Miss Jackson {b.u.}

{46}

I stood in front of the mirror. Holding my dark brown knitted sweater in my hands. I was scared. I tossed the sweater on and adjusted it. I braided section hair and put it in a small half up, half down look. To finish my makeup look, I put on a dark red lipstick and glossed it over with lip gloss. I looked back in the mirror and saw Brendon approach the door. Hands rested on the sides of the door frame, leaning inward, "breakfast is ready if you want any."

"Can you just make me a piece of toast? It'll help my nerves."

He smiled softly. "Sure."

He looked me up and down, smirked, then walked away. I took a deep breath and put small hoop earrings in. I looked down at my black leggings and wiped the hair off of it. I stared at my boots and made sure they looked right. I hurried downstairs, walking into the kitchen, grabbing a mug and making coffee. Brendon grabbed the mug from me, "I already made you coffee."

Brendon pointed at the coffee on the counter. I scooted past him as he spread the butter on my toast. I grabbed the mug and he handed me the toast, "You look beautiful, Joey."

I glanced up at him, taking a bite of toast. "Mm. Thank you, really boosts the confidence, babe."

"Daph! Are you ready? C'mon you're gonna be late!" Brendon hollered.

I grabbed Rivers seat and carried him. Brendon picked Clover up. I finished my toast, wiping my hands off, walking by the stairs and Daphne ran down. I opened the door and she ran out, I followed behind her and strapped River in. I clicked my seatbelt in and Brendon strapped Clover in. He got into the passenger seat, putting his seatbelt on and then hitting the bottom of his cigarette box on his palm. He opened it, taking a cigarette out, resting it on his lips and turning around to pull out. Halfway down the street, Brendon lit the cigarette, driving with his knees.

I got out of the car. Daphne followed behind me and I held her hand walking inti the school. Well, I couldn't walk her in, but I could walk her far enough. I bent down to her level and pulled her close, hugging her and kissing the side of her head, "have a good day. And you tell me if anything bad happens today."

Daphne smiled, turning and running off. I watched and walked away after she left my sight. I walked back to the car. Brendon was smoking another cigarette. I opened the car door and got into the passenger seat. "That is your last cigarette for a few hours, got it?"

"Yes Ma'am."

:;

I carried Clover on my hip. Brendon carried River in his carrier. He insisted that he walk in first, so he opened the door and held it open as long as he could. I looked at Clover, fixing her top. "Welcome back Joanne!"

I glanced up quickly. I could feel my nerves kicking in. The waves of heat crashing on my face. The nervous laughing was coming. I was scared standing in front of everyone. Alex walked up to me and handed me a glass of champagne but I handed it back to her, "who's idea was this?"

"Your husbands." Alex grunted.

I turned my head to look at Brendon, shaking my head. I needed to escape. I walked upstairs to the daycare. Opening the door. One of the sitters approached me and smiled softly, "Oh! We finally get to meet Clover! Where's River?"

I handed Clover over to Krystal, "oh, he's downstairs with his dad. He'll be up soon."

"Good," She began, "good to see you again."

I smiled and leaned to kiss Clover goodbye. I left, thanking Krystal while I opened the door and ran downstairs. When I came back, Mchale, Dallon, Dan and other members scattered around the studio. Brendon walked over to me and handed me a glass of champagne—this time I took it gracefully, "will you take River up to tue daycare now?"