry I overslept
Kells: I am just messing with you Jae it's alright Travis told me what happened yesterday (looks at Lexie) you okay kid?
Lexie: yeah (smiles)
Kells: alright you can take a seat in one of the chairs right there and just watch us make history
Lexie: (laughs and high fives him) sounds good Kells
(Then chase walks onto the set with Sydney Sweeney)
Chase: hey kiddo (looks at her cast) what happened?
Lexie: Bryce being a dummy
Chase: why doesn't that surprise me anyway lex this is Sydney, Syd this is Jaden's sister lex
Sydney: hi (waves at her)
Lexie: hi, wait I have a question before you start filming
Sydney: what?
Lexie: how is it working with Jacob elordi in Euphoria
Sydney: haha I don't get a lot of scenes with him but he's really sweet
Lexie: lucky he's hot as fuck
Chase: Lexie!
Lexie: what it's the truth
Sydney: girls got taste (laughs)
Lexie: yes yes I do
Kells: alright everyone on set we are gonna film the first high school scene and kiss kiss
Cast: alright
Lexie's pov
I was gonna go on my phone but I honestly did want to see what downfalls high was going to be like because I would be the only person getting a sneak preview of it. The high school scene opened up and chase starts walking into the school and opens up his locker to grab his books and Jaden comes up to him in a pink jersey and knocks the books out of chase's hands and flips him off so basically my brother's the typical jock got it. The scene then cut to MGK and Travis in a van Travis on the drums obviously and MGK playing the guitar. I honestly just paid attention to MGK and Travis the whole time because when his first album came out I had tickets to my downfall on repeat I was obsessed with it. he was in the middle of singing bloody valentine and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly attracted to chase when he gave her the candy and then kissed her who knew chase had it in him. I kept watching them film until I felt my phone vibrate and I saw that Clare had texted me.
End of pov
Text convo
Clare: hey Lexie!
Lexie: hey Clare what's up?
Clare: not much I am bored, mom's at a doctors appointment right now so I am just in the waiting room
Lexie: why didn't you go in?
Clare: I couldn't this time
Lexie: ohh gotcha
Clare: what are you up to?
Lexie: I am with my brother on the set of MGK's new film
Clare: luckyyyy sounds more fun then what I am doing, are you busy later? Want to come over or vice versa
Lexie: I'll ask Jaden if anything you might have to come over to mine because I don't know if you saw on TikTok room but I got in a little bit of an accident yesterday and now Jaden's like helicopter parenting me
Clare: lmfao overprotective family members got to love them
Lexie: that was sarcasm right
Clare: totally
Lexie: I am not kidding he's acting like I was in a coma or something the worst that happened was me breaking my leg
Clare: how did that even happen?
Lexie: I went driving and a car came speeding at us
Clare: omg at least your okay
Lexie: yeah
Kells: alright that's a wrap for today
Lexie: anyways Clare I'll text you when I know if you can come over, they just wrapped for the day
Clare: okay let me know byee
Lexie: later
End of text convo
(Jaden walks over to Lexie)
Jaden: ready to go?
Lexie: yeah are you?
Jaden: hmm josh just texted me he's gonna meet us at saddle for lunch
Lexie: Jaden...
Jaden: don't worry it's still early and it's a school day we shouldn't have a crowd and if we do it'll be small
Lexie: (sighs) okay
Chase: bye Lexie
Lexie: bye oh by the way that bloody valentine scene spot on
Chase: (laughs) thanks lex
Sydney: bye Lexie it was nice meeting you
Lexie: it was nice meeting me? Uno reverse card
Sydney: I like you kid are you any good at acting?
Lexie: I don't know never tried it
Sydney: well here's my number (hands her a card) call me and we can see if you can
Lexie: (widens her eyes) o o okay
Jaden: come on lex let's go bye guys (waves at them)
Cast: bye
(They start walking back to the car)
?: wait Jaden
Jaden: (turns around) what's up Maggie (Linder man)
Maggie: I was just going to say we should go out some time you know maybe have a little fun (ruffles his hair)
Jaden: (moves her hand from his hair) that's sweet Maggie but you know I am in a relationship right
Maggie: ugh you mean josh? Come on Jae I can show you a better time then he can just give me a chance (pouts)
Lexie: he said no now fuck off
Maggie: (rolls her eyes at Lexie and then looks back at Jaden and winks) you have my number if you change your mind sexy (and walks away)
Lexie: (looks at Jaden and bursts out laughing) did that seriously just happen? Like I need bleach for my eyes and pretend I never saw that
Jaden: (shakes his head) come on kiddo let's go
(sits her in the passenger seat of the car and starts driving to saddle and they get there thirty five minutes later)
Lexie: is josh here yet?
Jaden: yeah he found us a table inside so we don't have to worry about paparazzi
Lexie: thank god
(They walk into the restaurant)
Hostess: hi welcome to saddle ranch how can I help you today?
Jaden: Richards table please
Hostess: right this way
(The hostess shows them to the table where josh is already sitting)
Lexie: Joshy! (Sits next to him and hugs him)
Josh: hey bud how was being on set with Jaden?
Lexie: it was fun I enjoyed watching Kells perform
Jaden: hey what about me?
Lexie: you knocked chase's books out of his hand, flipped him off and called him a pussy great job big bro
Jaden: okay okay I know it's not exactly the best role but it's a start
Josh: very true and your still getting your name out there
Jaden: exactly
Lexie: okay can't argue there
(Josh passes her the menu so she can look through it while Jaden looks up and sees Mads and Nessa walk into the restaurant)
Mads: omg hey guys! (Smiles at them)
Jaden: hey mads
Nessa: hi Joshy! (walks over and hugs him)
Lexie: (mumbles) I am the only one that can call him that
Boys: hey guys (smiles)
Nessa: hey I have an idea why don't we all sit together that way we can talk about going to the studio and finishing the song Jaden
Jaden: sure I guess...
nessa: great
(Nessa sits in the booth but subtly pushes Lexie away from josh so she can sit next to him while Mads sits next to Jaden)
Lexie's pov
You've got to be joking right this lunch was supposed to be the three of us and now I have Barbie and perky sitting with us not to mention perky decided to push me from my original seat. I rolled my eyes watching nessa and Mads flirt with the boys while they just kind of looked super awkward why don't they say something to them!? Ugh then I saw Mads put her hand on Jaden's thigh and I had enough and "accidentally" kicked her under the table with my cast.
End of pov
Mads: ow Jae did you just accidentally kick me (looks at him)
Jaden: how would I even be able to do that when your right next to me
(Lexie kicks nessa after seeing she put her hand on Josh's thigh)
Nessa: ow Joshy
Josh: what?
Nessa: did you accidentally kick me?
Josh: no I didn't even move my leg
(Lexie kicks Mads again)
Mads: nessa was it you?
Nessa: was what me?
Mads: did you kick me with your heel?
Nessa: no...
(Lexie's phone then vibrates and she looks at it)
Text convo
Jaden: I know what your doing
Josh: me too stop it
Lexie: but they are flirting with you, say something to make them go away
Josh: no that's rude
Jaden: I agree, I am not exactly comfortable about it but we are not gonna be rude
Lexie: ughhh fine I'll stop
End of text convo
Waitress: (walks over to them) can I start you guys with something to drink?
Lexie: a coke please
Jaden: same
Josh: I'll have a sprite
Mads: a green tea
Mads: same as her
Waitress: alright
Mads: (turns to Lexie) so I heard you were in the hospital yesterday are you okay?
Lexie: yeah I am fine
Nessa: did it hurt?
Lexie: yeah...
Nessa: oh that sucks (looks at josh) hey Joshy can I ask you for a favor
Josh: what is it?
Nessa: I am picking up a new puppy but it's like a two and a half hour drive and Mads has a photo shoot so can you come with me I don't want to go alone
Josh: I don't think that's a good idea ness I am sorry
Nessa: please pretty please (pouts)
Lexie: he said no nessa don't you know what that means or are you still in kindergarten
Josh: Lexie (warns her)
Nessa: (fake smiles) it's okay is someone a little jealous
Lexie: no but he obviously has a boyfriend right in front of him and I am not stupid stop trying to start shit
Mads: oh come on lex everyone at this table knows we are gonna be back together eventually and so will nessa and josh
Josh: alright that's enough Ness we are getting back together after you cheated on me twice and I don't have feelings for you anymore, if you and Jaden want to do a song go ahead I am not gonna stop you guys from furthering your careers but you and I are over for good
Jaden: (looks at Mads) and you and I were so toxic with the on and off we've been over this before and you know where I stand and I love josh, I am cool with being friends but just friends
Mads: I don't want to be just friends with you Jaden I miss you, don't you miss me a little bit
Lexie: they both said no now please kindly get the fuck out of our booths
Mads: aren't you going to say something to her (looks at Jaden)
Jaden: no you took it to far by saying josh and I were going to break up so I am not gonna stop her
Nessa: ugh fine whatever let's go Mads I'll see you around Joshy (gives him a kiss on the cheek)
Lexie's pov
Mads and Nessa got out of the booth but before they could walk I put my foot out and they tripped over my cast.
End of pov
Nessa: you are such a bitch
Lexie: and your a slut
Nessa: oh your going to be sorry you ever said that! (Lunges at Lexie)
Lexie: come at me I dare you
Josh: alright that's enough (holds both of them back) your not gonna get in a fight in the middle of saddle ranch Lexie and nessa walk away
Nessa: but
Josh: walk away
Nessa: fine
Lexie: thank god the wicked bitches are gone
(Jaden looks at Lexie)
Lexie: what?
Josh: (shakes his head) and you call us protective
Lexie's pov
We finished eating at saddle ranch and drove back to the house where Bryce and Blake were playing beer pong, griffin and Kio were both streaming now and I don't know where Ant went but probably upstairs and Noah was being a simp with Dixie I am guessing because he wasn't home.
End of pov
Jaden: I am gonna go live upstairs since I haven't done that in a while
Josh: okay I have next game for whoever wins (looks at Bryce and blake)
Bryce: you willing to put money on the table
Josh: (smirks) there's a reason why everyone calls me never lose josh
Lexie: your the one that came up with the nickname and then somehow convinced your fans to do the same
Josh: you shush and watch the master
Lexie: hmm okayyy
Blake: (throws the last ball and misses the cup) FUCK
Bryce: ha pay up baby, josh your up
Josh: bet
Lexie's pov
I watched them for a good fifteen minutes before I got bored and decided to take a shower I looked at the stairs and then looked at the boys who were so into the game I didn't want to bother them and Blake walked off ten minutes ago. I decided to just walk upstairs by myself so I got up from the couch and started limping to the stairs and held onto the staircase as I wobbled up there and made it to my room and grabbed my clothes and walked into the bathroom and then I remembered what the doctor said about not wetting my cast... how am I going to do this? I could tell Jaden to give me the clear plastic bag so it doesn't get wet but then he's going to want me to shower in their bathroom or something and he's live so I don't want to do that. I could just put a majority of my body in the shower and make sure that my leg stays out of the shower, sounds complicated but that's the best option I can think of so I took off my clothes and got in and turned the temperature all the way up and my idea was working and I was about to wash my hair when I lost my balance, slipped against the glass shower door and I tried to scream but it was like my voice got caught in my throat and my eyes closed.
End of pov
Anthony's pov
I was in my room FaceTiming Avani when all of a sudden I heard a loud crash I figured it was one of the boys downstairs but I also heard water running from up here.
End of pov
Ant: I'll be back Vani I am going to find out what that was
Avani: okay no problem
(Anthony walks out of his room and goes into the hallway)
Anthony: WHO BROKE SOMETHING!
Josh: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT NO ONE BROKE ANYTHING BRYCE AND I ARE PLAYING PING PONG!!
Griffin: WOULD YOU GUYS SHUT THE HELL UP KIO AND I ARE LIVE STREAMING!
Jaden: AND I AM LIVE
Anthony: wait then what was that crash and who's in the shower?
Quinton's pov
I woke up to the boys screaming and groaned in frustration because I was trying to take a nap so I got out of my bed and walked out of my room when I saw Lexie's bedroom door open and I could practically feel the steam on my face.. wait a minute Anthony said he heard a crash and the boys were downstairs I ran over to her bathroom door and knocked on it.
End of pov
Quinton: Lexie are you okay??
(No response)
Quinton: Lexie this isn't funny open the door so I know your okay
(No response)
Quinton: fuck okay I am coming in, wrap a towel around you or something if you can hear me
Quinton's pov
I waited but when I didn't get any response I opened the door to see Lexie on the ground bleeding and the glass door broken half her body was in the shower and the other half was out, there was steak everywhere. I was in shock for a second and then I snapped out realizing what was happening.
End of pov
Quinton: SOMEONE CALL 911, GRIFFIN I NEED YOU UP HERE IN LEXIE'S ROOM!!!
Jaden's pov
When Quinton said Lexie's room my heart stopped, I ended the live and and ran to her room and saw the bathroom door open, Lexie was unconscious there was glass everywhere, Quinton was wrapping a towel around her and that's when I saw the blood on the floor. Before I could even react griffin was up here he looked at the bathroom before looking at me and pushing me out. I was in shock, my blood ran cold and then I felt arms wrap around my waist and josh was talking to me but it was fuzzy I couldn't process what just happened. I was being led to one of the rooms and felt myself being sat on the bed and then it hit me like a truck.
End of pov
Jaden: LEXIE!! (Tries to get up but josh pushes him back down)
Josh: listen to me she's gonna be okay but I need you to stay here with me and breath okay
Jaden: I need to see her josh
Josh: griffin's got her and the ambulance is on their way okay just stay with me
Jaden: I need to be with my sister josh!!
Josh: not right now you don't need to see her like that, you can be mad at me all you want but your not gonna see her until the ambulance gets here
Scene change
Quinton: griffin what do I do she's losing a lot of blood
Griffin: get me a towel and the first aid kit I am gonna try and stop the bleeding
Quinton: okay (gets up and griffin takes his place)
Kio: the ambulance is ten minutes away
Griffin: fuck that's too far she's losing a lot of blood
Anthony: does she have a pulse griffin?
Griffin: (puts his hand by her chest and and throat to check her pulse and takes a deep breath) yeah she still has a pulse
Anthony: thank god where's Jaden?
Griffin: I pushed him out of here he's gonna lose his mind if he sees her like this, josh is with her
(Quinton comes back with the towel and the first aid kit)
Griffin's pov
Once Quinton handed me the first aid kit I turned Lexie around so that I could see her head she had a few pieces of glass stuck but thankfully nothing too serious. I grabbed the tweezers from the kit and started pulling out the pieces of glass then I grabbed the towel and started putting pressure to stop the bleeding, I wanted to give her the stitches myself but I didn't have the disinfectant stuff and I didn't want to risk her getting an infection so the most I could do was stop the bleeding and thankfully it was starting to slow down by the time the paramedics showed up and put her on the stretcher. They kept the towel on her head and started taking her downstairs while the second paramedic started asking us questions and that's when josh and Jaden walked out of the room. Jaden looked like he was still in shock but he also looked a little more in control and alert.
End of pov
Paramedic: what happened?
Anthony: she went to take a shower without telling any of us and then I heard a loud noise so I got up to check what it was and then one of our other roommates found her laying on the ground
Paramedic: okay how old is she?
Jaden: fifteen she's my little sister, I have legal custody of her
Paramedic: okay you can ride in the ambulance with her then
Jaden: can I bring someone with me?
Paramedic: unfortunately there's only room for one other person
Josh: go we are right behind you
Jaden: okay
Jaden's pov
Me and the other paramedic walked downstairs and out of the house towards the ambulance where the paramedic that was with Lexie was hooking her up to an IV and I just sat in the chair holding her hand trying not to break down on the way to the hospital.
End of pov
Paramedic: can I ask you how she broke her leg?
Jaden: one of my roommates took her driving since she's about to get her permit and a car came speeding at them yesterday
Paramedic: aww poor thing
Jaden: she's going to be okay right?
Paramedic: well her heart beat is steady even though she lost a lot of blood but I won't know anything else to she gets to the hospital
Jaden: okay
Jaden's pov
The ride to the hospital felt never ending but we eventually pulled up to the ER part of the section and they were lowering her onto the ground.
End of pov
?: what do we got?
Paramedic: fifteen year old girl with a broken leg, took a shower and slipped on a glass door, unconscious and lost a lot of blood
?: okay get her into a room as quickly as possible we'll page doctor shepherd since she hit her head
Jaden: she's going to be okay right?
?: I can't tell you that for sure but I promise we are going to do everything we can in the meantime I need you wait in the waiting room, fill out some papers and we'll call you when we know more information
Jaden: (takes a deep breath) okay
(The lady takes Jaden to the waiting room and Jaden fills out the papers with his hands shaking and a few minutes later the front doors open and all the boys walk in)
Noah: where is she? Is she okay?
Jaden: I i don't k know they w won't t tell me a anything right
Blake: she's going to be fine Jaden she's a fighter
Jaden: I was so scared yesterday over a broken leg now she's in the hospital unconscious because I didn't know she was taking a shower god I am a horrible brother
Josh: no your not don't say that she didn't tell any of us she was going to shower we couldn't have known, and even if she was she should have told us so we could be aware of it
Jaden: it doesn't matter josh you think that's going to matter if CPS gets involved? What if they decide we can't take care of Lexie? What if she gets taken from us (cries)
Josh: no babe that's not going to happen (pulls him in for hug as Jaden breaks down) listen to me Jaden it was an accident, yesterday was an accident too they can't get CPS involved over two accidents and even if they do there's obviously not going to be a big enough case for it to go anywhere
Jaden: I can't lose her josh (cries)
Josh: you won't (runs his fingers through his hair) you won't she's going to be fine
One hour later
Kio: Jae passing the floor isn't going to make time go any faster your just going to create a hole in the floor
Jaden: I don't care it's been an hour why haven't we heard anything
Griffin: do you want me to go ask if they have any information
Jaden: fine
(Just as griffin is about to get up a doctor walks out of the ER)
?: Lexie hossler
(All the boys get up and walk over to the doctor)
?: all of you are here for her? (Looks at the boys)
Jaden: well I am her brother, this is my boyfriend we are the guardians and the rest of the boys live with us
?: oh okay I see we'll my name is doctor shepherd I was assigned to your sister's case she lost a lot of blood but thankfully her heart beat stayed steady so we just gave her a blood transfusion, and I gave her stitches for her cut she should be waking up soon so just follow me to her room
Jaden: thank god, thank you so much doctor
Shepard: your welcome just follow me
(The boys follow doctor shepherd to the room and he opens the door to her room where Lexie is asleep with two IV's in her arm and she was sleeping)
Jaden: doctor shepherd can I talk to you for a minute
Shepherd: yeah let's go out into the hall
Jaden: I'll be right back guys
Them: okay
(Jaden and doctor shepherd walk out into the hall)
Shepherd: is everything okay Mr. Hossler?
Jaden: I just want to know if CPS is going to be notified of this I am so scared that she's going to be taken from me
Dr. Shepherd: well the paramedic explained how she broke her leg and she doesn't have bruises on her body and given the way your acting right now it shows you obviously care about her there's no need to call CPS, CPS is only called when there are signs of abuse and there are none
Jaden: (sighs in relief) okay thank you for reassuring me doctor shepherd
Dr. Shepherd: no problem and call me when she wakes up we might keep her overnight just for observation but because she's a minor you can stay with her
Jaden: okay once again thank you
Dr. Shepherd: of course
Jaden's pov
I walked back inside the room and saw josh sitting on the chair closest to the bed and holding her hand while the other boys were doing damage control on social media because word got out again after someone seeing us arrive at the hospital. I sat down on the second chair and held Lexie's other hand waiting for her to wake up.
End of pov
Thirty minutes later
Lexie: b b bubba (mumbles and opens her eyes)
Jaden: hey baby I am here (hugs her)
Lexie: w what happened?
Josh: you slipped in the shower, why didn't you tell us you were going to shower lex? You heard what the doctor said yesterday about taking a bath and even then you still should have told us
Lexie: I I am s s sorry (tears in her eyes) I w w wanted to do s something b by myself
Josh: shh it's okay I am not mad it's just you scared all of us (hugs her)
Lexie: I won't d do it a again I p promise, w w when c can I g go home?
Jaden: let me call dr. Shepherd but your gonna have to stay overnight and I am going to stay with you
Lexie: I don't want to stay here (cries) I want to go home, I don't like hospitals
Jaden: I know baby I am sorry (looks at griffin) can you get doctor shepherd?
Griffin: yeah I'll be right back
Josh: do you want me to run home and bring some stuff before visiting hours end?
Jaden: yeah can you get Lexie's pacifier and stuffed animal after today she needs comfort
Josh: yeah I'll go with Anthony
Anthony: you want to go now?
Josh: yeah visiting hours end in an hour
Anthony: okay let's go
(Antony and josh leave)
Lexie's pov
Dr. Shepherd came into the room and shined a bright light in my eyes to see if I had a concussion which I didn't thankfully, he asked me simple questions about me and the boys to make sure I didn't have memory loss which obviously I didn't but he still wanted me to stay overnight. Thankfully the doctor was okay with Jaden getting on the hospital bed so that I could cuddle with him. Josh and Anthony came back with the stuff and Jaden popped the pacifier in my mouth and I closed my eyes and fell asleep as the boys were saying bye to each other.
End of pov
YOU ARE READING
Forced to live with Sway LA
FanfictionLexie Marie Hossler is the fifteen year old rebellious sister who lived in Chattanooga Tennessee and one day her rebellion is taken too far and she's sent to live with her older brother Jaden hossler aka social media rockstar who lives with the famo...