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cloveroctobers · 1 year ago

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JESSIE RAYMOND JR. — summer prompts 🍋

A/N: I say this every time, the fandom for all american and definitely HC is basically a ghost town up here and I really don’t get it. I’m here to provide a little something and then dip out again. I also guess it’s time for me to get into summer prompts although it’s still spring y’all lol. Anyways my goal is to try and make these short (didn’t happen!) before summer actually starts and I’m outside ;) so the small group of you that are out there on this site? Hope you like!

PROMPTS: 1.) “I know it’s hot but Jesus, put some clothes on!” + 2.) going fishing but only catching branches and seaweed From these two lists here.

WARNINGS: mostly fluff + “you” reader are given a name + you don’t mesh with Keisha welll in this one + friends having fun with each other basically but not without getting on each other’s nerves a little bit ofc.

SN: I’m just assuming ages here: JR = 20, Damon = 18/19?, you/reader = 19, Simone = 18/19, Keisha = 19, Nate = 20, Thea = 19/20?, Cam = 19 + I feel like Quvenzhané Wallis and Nate are siblings in my head so I casted her as “Morgan” in this.

🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻🍋🌻

To start off the summer season, Thea invited all of you out to her grandmother’s lake house for a week. Initially the tennis player suggested coming out the week after finals back in May but that plan fell through since most of you got caught up in your own tasks.

Simone was supposed to head out to California, wanting to spend time with baby Shay and her parents but something…or someone delayed her trip so she ended up staying with Auntie Amara for a little longer and booked to go back in July. Both Damon and JR were supposed to work down at this youth center for the summer, starting their training on different weeks but the week Damon was supposed to start, was when part of the building collapsed and ultimately pushed the mayor to finally give in and do the repairs.

Thankfully no person or child was hurt but they’ve been fighting for the longest to get some updates on that 1970’s building and the mayor always fibbed saying, “it just isn’t in the budget.” Yet there was no issue constantly throwing money around to throw these events for townsfolk that didn’t deserve it.

Full tea and shade!

JR wanted to help out with the repairs—or at least the cleanup portion but ultimately the head of the center placed him and Damon at another center to volunteer instead. Sure that worked out in JR’s favor since he wasn’t really in it for the money (sure the pay was decent, to have something in your pocket was always a plus, don’t get that twisted!) but he ended up feeling ill for a couple of days resulting in him stepping away from a great opportunity. Damon on the other hand? Stuck around for a little while longer, getting to know the kids and workers along with what this center entailed. Although he wouldn’t be catching the bag any time soon, he figured he still had time to see what he can do with his summer.

Keisha and Cam were spending their first half of the summer together, with him alternating between three houses. Yes, three! Thankfully he had his girlfriend but it’s not like he wanted to be all up on her with her dad back in town—and in the house especially. After their rocky ride this past semester, Cam wanted to see what this summer would bring for them both so he stuck around. Which you didn’t necessarily vibe with but you kept your mouth shut (for now) for the sake of your cousin. You were a Georgia native so it was no question that if Cam wanted to stay in the city more, there was always a open room in your household. And of course over this last semester, Cam and JR got closer—despite the fact that he was dating his cousin! They were will still cool at the end of the day.

As for Nate? Last you heard she was spending lots of time with their baby sister who was just as much as a mess of their older sibling—if not more, according to their social media.

Now here all nine of you are, inside of one of Thea’s grandmother’s vacation homes hoping for a good time. It was only your second day out here in this pale two-story Victorian home, that you personally wouldn’t have guessed would be any of the Mays’ taste but it’s not like you were complaining at all. If there was ever a chance to get away after that hellish semester, you were taking it this summer!

You leaned in the doorway of the upstairs main bedroom, arms lightly folded while pressing one sock covered foot over the other as you chatted away with Thea and Nate.

“Since I really didn’t expect eight of you to show up, it’s my duty as thee host to see what you all like for breakfast.” Thea bounced on her toes, long hair pulled up and away from her heart-shaped face with a claw clip.

Nate sent you a playful side eye before replying, “I honestly expected another post mates order or chef to be doing the honors, Thea. I can’t say I’m not a little gagged to be hearing this this morning.”

Thea fanned her hand at her friend, “please, if you all thought I was going to be in the kitchen when the majority of you showed up late last night, except for you, Willa, you’re all crazier than I thought.”

“Pleased to be of service.” You courtesy, pulling at the ends of JR’s shirt that you sported, which earned a light shove from Nate who rolled their eyes.

Thea clasped her hands with a soft smile, “yeah that’ll be the chef’s job tonight to cater to all your growling bellies so you better enjoy the work I’m putting in for breakfast.”

“Oh, Yes, ma’am.” Nate snapped their fingers before tapping on their chin, “I’m feeling like a egg’s Benedict, preferably with turkey bacon, I don’t mess with pork baby. Or maybe a frittata. What about you, Willa? What are you feeling like this morning?”

You were just rubbing at your eyes, still tired, since you were one of the ones out of the group that didn’t enjoy early mornings, “uh…a iced mocha latte with light ice and almond milk?”

“Almond milk?” Nate scrunched up their nose along with Thea who let out a deep sigh in disappointment, “we do oat milk over here.”

“Yeah well my gut doesn’t care for it so…” you lifted your shoulders with a shrug while the two gasped—like it was the most horrible news they heard this morning.

A form of hands wrapped around your waist, catching you off guard at first before you felt the scratch of his facial hair against your skin as he pecked a kiss to your cheek. Instantly you melted into JR’s frame as he spoke up, eyeing the two you were socializing with out in the hallway.

“My baby don’t need the oats, she’s already thick as it is.”

Nate tilted her head to the side eyeing the brown skinned boy that was all cuddled up this morning, “well, good morning to you too, JR.”

“We love to see the love in the air.” Thea commented making JR smile with a wink, hugging you tighter to his body.

“So what would like for breakfast? and please save us the urge to vomit by saying Willa’s name. Considering…” Nate motioned at JR with their fingers.

A frown suddenly appeared on your face at Nate’s words, making you lean to the side, peeking downwards at JR, making you deeply inhale.

“I know it’s hot but Jesus, put some clothes on!” You whispered yelled at JR who held no shame in his game, simply dressed in some black boxer briefs.

Thea held her hand out, blocking her view of the twenty year old, as JR shifted from behind you and began to flex.

“I mean there weren’t any complaints last night.”

You slapped a hand to your forehead, lightly flinching as you did so.

Nate laughed.

“Please tell me you two didn’t do the deed in my grandmother’s bed?!” Thea hissed at the two.

She was started to regret ever giving you two the main bedroom in the house. There were only three bedrooms and it was a tight squeeze with all nine of you (you and JR in the main bedroom, Keisha, Cam, and Simone in the second bedroom which consisted two twin beds, Damon in the office which actually had a daybed stuffed in one of the corners, and downstairs: Thea slept in one of the large living chairs, while Nate and Morgan slept on the pull-out couch) but Thea was determined to make it work.

JR immediately shook his head, “aye, no. We’re not that disrespectful.”

“Yeah, what kind of couple do you think we are? Keisha and Cam?” You snarked, making Thea cover her giggle with her four fingertips.

Nate let out a low whistle at that, patting at their scalp, knowing exactly how you felt towards the relationship but Keisha was also their old high school best friend. It was too early to get into it right now but if another comment flew…

Thea hummed, “well whatever, this is me telling you two not to get into any funny business. This is not a hotel. I’m gonna go tend to a simple breakfast downstairs, hopefully a hour or a hour in a half should be enough time for you to gather yourselves.”

And with that, Thea spun on her heels, fluffy slippers slapping down the wooden hallway as she made her exit.

“Let’s not act like granny Mays doesn’t have a cleanup crew on standby the second we clear out this place.” Nate muttered to the two, making them snicker.

Thea called from the first floor, “Nate! Come, we have to discuss SummerhouseMV.”

“Oo, that’s my cue! See y’all in a bit!” Nate bid their farewells.

Turning back to Jr, who held a faint dimpled grin on his face, you stepped into the room, squeezing his jaw as you gave him a warning glance, “I thought I told you that this,” you trailed your hand down his torso, enjoying that he shuddered at your mere touch, “is for my eyes only.”

JR smirked as you locked your arms around his neck, “my fault but…you did steal my shirt.”

You hummed, trailing your nose against his, then flicking your eyes to meet his, “why don’t you take it back then, Hm?”

JR licked his bottom lip, one hand pulling you flesh against his hips while the other pushed the door shut behind you, “don’t mind if I do, baby.”

Awhile later everyone eventually made their way downstairs to the main floor, ready to dive into the quick breakfast Thea prepared for you all. The breakfast was full of laughter and chatter until it was time to clean up then get dressed. On the agenda today was just to go across the street and spend the day at the lake, after all it was their first or second day out here—depending on who you ask (some were planning to leave that Saturday or Sunday) but regardless there was nothing wrong with starting off with relaxation.

“If y’all don’t get your asses off the damn boat,” Cam complained, using the back of his hand to wipe the sheen from his forehead after making his way back to the front of the house.

He found no other than you and Thea posing in one boat while Nate’s little sister, sixteen year old, Morgan was snapping away the pics with Thea’s phone.

Morgan eyed Cam up and down, scoffed while giving him the talk to the hand motion, gave Thea back her phone, before taking her leave to head back inside of the house and away from whatever Cam was on.

“Relax Cam,” you fanned the back of your neck, although you managed to get your butterfly locs up and out the way, “let us thrive.”

“I’m the host, I can do what I want. If I want to pose in this crappy boat my granddaddy had shoved away in the basement, I can. If I want y’all to carry me, you will.” Thea flicked out her bamboo folding fan, proceeding to stretch out.

Shaking your head at Thea, you slipped your shades back down over your eyes, fingertips on the edges of the boat, ready to climb out before cousin cam’s blood pressure began to raise.

“Oh yeah? How about I turn this boat into a bowling ball and toss y’all asses into the street, then you’ll really be playing in traffic.” Cam jabbed his thumb behind himself, earning a laugh from a approaching Keisha who walked over, enjoying Cam going off on both Thea and yourself.

Tilting your head to the side you responded, “Be forreal, Cam. You’re not about to throw nobody anywhere, especially me. Its never that serious and It’s too hot to be going back and forth with you and your dragon ass breath.”

Cam huffed, almost stalking forward and making Thea sit up in worry while Damon intervened. “C’mon bro, they’re clearly just messing around. Chill, we’re all family here.”

“It’s too hot for that,” Cam shoved Damon’s hand away from his chest, “and I’m not feeling like playin’ around, when we have to do all the work in this hot ass air.”

Take a shot every time someone says “hot,” today.

“You’re welcome to stay here if you’re going to keep up with this attitude.” Thea carefully climbed out of the boat.

“With you freezing us like it’s the damn North Pole? I rather stay out here in devil’s island.”

“Whoa…don’t tell us you’re some sort of satanist?” Damon questioned, taking a step back while also making Cam’s eye twitch.

“I’m not finna do this with y’all.” Cam pointed, “Let me know when you’re ready because I thought we were supposed to be across the road forty minutes ago.”

He stalked off to sit on the front steps of the house by the bags, snacks, and other accessories everyone was planning to bring to the lake.

Thea glanced down at her manicure, still fanning herself with her other hand, “What’s up his butt?”

You immediately glanced at Keisha who glared at you and now Damon who stared at her.

“What’re you guys looking at me for?”

“I mean you would know…he was fine yesterday.” You answered with a shrug of your shoulders.

Keisha turned her eyes into slits, “Some people just get aggravated in the heat…and cam woke up with a crick in his neck. That’s all I know, so maybe don’t continue spreading your hater energy around.”

“Hater?” You raised your brows before looking around confused, “what’s that?”

“I’m looking right at her.” Keisha scowled, placing her hand on her hip.

Rolling your eyes you ignored her by saying, “anyways…”

Thea shook her head at you two while Damon sent her a grimace before she raised her arms up in the air as everyone else began to pile out of the house, “finally! I’m all for being fashionably late people but come on! I’m a little bit with cranky cam on this one…the sun is only getting hotter and I need a serious dip in the water! Let’s go!”

“Girl it’s only 1pm. We have the entire day ahead of us.” Simone responds, stomping down the stairs.

You were expecting the two to go back and forth but it seemed like Thea and Simone were on good terms for this trip so far. It was a love and hate thing with those two so you weren’t sure how long the love would last.

A brief breeze went by along with the humid atmosphere, making you take a small but thick swallow as it tickled your nose a bit. Exhaling you reached into your Jean shorts pocket, pulling out a tissue before you walked off to cater to your sinuses.

“Babe! You good?” JR called out to you from behind.

The post nasal drip was not as bad today but certainly still lingering around. After clearing your nose out you spun back around, your eyes meeting JR’s who stood some distance from you; now holding onto one end of the boat while Damon held onto the other.

Giving a thumbs up you nodded, “yeah, I’m fine. You?”

JR was in the bathroom for a minute this morning, playing it off as a bad decision to eat cookout so late due to his and Damon’s arrival last night. Something inside of you felt like that wasn’t a hundred since JR’s been sick a couple of weeks back way before he started at the center, so of course you wanted to make sure he was okay and not just a case of the bubble guts.

Just like he wanted to make sure the same with you. You had surgery to remove some nasal polyps almost two weeks ago and was stuck with some prescribed nasal sprays.

“Ain’t no thing.” JR shrugged his shoulders with a gleaming grin, appearing so handsome.

“Alright then,” you clasped your hands together turning your attention to the girls that gathered their own bags from the steps, “let’s roll!”

“Hey!” Thea cut in, jumping down onto the front lawn after locking the house, “that’s my line.”

Raising your hands as you walked by the glaring bronzed skin girl, you gave wide eyes to Simone who sucked her teeth at Thea’s antics.

Soon everyone began lugging their items down the stone steps towards the sidewalk, leaving You behind as you began digging your bag in search of hand sanitizer and your medicine. Bringing the spray into your left nostril, you sprayed more of it on that side since that side gave you more trouble due to the size of the growth that was inside.

“C’mon Lisa Zemo.” Cam called out to you, still standing on the lawn where he stood with Nate, carrying the second boat towards the other set of stairs.

Tossing the medicine back into the bag, you hauled it onto your shoulder and spun back around, giving a middle finger to the dark skinned boy, “I’ll let that one slide. Look at you Cam, getting your lick back. I’m proud.”

“I’m the best clap back king at this crib, please act like you know.” Cam tossed in over his shoulder.

Nate sent you a look, peering up from their phone as you stood beside them. Silently they handed their phone over for you to hold in your much bigger purse for them. Passing through the empty parking spot by the curb, you halted watching the street before you crossed the first section. The other street that had cars going west ended up being more hectic to cross, leaving the three standing there for a good two minutes before they all made it across to the greenery that awaited them.

“Uh uh, what are y’all about to do with that?” Keisha asked the boys who gathered up their equipment.

Damon grinned, “We’re going fishing so we can make dinner tomorrow. You’re welcome.”

Keisha pointed as she lounged on her elbows on a towel, “in this lake?”

“We can just go out to this upscale seafood place instead. That was supposed to be Wednesday’s plan for brunch but things can be rearranged.” Thea told the boys as she finished spraying her sunscreen.

“Y’all can just sit back and let us work. Don’t worry about it, we got it.” Damon reassured.

Simone scoffed, pushing up from her squatting position, “oh no. You don’t get to tell us what we as women should do, what if we want to fish?”

“Oh nah, I didn’t mean it like that—

Damon started.

“Um, I don’t really want to do that so I’m completely fine swimming and tanning so no thanks. Have at it, k? Bye.” Thea kept her cover-up on as she walked to the waterline.

Keisha laughed but stopped short as Simone turned her glare towards her. “Yeah I’m kinda with thea on this one. It’s not for me.”

Simone asked, “Have you ever tried?”

“No and I don’t plan to.” Keisha tossed herself back onto the towel.

Simone turned her attention to Nate’s little sister, seeing her laying on her side turned away from the group, “hey, Morgan.”

“Girl no.” Morgan stated, “I’m napping.”

“I can see you scrolling Twitter!”

“That’s that heat getting to your eyesight. What do they call it? A mirage? Yeah that’s probably what you’re experiencing, I’ll pray for you.” Morgan spoke with a yawn.

Which earned a look of disbelief on Simone’s face while everyone else laughed at the teen’s words.

Soon you, Nate, and Cam made your way to the group’s set up. The two places the boat next to the one Damon and JR carried just as Simone smiled at you.

“Willa! We’re going fishing!” Simone looped her arm with yours, just as you placed your things by Thea’s towel.

You debated, “sitting in the scorching Georgia sun hunting fish or go swimming? Hm I don’t know.”

Making a scale with your hands you dropped them, raising the swimming above your head while JR smirked at you.

“I heard from Willa’s grandpappy that she used to catch all the fish with him back in the day.” The man started before saying, “Makes sense since she’s quite the catch herself.”

Cam gagged, “and you my brother, are quite corny.”

Which earned snickers from the rest.

“Leave my man alone.” You swatted at Cam who walked by to place his own towel between Keisha and a “sleeping” Morgan.

Simone poked you, “Sooo what do you say?”

“I say we should leave Ariel’s family where they belong.” You poked the doe-eyed beauty back.

Keisha commented, “I mean can you even go swimming? Considering the whole nostril issues you’re having? Fishing might be your best bet.”

Simone secretly thought about this but also knew how it came across.

“I don’t need your fake concern, thanks.” You snapped at Keisha who remained stretched out and in peace.

“Hey, I’m just saying! We don’t need any special ER trips on this vacation, it’s supposed to be fun. It’s summer after all and we don’t need anybody ruining it.”

“Then why don’t you shut the hell up?”

Oh yeah, that Watkins energy was flaming right about now.

“Aye, c’mon now. That’s not what we’re here for.” JR tried to ease the tension while Simone sighed at you two.

She wished the both of you could just be cordial—like her and Layla!

“Fine,” you forced a smile on your lips, “anything to get away from this funkiness.”

Simone shushed you on your way by as you stood on the side of the boat, watching the two brother’s as damon tended to one of the rods and JR checked on the live bait.

“Hand me a hook, Simone.” You directed the girl who stood on the opposite side of the boat.

Damon quickly spoke up as he noticed JR eyeing him, “Uh, I’ll take care of that since I already started on this one and not because y’all aren’t capable.”

Simone humphed as she crossed her arms at the bucket hat wearing eighteen year old.

“Cam, Nate? What y’all doing?” JR looked over at the two.

Nate turned on their mini portable fan from beside Morgan as they looked out at the lake. “That fishing mess is not for me. I’ll be right here tending to my bundles and maybe I’ll take a dip in the lake later, to see which white boy is flirting with miss. thea.”

“Bundles?” Cam asked not caring one bit who thea chose to flirt with, “I know you did not bring your hair out here.”

“And what about it, Cameron?” Nate turned to the braided boy, shaking the hair out as if they were fanning themselves with it.

Cameron blew air out his lips, “imma mind my business. I’ll be in the water, y’all.” He pressed a kiss to Keisha’s temple before he hopped up, chucked up the deuces and jogged away to the water.

“Guess that’s our answer, let’s go ladies.” Damon lifted the boat along with JR, who led the way.

Simone was on competing mode, which Damon found humorous on their side of the boat—while also riling her up just a tad. As the four of you got comfortable on the boat, which happened to be a great distance from where all the water sports activities were occurring up ahead, you found yourself seated right beside your boyfriend, thighs touching as JR was on DJ duty.

His portable Bluetooth sat in the middle of the boat while he tended to his phone that was on shuffle, currently playing some old Drake.

On the edges of the boat sat the rods, floating on waiting for something to catch the bait. The sun was beaming down, darkening each of their pretty hues but the water and being by each other was all the company they needed.

“Hey,” you whispered to JR who was quick to meet your eyes.

Your eyes told him you were okay but a nudge of your head, silently made him aware what you were going to do.

Pulling your left eye graphic t-shirt over your head, you yanked the hot pink dolphin shorts off and jumped over the side of the boat.

“The hell?! Did she just fall?!” Simone quickly looked over her shoulder, breaking out of her banter with Damon, now on full alert for her friend.

JR glanced over to see you re-emerge, brushing the water from your face as a blissful smile split onto your face.

JR responded as he pulled his own shirt off, leaving himself in his initial necklace and trunks, “Nope. Just livin’ life.”

Before he jumped into the water as well.

He latched onto you as you swam along, all smiles as the music played on, staring into each others eyes and happy to be in the arms of the one you love.

Another splash sounded from behind you, revealing Simone who floated on her back with a smile of her own, “I was wrong. The water is the much better choice. My bad guys.”

“You’re forgiven.” You teased the girl.

JR called out to Damon as you wrapped your legs around his waist, “C’mon bro, you’re the only one left, get in here!”

“What about the fish?”

“Man, forget all that!”

Damon sighed as he tossed his hat to the side along with his shirt, “y’all owe us dinner tomorrow.”

“Damon! Damon! Damon!” The three of you splashed, waiting for the boy to take a dive.

Once he hit the water, he snuck up behind the three, full of laughter as he caught them off guard.

Being in the water for what felt like hours with your boyfriend and good company provided just the freeing fresh start of summer that you needed.

“Hey, we lost sight of you guys.” Keisha greeted you guys, hair slightly damp as she tossed grapes into her mouth.

Thea smiled at the four who made their way over, “must have caught a lot to be out there for so long.”

“Let’s see it!”

“Oh, y’all aren’t ready.” Simone sassed, a glint in her eye as she looked back at you who let out a small laugh.

Damon lifted up one bucket while Jr held the other, “Might be our biggest catch yet.”

“Stop with the suspense and show us!” Nate yelled, now standing.

“Alright, y’all asked for it.” JR shrugged with a smile as he followed Damon to stand in front of the group.

The two brother’s both dipped their heads before they lifted their buckets and tipped it over, emptying its contents.

“What the hell is this?” Cam sucked his teeth.

Morgan peeked up from her phone, “I know they lying.”

In front of them sat pounds of seaweed mixed with some branches.

“You guys were out there all this time and didn’t catch a damn thing? What a waste of time.” Keisha clicked her tongue, “I’m glad I didn’t go.”

Although the rest of the group didn’t exactly get it, stamping it as nothing but to past the time, Simone, Damon, you, and Jr understood what that bonding moment meant as you all shared a brief group hug.

Thea did the honors of snapping a picture with her Polaroid just before you all let go.

Lounging beside Jr, you felt the air starting to calm down but that didn’t stop you from putting some more drops up your nose. As you lay your head on JR’s shoulder, the both of you stared up into the periwinkle sky with specs of pink cotton candy forming in the middle.

His warm hand slipped up to intertwine with yours as he croaked out, “did you have a good day?”

“It’s always a good day with you,” you stared down at your conjoined hands, “wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I love you, baby.”

You smiled, angling yourself to place a kiss along JR’s jaw, “I love you too, Jessie.”

And his smile matched yours, sparking hope that there’ll be more summers like these.

彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍ 彡‗ ❍

Continue along with my summer anthology prompts here.

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cloveroctobers · 2 years ago

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DECEMBER DRABBLES — 6. Jessie Raymond Jr. + Tammy Ocampo 🌨️

A/N: I can’t believe we have to wait deep into January to get another season but if we don’t think about it…it’ll arrive faster than we think! ☝🏾 Anyways i have a crush on Sylvester & Gigi that’s that bi panic 🤭 and since the all american universe and bridge & tunnel series are non-existent on this site—mainly bridge and tunnel, I thought I’d take one for the team and do the writing. GIF BELONGS to: @katelliot

SN | | I’m planning to do 12 prompts of Xmas which means I have 6 more left to do but honestly—no promises! 😬

PROMPTS: #25. “My car was not made for this weather!” + #16. “Don’t slip!” + #31. Scenario: told parents about SO and now you have to rope someone into it for the holidays.

Synopsis: OC involves her ex-lover, JR into being her fake boyfriend for the holidays, along with her bestie and main-driver, Tammy uncovering the reasons why there shouldn’t be secrets.

͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙

“My car was not made for this weather!” Tammy Ocampo, Linnea’s best friend, complained as she kept a tight-grip on her fuzzy steering wheel.

She wanted to leave on time, much earlier when the sun was still out along with less traffic, to get to Linnea’s family’s house up in the mountains, which was also considered a village town. Ultimately this did not make sense to Tammy really, since she didn’t picture Linnea’s parents living in a secluded area such as Helen, Georgia but to each their own of course!

“We’re going up this mountain to save my marriage,” JR joked from the backseat, snacking on something that made Tammy roll her eyes.

She was unaware that she was taking Linnea’s old fling along for the ride as well. And she also wished her friend would have communicated this so that she could tell her that this was a bad idea.

Tammy rolled her eyes again, which JR caught in the rear view this time. He decided to close up his snack to shove back into the book bag he had beside him in the backseat. As previously stated, JR and Tammy tried to be on their best behavior towards each other since they cared about Linnea and he figured that the Latina was just pressed he was here. He was a gentleman, knew shit wasn’t for free, and knew Tammy would probably feel a way about him being here but Linnea asked him to do a favor for her so he was here. Simple as that. He offered to pay for the gas as the bare minimum—which Tammy shot down, and even pumped the gas at this sketchy station when the snow started coming down again.

The only one that seemed to have an attitude here…was Tammy.

“So…Tammy,” JR started, “how do you get along with Linnea’s parents? Anything I should be warned about as a friend looking in on the outside?”

Tammy pulled her bottom lip into her mouth as she thought about that. Sure she could make up something but she knew Linnea wouldn’t let that slide. However JR was in a much different predicament than she was. Linnea and Tammy were friends since middle school living in Lula, Georgia—a railroad town up until Linnea’s parents decided to move to Helen months after Linnea started at the HBCU in Atlanta.

“Well you’re not bonding with them as Linnea’s friend right? so your process will be different compared to mine,” Tammy responded, noticing Linnea peek over at her choice of wording.

Linnea could feel the tension in the car since the moment JR climbed into the backseat. The girl could understand Tammy’s position to a certain extent, you can’t just invite someone else when you’re not the one providing the transportation. Honestly it was a spur of the moment kind of thing, from receiving a text message from her mom late at night two days ago reminding her of her “significant other,” mind you—that didn’t exist, to reaching out to her old lover and friend? Jessie Raymond jr. To be her fake boyfriend.

Then there was Tammy who’s been around Linnea’s parents for awhile now. Although her mother and Linnea’s mother were not on the best terms before Tammy’s mom’s passed, her father still sent a Christmas card to their home every year.

This would be JR’s first time ever meeting the girl he’s been intimate with parents and this isn’t something usually that he does. He often avoided this part of the relationship because they weren’t serious and he felt it wasn’t needed. He was starting off with a lie for the sake of Linnea’s sanity yet he wasn’t expecting this to bite him in the ass later.

The relationship between Linnea and JR was a monthly subscription. From spending late night studying sessions, to showing up to nearly everyone of JR’s games and Linnea’s skating competition in return, to Linnea throwing a cartwheel on his north pole for the first time, quickly changed things—as to be expected. It was the usual friends with benefits storyline but once it started to mean something, Linnea distanced herself and that made things very confusing to JR—however he was the main one proposing that they didn’t get attached.

He had to give the girl some shit when she called him, requesting that he be her man for the holiday season in front of her parents. Since she spent time alone and away from JR, he tried not to think too much about it and focused on himself as well. It felt weird but he didn’t want to discuss it and carried on like it was nothing although everyone in the group, including Tammy noticed the shift.

This also gave JR the time to give his baby bro, the opportunity to spend a few days with their mom alone. He didn’t mind giving Damon that but would definitely be back to spend the rest of the holiday season with his family too.

“It’s sounding like you ladies might be setting me up,” JR stated, “I just want to know what I’m walking into. I already know the basics of your folks names and what they do for a living. I’m making sure I’m not blindsided when I walk through the door, that’s all.”

Tammy laughed, “this isn’t a exam. Just be natural, anyone can see if you’re genuine or not.”

JR tilted his head to the side, looking at Linnea who could feel his stare. She slightly turned to meet his eyes, sent a smile his way, followed by a thumbs up.

“What she said. You’ll be fine.”

“…are your folks expecting you to bring anyone home this holiday, Tammy?” JR asked.

Tammy inhaled as she sat up straighter in the driver’s seat, “last person I brought home to my dad, cousins, and aunties it became a mixture of threats of kidnapping him and bringing him to Colombia; to never be heard from again if he broke my heart and my aunties begging him to marry me. So I’d rather not do that or lie about my love life.”

That was a jab.

Linnea had to check if her hearing aid was turned on at that. She even peeked over at JR to make sure he heard that last bit too and he held his hands up basically telling her to check that herself, despite it being his question to Tammy.

“I’ll tell them it’s all a prank at the end of the trip so they don’t kill me while also hinting that I want them to butt out of my business.” Linnea explained, beginning to play around with the case of her phone.

Tammy shook her head, “Is it really worth lying though? I mean how long have you been telling your mom about him? Just tell them that you’re focused on school, it always works for me.”

“That’ll only get you so far.”

“We’re only nineteen!” Tammy exasperated, “it’s so frustrating between my family wanting to marry me off and yours expecting you to be in a relationship.”

Linnea folded her fluffy covered arms, “I’ve been single so long in their eyes that they’re starting to question my sexuality.”

“Wait, forreal?” JR questioned, “why?”

“Oh you know the ignorant saying: If you never talk about your interests in the opposite sex in front of them or gush about your crushes or bring anybody around, you’re immediately gay.” Linnea informed.

The car was met with silence at that until Tammy snickered.

“Well…they’re not 100% wrong.”

JR found himself tilting his head at that, “what do you mean by that?”

Tammy laughed, looking over at Linnea who gave her a playful side eye.

“You’ve never told him?”

“Told me what?” It felt like JR was watching a match right now and usually he caught on pretty quick but it didn’t feel like it when it came to Linnea Griggs.

Linnea twisted her body around, setting her back against the car door so that she could face both Tammy and JR.

“Tams and I used to date,” Linnea revealed making JR raise his brows, “from Christmas break during our junior year in high school up until the summer going into senior year. Then as soon as Mikey Diaz wanted to take her to prom instead of Stacey—whatever her last name is, Tammy dropped my ass even as her friend. We had beef for awhile.”

Tammy gasped, “that’s not true!”

“Yes it is.”

JR bursted out laughing at the two’s bickering, making Linnea question with her eyes what he found so funny. It was when Tammy’s eyes peered back at him through the rear view, he pointed in her direction, still chuckling.

“The hell are you laughing about?”

“It all makes sense,” JR said, “I finally know what Tammy’s problem with me is.”

“Problem? Oh no, we don’t have a problem.” Tammy tried to persuade.

JR gave her a look of pure disbelief which made her clear her throat and turn her attention back to the road.

“You must know about Linnea and I,” he spoke so matter of factly that it made Tammy want to slam on the breaks, so maybe the seat belt would yank on his neck a bit but decided against that—she was safe driver, “you two have history too so it’s obvious that you feel a way about me even if it isn’t intentional.”

It was Tammy’s turn to laugh as she shook her head, “you say you’re this nice guy but you really radiate cocky energy majority of the time you know that, huh?”

“No, don’t get that misconstrued baby, I’m confident.” JR flashed his white teeth at her while Tammy scoffed.

“Oh, are you? How confident are you in Linnea’s feelings about Gabby?” Tammy fired off which made Linnea reach over and whack her arm.

JR’s eyes flicked to the bundled girl. He wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean or how Linnea even knew what was going on with him and Gabby. There wasn’t much besides flirting…yet.

“What’s wrong with gabby?” JR quizzed, sliding forward to rest his elbows against the back of the seats, “Cam told me y’all were cool…”

Linnea couldn’t help but to suck her teeth at that, making more confusion appear on the brown skinned boy’s face. Why was JR asking her god-brother about her opinion on gabby? They sat next to each other in class, borrowed pens off each other, and cackled once or twice at the professor getting on each of their nerves but there wasn’t a issue.

JR was not Linnea’s man, he made that clear.

So why did it matter what she thought about him getting involved with someone else?

Tammy bit down on her bottom lip, realizing that she probably should have kept her mouth shut but it needed to be out in the open.

Especially if they were going to play along with this little scheme Linnea came up with to get her parents to chill on her relationship status.

“It doesn’t matter,” Linnea muttered, ready to turn back around but JR reached out for her fur covered wrist.

Her round eyes met his full-length lash framed ones, “it does to me.”

Sure Linnea distanced herself from JR once she realized she was falling for him. She swore she wouldn’t let this happen but the more time she spent with the guy, made that incredibly hard. Which is why she put up the distance, although she wanted more but it was dangerous not allowing yourself to love.

Yet it seemed like JR was a pro at it.

“It’s too late,” Linnea whispered, making his brows furrow for what felt like the thousandth time tonight, just as Tammy pulled into the driveway of Linnea’s parents’ cabin.

A thick silence filled the Honda even with the heat still flowing through the vents. Tammy clapped her hands together trying to break it as they all stared out at the snow-covered cocoa powdered home, “I guess we should head in, I don’t think I’ll stay since…my dad is probably waiting for me.”

Linnea couldn’t believe Tammy and she knew it with the way she cut her brown eyes at her. Normally Tammy didn’t mean any harm and still probably didn’t but Linnea was highly annoyed with her. This break wasn’t meant to be drama filled, it was about spending time with loved ones but now Linnea just felt like going right to bed.

“You know my mom’s not going to allow you to travel out to Lula by yourself at this hour,” Linnea grumbled, shoving her hands into her gloves, “so let’s just get this over with, okay?”

She didn’t wait for a answer from either of the two, unlocking her side of the door, tossing the door open to engulf herself into the frozen air and wet snow. A slam of the door made Tammy wince, she tried to perk up and say something else to JR but he also smoothed a beanie over his ears, lifting his book bag with him before he exited into the cold too.

Carefully JR walked down the rest of the driveway, his eyes in slits as the snow whipped past his face, slightly quickening his steps to Linnea who was stepping downwards to the house.

“Don’t slip!” JR called out, his hands going around her coat covered waist as she did.

He steadied her as Linnea’s breath puffed out into the air, attempting to catch her breath as she leaned back into JR for a bit before straightening up. Rolling her shoulders Linnea whispered out a, “thanks,” before carrying on around the front patio towards the front door.

He couldn’t help but to let out a sigh as he heard the steps of Tammy stomping behind him. He stepped to the side, holding his hand out for her to walk in front of him before he followed the girls to the main entrance.

Linnea was quick unlocking the door, holding it open and waving her two guests in after her, before closing and locking the wind out behind them.

“LINNEA!” The squeakiness of mother’s voice called out from the living room on the left of the entry way.

The girl took a deep breath, tossing her hood back as the small woman entered the entry way, hands on her hips, eyes only set on her daughter.

“You’re late!”

“Sorry, mommy. We got caught out there once the wind and snow started to pick back up.” Linnea tried to explain but the woman just shushed her, placing a bright smile on her lips as she turned to Tammy; holding her arms out for the dark haired girl.

“Tammy, baby! You just missed your dad and Tia about two hours ago.” The woman pulled the girl into her arms, swaying her from side to side, “come on, get out of them jackets, get you all something to eat, and get comfortable.”

“Oh, I just came in to say hi.”

“Did you hear what I said,” The woman was stern, as she glanced over her shoulder at the long haired girl, who quickly dipped her head and swallowed, not saying anything more.

Linnea’s mother smiled some more as she turned to JR who quickly yanked his hat off and held his hand out to the woman, “Mrs. Griggs, it’s good to meet you—I’m—

“Mhm. You’re Jessie! My sweet pea’s boyfriend! Finally! Bring it on in, darling!” Mrs. Griggs yanked the taller boy into her grip, providing the same treatment to him as she did Tammy, as if she knew him for a long time.

Linnea took this time to get out of her outerwear, while he mother hugged on everybody.

“You’re so handsome,” Mrs. Griggs analyzed, making JR laugh and smile, “you did well, sweet pea. Y’all make a cute couple, you match.”

“Why thank you ma’am,” JR continued smiling as he looked over at Linnea who stared up at the ceiling, “you hear that, Linny? Your ma says we fit. I say we should believe her.”

“As you should, I’m a woman of my word!” Mrs. Griggs patted JR’s shoulders as she then turned to her daughter.

She gripped her hands, “let me get a good look at you, make sure my sweet pea is staying well-fed before your grandmomma does it tomorrow.”

Linnea knew that was coming as she did a full-spin for the woman who just hummed before cupping her face. Then she cradled Linnea into her chest for awhile, which Tammy found awfully sweet.

“I love you and I’m glad you made it home.”

“I love you too, mom.” Linnea kept her head on her mother’s chest for awhile before the woman patted her butt and pulled away.

Mrs. Griggs waved her fingers, “Come on and let’s head into the kitchen, I know y’all are hungry. And you can tell me all about the drive.”

“Demetrius! They’re here!” Mrs. Griggs called out as she entered the living room.

Tammy followed after the family friend while JR held Linnea back for a few seconds.

“Are we going to talk about us at some point?”

“It’s late. We’re all exhausted…let’s just give it a rest…lucky for you, my parents don’t care much for the PDA so this should be easy considering…” Linnea trailed off, beginning to walk by JR.

He grabbed her hand.

“Just say the words and it doesn’t have to be too late,” JR whispered, “we can—

“NEA?! Where you at baby girl?!” The booming voice of Mr. Griggs caught the pair off guard.

Right after that, a buzzing sound escaped from JR’s pocket was enough to end whatever this was. He reached into his pocket and glanced at the screen, and with the look on his face was enough for Linnea to send him a small smile because she already knew who was on the other line.

“You better get that and tell Gabby we made it.”

And with that she pulled her hand from his fingertips, learning her lesson for the night.

͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙

Continue along with my December anthology prompts here.

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