FOREVER NOW

CHAPTER 4

Jared and Calvin went back to their group,--all boys of course and joined them with a toast.

"To Calvin Thompson who finally showed up after 4 fucking ass years!" And clasping of glasses were heard then joined by laughter.

"What you got there boys?" A flirty voice cut in.

The guys all turned to where the voice came from and saw Stacey wearing a tight pink dress low cut over her full bossom with a matching jacket. She had that seductive smile on her face. The guys in Jared's group all eyed her, a few with obvious interest and some with just a plain blank stare. Stacey was overtly sexual with her long dark hair, tight dress and her obvious make up. She had always been the talk of the town, being with different men and going home late at night. And they only knew too well that she wasn't a virgin anymore.

"You looking pretty good, Stacey."

"Thanks Nick." She gave away a plain smile. She wasn't flattered although Nick was an attractive guy. But the guy standing beside Jared was more attractive for her and she eyed him intently.

"Oh boy, she wants you." Jared jokingly warned Calvin.

"Hi, I'm Stacey. And you're?"

"I'm Calvin. Nice to meet you." Calvin answered with a thin plain smile. Jared left and so were the others and Calvin just wanted to cuss them out for leaving him.

As the conversation started, it was obvious that Stacey's attention was only for Calvin that day. She was laughing even louder than the rest and with her flirtish gestures it was like she wanted to take Calvin right that moment. But it was all nothing for Calvin, he was just too nice not to offend her. And he was just too glad that Stacey was finally called by a group of girls.

She turned with an obvious frown on her face but still managed to smile. "I hate to cut our small talk." She said as she snaked her arms around Calvin's.

"Oh no, it's fine." It's perfectly fine.

"It was nice talking to you though. I only wish we can talk some more."

"Maybe some other time." Calvin shrugged not sure what to say anymore.

"Here, call me." Stacey handed him her calling card more than a little willing to do so. Calvin took the tiny card from her but sure enough not to call her.

The party ended just before the sunset. The guests thanked the Millers for inviting them. It was a great party and Patty was really happy.

"Hailey." Jared called his sister as they stood beside each other.

She looked up her brother with her innocent green eyes that Jared always loved to look at, just not letting anybody know.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For planning this whole thing. It sure made mom happy."

Hailey smiled. She's actually waiting for Jared to annoy her or make a rude remark but maybe she won't be getting any tonight. "This wouldn't be even possible without you and dad. We made mom happy. All of us."

"I don't think so."

"Why not?" Kylie frowned. She heard Jared sigh.

"I've been...I've been a pain in the butt."

Hailey almost laughed but held it in. "Well, I won't say no to that."

Jared smiled at her joke. "You know...mom and dad were really happy when you came."

Hailey's smile disappeared. She didn't know whether to feel happy or guilty about it. And so she drew a deep breath to finally ask the question she had been dreading to ask Jared. "Jar...do you hate me?"

Jared frowned and turned to his sister with crossed arms. "Hell no, why will I hate you?"

"Because...well, I came to the family?" It was barely a whisper that Jared almost wasn't able to understand, but he understood it quite well.

He drew a deep breath. "Well, honestly I hated the idea of having a sibling because, well, I got so used to being an only child. But when I saw our parents happy about having you I decided to give it a try."

"You're always not around too."

"Hail, I just like going out, that's all. You won't ever make me stay at home and listen to dad's constant reminder about how I should play and apply for a membership on that Golf club he goes to."

Hailey laughed remembering the last time their father dragged Jared to that Golf club. He said he almost threw every ball he saw for not hitting a single one. "Maybe you should try to join-"

"No, hell no. Those hideous shoes alone are enough reason for not to play golf."

She laughed even more and Jared couldn't help but join in his sister.

"Love you, Jar."

"Love you, sis. You owe me 5 bucks for this."

Jared loves his sister dearly. She had always been so nice and sweet, he just loves annoying her. Not knowing him further, he's been really a brother to her, being a defensive and protective big brother whenever his friends or other people would eye on his little sister.

As kylie helped Jared clear the last of the platters away, they heard a loud call from their father, "Kylie! Jared!" It was alarming that the two of them rushed to where their father was.

"Call an ambulance!"