Contrary || l.p.

25. When Nightmares Subside

I closed the front door behind me after arming Benjamin, and skipped into the kitchen to say hello to my family.

"Hey, guys!" I exclaimed as I placed a kiss on each of my parents' cheeks and ruffled Tristan's hair.

Everyone exchanged glances, obviously noticing my sudden change in attitude. A shrug was made from my dad to my mom, who was equally as confused as he was.

"Hi, Jess. Did you have a good day?" Mom asked as she brought a pot filled with pasta to the table.

I nodded. "Yeah. Today was a good day," I said to them and sat down for dinner.

"What happened to make you so happy?" Dad asked with a chuckle.

I shrugged innocently. "I just am today, I guess..." I said, not wanting to tell them about Liam just yet. I wanted to make sure he and I were official before spilling to my family.

Tristan suspiciously raised an eyebrow at me, but sat there smiling as if he already knew. The kid knows me too well.

'"Liam?" He mouthed at me while our parents' backs were turned.

I nodded happily, but put a finger to my lips.

He smirked and spooned a load of spaghetti on to his plate.

Mom finally finished preparing the table, and both she and dad joined us at the table.

Luckily, no one questioned further on my good mood. I assumed they'd already known what had happened, but I like to think they didn't. Maybe I could announce it as a surprise for when he already asks me.

Just when will he?

...

I finished up my homework and finally stretched out my tense muscles as I yawned loudly. I shoved my notebooks back into my backpack and began putting everything away. After changing into my pajamas, I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and tossed my bag aside, allowing myself to fluff up the pillows.

Just then, Tristan came bursting into my room, making me jump at the sound of the door slamming closed, and immediately took a seat at the edge of my bed, smiling cheekily at me.

"So what happened?" he asked, ignoring the fact that I was startled to death.

"Yes, Tristan. Barge into my room and scare the shit out of me, would you please?" I answered sarcastically.

He huffed. "I'm sorry. It's just that it has been killing me for two whole hours. Do you know how hard it was for me to keep my mouth shut during dinner?"

I rolled my eyes and sat on my bed. "Alright, fair enough. What do you want to know?"

"Why do you seem extra happy today?" he questioned as he scanned my face. "Like, you normally come back home happy after being with Liam, but today, it's like Jesus meant to pour a teaspoon of happiness into your soul, but accidentally used a tablespoon."

I laughed loudly. "Where did you get that analogy?"

He shrugged. "Nolan's mom tried baking today. She put a tablespoon of vanilla instead of a teaspoon, and her cookies came out with an overpowering taste of vanilla," he explained and I scrunched my nose in disgust. "So I connected that with Jesus and your happiness... you came home with an overpowering taste of happy."

I laughed again and shoved him. "You're wise beyond your years, kid."

He shook his head. "Never mind that. I assume you and Liam are friends again?"

I nodded happily. "Actually, we're a lot more than friends."

His smile dropped. "Wait, what? He's your boyfriend?"