Zethora's POV

"Hey Z!" 

I turn back around to see Laurie running up to me. She pulls me into a hug making me smile at her warmly. We have become close over the last few months. She is a true friend that I hope to continue being close with after this is all said and done. She has cheered me on and worked out with me. She hung out with me after practice and we had movie nights in my room. She never pressured me to talk and always was happy making me happy too. 

Today is the day we get to go home. It has been two and half months since my arrival. I get the next two weeks at home before we leave for Japan. To say a lot has happened would be an understatement. 

First, Maddox made a press statement about exactly what happened in that cafe and professed his devotion to me. To watch it on TV, I was practically in tears with how strongly he proclaimed his love. Of course the press knows I am at camp and are not allowed here so they have been bothering Maddox relentlessly. He has come to visit me on two other occasions just to check in after the incident. He surprised me with flowers each time. Laurie has gushed about him and how lucky I am. Damn, don't I know it. 

Maddox also made a trip to visit Arabella which he didn't tell me about. Arabella told me he showed up shortly after his first trip here. He wanted to make sure she knew what his attentions were for me. She of course was happy with him and they had a dinner together where he was introduced to her friends who fan gushed over him. 

Everyone has sent me things here to camp. Macey sent me some new athletic attire that other gymnasts have asked for. Tyler sent me the winning football from one of the games where he was named MVP. Uncle Troy sent me pics of the games that were drool worthy of Maddox. Derek sent me new mixes along with Chris' proteins mixes specially made for athletes. Coach and Diana send me home made cookies, that tasted amazing. Last but not least, my sister sent me some school work showing her grades... All A's, fucking smartass... 

Luckily a lot of things will be going in my two weeks home. With it being Wednesday, Macey's show is two days after I get back. The guys will have their final game the following day to determine whether they go to the super bowl or not. If they do, I will get to see them play two days before flying off to Japan. 

Honk Honk

I whip my head up to see a very handsome man standing by a blue pickup truck. I grin seeing him before running full speed towards him. He chuckles while I launch myself into his arms. He easily wraps his arms around me holding me up. My head nuzzling into his neck where I inhale his scent. He chuckles again knowing what I am doing. I told him the first time he visited that I loved his scent. He since then has left multiple shirts of his for me to wear including one of his jerseys. He pecks my lips making me pout before turning me and letting me see who is in the backseat. Her eyes covered but her long brown hair cascading down.

"Keep it PG please.." 

I bite my lip to stop from laughing before she opens the backdoor stepping down. I wiggle off of Maddox to hug my beautiful baby sister. She hugs me back and I can't help but tear up. Her not being here was probably the most challenging part for me. We've been apart for competitions but never this long. She pulls back with tears of her own. 

"No tears sis..." 

I nod my head before shaking away the tears. She climbs back into the backseat while I take the passenger seat. Maddox already smiling in the driver seat. Leaning over the console, I kiss his delectable lips that I have missed. 

"Good to see you too sweetheart." 

I lean back into the seat with a wide smile ready to go home. The drive to the airport is filled with tales of my sister at school and the teams games. Arabella knows all about football because of Tyler so she gives notes about the game startling Maddox. He looked more shocked than anything that she would watch them play let alone know the game well enough to talk about it. I chuckled at his wide eyed expression. Arabella practically claimed Luke as a god on the field making Maddox tell her to never say that to him. I bust out laughing along with Maddox while Arabella nodded. 

Maddox had a private jet ready again. I really wanted to ask him if he owned it but felt it was none of my business. Arabella had her headphones on listening to music. I videotaped her at some point because she was singing her song. Maddox sat beside me constantly in contact with me. His fingers running down my arm or wrapped around me. At one point, he had me on his lap kissing my neck. We received fake gagging from Arabella due to his affection. She practically ran off the plane when we landed. 

"WELCOME HOME!"

I jumped in surprise making Maddox chuckle and nudge my lower back down the stairs of the plane. Their in the hanger was everyone. Maddox's parents with Cass and Jackie, Macey and the boys, Tyler and Uncle Troy. Even Coach Taylor, Diana, Luke and Sheila were here. I was floored by seeing them all. I made it to the bottom of the stairs to be engulfed by Macey, Derek, and Chris. I grinned at them holding onto them tightly. They released me and I walked over giving everyone polite hugs until I got to uncle. He lifted me up off the ground giving me a bear hug. I laughed gently in his ear making him go stiff. He pulled back with tears in his eyes. I kissed his cheek before turning to my cousin. Tyler stood still like he always does when he is about to break down. I walked to him wrapping my arms around his neck pulling him down. He sighed laying his head on my shoulder. My shirt getting damp and I know he is crying. 

"God I missed you cuz..." 

"Me to Ty..." He went stiff before relaxing. He still isn't used to hearing me speak. We texted while I was gone but didn't speak. I pull back wiping away the tears from his cheeks before turning to everyone. Uncle Troy breaking the tension clapping his hands together. 

"Alright everyone, grill out is at my house. Follow me if you want free food." Everyone chuckles and begins climbing back into their cars. Turning back to Maddox he is smirk as he walks over to me lifting me up. I instinctively wrap my legs around his torso diving down to his lips. Mmm, sooo good. He pulls back grinning widely at me. 

"Come on sweetheart, we have one more to visit before going to the cookout." 

I furrow my eyebrows trying to figure out who the hell wasn't here. He doesn't say anything while taking me to his truck. Sitting me down in the passenger seat, he quickly makes his way to the driver seat. 

"Sugar... who are you talking about?"

He shakes his head and doesn't answer me. Pulling out of the hanger he gets on the highway while I still sit there puzzled. We get back into town and I realize he is driving towards his, I mean our home. I beam widely finally figuring out who he is talking about. He laughs holding his stomach at my excitement while I bounce in the seat. We pull into the driveway and I jump out practically running to the door. I yank out the key Maddox gave me and open up the door. The pitter patter of paws makes me get ready. My body falls to the floor with the impact of Fox's hit. Her tongue licking all over my face as I laugh. Maddox watching from the doorway with a genuine smile. After a few minutes, he helps me escape from Fox before shooing her to the living room. Lifting me up he is quick to kiss me. 

"Welcome home sweetheart.." 

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Author's note- My apologies for those who don't like the time jump but I want to wrap this story up within 80 chapters or so and I have a few things still planned for this story line. Please vote and comment if you like the story.