The Institute ~Completed~

Chapter Sixteen: Christmas.

It was December 24th and everyone was gathering for the Christmas ball, Jessica's parents always held this time of year. "You ready?" Jessica asks Cotton. Cotton spins around in front of the wall mirror, admiring her red dress. "Yes are you?" Cotton asks looking at Jessica's more mature adult dress. "Sure am!" Jessica picks up Cotton. "Mummy?" Cotton says nuzzling Jessica's neck. "Yes baby?" Jessica replies. "When can I see daddy?" Cotton asks. Jessica couldn't answer. She hasn't talked to Jake in a month. Last time they spoke was in November. "I hope soon." Jessica whispers. "There are my beautiful girls." Jake proudly says catching the eyes of his and Jessica's families, including Aleigh and Jacob. He held a banquet of roses in his left hand and a present in his right. Assuming the present is for Cotton. "Daddy?" Cotton's grey eyes lite up. "Yes baby its me." Jake says holding out his arms. Jessica had put Cotton down and Cotton ran into his arms. "I've missed you so much." Cotton kisses his cheek. "Same to you my love. I got you something." He hands Cotton the present. And he straightens up to meet his wonderful girl. "And these are for you." He gives her the banquet of roses. Jessica smiles. "Why thank you!"

Cotton opens up her present to see, a brand new pair of black Doc Martens. She looks at them in awe. "I got those for you since you are a mini fashion star." Jake says. "Thank you daddy!" Cotton squeals. "That was nice of you."Jessica hugs him. "That's not all." Jake whispers in her ear. "Nice to see you're doing well." Johnny comes up and hands him a glass of red wine. "I'm doing just fine." Jake says taking sip of wine. ''Hmm, well Jes I'm going to take Cotton over to Jade." Johnny picks up Cotton. "Wait where are we going?" Asks Cotton. "You didn't hear what I said?" Johnny tilts his head. Cotton looks down. "Um no?" Johnny furrows his eyebrows together. "Well, we're going to see Jade." Cotton smiles. "Okay." Johnny walks away with Cotton in his arms.

"Jake, it's been so long since I've seen you. I've missed you so much." Jessica once more hugs him. "I've missed you too!" Jake whispers into her neck. ''Aye love birds.'' Jacob proudly says as he walks over. He looks like a businessman in his suit. ''Hey Jacob." Jake pats him on the back. Jessica slightly pulls away. ''I'm going to go." Jessica says and walks away but Jake didn't want to leave her alone. "I'll see you guys later." Jake runs after her. "Jesy wait." Jessica turns around only to feel another pair of lips on hers. Everyone around them watches in awe. ''You taste just like I remember." Jake whispers against her lips. Jessica puts her arms around his neck. "Do I now?" Jessica whispers against his. ''Yes." Jake kisses her again.

Jessica nuzzles his neck. "Are we back?" Jake asks. Jessica smiles. "Yes." Jake couldn't help but be happy. He picks up his girlfriend and spins her around bridal styled. Everyone claps at this happy moment. Cotton moves throughout the crowd. Johnny and a pregnant Jade behind her. Jake puts Jessica down and they look at her. "Come here!" Jake says with a smile and his arms open. Cotton runs to him and as soon as she was in his arms. He spins her around and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Seems like I've got my family back." Cotton whispers. Jake pulls Jessica closer. "You do." Jake says.

Jade who cautiously walks up to them with a smile speaks. "You take care of my baby sister and my niece." Jake gives Cotton to Jessica. He takes her hand and places a kiss on it. "I will and it looks like you're going to have a family of your own." Jake notices the baby bump Jade has. "Indeed I will." Jade says looking down at her bump. Jake smiles and looks back at his family. Something caught his eyes. Jessica looks bigger than usual. "Hey Jake." Jessica's dad calls out. Jake turns around to find himself face to face with her father. ''Uh hi?" Jake says without making direct contact. "Easy boy. I'm not going to hurt ya." John says which made Jake actually look at him. "You're not?" The way Jake sounds makes Jessica and Cotton giggle. John glares at them, they instantly shut up. "Sorry." Jessica mumbles. "No son. I just want to say. I'm glad your old self is back. And you can take these two ladies off my back." John pats Jake's shoulder. "Thank you sir." Jake smiles.