ONCE

Chapter 9

I walk closer to the people with James still on my arm.

"Mother? Jax? What are you doing here?" I question.

"Surprise darling," my mother cheers with pure excitement.

"Hi, Nastasia" Jax walks over and gives me a hug.

"Oh um..hi," I mumble.

"Nastasia, you're wearing the dress I brought you," mom smiles.

"You look great," pipes in Jax.

"Yes, you do." mum brings me out of Jax's arms and into her own, squeezing me tight.

"Let us in, show Jax the dorm," mum gushes.

I unlock the door and open it wide for them to walk in.

"It's small Nastasia. How do you live in here?" Jax walks around the dorm with a frown on his face and eyebrows knitted together.

"We're going apartment hunting tomorrow," James smiles, squeezing my moms waist.

They have always been close, mom says he's like the son she never had, and James says she's the non-alcoholic, depressed and sducidal mum he wished he had.

"That's great, we'll come with you," my mum grins.

"Are you guys going to stay here?" James asks.

"It's too small for more than two people," Jax grumbles. "We'll be getting a hotel."

"Are you going to leave now then?" my voice quiet.

"Yes, I think we'll go now." my mum puts her hand on Jax's shoulder, squeezing it.

"Alright, then...well bye." I walk up to my mum and give her a tight hug then walk over to Jax. "I already miss you," he whispers softy into my hair as he wraps his arms around my body.

"I miss you, too," I sigh contently, while inhaling his sweet cologne.

"Get a good nights sleep, you'll need it for apartment hunting tomorrow."

"I'll try," I say, nuzzling into his neck. It's a good thing he doesn't tower over me, otherwise I wouldn't be able to do this.

"I love you." Jax kisses my forehead.

"I love you, too."

Jax unwraps his arms and walks towards my mother.

"Bye."

James locks the door behind them. He turns around and glares at me.

"You told me they would be coming next week," he huffs, holding the bridge of his nose between his fingers.

"That's what I got told, James. Don't be mad at me."

James stomps off towards his bed.

"James," I whine.

"Nastasia, that was so awkward for me."

"Why? My mother loves you, that's all that counts. Don't worry about Jax. Please James," I plead, giving my best puppy dog face.

"Whatever, I'm going to sleep." James throws the duvet up and gets under it.

"Don't you dare go to sleep mad at me, James."

"I'm not mad at you, I'm annoyed at the situation. I just hate Jax."

"I know you do James, and I'm sorry about that."

"It's alright, baby cakes."

James get out of bed and gives me a bear hug but it has to come to an end when there's a loud knocking at the door.

"If that's Jax."

"It's probably my mother, you know how she is."

James walks over to the door and opens it.

"Who are you?" James asks. It's diffidently not my mother.

"Um..Nastasia come here," James calls.

I walk towards the door, James opening it a little wider for me to slip under his arm to see who is at the door.

"Harry?" I gasp.

"I'm not very happy with you." Harry's jaw tightens as does my stomach.

"You shouldn't be here, Harry."

"We need to talk," He demands.

Wanting to see more of this gorgeous man I tell him "Fine."

Harry walks inside, having a quick look around the dorm. He turns back to me, looking me up and down before his eyes travel over to James.

"Who's he?" Harry asks.

"Her roommate. Who are you?" James wraps an arm around my shoulders.

"Harry."

"Why are you here?"

"I need to talk to Nastasia."

"Talk then."

"Alone."

"Where do you propose I go? To the kitchen? Or maybe the living room. If you haven't noticed there isn't much room in here," James frowns at Harry.

Harry turns to me, and raises one eyebrow.

"Oh..um James can you just wait outside," I mumble, looking down at the floor.

James' grip tightens on my shoulder. I look up, into his big brown eyes.

"I'll be fine. I'll call you if I need," I reassure him. He nods and walks out.

I take a seat on my bed once James is outside.

"I'm not happy with you, Nastasia."

"You said. Why?" I ask, nervously.

"We had a hang out for one and two you said everything was a mistake."

"I sigh. "I'm engaged."

"So what are you saying?"

"Harry, I'm saying that I shouldn't be going out to dinner with other men," I huff a little.

"But I'm not like other men."