You're Not Alone

Jingle Bells Ashby Smells

(Austin's POV)

"One last thing!" Alan yelled, putting his ornament on the Christmas tree.

He reached into the cardboard box, and pulled out a star, (or what was left of it. It was being held together by duct tape) and put it on top of the 3 foot tall tree.

Our door burst open, and a drunken Mike stumbled in, singing.

"Jingle bells, Ashby smells, Austin laid an egg. Aaron Pauley took some Molly and Manansala did ballet."

The other three followed close behind.

"Sorry, one of us couldn't wait to start drinking." Vic chuckled, as Jaime carried in a bag full of bottles.

At first, I was excited. I was always up for a night of getting drunk.

But then, I glanced over at Jen. She was fiddling with her nails, pretending to not care. But I could see through it. I knew she probably didn't have a good history of being alone with drunk men. But then again, who does?

"Hey guys, I think Jen and I are gonna go for a walk, and then maybe head to Pierce's bus." I said to the others. I had two months to prove that I could be responsible. And I was sure as hell gonna do it.

The others, luckily, picked up on this and didn't make fun of me for backing out.

"You know the code?" Vic called.

I nodded and looked over at Jen, who looked grateful.

"Put on some warmer clothes and we can go." I said with a smile.

She disappeared into the bathroom, as Tony approached me.

"How did the whole interview go?" He asked.

"Really well, considering the circumstances. I have two months with Jen to prove that I can handle being a father. The only bad part is that we'll have to fly out to Denver whenever we have to meet with this woman." I joked.

Tony gave a small laugh.

"Austin, what you're doing here is incredible. You're changing this girl's life, you know?"

I shook my head, and shrugged.

"No, I'm not." I chuckled.

Tony looked confused.

"Why do you say that?"

I looked him straight in the eyes.

"Because she's changing mine."

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(Jen's POV)

I pulled on a white scarf and wrapped it around my neck.

I shuddered at the thought of being left alone with drunk men, grateful that it wasn't going to happen tonight.

I stepped out of the bathroom and smiled at Austin.

"Ready, kiddo?" He asked, returning the smile.

I nodded, and started making my way towards him.

"Jellybean, you have to give us hugs!" Mike slurred.

I giggled and slowly walked over towards the guys. After I hugged all of them, I made my way back over to Austin.

"We'll call if we need help or anything." He shouted over loud music.

"Try not to need stuff, chances are we won't be sober enough to help you!" Jaime yelled back.

I laughed, imagining a drunk Jaime trying to do anything correctly.