The Step Brother

Jace

The next month passes along smoothly. It's probably the best month of his life, to be honest. He gets to spend every day with Willow, which even then doesn't feel like enough time sometimes. He's completely smitten with the girl. At night, they switch between sleeping in his room and sleeping in hers, though he much prefers her bed. Their bodies tangle together underneath the blankets. When the world is dark and quiet, they get to be free. They talk like little kids at a sleep over. He tells her things he never thought he'd be able to tell another human being, maybe not even his mom if she were here. Other nights, they don't need words. Instead, they kiss until both their mouths feel raw and his whole body's tingling. He's been mindful of his actions with her. He's going to respect her and take things slow. There's no pressure for anything with Jace. He's just lucky to be in her presence and to be able to call her his. Her nightmares seem to have gone away. There's only been a few times he's had to wake her up in the night when she starts whimpering or crying. He's glad he's there to wipe her tears.

Right before they go on Christmas break, Ryder and Zoey find out, which is honestly a relief for both him and Willow. Their best friends accept it without judgement. They're happy for them. Ryder even laughed when he found out Elena now believes Will has a thing for him and agrees to help cover if he ever needs to. The four teens eat lunch together at school. They become quite the foursome. He likes talking to Zoey about their favorite video games, and Ryder's taken on a big brother kind of attitude when it comes to Will.

Their parents remain oblivious. His dad doesn't care about Jace's personal life. It's all about what his plans are for college and football. He grows to like Elena more and more. And while no one can ever replace his mother, he's glad his dad found her. He can tell they love each other. Though he doesn't always see what she might see in his father. They seem happy though.

Weekends are dedicated to helping around the house, doing homework together, and the occasional date. They found a Chinese restaurant half an hour away that they like to visit. They've taken to going on hikes or drives. Sometimes they'll just go through the In-N-Out drive thru and then park in the parking lot and talk. It's not the ideal way to date but he's going to take what he can. Any time with her is special.

He's somehow managed to balance it all— knock on wood. His grades are getting better thanks to her help and he works his shifts at the Hawaiian restaurant about three times a week.

On Christmas, they sit down stairs in the living room with their parents. Elena likes to go all out during Christmas time so the house looks like a Christmas wonderland. It's a nice change from how him and Dad have spent this holiday since Mom died. He's not expecting any gifts but she's packaged several presents under the big pine tree for both teens. In front of the parents, he gives Willow one of the gifts he bought her, the more acceptable one he can show. It's a collection of books from her favorite series that she mentioned wanting a while back. She gets so excited and it's adorable. She gives him a pair of shoes he's been eyeing for some time. After presents, they all eat breakfast together as a family. Even dad's pleasant. Elena is doing the lord's work when it comes to bettering his father.

That night, Will comes into his room. She's wearing one of his T-shirts. Its big enough on her that it goes a little past her upper thighs and she's got on fuzzy socks with snowmen on them. She makes him feel warm inside. It's almost cheesy but he doesn't care. This is the first time he's ever been in love and it's magical.

She sinks down onto his bed, crossing her legs and presenting him with a gift, the wrapping paper has hearts on it. "It's not anything huge or crazy."