All The Little Things.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Another Christmas had come and gone. Complete with stuffed stomachs, sore vocal chords, and drunken parents. The whole day Aden acted as if nothing had happened while they were outside in each others arms. Fern couldn't help but think maybe she had disappointed him, maybe he was expecting so much more from her. Had he not had the same reaction as she did? Fern assumed that he has probably been with so many other girls, what they shared was old news to him.

New Years Eve arrived, and Fern bit her lip as she watched Bridget and Aden bellow in laughter from across the room. Fern felt her heart becoming heavy as Aden smiled that wide goofy smile towards Bridget. Just as Fern was about to walk into the kitchen when someone had slung their arm around her waist.

“Looks like some people are getting together nicely.” Jay pointed out as Fern sunk into his side, her heart becoming heavier by the minute, she wasn't able to stand on her own anymore. Ever since Christmas, Jay's, Aden's, and Fern's family had gotten so close that they spent lots of time together, which meant the same for Jay, Aden, and Fern. Fern had invited Bridget over because she felt like it had been a while since they've hung out and it would be nice to see her again. Now she was regretting her decision.

“Yeah, they seem happy.” Fern choked as she watched Bridget say something while Aden responded with a loud and long laugh.

“Hey, what's wrong?” Jay murmured as he turned, blocking the scene of Aden and Bridget while wrapping both of his arms around her waist. Fern gently leaned into Jay's chest, seeking desperately for some kind of comfort.

“Nothing, just a little tired.” Fern answered with a fake tone, looking up at Jay with her best fake smile. Jay looked at her skeptically, a worried frown on his lips.

“No, there's something wrong.” Jay argued, worry immediately clouding his eyes. Fern just shook her head, fighting back the tears. Why is she getting so upset? Shouldn't she be happy for Aden and Bridget? She and Aden are best friends, and that's all they ever will be. “Do you want to talk about it?” Jay added squeezing her slightly to tell her it was alright. Fern shook her head again, afraid that her words might fail her. Jay continued to question Fern, his concerned look becoming more defined.

“It's just that my dad will be leaving again soon, and I don't want to say good bye.” Fern replied, it wasn't a complete lie, she wasn't exactly thrilled for her dad to be leaving again. Jay nodded, probably knowing it wasn't the complete reason. Fern smiled slightly up at Jay as he lightly kissed her forehead, telling her it was okay, even though he wasn't saying anything. She furrowed her eyebrows as she realized that when Jay kissed her forehead, it wasn't the same response as when Aden had. Jay's kiss was more fatherly, more protective than sweet. Fern suddenly felt bad that she hadn't told Jay the complete truth, she was just afraid.

She shook off the thought. She didn't even like Aden like that, they're best friends. She couldn't tell Jay something that she wasn't even sure of herself. Jay lead Fern towards the couch, his arm still slung protectively around her waist. Soon Aden and Bridget had joined them on the couch, their faces slightly red from laughing so hard. Aden sat on the other side of Fern as he placed his arm on the cushion behind her. Fern felt her heart speed up slightly as he looked over at her and smirked nudging her slightly. This isn't right, something's wrong here. Aden's mouth moved as if he were talking, but Fern heard no words come out. His mouth moved again, this time his smile was evident on his face while his dimple was slightly visible.

“Fern?” Aden spoke, slightly shaking Fern's shoulder. Fern snapped out of her thoughts, she was sure that her face must have been bright red.

“What? Sorry I didn't hear you.” Fern mumbled, looking towards the floor, the ceiling, or her hands. Anywhere but Aden's eyes.