Played.

33: "The Slopes."

The car journey passed surprisingly quick, bringing us to a grand house on a peaceful street.

"It hasn't changed a bit." Justin smiled up at it.

"Yeah, the inside's pretty much the same too." Jeremy informed, stepping out of the car.

We all followed, making our way toward the wide, oak front door, in which Jeremy inserted his keys, opening it. Upon hearing the door open, two young children dashed toward the noise.

"Oh my God, Jazzy!" Justin raced forward into the hall, toward the little girl, scooping her up and spinning her around. "Jax!" He lifted the little boy too, showering them in kisses.

For some reason, these children looked familiar to me, like I'd seen them before. I traced my memory, thinking of where it was their faces had been.

"Jazzy, Jax, meet Maddie." Marcus was crouched down on their level, holding the two of them.

"Well, hey there." I laughed, as they lunged forward, hugging my legs.

"Is she your girrrl-friend?" Jax asked, turning back to Marcus.

"Actually, she is." He grinned proudly.

"Oh." Jax pouted.

"Why? What's wrong, little man?"

"I want a girlfriend."

"We can share, deal?" Marcus picked Jax up. "Come on, are you going to help me unpack?" He led him inside.

"So, you're Jazzy." I took the little girl in my arms.

"Mm hmm." She nodded vigorously, her bright blue eyes shining.

"I'm Maddie, nice to meet you. How about we go inside, and you tell me everything there is to know about you, huh?" She squealed in delight, as I stepped into the house.

                                                                ****

The evening came and went in a flash, and I awoke the next morning to an empty bed, with the sound of water running in the background. I lay there, thinking about yesterday's events and what would happen today.

Yesterday I had bonded with my "in-laws" over dinner, and the chill session that followed. I learnt that:

1. Pattie and Jeremy were separated. Pattie was not the mother of Jazzy and Jax, yet she treated them as if they were her own.

2. Jazzy and Jax, also known as Jazmyn and Jaxon, were Justin and Marcus' half sister and brother, as they had a different mom.

3. Jazzy was my new favorite person in the world. She reminded me so much of my own sister, Brooke, they'd get along really well. And, she was so interesting to talk to, there was never a boring moment with her.

Today, even though we had only arrived yesterday, we would be taking on the slopes, no time for sleep. I was super excited, who wouldn't be, I was going snowboarding for the first time.

Around ten minutes later, Marcus emerged from the shower, nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

"You're up." He came and lay next to me. "Are you scared?"

"A little."

"Don't worry, your big, strong boyfriend is here to protect you." He flexed his muscles, they looked larger than before.

"Shut up." I pushed him to the side. "Have you been working out?"

"Pshh, no. I was born with these bad boys, baby." He felt his muscles jokingly.