Thin Air ✿ Jeff Atkins [COMPLETED]

EIGHTEEN

It was lunch. The family was gathering around the table, kids running around. Josie and Jeff walked downstairs together, their hands intertwined. Everyone at the table stopped what they were doing, looking at the two.

"Uh, what's going on?" Jeff whispered to Josie as they looked at how everyone was eyeing them, some smirking, some trying to suppress their laughter.

"I have no idea." Josie answered as they both stood behind their chairs, looking at everyone confusingly, "Why are you looking at us like that?" She asked.

"You have this vibe." Sophia said, a teasing grin on her face.

"A glow, too." Phoebe egged on.

"Wh-What glow?" Jeff asked, his heartbeat beating fast as he was nervous what was on his mind was true.

"The I-had-sex glow." Xavier said bluntly, earning a wack on the chest by Stephan and everyone to erupt in complains, explaining that there were kids around.

At the mention of this, Josie's and Jeff's cheeks were crimson red, looking down as they squeezed each other's hands. Stephan looked at his wife, Kelsey before nodding and standing up alongside. "Josie, Jeff, kitchen." Stephan demanded, walking to the kitchen with his wife.

"Oh my God," Josie whispered to herself.

"Good luck, babies," Xavier laughed, Annie shushing him.

Josie and Jeff followed Josie's parents to the kitchen, seeing Stephan with his arms crossed and Kelsey standing beside him, leaning on the counter. "Mr. Blair, I-"

Stephan held his hand up, interrupting Jeff, "Do you love my daughter, Jeff?"

"Absolutely crazy about her, sir." Jeff answered, genuineness dropping off his words, assuring the man.

"Josie, do you love and trust him?" Stephan looked at her.

"I do, dad. Undoubtedly." Josie answered sincerely, squeezing Jeff's hand.

"Were you safe?" He asked, his eyes darting from his daughter to her boyfriend.

"Yes, sir. We were."

"Listen, Josie, you know your father and I trust you and we trust Jeff as well. We just want what's best for you. Sorry about them putting you under the spotlight like that." Kelsey said, a kind smile on her face.

"I understand, mom. But can we uh...please stop talking about this? I'm feeling very awkward." Josie scratched her forehead, nervously.

"Off you go." Stephan chuckled.

They didn't need to be told twice, Jeff and Josie left the kitchen, going to sit in their places at the dining table. Josie was looking down at her utensils, a grin on her face, laughing quietly to herself before bursting out laughing.

Jeff shook his head, laughing, putting his head in his hands before everyone started laughing. Josie threw her head back, her eyes teary before she looked at Jeff, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, shaking him teasingly.

//

It was time to leave. Hugs were shared among the family as everyone bid their goodbyes before getting into their cars.

"It was so nice meeting you, Jeff." Annie hugged him tightly, patting his back.

"It was a pleasure to spend the last three days with you, Annie. Thank you for the hospitality." Jeff grinned, pulling away from the hug.

"Oh, it's no problem. Just take care of our Josie. Take care of each other." She smiled kindly.

"I promise." He grinned before moving to Paul, who also pulled him in a hug. "Save me a spot in Bingo for next time, huh," Jeff teased him.

"Oh I definitely will!" Paul laughed, patting him on the back, "I'll make sure to have Josie get you with her next time, son. You're a great guy."

"Thank you, Paul." They smiled at each other before Jeff moved towards the car, Josie and her parents waiting for him. He got inside, closing the door behind him.

"They really like you." Josie said, leaning on the window and looking at him.

"I loved the whole family. Thank you for inviting me." Josie only smiled in return.

"Ready?" Stephan asked,

"Yes." The rest answered before they drove off, soft music playing.

//

It was 9. They arrived back home at 4 pm, Jeff at his house, Josie's parents at theirs but Josie woke up at 8 and decided to go to Monet's, leaving a note to her parents for if they wake up and wonder where she was.

She had texted Clay to meet her, who jumped off his bed, excited that his friends are finally back and he can turn off his online game for once. She on a table in the middle of the shop, watching teenagers who sat together on tables around her and a few busy adults.

"Josie!" She looked up, seeing a grinning Clay. She grinned back, standing up and wrapping her arms around him tightly.

"Claypole Jensen," She giggled before sitting down, Clay rolling his eyes and sitting in the chair opposite to hers.

"Happy belated birthday. I got you something." Clay opened his backpack, taking out a gift bag - Christmas themed. "Uh, couldn't find one with a happy birthday so..."

Josie laughed, shaking her head as she took it from him, She put the bag on her lap, taking out a pillow with a ' FACE PLANT HERE ' written on it. "I love it!" She laughed, "You really are something else, Claypole."

"I'm glad you do." Clay smiled and watched as Josie put the pillow back in the bag and putting it beside her, "Did you tell Hannah you came?"

At the mention of that name, Josie's smile fell, "We don't talk." She answered quickly.

Clay frowned, furrowing his eyebrows confusingly, "Why?"

Because watched Bryce try to feel Josie up and instead of doing anything, she watched her best friend struggle in discomfort and didn't even try to talk to her later. "I'd rather not talk about this, Clay." She sighed, leaning her back on the chair.

"No pressure," Clay pursed his lips.

//

Just two more chapters till Jessica's party.