J.A.C.I.E.'s World (All Time Low Fanfiction | Jack Barakat)

Chapter 30

Jack's suitcase lay wide open on our bed, filled with all the essentials he'd need on tour. An assortment of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and other random belongings were carefully yet messily packed. I was sitting on the bed as well, my legs crossed underneath me, as I watched.

"Are you sure you have everything?" I asked, my eyes scanning over the suitcase's contents.

Jack zipped up his bag and turned to look at me, his eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "I think so. You know how it goes, though. I'll probably forget something."

"I can always ship out anything important you've forgotten."

He walked over and sat down next to me, leaning his head against my shoulder. I rested my own head on top of his. His hair smelt like the shampoo he had used to wash it earlier that day. It was such a familiar scent, one that would never fail to comfort me.

"You know, I'm going to miss you," I confessed softly.

"I'm going to miss you too," he replied, pulling away and planting a short kiss to the top of my head. "I am worried about leaving you here alone."

"You don't need to worry, I promise I'll be okay."

Jack's expression softened, and he brushed a lock of hair away from my face. "I know you've come a long way, and I'm proud of you, but..."

"You're scared I'll fall back into old habits," I finished his sentence.

He nodded, his eyes full of fear, hurt, and worry.

"I've worked hard on myself. It won't happen again," I promised.

I hated how this was now a worry that would never fully go away. But I knew which steps to take now. I'd avoided spiralling down the same slope after cutting my mom out of my life. My support system was so strong, that even if I ever felt myself slip again, I'd be helped upright in no time.

"Okay," he gave me a smile and grabbed my hand, "but if you ever feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, I'm here."

"I know. I always talk to you," I chuckled, giving him a big grin. "Plus, I'm coming to see you in, what, like a week and a half's time?"

"True," he agreed.

We had this new rule now. If he was gone for three weeks, I'd come out to see him for at least a weekend or something equivalent. Anything longer than a month, I'd come to visit for at least a week. It was dumb to think spending two months apart could have ever worked out well. Now, with this rule, we could avoid the same issue.

"Also, you're not leaving until tomorrow," I pointed out, giving him a look and wiggling my eyebrows. "So, how about we go do something fun today?"

"Something fun?" he entertained, grinning at me. "What did you have in mind?"

"Hmm... how about a beach day?" I suggested, leaning forward and quickly giving him a kiss.

"Sounds perfect."

We quickly got ready, pulling on swimsuits underneath our clothes for convenience. Jack grabbed a bag, which we filled with towels, sunscreen, snacks, and a bluetooth speaker. Maybe it wasn't the optimal time of the year to go to the beach, but it was a strangely warm late spring day.

We drove down to a beach we knew wouldn't be too busy. The soothing sea breeze would always remind me of the first time Jack and I told each other that we loved each other. Gentle waves rolled onto the shore, soft golden sand stretching out before us. There were a few other people dotted around who had had the same idea as us, but there was more than enough space for us to put down our towels.

We managed to make a cosy spot with the items we had brought along with us. With the sun beaming down on us, it was deceptively warm. I pulled off the sundress I was wearing and readjusted the sunglasses covering my eyes. Jack was just staring at me with one of the brightest grins I had ever seen.

"I don't know about you, but I'm going to take a dip before it gets too cold," I told him as I dropped my clothes next to my towel and took off the slippers I was wearing.

I started walking towards the water's edge, the sun dancing on the water and scattering into a million tiny diamonds. My gaze dropped down to my left hand to double check that I had indeed left my ring at home to prevent it from getting damaged. With the reassurance that I was not wearing it anymore, I stepped into the water slowly.

It was much colder than the air gave away. I needed a second before I dared to go much deeper than my ankles. Something got to me faster than the water did though. An arm suddenly hooked around my waist and pulled me up in the air. I yelped loudly while Jack pulled me close.

"Don't you dare!" I shouted, thrashing my legs a little to try and feel solid ground beneath them again.

Luckily, he put me back down, but continued to hold me close. He started placing multiple kisses on my cheek, making the giggles continue. I could only lean into his embrace. Jack's laughter joined mine, mixing with the sound of waves crashing in the distance.

"You screamed like I was going to throw you in a shark tank," he chuckled, peppering my cheek with a few more kisses.

"Well, I didn't expect you to snatch me up like a kid," I replied, my heart still racing from the sudden surprise. But there was no mistaking the joy in my voice.

He let me go, making me twirl around to face him in the process. I started wading further into the water before he could get to me again. He remained close, not letting me venture too far away by myself. It was a reassuring presence. The water started rising higher and higher up our bodies. Eventually, I decided to take the daring step and dove underwater, letting the cool water tingle against my skin.

I quickly resurfaced, seeing Jack still standing just a few feet away.

"Shit, you look hot when you come out of the water," he commented with a low whistle.

I laughed and put my head under again, this time messing my hair up and pulling a weird face as I came up. Jack was now also further into the water and started laughing when he saw me. I fixed my hair as I swam over to him. Once I got close enough, his arms wrapped around my waist. The thin layer of water between our skin warmed up in an instant.

"I will not be getting my hair wet today," he warned me before the thought of splashing him could even cross my mind.

I leaned into his embrace, my arms hooking around his neck, and we shared a passionate kiss. The taste of saltwater lingered on our lips as our bodies swayed with the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean. For a second, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

When we pulled away, our foreheads leaned against each other, our eyes locking.

"I love you," Jack whispered.

I had to bite back the smile, feeling extremely nostalgic. "I love you."

We savoured the moment for a while longer, sharing more meaningless conversations as the sun warmed our skin. Eventually, though, the water won and my body had lost too much heat. I started to shiver a little, longing for the warm sands again.

"How about we make a sandcastle?" I suggested.

Jack grinned at me goofily. "Let's build the most epic sandcastle this beach has ever seen."

We waded back to the shore, our feet sinking into the wet sand as we tried to get to the dry area. Our footprints washed away with the gentle waves. We settled on a spot that was close enough to the water for the sand to be optimal for a sand castle, but not too close for it to be washed away.

We both dropped down to our knees and started scooping up sand, sharing ideas and discussion whether or not we needed a moat. It all started as a simple mound of sand and it was up to us to give it shape.

Together, we began building our own little castle.

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It's the final chapter! Don't fret, though, we've still got an epilogue and final chapter to go. After that, be prepared for another sequel!