Unhinged √

28.

    Settling in takes a lot longer than expected because apparently the place hasn't seen any maintenance since the last time we were here and that was two years ago.

Travis Harden doesn't like to clean up, that man can live in filt until it feels like it is about to choke him, only then will he clean up but as soon as we get to our room, he initiates the cleaning. There wasn't a lot of words said between us and as soon as we were done, he took a shower and has been napping since.

I am the only one at the back of the house at the moment. There isn't much to see, just a few metres of beach sand, palm trees and a few other houses in the distance. The place is a mile away from the sea and the cool breeze is all I need to calm my thoughts.

Sometimes it feels like everyone is keeping their distance. I know they all know what I did to Travis and I can't blame them for judging me, my track record hasn't exactly been smooth.

As if to prove me wrong, Zayn comes walking out the back door bearing a bottle of water. I see him force down a groan before taking one of the dozen camp chairs out here and placing it next to me.

"How's it going?" He looks at me with a straight face and I know it's a trap.

"He is sleeping". From the look on his face, this was the reply he was looking to get. Shit.

"When did you become that boring?" He throws back.

"He was tired man, I have no right to deny him sleep".

"He works in an automobile shop for hours unend, Jake. I think he can handle dusting a few cupboards".

"It wasn't just cupboards".

"Look. Travis is here with you because a part of him still wants to give you a chance and you are wasting it by wallowing in your guilt. Grab the opportunity man, stop acting tight-lipped, fucking Newt has been talking our ears off, that is your thing. Sit that man down and clear things up". He leans back on his seat and takes a sip of his water.

"Proud?"

"Very". He grins and I can't help but smile at him. He is right, Travis might be here now but there's no guarantee that he will come back home after this weekend.

"Zayn!" Meghan's booming voice echoes from somewhere in the house. He smiles stupidly as he takes another sip of water, consciously ignoring her. Take it from me, the guy has a death wish.

"I know you hear me yelling you asswipe. I can't get the kitchen cabinet open. Ripped off the handle". The last part is quiet, almost like it embarrasses her.

Zayn chuckles as he return to the house to help her out. He passes Newt by the door. The pale man looks like he hasn't had a good night rest in days. He just showered though, it's obvious from his brown hair clinging to his forehead and the air of freshness he carries as he takes over Zayn's previous seat.

"Well, I'm ready to relax away". He sighs quietly.

"What about your wife?"

"Finally taking a nap like a normal pregnant woman". I laugh lightly. Newt and I aren't what you call friends but we get along. He is a nice guy, funny and parroty. Zayn says he is a version of me in a less threatening build.

"The babies?"

"They are safe, getting ready to pop out in less than two months. I can't believe it, I am going to be a father". So am I but it doesn't feel the same.

I can't find Newt's nervous excitement within myself, maybe because I willingly signed up to not be a real father. It was the right thing to do, Ingrid made her choice and I am making mine, to let her have her happiness and concentrate on giving Travis his.