Step

Chapter 8: Holiday Cheer

"I miss you," Sequoia whined. I giggled slightly. Sequoia and I were talking on Skype for the first time in few months.

"I miss you too Quoi. How's Jax?" I asked. Jax still hadn't talked to me since I moved a couple months ago. I didn't understand why he was so upset.

"He's okay. We haven't talked that much. I've been so busy with cheer and school. Plus he got a job. You still haven't talked to him?"

"Nope. I've called him but he never picks up or called back. Oh I have some news!" I said excitedly, wanting a change of subject. "I have a boyfriend!!"

"What?!? Is it one of the One Direction guys?"

"What? No! His name is Adam. He's friends with Zayn and he's really sweet," I said. Adam and I had been dating for a few months now. Our first date hadn't gone the best but a few days after that he came over and we watched movies in my room and I had a great time. He was so sweet and treated me really well.

"So 1D did have a part in your relationship though," she wiggled her eyebrows.

"What is with you and my stepbrother's band?" I asked. No my mom hadn't gotten married yet but it was just easier to refer to Yaser's kids as my step siblings.

"Nothing, nothing. I just thought you and Harry might have a thing."

"What do you mean?"

"Well whenever we text you've been with Harry or about to go hang with Harry."

"I don't hang out with Harry that much. I think it's just because we haven't been able to text much. We've both had school, you've had cheer, and I've had work. God I miss cheer."

"Still no squad?"

"Nope," I pouted. Sequoia and I talked for a little bit longer but then she had to leave. I went downstairs and smiled when I saw our Christmas tree. I couldn't wait for Christmas to get here. Christmas was my favorite holiday. Presents, spending time with family, making cookies, and watching Christmas movies while drinking hot chocolate.

"Daddy! We're here!" I heard Safaa yell. I smiled and walked out to the door.

"Hey Saf! Hey Wali! I'm actually the only one home right now," I said as Safaa ran over and hugged me. There was a brunette woman standing in the door way by Waliyah. "You must be Trisha, their mom. Hi, I'm Anissa."

"Hello," she replied kindly. "So Yaser isn't home?"

"No I think he's still at work," I told her she nodded. Then she said goodbye to her daughters and left.

"Is Adam coming over tonight?" Safaa asked excitedly. I laughed and shook my head.

"I don't think so Saf. He has work tonight. Why don't we get you some dinner though and then we can watch a movie?" I suggested and she nodded. I knew Waliyah could get her own food if she wanted it so I fed Safaa and then started a movie for her. I had homework I needed to do and send in to my teachers so I sat at the counter and did that. My phone rang and I picked it up. "Hello?"

"Um hey..." Jax said and my mouth dropped.

"Jax?" I asked, making sure I wasn't imagining things.

"Yeah it's me," he replied and I could imagine him scratching the back of his neck nervously. It was what he always did when he was uncomfortable. "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to call you. I know you've called me several times. And I feel like an ass for not coming to say goodbye to you when you left. Quoi called me earlier and yelled at me for not calling you yet. She said you missed me."

"I do. I miss you a lot. You're one of my best friends Jax. It hurt a lot that you weren't talking to me." He sighed and I knew he felt guilty.

"I'm sorry An-Bon," he said and I couldn't help but laugh. I left the room so that Safaa wouldn't hear me curse.

"Don't call me An-Bon you dumb ass," I replied and Jax chuckled. "Quoi said you got a new job?"

"Yeah I was coaching the football team from school and then in the spring I'm gonna coach the baseball team."

"That's awesome Jax," I told him honestly. My mom came home and smiled at me.

"Who are you talking to?" she whispered. I mouthed Jax to her and she looked surprised.

"Thanks An. It isn't the same without you here though. Especially right now," he said, making me smile sadly.

"I know. It isn't the same without you and Quoi either," I replied. I wasn't sure if I should bring up the fact that I had a boyfriend. I wanted to tell him because he was my best friend but I didn't want to at the same time because of his feelings for me.

"So um I need some advice," he said.

"Yeah sure about what?"

"Well I've kind of gotten over you since you left. I think it was kind of more just I thought it would get you to stay. I didn't want to lose my best friend but anyways, I have feelings for someone else..."

"And I know this person I'm guessing," I said.

"Yeah..."

"Is it Quoi?"

"How'd you know?" he asked.

"You called me because she yelled at you and you guys have always been kind of flirty with each other. Plus why else would you ask me for girl advice? You never have before. Just tell her how you feel and ask her out J," I told him.

"But what if she says no?"

"So you're just gonna keep this to yourself forever? J, you should tell her," I insisted and he sighed.

"I'll think about it. I have to go An. I'll talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you too J and you better text me." I heard him chuckle as I hung up. I was happy that I had my best friend back.