Stepbrother//Jack Avery

Chapter 6

5 months later

*Lia's POV*

It was the day of the wedding. Not for me but for my father and my soon to be mother, Kristin.
I glanced at my reflection staring back at me in the mirror. I was wearing a short dress, the top half white lace with flower detailing. The bottom half was a blush pink color, flaring out at the bottom so it wasn't hugging my body tightly. I wore tan heals and my hair was up in a bun.
"Wow, you look beautiful," I heard a gasp and I turned around to see my dad, smiling at me.
He was dressed in his suite. He walked over to me and pulled me into a reassuring hug.
"Lia, I promise nothing will end up as it was in the past with your mom. And thank you for being so supportive with this. I know it's hard to adjust but I'll be right by your side if you ever need someone to talk to."
I smiled at him as we pulled away, "I'm proud of you dad."
"Sorry to interrupt," I heard someone clear their throat.
Turning around I saw Gabbie, all dressed up. My dad has allowed me to invite her to the wedding since she's my best friend and Jack's girlfriend.
"Gabbie!" I exclaimed, running over to her.
She beamed at me, then turned to my dad, "Thank you for allowing me to come!"
"No problem. You mean a lot to Lia so therefore you mean a lot to me," my dad responded, then he turned and left the room.
"You look beautiful Lia," Gabbie remarked.
"Same to you!" I replied.
"And now you aren't an only child," she chuckled, "You have Sydnie, Jack, Ava and Isla."
  I nodded, "Now there's always someone to talk to."
  We both talked a little more until realizing we should begin to head over to the venue. We took my car over, along with the boys. Of course they were invited since it was their best friend's mom's wedding. All of their family was coming too which made me nervous for some reason.
  Quinn was coming too, it had been a few months since I'd seen her, along with my grandma, aunt, uncle, and my dad's work friends.
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  The wedding was finished and the after party had just begun. The boys were singing while my dad and Kristin danced. I watched from a table as I sat with Quinn.
  "I'm so glad he's happy again," I sighed as I watched him sway Kristin to one of the slower songs.
  "And I'm glad to see you so happy again too. You were miserable with your mom and now your finally smiling," Quinn remarked as she squeezed my shoulder.
  I turned to face her, "Now I have memories to look forward to with my new family and friends. Life is looking up for me and I couldn't be more grateful."
 
*Jack's POV*

  As I sang I noticed Daniel's eyes drifting towards Lia. He had told me he had the slightest crush on her but I could tell it was bigger than he admitted. I was going to get the two together, I just wasn't sure how.
  When we finished singing the guests clapped and we headed off the stage. I made my way over to Gabbie.
  "We need to get Daniel and Lia together," I stated as I grabbed her hand.
  She chuckled, "I agree. The way Daniel will look at her when she isn't paying attention, how he always has a smile when she's around, he's in love."
  "Do you think there's any chance that Lia feels the same way?" I asked.
  Gabbie bit her lip, "Sorta kinda possibly. But you can't tell her I told you!"
  I smirked, "Perfect, plan Dia is in action."

*Lia's POV*

  The party was over and the boys were over our house along with Kristin, Sydnie, Ava, and Isla.
  My dad and Kristin were downstairs watching a movie and the rest of us were in my room, squished as to there were nine people on the floor.
  "Are you guys moving in together?" questioned Corbyn.
  I looked to Sydnie but she shrugged, "I mean I'd assume."
  He nodded.
  "Lia, the girl who was there with you, was that one of your friends?" Jack looked at me.
  "Yeah, she's one of my best friends, Quinn. I hadn't seen her since before my mom so it was nice to be with her again," I answered as I played with my fingers.
  Then I realized I'd let it slip. I covered my mouth and looked around as they stared besides Sydnie since she knew.
  "Before your mom?" Jack stared, confused.
  "Uh, she left awhile ago. She...she wasn't," I took a deep breath, "She was abusive."
  My voice cracked on the last word and I looked down at my lap.
  "Gosh Lia, I'm sorry. I didn't know," Jack apologized.
  "It's not your fault. You weren't the one hitting me and yelling at me. You simply asked a question and there's nothing wrong with that," I sighed.
  I felt a hand in my shoulder and I looked up to see Daniel, his expression showing sympathy. I leaned back, my head resting on the wall as tears welled up in my eyes.
  All the times I'd held the tears back, all the times I ignored the pain, they returned now. In front of everyone just to humiliate myself.
  "I'm sorry," I said as I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my hoodie.
  "Come here Lia," Daniel said.
  He was towering over me, his arms outstretched for a hug. I stood up and wrapped my arms around him as I buried my head in his chest.
  "Thank you," I whispered looking up at him.
  "Lia, it's ok to cry. You've been through a lot and you have been so tough," Sydnie stood up and rubbed my back.
  I left Daniel's embrace and turned to her, nodding.
  Finally, I calmed down and the mood was lightened by the boys cracking jokes. I was so thankful I had them all, plus Quinn and Gabbie and my dad. Even Kristin. They all helped me get through the tough times and I owe them a thanks.