-Nic-

"It's a beautiful morning!" I sang on Wednesday as I threw the curtains open right as an angry, flashy lightning illuminated the outside world with its blinding light.

Jax laughed in the bed, trying to curl back under the covers.

"You're in a–"

I couldn't hear the rest behind the angry rumble.

I chuckled lightly and sat back down next to him, still staring outside. "I'm suddenly a big fan of thunderstorms."

"Why?" Jax asked sleepily, touching my back.

"Because it'll ruin Dad's little party," I said, grinning. "Even if it stops now, the garden is flooded, so he has to keep the party indoors. And I doubt everyone will show up."

"Ohh, true, true..." he mumbled, his teasing touch climbing up toward my shoulder. "he's going to be so pissed..."

"Oh trust me, he already is. His entire day is now ruined," I said, while he took a hold of my shoulder and pulled me to lie down on my back, partly on top of him.

I laughed lightly while he wrapped me in his arms and kissed my cheek. It was way too early to get out of bed, so I relaxed and closed my eyes, enjoying his warm fingers caressing me, and his smooth lips teasing my neck. I honestly felt good, even though the party was that night. Maybe because it would finally be over. And the weather was just perfect. And Jax was there, holding me... Showering me with his attention...

I really loved starting my day like this...

But there it was. The guilt. The ice in my heart and lungs, trying to suffocate me. Nothing I did could get rid of it. It was only growing worse, eating away at my sanity.

Would I lose this if I told him...?

I couldn't lose this. There was no way... I couldn't go back to living without Jax. I couldn't go back now that he'd shown me the life I could have with him. I couldn't lose him.

But if I didn't tell him, that icy grip on me would never fade.

"You all right?" Jax murmured in my ear, his voice worried and soft.

"Yeah..." I breathed out.

He waited for me to continue, but I couldn't, so he hugged me tighter.

"It'll be over soon," he whispered. "Tomorrow it's finally over."

If only he knew it was the future of our relationship in my mind, not my father's stupid party.

*****

I couldn't remember much about the day at school. I spent every class staring out the window. The thunderstorm had passed after a few hours, but it still was raining heavily. My good mood never returned, but it had nothing to do with my father. This weather was fitting.

I skipped the last lesson. I couldn't bring myself to go through yet another hour around people. They were too happy. Too carefree. While I had to live with myself, the decisions I'd made out of boredom. It was the worst. The fact that I'd accepted the challenge because I was bored.

I chose to break someone's heart because I was bored.

How could I do that? I'd not given it a single thought.

I spent that last hour alone at the back of the building, sitting on the floor and staring at the rain. I was slowly suffocating again, but this time it was so much worse as I counted the days.

Fifty-two. I accepted the challenge fifty-two days ago. If I hadn't already paid my way out, I'd only have eight days left. But why did it feel like it never ended? Why did it feel like I only had eight days left?

Maybe I was supposed to tell him about the bet that day, when sixty days were over. It would be poetic. The day that was supposed to be my last chance to make Jax tell me he loved me would instead be the day I'd lose his love completely...

The last bell rang, waking me up from my anxious misery. I slowly got up from the floor and made my way to the main exit where I'd promised to wait for Jax. He beat me to it and frowned lightly.

"You skipped classes?" he asked in a quiet voice when I stopped in front of him.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"Because your classroom is that way," he said, pointing his thumb behind him.

"Oh... Yeah... I didn't..."

He gave me a kind smile and hugged me. I wrapped him in my arms, trying to focus on him and only him, but this time, it didn't work. The anxiety refused to let go of me.

Jax noticed this and pulled back, his eyes even more worried.

"Maybe you shouldn't go," he said.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," I said, but he didn't believe me. "I'm just... I'm just sad about how things turned out, that's all."

It wasn't really a lie...

His eyes softened and he let out a quiet sigh. "I really don't want you to go."

"I'll be fine," I said and faked a smile. "It'll be over soon. Watch my dad throw a huge tantrum over the weather and end the party early."

"I wouldn't mind that at all," he said. "Come. Let's go home."

I nodded and followed him.

At home, we both took separate showers. Jax went first, so after I'd taken my shower and stepped back out, he sat behind his desk, his hair wrapped in a towel, redoing his makeup.

It was odd. He rarely put his makeup back on if we had nowhere to go.

"You're doing your makeup?" I noted. "Why?"

"I want to look extra pretty for you today. I mean, maybe I could be wearing that red dress when you get back home," he said with a playful wink.

"Ohh..." I breathed out, leaning in to wrap my arms around his shoulders. "Well that thought sure would help me get through this day."

"Thought so," he purred, and kissed my cheek. "Maybe I'll even curl my hair."

"Yes, please," I groaned, and kissed him.

I still had some time to spare, so I didn't hurry to put my clothes on. We'd picked up the suit yesterday from the very exhausted tailor, who seemed happy to get rid of it. I assumed my father had pestered him every day to make sure it got done on time. I felt bad for the man, but at least I didn't have to go get my old suit from my father's house and risk running into him.

While I waited for my time to leave, Jax did everything in his power to keep my mind preoccupied. He talked more than normal. He was cuddlier than normal. I got all his attention to myself, and... It made me feel better. It gave me careful hope that maybe... just maybe... I wouldn't lose him when I told him about the bet.

So... When I finally had to leave for Jessica's, the icy grip on my heart had faded a little.

And then I remembered where I was heading to.

"Fuck me..." I breathed out when I sat in my car, Jax waving at me by the front door.

I didn't want to go... But at least it would be over soon. Just a few hours or mind-numbing boredom. Dad would be too busy entertaining his guests to torment me. But man, it was hard to start the engine, especially with Jax right there, a few feet away... I wanted to return to him. I didn't want to leave him even for a second.

Because no matter what, I still couldn't shake the gut-wrenching feeling that my time with him was running out.

I smiled at Jax, then waved at him. I started the car and forced myself to back out of the driveway. Jax stood by the door the entire time...

I sighed, looked away from him, and drove off.

Too soon, I arrived at Jessica's, and parked my car in their driveway. Before I stepped out, I stopped to stare at my house looming in the distance. All the lights were on, and even through the heavy rain, I saw a lot of people in the windows. Caterer's and what not. There had to be Dad's guests present already as well.

I let out a quiet groan and exited the car, trying to avoid getting soaked in the rain when I hurried to the front door.

Jess came to open it when I rang the doorbell, and she smiled at me.

"You look so good!" she told me.

"So do you," I said, admiring her in her green dress.

It was funny really. This was the girl I had dated the longest. She was beautiful in her dress. She'd always be the most beautiful girl I'd ever met, and I still did love her, but I guess... That love had never been the same kind of love I had for Jax. I wanted to say I loved her more like a sister, but since we'd slept together... But it was something similar.

"So Dan isn't waiting here with you?" I asked when I followed her in and didn't see my brother anywhere.

"Yeah, we'll meet at the party," she said.

"So... How are things with you and my baby brother?" I asked, smirking.

"He's great. Everything is..." she trailed off, a shy, warm smile appearing on her lips as she thought of him. "Well, he's awesome," she said.

"Of course. He's the younger version of me," I said, grinning. "You cougar."

She laughed and gently slapped my shoulder. "Yeah, exactly. A whole year younger than you. And he's bigger than you," she said.

"Well I don't know. I mean, considering my size, that's not necessarily a good thing," I said. "Besides, Jax likes my size."

"Ohh, so you two have done the dirty," she cooed. "No wonder he was walking funky the other day."

I shook my head, chuckling. "You know? I'm really glad I got to keep you as my best friend."

"Aww. I feel the same," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Well, most of the time."

"Yeah..." I said, the thought of the bet bringing my mood back down. "I wish I'd listened to you when this whole challenge thing started..."

"Me too," she said quietly, her eyes sad. "But I'm still your best friend. I'll be there for you and help you however I can. You know, when the time comes."

"Thanks," I said quietly. "I uh... I know I can't keep it a secret much longer. It's... It's killing me."

"I know," she said, gently touching my arm. "I really hope it will go well."

"Yeah..." I said. "Anyway. Dad's stupid party, huh?"

"I know right," she said, rolling her eyes.

We didn't get going right away. Jessica insisted that she wasn't ready yet, even though in my eyes she was more than ready. I would never understand how much time girls needed to dress up, but I sure as hell wasn't going to hurry her up. The less time I had to spend in the same building with my dad, the better.

So, it took us more than half an hour to leave for the dreaded party. The rain was not showing any signs of calming down, but we had a big umbrella with us, so we walked up the small distance to my house. Several cars passed us by on our way, and I was quite annoyed to see how many people still showed up, no matter the lousy weather.

And when we reached my yard, I stopped to stare at the large mansion I could no longer call home.

"Nic?"

I glanced at Jess, who gave me a worried look.

"I'm fine," I said, turning my attention back to the house. "It's... Weird to be back here, that's all."

"We don't have to go," Jess told me.

"It's fine... I'm just..." I trailed off and sighed. "I don't know..."

"I get it. A lot has changed in the past two months," Jess said. "It can't be easy."

If I hadn't had Jax by my side, I wasn't sure how I could've gotten through it. And soon I'd lose him too. Probably. Unless... Unless he could somehow forgive me.

"I guess we should get inside. Your shoes are probably wet," I muttered, glancing at her high heels.

"A little, but it's fine," she said, smiling.

I smiled at her, and we continued walking. I really wished it was Jax by my side, but having Jess with me was almost as good. It was actually quite nice to have this alone time with her. Especially since she knew what really was on my mind.

And my fucking god, I was glad she was there when we entered my old home, and had to face the several dozen people who had showed up in their fancy suits and evening dresses.

I didn't see my father anywhere, thank god. I did spot some familiar faces, like relatives and Dad's closest associates, and as we made our way deeper into the mansion, I politely chatted with those who recognized me. No one, not even our relatives, didn't seem to know my dad and I weren't on speaking terms. And everyone sure loved to bring up Yale.

"So? Are you excited? It's your last year before Yale!"

"So, how are your studies going? Feeling confident about Yale?"

"You're so smart, I know you'll get into Yale!"

"What do they require at Yale? My son is very smart and I'm sure he'd get in if he put a little more effort into his studies. You should tutor him sometime."

"Excuse me – I think I heard someone calling for us," Jess said with a smile, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from my uncle before I could explode.

I regretted coming here so fucking much...

"Thanks," I told her. "If I hear that name one more time, I will cause a scene."

"I wouldn't mind," she said, smirking. "Look. There's your mom."

I turned to look in the direction she was pointing at. Mom noticed me at the same moment and waved at me with a smile on her face. Jess and I made our way to her. She hugged me as soon as I was within her reach.

"My baby boy. I missed you so much," she muttered in my ear.

"We had lunch like two days ago," I reminded her.

"Two days is a long time when you're still supposed to live with me," she said, slowly letting go of me.

Maybe being back here was odd because Mom and I had spent our lunch date talking about houses and rental places. She was moving out with Daniel once she'd find a good place for them. And she promised to make sure I'd have my own room in her new home.

So... This place... This mansion... It wasn't going to be any of our home for long.

"Where's Daniel, by the way?" I asked, looking around. "I thought he'd meet us here."

"Oh, he's here, somewhere," Mom said, looking around as well. "I did see him about an hour ago. Maybe he's with your brother."

"Is... Kenneth here?" I asked slowly.

"Of course he came," Mom said, her expression turning sour. "Your father wouldn't have forgiven him..."

I nodded shortly, feeling... A lot. I'd still not spoken with Kenneth even once after Jax told me it was he who started bullying Jax and spread the rumors about him. And now I had to face him. And that was definitely going to be a scene since even the thought of him pissed me off.

"So the weather, huh?" I asked to change the subject.

"Oh, it's pissing off your father," Mom said quietly. "He's been acting like a toddler with the worst tantrum imaginable..."

That made me feel so much better.

"Oh... There he comes..." Mom said, peering somewhere behind me.

"Jinxed it..." Jess muttered.

"Nicholas."

I turned around to face my dad, not bothering to even fake a smile.

"Father," I greeted him just as coldly.

"Is that the suit I paid for?" he asked, wrinkling his nose at it.

"It is," I said sternly.

"Doesn't look like it," he said.

For fuck's sake...

"It is," I repeated.

"Hmm. I suppose it's better than the old one. I'm expecting you to join me in the ballroom in thirty minutes when I'm giving my speech. Daniel as well. Where is he?" Dad asked.

"We don't know," I told him.

"You can give your speech without my kids," Mom told Dad in a freezing tone. "They are here as your guests, not as entertainment."

Dad turned to glare at her. And... No matter what I felt about my father, the fact that my parents were no longer getting along... It made me sad. My entire life, the only one I'd ever known, was over.

"I want my sons to be there when I give the speech," Dad informed her. "That is a very important moment for me and my business, and my sons, my heirs, should be part of it."

"Nicholas, go find Daniel," Mom told me with a smile. "I'll meet you later, okay?"

"All right," I said, taking Jess' hand, and we slipped away from the scene.

"Wow, that was cold..." Jess mumbled. "I'm sorry, Nic."

"It's fine," I said with a sigh. "I guess it has been a long time coming."

"It's still sad," she said quietly.

I just shrugged. "Can we find something to drink? It's too hot in here."

"And so humid," Jess agreed with a groan. "I'm sweating in places no one should be sweating..."

I chuckled at her as we headed to find something to drink. We didn't get too far, though.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait!" Jess said, stopping me. "There's Daniel!"

I turned around and saw him. And completely forgot I even had a brother when I saw the smoking hot being in a red dress with him.

"Oh, my god..." I breathed out, my eyes glued to Jax. "What...?"

"Surprise!" Jess said, laughing cheerily.

"What?" I asked without turning to her.

"Surprise," she said again. "We wanted to surprise you."

I opened and closed my mouth several times. "Fuck, he's hot."

"Well, what are you standing here for? Go get your man," Jess told me, and I finally remembered how to use my body.

Jax spotted me long before I reached him. He had a warm, happy smile on his red-painted lips as he waited for me to get to him. When I did, I could only stare at him.

"Surprise," he said, his voice soft and smooth and so smoking hot.

"You're so... Wow... Just... Wow... But why are you here?" I asked, not really paying attention to the words I was speaking.

"Well, I happened to have this dress lying around, and I didn't have anything else to do, so..."

He'd even curled his hair... And he had a massive black collar necklace on him to hide his he said with a chuckle.

I smiled widely when I carefully touched his cheeks and leaned in to press my lips on his.

This night just got a hell of a lot better.