Say It If It's Worth Saving Me

7. You Were Mad But You Kissed Me

"I'm here!" I called as I stepped into the Hemmings household.

"JAI!" A chorus of voices called back.

I headed straight towards the backyard and sure enough found everyone hanging out. There was the guys and their families surprisingly enough, not to mention Ryon and a few other of the boys' friends from school.

"We were starting to wonder where you were," Liz said as she greeted me with a hug.

"Dad was worrying over his clothes," I replied.

"Jasper's here?" She asked, sounding surprised.

"Hey Liz," as if on cue.

"Jasper!" Liz exclaimed. "It's so good to see you."

Dad smiled and offered her a reusable bag from the store, "I brought some things, I hope you don't mind."

"No, of course not!" She took the bag from him. "Come over here and we'll sort this out."

I smiled and made my way over to where Michael, Calum, and Ryon were. I dramatically bowed and held up Michael's gift towards him.

"It's incredibly late but here ya go," I said as he took it from me.

"Fuck, what even is it?" He asked.

"You gotta open it," I answered, straightening back up.

"Your dad actually is out here," Ryon pointed out, surprised. "Like, he showered and put on people clothes."

"He did," I nodded my head as Michael tore the wrapping paper off of his gift.

"No!" He exclaimed. "You didn't!"

"Aw man, I was gonna buy you that once I had the money," Calum frowned.

"Ha!" I laughed. "I win."

"Thank you so much!" Michael clutched the game to his chest.

I nodded and turned to see Luke talking to a blonde girl that looked vaguely familiar.

"Who's that talking to Luke?" I asked.

"Huh?" Everyone turned but Calum replied. "That's Aleisha, she's in Luke's English class."

I nodded my head and then turned back to Michael, "So you like the game?"

"Yes!" Michael shouted.

Ryon, Calum and I laughed and I excused myself to go get a plate with snacks. Dad was easily engaged in conversation with the other parents while I drifted along the table covered in trays and plates of food.

"Hey," Ashton bumped my shoulder.

"Hey, Ash," I replied.

"How are you doing?" He asked.

I shrugged, "I like that things are starting to go back to normal."

He chuckled, "It's quite the opposite for me and the boys."

"How so?" I looked at him as my eyebrows drew up.

"After that show, a few other bars and venues have offered to let us play shows," he explained.

I nodded and looked towards where Michael, Calum, and Ryon were at. They were laughing at something and Luke went over there bringing Aleisha with him. Looking back down at my plate where a few cookies and some chips sat, I tried to think of something intelligent to say.

"That sounds great," I smiled at him. "You guys are gonna be a signed band in no time."

"Sure," Ashton laughed, his face scrunching up adorably. "If those three could stop goofing off."