Them. | The Final Installment of the Him Series | Joe Jonas Fanfiction

Sixteen.

I'd be lying if I said Londyn's call didn't throw me for a loop. Now I sit here, twelve hours later, researching Charles yet again. I almost didn't. I probably shouldn't be. There's no way it could be him. Everything I researched came back clean. Plus, he couldn't have been in New York last night, he was with us yesterday. At Jaclyn's. We had gone over so Stella could talk with her about some things. She had asked me to come along for company, but I know it was just to get me out of the house. Since the show I can tell she's watching me more closely... like she thinks I'll break into a million tiny pieces or something.

Regardless, we were with him yesterday. I still don't like him. Not after Thanksgiving. It completely turned me off from him. The way he talked, the way he got so defensive over David knowing my feelings on the entirety of the situation. But would he threaten my kids? I'm not so sure anymore. I thought he could've been behind something but there's no proof. And like I said, there's no way she could've seen him in New York yesterday.

"Hey, still looking into Charles?"

I look over, sighing as Stella comes further into the room, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah, I feel like I have to. Londyn told me to look into him again. I still don't like him, but damn, I also don't see how he could be behind it. There's no way she saw him. He was here yesterday, and he wouldn't have been able to make it to New York for her to see him after what time we left last night compared to when she called me."

She nods. "You still don't like him even though you found nothing?"

I give her a look. "No. The way he completely disregards what was done to me is ridiculous. I was forced into a life I never asked for because they made the wrong decision and kidnapped a kid."

"If they hadn't we wouldn't know each other."

I sigh, looking back to my computer. "We don't know that."

"Everything happens for a reason, Addie."

"Why is this happening then?" I ask, looking at her again.

She pulls in a breath before sighing, shaking her head. "I'm not sure, to be honest. But there's a reason. I promise you that."

I nod, looking back down at the computer. "Even so, Stells. His complete disregard for my feelings is not appreciated or tolerated in my life."

She nods. "Okay. You gonna keep looking into him?"

I nod. "Yes. I need to cover all the basis again if I can cross him off for good. Londyn told me to look at him again for a reason, I have to do it."

"Okay, well, I'm going to take a nap since I was up most of the night."

"Okay," I nod. "Have a good nap."

"You should take one too. You didn't sleep much either."

I shrug. "I'll probably just run out and get a cup of coffee or something."

"You're just like your damn husband," she says, rolling her eyes and starting to walk away.

"I even found the best little coffee shop in town," I tell her, grinning widely.

She rolls her eyes again, grinning as she leaves the room.

I sigh, shrugging at her attitude and continuing with my research into Charles yet again.

A part of me wants to ignore it and just move on, continue with my research into other people. But something is telling me that it's not a good idea. That I need to keep going with the Charles idea. If not for anything else, to prove that he is one hundred percent not responsible. To be able to fully move on from the lead this time. I don't want to give up on an idea that one of the girls give me and potentially lose any information or lead that may lead me to getting home, no matter how much I think I already stressed the options.

After another hour or so, I feel my eyes getting heavier, making me sigh.

Time to move offices. Let's head over to the coffee shop.

Getting off the bed, I pack my laptop into my bookbag, throwing on a pair of leggings and a long tee, sliding on my boots, putting the bookbag on my back and heading out of the house, arriving at the coffee shop a while later, finding a table and ordering a flat white... thanks babe.

I wonder what he's doing right now. It's early afternoon. The girls are probably waking from their naps. Or maybe they go down a little later now and are still sleeping. He could be working out. Maybe Christmas prep... if he's not procrastinating. Hopefully he's not. Especially with how he loves to spoil the girls with gifts. There'll be a lot of Christmas Eve work if he's procrastinating. There's only a little over a week until the holiday. I've already accepted the reality of not making it home for Christmas this year. Am I okay with it? No. But I'm accepting that it's happening. That's really the only thing I can do. I have to trust that what's happening is going to get better. I will get back to my family. I just need to trust that where I am now is where I'm supposed to be. This is how I'm going to find out who's doing this. I need to be patient. Not that I've ever really been good with patience. I think it's only gotten worse now, being away from the girls making me more anxious than anything.

After another couple of hours, I know Stella is right, I probably should sleep some, meaning no more coffee. I'll just go back to Hope's, take a nap and get back up to keep working. I'm starting to slow down and focus less. I guess that's the biggest indication.

Adjusting in my seat, I look over the coffee shop, seeing the multiple regulars I happen to see a lot, a few new people and even a new hire in training behind the counter. Another sigh releases from my lips, my eyes returning to the computer, convincing me to research for a few more minutes before leaving... until it turns into another hour.. and finding- wait. Charles has a son. Since when? Why has he never mentioned him?

I get closer to the laptop, squinting to make sure I'm seeing the information correctly.

Jacob Lennon. 22 years old. Dallas Texas.

Well... that's a reason to keep digging.

I smirk, nodding. "Bingo."

I close the laptop, eager to get home and tell Stella of my findings, ask her if she knew he had a son to begin with. I gather my things swiftly, leaving the shop and climbing into the car, starting it up and beginning the drive home.

I should call Londyn later, tell her I found something. Ask about the girls and Joe. See what they're up to. What they did today. Oh, maybe she can tell me what she saw Joe pick up for them for Christmas. That would be nice, to at least know what they're-

The car jolts and I hold my breath as I feel the car begin to flip, things flying around as it does so.

Please stop. Please stop. Please stop. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Please stop.

***

uh oh. 

bonus chapter sooooooo

vote, comment, all the things. 

all my love,

shan:)