Yes. 2 - growing up.

Chapter 9.

When I woke up, I was still in Jc's arms. His arms were loosely wrapped around my waist while my hands were on his chest and our foreheads were touching. Our legs were entwined so I know I can't move from his grasp without waking him. It's nearly impossible.

But I honestly don't want to move. He looks so peaceful and it's comfortable and safe in his arms. I lay here for a bit, just examining his face. He looks peaceful in his sleep. His breathing is heavy and a light snore escapes his lips once in a while.

His hair is all messed up and all over the place. He honestly looks adorable and I wish I could leave so he can sleep in peace.

"Dylan." He mumbles in his sleep and my eyes widen when he pulls me tighter and closer into his chest. Bare chest, might I add. When did he take his shirt off? Or was it off the whole time? Oh my god. He was shirtless last night when I went into his room and started talking to him about Trevor. How oblivious am I?

I close my eyes, trying to sleep for a bit longer, and nuzzle a bit into his chest. He mumbles something incoherent as I slowly drift off again.

"Dylan." I hear my name being called and someone lightly shaking me awake.

"What?" I pull a pillow above my head, trying to stop the light from seeping through but it doesn't work.

"Fine, I have to resort to this." I furrow my brows but before I know it, someone's hands are at my sides tickling me. I scream and fall to the floor laughing as the person keeps tickling.

"Fine!" I scream and wipe away a tear from laughing too hard. "God." I rub my eyes and open them to find Jc with a smile on his face.

He's on all floors while I'm sitting criss-crossed. Our faces are inches away from each other and I don't hesitate leaning back a bit. But Jc being Jc, leans forward and kisses my nose. "Get up. Everyone is waiting down stairs with breakfast." He stands to his feet and pulls a shirt over his head.

I stand up and pull my hair back and before I can put it into a ponytail, I remember I have no hair tie. I walk out of Jc's room and go into mine to pull my hair into a ponytail. I change from skinny jeans to black leggings and put my towel on the doorknob of my bathroom so I'll remember to take a quick shower later.

I grab my phone from my nightstand and make my way down stairs as I check my messages and mentions. I tweet to a couple fans and tweet out a good morning before I find everyone in the dining room waiting for me.

"What's this?" I hesitantly ask once everyone's eyes are on me and they all have smiles on their faces. They are planning something and I know it. The doorbell rings and my aunt walks into the kitchen, avoiding the door.

I roll my eyes as I walk over to the door and open it to find someone I never expected. This is why they all had smiles on their faces and that little glint in their eyes. I just know they had a part in this and I'm definitely not so happy about it.

"Dylan Radner?" I nod. "I don't know if you remember me but I'm James Coleman? We met three years ago the day before Digifest."

"I remember you. I kind of saw your badge." He looked down to see the badge attached to a string that was around his neck. "Um, I don't mean to be rude but, why are you here?" I step to the side so he can come in since the cold was becoming too unbarable for me.

"I was told by two of the Our2ndLife boys that you would love to host another show for them. Digifest usually doesn't do this but they are having a show in five days and the boys are going to be there." He takes off his jacket and I hang it on the coat hanger. I lead him into the dining room and shoot Jc a look but he responds with a shrug.

"Really now?" He nods, oblivious to the stares I'm giving everyone in the room. "I didn't know they were having a show."

"Yes, well, they wanted you to host the show. You have hosted many shows for Digifest and have had many meet and greets and you are becoming popular on the internet." He states in a matter of fact.

"Yay." I mumble sarcastically. I motion for him to take a seat with us and he gladly takes the seat. I sit in my own chair next to Jc while he sits next to my aunt. "So, let me guess, I have to go to California?"

"Well, yes, that was implied. And I have talked to your aunt on the phone." Just then, she walks in with a pile of pancakes and they briefly greet each other. "She agreed and we will handle the plane ticket, hotel, and drive service."

"Oh," Jc butts in. "No need for hotel and drivers. She can spend the days at the O2L house." He stuffed one whole pancake into his mouth and started to chew. Everyone's eyes landed on Connor since we all knew he was a part of this.

"Yeah, I mean, she could take one of our rooms, most likely mine, and I could sleep in the living room or make a bed on the floor." My aunt gave me a look and I knew what my answer was. Sadly, I have to say this word again. The word I dread the most ever since three years ago.

"Yes."

"Yes?" James repeated and I nodded. I was going back to California and this time, the air is thick.

The rest of the morning was spent in silence. Some small talk here and there from my aunt but other than that, we were quiet. I paid attention to the noise of the forks hitting the plates and sometimes lightly tapping teeth when you bring it to your mouth. I didn't want to talk, I just want to get out of here and call Alice.

"Excuse me." I dab the napkin to my lips before backing my chair and standing up to go to my room with my phone in hand.

"Hello?" I hear my friends voice on the line and I sigh in relief that she answered her phone.

"Hey Alice." I take a deep breath, sitting down on my bed while rubbing my palm on my thigh. "Well, I'm going back to California." My voice is high pitched and I'm honestly way too nervous.

"Isso é incrível! That's awesome!"  I let out a nervous laugh. "Why are you nervous? What's wrong?" Her accent takes over as she slightly swears in Portuguese.

"I don't know Alice. I kind of have history back in Cali and I'm anxious." I rub my palm on my thigh again after I put her on speaker. See, Alice doesn't really know about the whole "Trevor Pact" situation and my history. All she really knew about my past was that I was depressed. Everyone knows that.

"What are you doing in California?" She says California in her accent and it's cute how she rolls her R's.

"Hosting a show for Our2ndLife." I let out a shaky breath. "See old friends that will bring back the past."

"Look, Dylan. Se fosse comigo, eu iria. Veja o que acontece. If it were me, I would go. See what happens. You could always patch things up with whoever they are and then the old memories will be gone. Burnt."

One thing I loved about Alice: her advice. Her mom taught her well before she died and we all miss her mom. Especially Alice. Her mom was her best friend and taught her everything she needed to know. Before she was diagnosed with lung cancer, they would read inspirational books and watch shows about people learning life lessons and shit. It made her happy. And not to mention Brazilian food is the best!

"I don't know. But I already promised and the Digitour guy is already here. I guess I should-"

"Hey Dylan, I have to go. Beijos, tchau." And then she hung up on me. What could be so important at.. Never mind. It's ten in the morning. I don't blame her.

I walk back down stairs and sit down with everyone including James. "So, when are we going to Cali?" A smile spread on everyone's faces and Andrea is jumping in her seat.

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