The Love You Give

There's No Place Like Home

When they got back to Hartford things seemed different in the best way. Jansen was continuing to make his family a priority by ensuring that family movie night become a staple. School for each teen was going well. Jace continued to excel as quarterback, while Jacob's first play of the year was a massive success. Ezra convinced Jackson to take the family to see his latest project despite his fear that his father would disapprove and it was a bonding moment. Jackson was able to explain his art to his parents and his father saw just how passionate his son was for social justice. Ezra made it a point to hang out with all her friends when she could, as well as, balance her three boyfriends. She didn't know how she did it, but everyone said she managed it all so well.

Time seemed to be flying and it was already Halloween. Thanks to Kathy, Ezra had found a seamstress that specialized in costumes and got one for her and her three men. As Ezra looked at her locks in pigtails and the blue and white minidress she wore with sparking red Mary Jane shoes she couldn't help but laugh. She made an amazing Dorothy. "You look beautiful," Jacob said with a smile. Ezra couldn't help the grin that plastered on her face. "We'll find you a heart in no time, Tin Man." Ezra pulled him in close. "My heart is in my hands already." He gave her a quick peck to avoid smearing the silver body paint. "I want kisses," Jace whined as he walked into the room. "You need a brain!" Ezra lauughed at the tall jock in his scarecrow costume.

"Where's my lion?" Ezra asked knowing Jackson would be close by grumbling. "This is so stupid." He grumbled as he walked in. "You look so handsome though, Bubba. My sexy lion." She walked over to him and gave him a big kiss. "We look fucking adorable!" Ezra cheered before grabbing her basket with a fake stuffed Toto. They made their way downstairs and Celeste and Marisol squealed. "¡Ay, qué lindo!" Marisol smiled at them. "You guys look amazing." Celeste smiled. "Go pose on the stairs so I can take pictures." The guys groaned but obliged her. Ezra smiled happily as Celeste captured the moment. "Alright, that's enough. We're going to a few parties, so we'll be back late." Jace informed. "Nope, we'll be back at 2 am since that's my curfew." They groaned once more. "Are you still doing that? It's Friday night! Live a little!" Ezra shrugged. "I can always drive myself."

They shook their heads no. "We'll be back at 2 am." Jace grumbled before giving his mother a kiss. They loaded up into Ezra's G-wagon with Jace behind the wheel and Ezra in the passenger seat. "Where to first?" Jacob asked from the back. "I was thinking Rosalind's. Her house is closest to us." Jace offered. "I'm fine with that," Ezra spoke up, so they made their way there. The house was packed with people. "How does anyone know this many people?" Ezra asked as they made their way through the crowd. The guys laughed as they entered the kitchen and got drinks. "Do you want some, baby girl?" Ezra shook her head no. "I have a feeling I'll be DD tonight."

"Easy-E!" Sean called out from behind her. She smiled at her friend and pulled him in for a hug. "I didn't know you were going to be here. Kathy and the rest said they were going to Jonesy's party." Sean nodded. "I'm headed there in a bit, but you know I have to party with my fellow theater nerds or they start to get jealous." She giggled at him before grabbing a Sprite. She watched as Jacob talked with his fellow thespians and Jackson and Jace talked with some guys from school. "You seem really happy, E. It's a good look on you." She smiled at him and nodded. "I am happy. I never thought I could be this happy or deserved to be, but here I am."

Ezra made her way to the bathroom for a moment before making her way back to the kitchen. She was stopped by a familiar scowling face. "What do you want, Owen?" She was tired of the glares and the stares. "Take care of him." It wasn't what Ezra was expecting, but she saw the honesty in his eyes and heard the earnestness behind his words. "Of course. I love him." Owen nodded. "He loves you too. You make him happy. Genuinely happy. Deep down that's all I want for him." He gave her a small smile before walking past and the whole encounter shocked her. "What was that about?" Sean walked up to her. "Understanding." Sean looked at her confusedly but shrugged. "Come on. Let's get to partying!"