Blast From The Past

1.FAMILY

“what the hell do you mean by you are not coming?” Mia yelled through the phone as she got out of her car, and started picking up the grocery bags. “it’s our monthly get-together. You can’t miss that!”

“I know and I am sorry, but there this competition going on that will determine whether I will be selected for the spring fashion show or not.” Jasmine’s sweet voice came from the other side of the phone.

“Are you kidding me, Jass?” Mia locked the car while supporting the phone with her shoulder to stick to her ear. “you just remembered about that competition? You are informing me now while our get together is tomorrow, it’s b****y tomorrow Jass!”

“I.. I was afraid of your reaction.”

“And you telling me just the day before it will be any better?” She opened the mansion’s door and got in.

Jasmine groaned. “Fine, it definitely wasn’t the best timing.”

“You think?” Mia scoffed as she placed the grocery bags on the kitchen counter. She leaned her elbows on the counter afterward, rubbing her head with her free hand, already tired from the way things had taken a turn to. “Just concentrate and win that thing, okay?”

Jasmine’s mood perked up instantly. “I knew you would understand.”

“We are talking about your future and what you like here, so of course I would understand. I just wanted to make you suffer a bit.” It wasn’t entirely false. She certainly wants what’s best for her best friend but she also can’t deny that it is a huge bummer that she isn’t coming. She was looking forward to that gathering, especially that Jass couldn’t make the last two ones.

“That’s definitely the Mia I know.” She chuckled then quietened down as she  was getting nervous about what she was going to say next and how will Mia react. “uhm..one more thing.”

“What now?” Mia groaned, already sensing that she won’t like what’s coming next.

“Ella won’t make it as well, because she is my partner from the fashion department.”

“What the actual f**k now!?” Mia was fuming, “For God’s sake guys, what the hell is wrong with you?” Then who will be coming now? “Hang up, just hang up Jass, I can’t right now.. with you!”

“Mia—“ Jasmine tried but Mia already hung up.

She couldn’t believe that disaster. She hadn’t seen most of them for six months now. They haven’t all gather since that long. That was terrible, it was so damn terrible. College wasn’t supposed to be like that, it wasn’t supposed to separate them. What about that promise they all made two years ago? Was it nothing to them? Or did they already forget about it and about all they went through together?

Two arms slid around her waist, bringing her the comfort and love she was in desperate need for, now.

“what had got you all tensed up like that?” Jason murmured through her hair as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

She took a deep breath, resting her hands on his. “I am just thinking about how everything has changed since that day. Two years passed and our group is already breaking. We can’t even gather for a harmless meal once a month and catch up.”

“I know baby, I know. But I guess that’s life.” He shrugged as she hummed with a nod. “But what really happened that made you talk like that?”

“Jass and Ella aren’t coming tomorrow.” She huffed her bad mood worsening by each second.

 “Say what now? It’s not the first time they do that.” Jason immediately flipped, “And now who the hell is coming if they all have been canceling on us like that?”

“It will be us, Blake and his girlfriend and Adrian.” Mia frowned at how lesser their group has been getting. That also reminded her of her shithead friends, who all remembered that they had things to do on the same day of their gathering.

“Well, great. Just great! What a considerate friends they are.” Jason went to the fridge and got out a beer, taking a big gulp after opening it.

Mia took the bottle from Jason’s hand, “Don’t drink that now, remember we are invited for lunch at Aunt Ly’s place and she doesn’t like when we drive after drinking.”, then she took a gulp herself.

“You know by we, it includes you as well,” Jason stated the obvious as Mia rolled her eyes.

“I was just tasting it.”Mia shrugged and placed the bottle in the fridge again.

“Yeah, right.” He scoffed then placed his hands on her waist, pulling her closer to him. “what do you say, we go take a bath to relax before going to Mom’s, huh?” he started trailing kisses down her neck making her a hot mess in no time.

“You already know the answer, big boy.” Mia moaned as he bit on a sensitive spot on the side of her neck.

“That’s what I like to hear.” He wasted no time and lifted her up as she swung her legs around him. Then started making their way to the bathroom.

^^^

“Where are you? When are you coming?” Layla’s yelling echoed from the other side of the phone that Mia had to back the phone away from her ear, trying to keep her ears safe.

“Calm down, Aunt Ly. We are almost there.” Mia obviously lied as they just got out of the shower which wasn’t particularly a shower that took two hours and was still getting out her clothes.

“Mia, do you know whe—“ Jason came out of their dressing room half-dressed. But Mia cut him off quickly with a gesture of her hand that she looked like a mad waving woman, wearing her panties only with a b*a in her hand that she is waving at him to stay shut with.

He was totally distracted by her boobs that they vibrated with each move she did. He stood there drooling like a statue.

“You are lying on me again!” Layla exclaimed. “You are still at home!” Mia sighed as she knew she was in for a long lecture now. “You are always late, god knows what you were doing. We agreed you come at seven and it’s now eight!”

Mia held her phone between her ear and shoulder as she put her b*a on. She tried to hook it in but it was hard while balancing the phone as well. So, she gestured to drooling Jason who kept frozen, “Jason!” She whispered but he was in his own daze, thinking of ways to take Mia to bed again and be late to the family dinner than they already are. “Jason!” Mia kicked his knee that he almost lost balance.

He glared at her rubbing his knee as she whispered with Layla still on the phone throwing a tantrum. “Come and hook in my b*a!” he sighed that the view will be blocked now but nodded nevertheless and went to comply.

“I don’t know what where you doing to make you that late bu—“ Layla kept rambling fuming from them when Mia cut her off.

“Layla! We will be there in half an hour, I promise.” Jason just finished with the b*a then took the phone out of Mia’s hand.

“Mom! We will be there. Bye!” And with that, he hung up on her as Mia ran to bring a violet short flowy dress to wear.

First thing Jason did when they decided to move in together was to buy her dozens of dresses and skirts to make up for a small portion of his wrongdoings and giving her the boost of confidence that would help her get over her fears and mental scars.

He already loved her with her physical scars, that they are scattered on her body. He also proved that to her with each kiss he plants on each scar on her body every time they have s*x.

“You look lovely, babe.” Jason pecked her lips as she just finished her light makeup with him already finished a while ago.

“I know.” She grinned as he let out a chuckle at her cockiness. She lifted her head to plant another kiss on his lips. “Let’s go now before Layla cuts our heads off.”

^^^

“Hey, mo—“ Jason didn’t get to finish his sentence, as just when Layla opened the door for them, she grabbed him by his ear and started dragging him inside by it with Mia trailing behind them quietly as possible, so that she doesn’t get beaten as well. “Ow, ow mom. It hurts!”

“Well, it should be.” She glared at her son as she slapped his shoulder. “When the hell will you respect timings and be on time for once?”

“Mom,..” Jason sighed. As he was going to sweet talk his mother like every time, he actually didn’t get the chance as his mother’s accusing voice stopped him.

“Where do you think you are going, young lady?” She noticed Mia sneaking to the living room, hoping to avoid Layla’s tantrum which she miserably failed in. “I am not done with you either.”  Mia sighed in defeat as Layla used her commanding motherly tone. “Come here, now!”

Mia dragged her legs to where Layla was standing with her hands on her hips, glaring at both her children who seem to forget that they still are kids for her, not all that grown up as they think themselves are. “Aunt Ly, w—“

“Don’t even try, Mia.” Layla shook her head. “You ain’t getting out of it this time.”

“For what it’s worth. It’s Jason’s fault.” Mia quickly blurted trying to save her a*s.

Jason scoffed. “Actually it’s yours!”

Mia turned her whole attention to him, folding her arms over her chest. “No, it isn’t! you are the one who suggested it.”

Jason narrowed his eyes at her challengingly. “Yet, we were late because you are the one who wanted to try this new pos—“

“Stop!”Layla yelled, putting an end for their bickering. “Now, you are using the blaming card like when you were children?”

A tsking noise came from behind Jason and Mia, grabbing the attention of the three. “Shame on you gangsters, acting like children and being scolded by your mother.” Lindsey stood, leaning on the door of the living room with her side as she had an apple in her hand.

Jason rolled his eyes as Mia looked at Lindsey with pleading eyes to get them out of this situation.

“I think that’s enough scolding, for now, sis.” Lindsey came to stand beside her sister who was going to shoo Lindsey away and continue with her torturing when she heard Lindsey say. “Also, Marcus is messing up with the chocolate pie you made, saying he just wants to take a bite.”

“He is what now?” Layla gasped as she wasted no time and stomped to where Marcus and the food are, mumbling on the way. “This man and his big stomach!”

“Now, won’t you give your favorite aunt a hug?” Lindsey opened her arms for them with the apple in her hand and a grin gracing her face.

Mia chuckled as Jason muttered, “You are the only aunt we know.”

“Actually, I was expecting a thank you, not a witty comeback.” She lifted her brows. “or should I call Layla back?” They both rushed into her arms, in a crushing hug as they kept thanking her. “That’s what I thought.” She patted their backs with each hand as her grin never fell. “that's enough my children, you don’t need to kiss my a*s anymore.”

They broke the hug and stopped with their thanking feast as Jason muttered under his breath. “Manipulating woman!”

“What was that my dear Jason?” Lindsey held her ear out.

“Nothing. I just said, marvelous woman.”

 “I thought I heard that too.” She nodded as she took a bite of her bite. “Now, come for dinner.”

They started following Lindsey to the dining room as Mia muttered to Jason. “Pussy.”

Jason glared at her and as he was going to say something back Lindsey beat him to it. “That he is, my dear Mia.” Mia chuckled as Jason groaned.

^^^

Mia was just getting out of the bathroom when she noticed a figure standing by the window, deep in thought.

She neared the person and felt her frown taking place on her face. She didn’t like that deep, far and sad look on the person’s face. In fact, she didn’t like to see anyone of her loved ones holding that look, ever!

“what are you doing here all alone?” Mia’s voice startled Lindsey, making her frown at this young lady.

“Nothing, Just thinking,” Lindsey replied, averting her attention back to the window.

“Thinking about what?” Mia wasn’t one to easily give up or drop the subject and Lindsey seemed to notice it.

“Life.” It was a simple answer. One word that seemed to hold so many emotions.

“You miss Boss.” It wasn’t an assumption. It was a fact. Mia knew how much Boss’ death affected Lindsey more than anyone of them.

Lindsey didn’t have to answer that. She felt as if she talked, she would cry. And Mia got the hint.

They kept quiet with the sad atmosphere luring around them. Lindsey needed this moment to pull herself together and be her happy self in this family reunion as she wasn’t always here with them.

On the other hand, Mia took that opportunity to study Lindsey’s appearance. She lost weight since the last time she saw her nine months ago. Also, she cut her hair into a pixie style. Her body was covered with more tattoos than before, most of them held sad quotes in different languages due to her traveling the world for the past two years.

Although her appearance changed a lot, her eyes still held that heavy grieve and somehow loneliness inside them.

“You changed a lot, ya know?” Mia mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.

To her surprise, Lindsey chuckles. “Of course I did. I am getting old and wrinkles started to appear.”

“that’s not what I meant.” Mia narrowed her eyes at her, with Lindsey simply ignoring her. “why didn’t you get married till now? Or simply date and try to move on?”

“Aren’t a little blunt and demanding today little vixen?” Lindsey lifted her brows in amusement.

Mia just simply shrugged. “so, why?” she pressed.

Lindsey averted her eyes away from Mia and towards the window again. “Because no one is him.” Letting out a troubled sigh, “No one has those magical dark eyes that always got me lost in them. No one has this melodic and devilish laugh of his that always made my insides turn. And that wolfish smirk of his that sent dangerous signs that he used to tease me with.” She then laughed as a tear rolls down her cheek. “and let’s not forget about his humorless jokes that he used to c***k whenever I was pissed at him or not talking to him, just to make me snap and talk to him. Even if I was yelling or cursing but he always managed to turn the situation into a steamy makeup session.” Mia gaged at the last part as Lindsey chuckled, wiping another tear that managed to fell. “No one and I mean it, no one ever got me feeling too many emotions at the same time as he did. No one made me feel the same way he did.” She sighed. “Simply, No one  can ever be him.”

“Wow,…” Mia breathed out. “That’s a pretty heavy and poetic speech for an ex-g**g leader.”

“That’s all you got after I poured my heart out for you?” Lindsey started laughing her a*s off. “You really still suck at that emotional stuff.”

“Hey! I am still learning.” Mia pouted.

“Two years have passed Mia.” Lindsey calmed her laughter down as she looked at the pouting girl with amusement swirling in her eyes.

“At least I made progress and go you talking about it.” Mia shrugged, happy with her accomplish.

“You sure did young lady. I never talked to anyone about it.” Lindsey held a proud smile. “You really made progress.”

“I know. I am that awesome.” Mia flipped her hair back smugly.

Lindsey laughed again. “Let’s go join the fam.”

“let’s.”

They make their way to the living room where they were starting a movie, with popcorn, wine, and snacks scattered around the coffee table. It was family night. Layla always tried her best to gather the family together each now and then since they got their separate small house that was away from the city as Marcus will soon retire.

“took you long enough.” Jason teased as soon as he glanced the both entering.

They simply decided to ignore his presence with Mia rolling her eyes at him per usual.

Suddenly, she notices something that made her eyes wide. “Uncle Rocks!” Marcus was startled by her accusing tone as she hurried and jumped on the sofa between him and Jason. "Don't eat the popcorn all alone. Wait for me.” Now it was Jason’s turn to roll his eyes on her melodramatic.

“Don’t worry, my child.” He looked at her dead serious. “Won’t dare to start without my food partner.”

“Best father and food partner,” Mia replied with the same serious face and dramatic gestures.

“So dramatic,” Jason muttered from the other side of her and she nudges him in the stomach, making him yelp in pain.

“You were asking for it,” Lindsey smirked at glaring Jason, then nodding at Mia proudly.

“You eat a lot that the majority of our money is spent on your food,” Jason grumbled trying to piss her off.

“Just trade me with another if you don’t like it.” Mis shrugged with her chin held high and Marcus nodding at her with approval, taking her side.

Jason immediately thought of his life back then without her and started panicking, circling his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to his side. “Won’t dare to trade you for the world.” He kissed her forehead as she smiled smugly or more like a happy child that got her favorite chocolate chip cookies.

Layla was just watching the whole scene with pure affection towards her children. She likes that. She likes them being that happy and in love. She is glad that they overcame their problems and ended up together. She knew two years ago that something was wrong between them. Something broke between them, resulting in them pretending that everything was ok. But she knew better. She saw the longing and regretful looks that Jason always flashed towards Mia whenever he was watching her. she also noticed the angry and hateful looks that Mia held to the world and especially Jason. She couldn't help but notice how they were avoiding each other and how miserable they were. They were her children, she watched them grow, she knew them inside out that they couldn't hide whatever was happening between them as they thought. However, she never confronted them. She never once interfered even though it was breaking her seeing them acting like that. She also didn’t have a clue what exactly happened but she just knew that something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong between them.

So, seeing them now after two years, showing affection and loving each other deeply always made her heart flutter with happiness; that both of her children found their own happiness in each other and they were no longer holding that burden on their shoulders.

“Before we start the movie, I have to say something.” Marcus’ voice brought Layla back out of her daze.

“What is it, dad?” Jason asked as Marcus gained the attention of the whole family.

“I got so many feedbacks about you two at work,” Marcus started and both Jason’s and Mia’s face paled so Marcus hurried to comfort them. “Good feedbacks.” They relaxed with small smiles broke onto their faces. “You are doing really well at the company along managing your studies. The company’s profit has increased since you two started managing most of the work that I don’t have anything to worry about anymore.” Mia and Jason were beyond happy hearing those words. They worked their asses off so hard so that they would prove themselves and take the company to the next level. Since the combined the two companies together and it had a brilliant reputation in the market but now their huge company was known as one of the biggest and richest companies in the world that they started having more branches in different countries. “That’s why I decided to retire and hand you the company.”

That shocked both Mia and Jason. Their mouths were hung open as Layla and Lindsey gasped in pure happiness.

“Are you sure dad?” Jason asked. “I.. I mean we are still under training,”

“And what about the clients and workers? Won’t they get mad that two college students will manage the company?” Mia added speaking out loud the same fears that Jason had.

“No, I don’t think that would be a problem.” Marcus shook his head, looking at them as if they said the most absurd thing in the world. “The workers and clients love your young and determined spirits. In fact, they adore you and your potential in managing the business.” Marcus cleared his throat for his next big revelation. “Also, I asked one of the most famous magazines in New York to write about my decision of handing the business to you, along writing an article about your accomplishments in the company. They also interviewed some workers and clients that you would be surprised what they had to say about you both.” Marcus winked at the end.

“Oh my God! That’s so awesome.” Layla squealed as she went to where her still shocked kids were sitting and took them both in a crushing hug. “I am so proud of you both. I am really happy.”

They came out of their shock hugging her back. “Thanks, mom.” Jason smiled.

“That means a lot coming from you aunt Ly.” Mia hugged her tighter.

“Well done my little gangsters.” Lindsey winked at them. “Or should I call you now my little CEOs.”

They all laughed as Mia shrugged smugly. “Whatever floats your boat Lindsey, we know we are pretty awesome anyway.”

“that we are.” Jason nodded with a cocky smirk plastered on his face.

Mia then turned to Marcus. “Thank you uncle Rocks. Without you guiding us we wouldn’t have managed all of that.”

“She is right, dad. Thank you for everything.” Jason added.

“Oh stop it you both.” Marcus waved them off. “You had the potential and brains already. You did it all by yourselves so stop it with all that gratitude stuff.”

They laughed and Mia hugged his side, even though his huge round stomach was getting in the way. “Still, thank you.”

He rubbed her back with a soft smile playing on his lips. “It is nothing, my daughter.” He kissed her forehead.

And then they all started watching the movie together as a family.

^^^

“I packed you the food for tomorrow.” Layle handed them the bags of food she made. “Because I know you both suck at cooking and you have your friends coming over tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Layla, Always our savior.” Mia smiled at her motherly antics.

She has been a great help for them through a lot. She has been sending them food or coming over to their mansion to clean it and cook for them. Knowing that they have no time to do all of that themselves and every time they try cooking something they manage to burn or break something.

“Also when are you getting yourselves a housekeeper?” Layla asked.

“We really don’t have enough time to look for one.” Jason huffed as they really were in a serious need for a housekeeper.

“Okay then, don’t worry about it and leave it for me.” Layla decided.

Mia smiled gratefully at the amazing woman. “Thank you, aunt Ly.” She hugged her. “We have been a huge bothersome for you since forever.” It seems that all she has been doing tonight is thanking them.

“More like a pain in the ass.” Lindsey coughed from where she was standing leaning on the wall.

“Lindsey!” Layla warned as she broke off their hug. “it’s totally no problem Mia. I am an old woman anyways who has nothing to do.”

Jason chuckled as he engulfed his mom into a hug. “Love you, mom.”

“Love you too baby.” They broke the hug as both Mia and Jason went to say their goodbyes to Lindsey. “Marcus come and say goodbye to the kids!” Marcus was already sound asleep, snoring that they could hear it from outside.

“Leave him asleep and just send him our greetings.” Mia chuckled then they made their way out of the house and to their car.

As they got in the car and started hitting the road, Mia said content. “It was a lovely night.”

Jason glanced at her real quick with a smile then concentrated back on the road. “It was.” He took her hand in his. “Wish nothing would ruin this happiness.”

“yeah me too.” Mia nodded. Even though the words tasted different on her tongue. They have been laying low for two years, living normally and happily. But something tells her that their time with happiness almost came to an end.

However, it could always be paranoia.

^^^

The next day came and Mia and Jason were preparing the house for their friend's arrival.

They were almost done when a phone call came to Mia.

“Hey, Aunt Ly.” Mia greeted as soon as she answered the call.

“Hi, honey.” Layla’s voice boomed from the other side of the phone. “How are you doing?”

“Just Fine. We are cleaning the house for tonight.” She replied as she sat on the sofa watching Jason wiggling his butt with headphones covering his ears while he was dusting the portraits. That drew a smile on her face. Her dumb cute Jason.

“Good to hear.” Layla laughed as she knows that they would never clean their house unless it was a special occasion. “Anyway, I called to inform you that I found you a housekeeper.”

“That fast?” Mia’s eyes widened. Layla for sure didn’t waste time.

“Yes, honey. And I sent you her details in text so you could manage the rest.”

“O..Okay. Thanks, Aunt Ly.”

“Oh, Its nothing honey.” Layla brushed off the subject. “Now go continue what you were doing.”

“Okay, Bye.”

“Bye.”

Mia hung up the phone and stood up, making her way to where Jason was.

She came behind him as he was still dancing and humming with the song playing. She then started tickling him.

As on cue, He stopped what he was doing and started laughing hysterically, not able to control himself.

“M..Mia s..stop..” He was very ticklish, even more than her and she loved watching him squirm like that.

He fell to the ground, not able to hold himself from all that laughter with Mia on top of him. “You cute little boy..”

“I.. I am not a..a b..boy..” she stopped tickling him, resting her head on his chest watching him in amusement as he tried taking deep breaths to calm himself. “..and I am definitely not little.” With one swift move, he switched positions with him on top as she let out a yelp. He then slammed his lips on hers, kissing her passionately yet demandingly as she curled her fingers in his hair with him sliding his hand under her shirt. He cut the kiss sooner for her liking as let out a sound of complaint. He bit her lower lip teasingly then said hoarsely, “That to teach you not to call me little or a boy ever again.”

“Asshole,” she punched his shoulder gently as he got off her, pulling her up with him.

Just then his phone started ringing. “Your asshole.” He pecked her lips then got out his phone to answer the call. “Hello?”

“Mr. Jason Williams?” a male voice sounded from the other end of the line.

“yes. Who is it?” Jason replied with that deep and husky voice of his. He didn’t feel good about that phone call.

“It’s Dr. Fredjeck..” Oh! Why was he calling now? That means something is wrong. Jason started panicking as Mia sent him questioned looks. “I am sorry to do that over the phone but you know that we have to do it. You and Ms. Mia can’t delay it anymore. Please come tomorrow to sign the papers. I am sincerely sorry.” Jason was going to argue per usual, not liking what that old man informed him but this old man knew better. “Goodbye, Mr. Jason.” Then he hung up. He simply hung up not waiting for his response.

“who was it?” Mia asked as soon as Jason ended the line.

“Dr. f*****g Fredjeck!” Jason grumbled, annoyed by the whole situation.

“Don’t say…” Mia covered her mouth with her hands as reality hit her with the look Jason sent her.

“I am sorry baby,” Jason took her in his embrace as she hugged him tightly to her. "I promise we won't give up.” He kissed her forehead. “We will try tomorrow, not taking their bullshit.”

She nodded already feeling the sadness seeping through her. then she lifts her head from his chest to look him in the eyes. “we have to tell them, though.”

He knew what she was talking about and who. “We will.” He sighed with a nod.

^^^

“They are here! They are here!” Mia ran down the stairs as she saw the lights of a car approaching. “Jason! They are here!”

“I am coming.” He called from upstairs. “Just calm down woman!”

She opened the door just as Blake was making his way to the front door. “Blake!” She screamed as she jumped on him, making him stumble back a little from the sudden impact. “I missed you so damn much”

Blake chuckled as he held her. “I missed you too, Mia.”

“At least give the man a breather and let him in the house.” Jason groaned from the door.

“Yeah sorry.” She hooked herself off him and looked at him sheepishly.

Then they made their way into the house. “How are you doing man?” Jason gave him a bro hug as soon as they closed the door.

“All good..” Blake replied back.

Before he could say anything else Mia asked, “Where is Maya?”

“Uhm, she hasn’t been feeling well for the past days so I left her home to get some rest as she has been throwing up all morning.” Blake scratched his neck nervously, worried for his girlfriend.

“Oh, I hope she will feel well soon,” Mia said, clearly upset for that cute girl. “I will give her a call later.”

“She will be better, man.” Jason patted Blake’s back.

“Thanks, guys.”

Before they were going to the living room to wait for Adrian a knock on the door erupted.

As Mia was the nearest to the door, she opened it revealing Adrian.

Adrian smiled widely as soon as he glanced at his friends. “Hey, Mia.”

She hugged him then let him in. “glad you could make it.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Adrian has always been a sweetheart that never missed a gathering whatever he had.

They greeted each other then Mia suggested, “So, let’s go eat?”

“Shouldn’t we wait for the others?” Adrian asked.

“There are no others, Ad,” Jason mumbled, annoyed of his friends.

“why? I just know about Ella and Jass, but what about the others?”

“What about Ella and Jass?” Blake asked, confused. “Why wouldn’t they come?”

“They have a competition to prepare for,” Mia replied. “Don’t you talk to Ella?”

“We.. We somehow lost touch.” Blake confessed, ashamed by his behavior as he and his twin were like best friends that wouldn’t spend a day away from each other. “What about Ben, Jane, and Damon?”

“Ben just said he can’t make it, not giving any other explanation..” Jason shrugged. They all knew why he was avoiding meeting them that much and it was absurd and childish. He couldn't continue like that forever, as they aren’t teenagers anymore! They are grown-ups now!

“Jane and Damon?” Adrian wondered.

“Doctor’s hectic lives, internships, and uni stuff..” Mia waved her hands in the air. She was missing them deeply but she also knew that it wasn’t in their hand. It was already hard for them with the major they chose. “Anyway, let’s go eat aunt Ly’s food.” She tried perking the mood up again.

“Oh man, I missed Layla’s food.” Adrian chuckled as he rubbed his flat stomach.

As they were making their way to the dining room a knock on the door erupted. They all stood still in their places.

“Did we order something?” Mia asked confused.

“No,..” Jason shook his head a frown covering his face.

He went to open the door, Blake placing his hand on his g*n from work. Another knock erupted and Jason took a hold of the doorknob.

He swung the door open, revealing the unexpected,

“Ben?”

“Hey, Guys.” Ben greeted with a lazy smile.

“You bastard!” Jason’s lips curled into a huge grin as he took his friend in a hug.

He then got him into the house as he greeted each one of them.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t make it?” Mia wondered as they made their way to the dining room.

“Well,..” Ben cleared his throat embarrassed from himself as he took his seat. “.. I wasn’t coming. But I missed you all so damn much and I know I should stop avoiding you all.”

“I am really sorry that.. this happened,” Blake said apologetically.

“It’s okay.” Ben shrugged. “ I just have to get used to it.”

“And over it!” Adrian added.

“I am halfway through it man!” Ben held his hands up in defense.

They all chuckled then started to dig in while catching up.

Halfway through the dinner, beep sound erupted from both Jason’s and Mia’s phones at the same time.

The whole table quietened as the couple looked at each other from across the table and then at their phones.

“hidden number sent me a message,” Mia said out loud.

“Same,” Jason confirmed.

“Weird,” Adrian mumbled.

“open it to see if it’s the same,” Blake suggested and they both nodded.

They opened the message, “A video.” Jason informed.

“Mia’s too,” Ben replied as he was sitting beside her.

They both pressed play. Blake and Ben were watching with Mia while Adrian with Jason as he was the nearest to him.

“it’s a house..” Adrian trailed off.

“Jason,..” Mia breathed out. “Your parent's house.”

The video consisted of the first five seconds filming the outside of the house with Lindsey’s and Marcus’ cars parked outside the house. Lindsey was supposed to leave tomorrow.

The house was quiet from the outside nothing happening.

Then,…It exploded.

“No..!!” Mia shouted.

It freaking exploded!!

It was on fire. Everything was shattering and pieces of burned wood flew in the air.

“s**t!” Ben mumbled.

“what the hell is that!?” Jason breathed out with a hoarse voice.

The video held nothing but the exploded house then it was a dark screen.

“I.. Is that real?” Mia was trembling.

Then she got her answers.

On the black screen, a text appeared in bold and huge writing.

 —I HOPE YOU SAID YOUR GOODBYES, AND YOU ARE READY FOR WHAT’S COMING NEXT; BECAUSE IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING!—

They were killed.

Our family is… dead.