The Gray Family: Forces Of Nature✔️(Wattpad version)

Keeping a distance

Pax

I kept my head down and did what I had to do. My face looked terrible from what happened a few nights ago. I went to class, and people stared at me. I focused on the course.

After my classes, I went to work as Nik and Shaun stared at me. I went to the back, saying nothing, and got ready for my shift.

"Paxton? Are you okay?" Nik asked with concern.

"Yeah, I ran into a door," I lied as I got things ready.

Nik furrowed his brows as I set tables and chairs up. Frazier came out of the kitchen, and Nik gestured at me as I worked. They whispered as I made sure the bakery was ready to open.

"Uh, Paxton, if you want a day off, we'll be fine," Frazier reasoned.

I walked towards the three of them. "No need, I'm okay," I said as I went into the back. I refuse to have someone knock me down and not getting up. That is not me.

The bell chimed, and I walked over to the cashier register as people stared at me.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

The people placed their orders, and I ignored the stares. My brothers and cousins came into the bakery as I worked. They watched me as did my job, ignoring comments and stares.

Shaun tried helping me, but I refused his help. As I waited on people and my family watched me, the bell chimed as they parted ways. I was getting an order for a customer as the person approached the counter. Once I gathered everything, I turned, walking back to the bar, not noticing who was standing there.

I set the order on the counter as I looked up to see Ma standing there. I looked at her, trying not to cry. Pops walked up to the bar as I furrowed my brows. Then I saw Nana and Grandpa along with Uncle Noah as more family entered the bakery.

Ma touched my hand, and that's when it happened. I broke down and cried. Ma released my hand as she walked around the counter and held me. I hugged her tightly as I cried. The one person I needed is here.

"Oh, Pax, I'm here," Ma said as she comforted me.

"I'm sorry, Ma. I'm trying," I cried.

"I know, baby, I know," Ma said, comforting me.

"Who called Ma?" Parker asked, looking at my brothers.

"I did," Pat answered as Park and Pay looked at him. "My twin needs the one person who we all need."

I stood there and buried my head into Ma.

Piper

When I walked into the bakery and saw Pax, it pissed me off. How did it get so bad? They hurt one of my babies, and no one stopped it. Frazier let Pax leave, and we took him home.

When we returned to the house, all hell broke loose. I let everyone have it with both barrels, including Lex.

"What do you want me to say, Piper?" Lex yelled.

"How about let me help you, Lex?" I yelled back.

"The boys are adults!" Lex yelled.

"And our kids! Don't stand there and tell me you never asked for help! I can't believe you or any of you!" I yelled at Lex and the boys.

The boys and Lex looked at me.

"I don't expect perfection, but I expect that you will look out for each other. This family is about helping each other and not letting one fall, or did you forget that?" I asked Lex and the boys.