No Matter What ~ Jackxpenn

Chapter 35 - Birthday; Take Two

Jenn POV

I wake the next morning in Jack's arms, wrapped softly around my waist. Our legs are intertwined and I can hear him slightly snoring quietly in my ear. I move slightly to grab my phone off of the nightstand, and I smile at the lockscreen of Jack and I from the beach the other day; I am on his shoulders and he is looking up at me while we both are laughing. I check the time; 9:30. Wow, earlier than I thought.That's probably why Jack's still sleeping. 

I unlock my phone, and scroll through Instagram and Twitter, trying to get my mind off to some place else. Ever since I had that dream, I can't stop thinking about my dad. It's strange, but it's the truth. I just can't help to wonder why he ever did leave; what his actual reasons were, where he is now, and if he is happy. God Jenn, just stop. Why are you worrying about his well being and happiness when he is the one who left you and your mother in the first place. My head aches just thinking about it. 

While mindlessly scrolling through Twitter, I end up on Jack's page and find myself looking through his pictures. I come across another one from the beach, except this time it's just of him looking off into the water. It's such a cool picture; or maybe I just find it so nice because of the person who's in it. Suddenly, a familar voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

"Jenn, what are you doing?" Jack smirks behind me, causing me to almost jump out of his arms in fear.

I turn around to face him, "Oh.. I-" I mumble and look down, trying to hide my blushed cheeks.

He laughs, and tilts my chin up to force me to look at him, "Just 'scrolling' through Twitter I suppose?" Jack teases, using air quotes while rolling his eyes.

I bite my lip, only causing my cheeks to go more red. Jack rolls his eyes again, and brings his finger to remove my lip from my teeth, "Answer my question, Jennifer."

"How long have you been watching me?" I laugh, ignoring his question.

"Just a few minutes," he laughs back.

"Says the creepy man."

"Oh shut it. By the way, you never answered my question, but I guess I'll let it slide. How'd you sleep beautiful?" He asks. I feel butterflies in my stomach at the sound of the word, 'beautiful' rolling off his tongue.

"Good, knowing I was with you," I begin, then lower my voice to a whisper, "I was afraid that I would have nightmares again last night." Jack wraps his arms tighter around my body, and pulls me into his chest. I tuck my head into his chest, "I just can't stop thinking about him ever since the dream." He doesn't say anything, but I'm glad that he doesn't. Instead, he rubs my back softly. 

"Hey, why don't we go to lunch today? I know that your birthday wasn't exact the greatest, so we can make up for it," he smiles, "We can ask the others if they want to come too?"

"My birthday was just great, it's fine you don't have to-"

"Nope, too bad. I'm sending a text right now," Jack insists.

I sigh, "Fine, but only for you"

"Well of course," he smirks, grabbing his phone to tell everyone.

I look over to see Jack texting the large group chat including the o2l boys, the fab five, and Andrea. The text says to meet at Cheesecake Factory at 1 this afternoon. It seems that we are always going to Cheesecake Factory, but it seems that it's the only restaurant that all of us enjoy. Last time we tried to go to Olive Garden, both Jc and Trevor had a fit because Jc got a mild food poisoning there in the past and Trevor just doesn't like the food. Therefore, now we just settle for Cheesecake Factory to make everyone happy. That doesn't mean I'm complaining though, I love the restaurant.

TIME SKIP

Jack POV

I walk into Cheesecake Factory with both of my hands full; one holds the gift I have yet to give Jenn for her birthday, and the other is intertwined with Jenn's. The hostess escourts all of us to a giant table near the back of the restaurant in some kind of "party room" they have set up. We all sit down at the table with Jenn at the head and we through the huge menus for something to eat. 

Soon enough, the whole table has errupted into discussion, and I'm thankful that we are in a seperate room from the rest of the diners because we surely would have drawn their attention over many times already. When the waitress comes over, I finally decide on a chicken pasta dish, and Jenn orders a chicken greek wrap. 

"Okay bitches! Everyone get out your gifts, it's present time for Jennifer!" Anthony yells once the waitress leaves. We all errupt into more laughter and grab our presents from underneath the table.

"Guys, seriously, you didn't have to do this," Jenn mumbles, cheeks flushed.

"Yes we did!" We all scream.

Jenn rolls her eyes and laughs as Anthony hands her his present. It's a brand new flannel. After many other amazing gifts from everyone else, it's my turn to give Jenn her present. I really hope she likes it; especially considering all the other gifts she already recieved. I hand over the small bag with a small smile, and watch carefully as Jenn unwraps the contents.

Excitement and surprise takes over her already perfect features as she opens the purple small box, revealing a silver chain necklace with a small silver heart hanging from the center. To the right of the heart, a letter J hangs from the chain with a small diamond embellishment near the top of it. Gasps come from everyone at the table, clearly impressed with my gift, giving me some reassurement. Jenn looks over at me, smiling wide and she wraps her arms around my neck.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" She says, hugging me tight before letting me go.

"And the award for best gift goes to.." I tease, earning a playful smack from Rebecca.

Jenn turns to everyone, still smiling brightly, "Thank you all so, so much. I love all of you, and I am very blessed to have such amazing friends."

"Alright alright, now that Jenn has finished her speech, let's eat!" Andrew laughs, and I suddenly notice that our food must have come when we were doing presents and we just didn't realize. Ricky and I help Jenn clear the wrapping paper and card envelopes off the table, and after we finish, Jenn sits on my lap while everyone else is busy eating.

"I love you. Your gift is so thoughtful and beautiful," Jenn whispers into my ear as she leans her head onto my chest. She fiddles with her new silver chain hanging from her neck, then looks back up at me, "What's 'J' for? Jenn or Jack?" Jenn laughs.

I shrug and chuckle, "Both I guess."

"Well, it's beautiful none the less," she says.

Suddenly, a small laugh from the opposite side of the table breaks our exchange. Both of our heads snap up to Anthony, who has his phone slightly above the table. A sick feeling comes over me as I realize that he is mostly likely not just taking a picture of his chicken sandwhich.

Author's note: I'm not going to do these end of the chapter things anymore unless I have something specific to tell you, okay? Okay. (TFIOS *cri cri*) So I guess I'll see yall next chapter :)