Wildfire

Chapter 8

My eyes fluttered open the next morning. A warm smell wafted through the house and a few voices talked outside my room. Jaren wasn't in my room anymore so I assumed he left before the others woke up. There was a steaming cup of coffee on my nightstand that I smiled at. I sat up and took a sip. It was just how I liked it and there was only one person who watched me carefully enough to know how much creamer I liked.

I got out of bed and left my room with the mug in my hand. "Good morning birthday girl." John said in front of the stove. The sweet aroma of pancakes filled the air as John flipped the flapjack. Matt sat at the island bar in the bar chair.

"Mornin. You ready to have the best birthday ever?" Matt asked as he stood up. He gave me a side hug that I accepted.

"That's what you boys keep saying. Gotta prove it." I challenged.

"Tough audience to please today, John." Jaren said from the couch.

"Maybe these are a start." John said as he placed three large pancakes in front of me. They were doused in syrup and had a swirl of whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles on top.

"One hell of a start, John. I'll admit that. It's even birthday-themed. Thank you." I said with a smile.

"Of course. We have a goal today." John said and he placed another pancake on a plate. He gave one to Matt and Jaren who joined us at the island counter.

"What's that?" I asked before taking a bite of my syrupy mess of deliciousness.

"You'll see." Jaren smirked.

"Oh boy." I grimaced, "Better not be anything that explodes or pops."

"It's not. Don't worry." Matt chuckled.

"I'm scared." I said.

"That should be the least of your concerns. What should be is the Q&A stream Puffer is making us do. I hate these." John sighed.

"Oh yeah. They are ass. I usually avoid them when Puffer is in the mood to do them." Matt adds.

"Why are they so bad?" I asked.

"Sometimes viewers ask weird and uncomfortable questions. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to but it's the feeling." Jaren explained.

"Great..." I said sarcastically. The front door opened and something in me tensed up like my old trauma came back when my moms came home and I had to put up my defenses. Jaren's gaze was on me and it went from confusion to concern. I heard Chris's and Nelson's voices in the front foyer which eased my nerves. Jaren's focus was still on me with questions.

I slightly shook my head for him not to worry about it. Chris and Nelson came into the kitchen. "Morning yall. Happy birthday, Lea." Chris said.

"Happy birthday, girl." Nelson smiled.

"Thanks guys." I smiled in gratitude.

"Are we gonna record at the island again?" Chris asked.

"Q&As last forever. I wanna sit down." Matt said.

"So couches." Chris said.

"I'll get the tripod." John sighed.

"I hate these, Puffer. You know that right?" Jaren asked.

"Oh, I know. That's why I'm making you guys do this." Chris grinned.

John came back with the tripod, "Matt. The end of that couch. Lea. The end of the couch."

"I'm still in my PJs." I protested.

"Deal with it." John retaliated.

"Jerk." I mumbled. I sat at the end seat of the largest couch that was three cushions long. The other was turned at a ninety-degree angle and only had two. Matt sat at the end of that one so he was the furthest away from me. John set up the camera so it got both ends of the couches. Nelson sat next to Matt and Jaren took the spot next to me. I pointed to the blanket that was on his other side. He grabbed it and threw it at my face. He started laughing.