*On Hiatus* Unexpected - A Ross Lynch FanFiction

Part Two

Later that day they made the short trip over to the Lynch residence. The interior of the house was open, homey and full of light. Seeing the fireplace and the large comfy couches immediately brought back a flood of memories. She was quickly reminded of how this used to be like a second home to her.

It was only a few moments after entering the house that they were welcomed by the scent french toast and bacon. As expected, they found Stormie hard at work in the kitchen. A massive bowl of fruit salad had already been served and picked through.

Rocky and Ross sat in the corner playing guitar together. She assumed that they were working on a new song of some sort but, from the looks of it they were just messing around a bit. Rydel was sitting on the couch checking her phone while Ryland and Riker were sprawled out next to her engrossed in an Xbox game. Without speaking a word, Ellington immediately grabbed a controller, plopped on the couch next to them and joined the game. He fit into the family seamlessly.

Riker put his controller down and jumped up from the couch. He crossed the room in her direction, leaping over the ottoman as he did.

"Jess!" he approached her and hunched down a bit giving her a hug. "I didn't know that you were comin' over."

Jessica hugged him back, "Well, neither did I."

He pulled away and smiled. "You staying for dinner? We're having our last big family dinner before we leave."

She immediately realized that he was referring to their family tradition of having one big meal together before every tour. Everyone was required to be there, no exceptions, and it usually involved a truckload of food. It was the family's way of staying connected to each other, remembering their roots, and keeping level heads before the insanity of tour life ensued. It was a tradition that was needed even more now than ever.

For a quick moment it seemed like it was a bit too early to be having this dinner, considering it was usually done right before they leave. She shrugged, "Yeah, I guess so. Ellington is my ride, so I'm kinda stuck here until he decides to leave-"

She was interrupted by a familiar voice, "Hey guys!" Stormie paused from her work greet the two newcomers with a warm smile. She faced Jessica. "Haven't seen you around here in a while, Jess. How've you been, sweetie?"

Jessica gave a small smile and moved over into the kitchen, "Pretty good, thanks."

"Help yourself to some grub. Theres plenty to go around." she moved back to the stove and flipped a few more pieces of french toast.

"I can see." replied Jessica as she shoved her hands into her front pockets. She smirked, "Of course, what else is new."

"Oh, I know right?" Stormie replied with a chuckle as she worked. "You kind of get used to it when you are constantly trying to feed an army."

Jessica smiled momentarily, "Well, I already ate, but I will take some coffee if you have it."

"Sure! Let me just make you a fresh pot real quick." she threw some freshly cooked bacon on a plate and set it on the kitchen island.

"Oh, thats alright, I got it. I know my way around well enough." Jessica pulled her hands out and went right to the coffee maker. She opened the cabinet above it and began to brew a pot. She leaned against the counter while the machine worked away.

"So hows work going for you? You still at the same firm?" Stormie asked, referring to Jessica's position at the marketing firm that she'd been with for the last four years. Stormie was always great at playing the role of second mom to all her kids friends.

"Yep, still there. I got promoted last fall, but other than that it's pretty much the same."

"Oh, thats great to hear, sweetie. Good for you." There was a pause as she began the process of cleaning things up and putting everything away. "So, I take it you heard about all the commotion?... About this big tour?"