Sweetened || HS AU (COMPLETED)

• forty-one •

| Jailen |

"I got the job!" I squealed excitedly, setting my phone down on the counter and cheering.

Hayden cheered along with me from the other side of the table, her hair still a mess from just waking up a few minutes ago. I wasn't even sure she understood what I was cheering for, but her enthusiasm was refreshing. Especially considering Zayn's and Harry's reactions.

Harry was frozen, his eyes narrowed on me as he held the skillet in his hand. Zayn sat the gallon of apple juice on the table and folded his arms across his chest, his face sporting a similar look of disapproval as Harry's.

Zayn was already at my apartment when we got back from vacation yesterday and although I was a little confused as to how he got a key, I couldn't be too upset because I did miss him. It felt as if it had been years when in reality, it's only been a week.

However, the look he was giving me right now was making me regret not telling him to leave. He and Harry together was intense when they were happy, but now that they were obviously pissed off, I had to admit that I was a little scared.

I cleared my throat, "Y'all don't like that...?"

"Why the hell-" Harry rolled his eyes.

Zayn threw his hands up dramatically, "What possessed you to go and do something like that?"

I shrugged, taking the skillet from Harry's grasp to put food on Hayden's plate, "I need money."

"You don't need shit," Harry said from behind me, reaching past me and filling Hayden's cup with juice, "Especially money, Jailen."

"Wrong," I bit the inside of my cheek, "I need a few things - I need to grab garbage bags, I need more shampoo and conditioner, I need to renew my Netflix, I need-" My phone dinged three times on the counter, interrupting me, and I was confused until I looked up at Zayn to see him holding his phone. I deadpanned, smacking my lips as he just shrugged.

"Now you don't need money."

I rolled my eyes and sat the skillet down on the stove, "I'll transfer that to Hayden's bank account, thank you. However, I do need money. I haven't had a job in nearly five years, I want to start working again."

"Because you aren't allowed to have a job, Jailen. We discussed that already. Years ago," Harry spoke, his voice low and irritated.

"Well, considering the circumstances," I shot a glare at him which only resulted in him glaring back, "That situation is no longer valid and I can do what I want."

"Bullshit," He scoffed, his voice rising and echoing off the walls of the kitchen, "What do you need a job for, Jailen? What will you possibly gain from working?"

I stared at him, a bit taken aback by his outburst, "I told you why. I'm not going to depend on you and Zayn anymore."

"Why not?" Zayn asked, pouring syrup over Hayden's pancakes.

"Because," I shrugged, not having a valid reason other than not wanting to anymore. I took a seat in one of the chairs, "Why do I have to have a reason? I'm an adult, I shouldn't have to explain this to you guys." I couldn't help but chuckle in disbelief, "This is ridiculous."

"What's ridiculous is you being silly enough to refuse being taken care of," Harry said, "I mean seriously Jailen, you do realize how stupid you're being right now, don't you?"

"Harry-" Zayn tried to interrupt but I was already responding.

"I don't think I'm being stupid at all. I'm bored, Harry. I'm tired of sitting at home all day while Hayden is at school. I want a hobby, I want friends that aren't you and Zayn! I want a life that isn't just about being your baby momma!"