So Fine ? Jake Kiszka

? eight ?

"Well, let me know what you think of the writer and I'll see if I can find anymore of his books."

"That would be great. Also, are we seeing you for our 'bonfire'?

"Yeah, I'll be there. What time do you want me over there?"

"Just come after work."

She nodded, "Alright."

He left after that and she was in the quiet. This was where she wanted Jocelyn. She would have talked her ear off, but at least she wouldn't have to be too in her thoughts. She was starting to feel exhausted. More than usual. And she was definitely writing it off to her feelings and her work.

Five came around and she was out the door. She headed straight to the Kiszka's, stopping at the store to grab some snacks that she liked, such as chips and popcorn. She pulled into the driveway, having been here enough to know where to park. She knocked on the door and Josh opened it this time. "Hey! Come on in. We're getting ready to go out there."

"Are we taking cars or?"

"No," he walked over to the kitchen, where Emery was. "it's just a little bit passed our backyard. It's something we do every year and during the winter, even though it's fall right now. We thought it'd be nice to relax and enjoy being with each other."

Delilah nodded, "Cool."

Emery smiled, "When Josh and I met, he invited me over. It was really fun and it was how we got to know each other." They looked at each other, sharing the same memory. Delilah smiled something of a sad and happy smile. Then she heard a laugh, one she heard everyday at work. Obviously Jocelyn would be here. This was going to be more exhausting than work, she thought. Wait, what? She was conflicted and that was making her hate herself.

"Hey Delilah!" She suddenly hugged her, making Delilah feel uncomfortable.

"Hi." She patted Jocelyn's back, hoping she would let go soon.

"How are you doing? Hopefully you aren't too overworked?" She finally let go.

"I'm doing fine and no I'm not too overworked."

Jake laughed, "No need to lie. Are you looking for another part timer?" Delilah nodded her answer. "That'll be good then. Oh, I read some of the book. It's pretty good."

"Oh, good! But finish it before you ask for another one."

"Alright, alright." He chuckled, putting an arm around Jocelyn's shoulders. They looked just as happy as Emery and Josh. She really tried her hardest not to show anything on her face.

Ronnie popped up out of nowhere. "Deeeeee."

"Ronneeee."

They hugged each other and Delilah was happy to have Ronnie by her side. She always distracted her. "Are we ready? Sam and Danny are probably wondering where we are at." Josh interrupted the girls.

"Yeah." Ronnie answered. The others just nodded and then walked to the back. Ronnie and Delilah followed behind. "You're gonna have fun. We listen to the boys do their music and laugh and eat s'mores."

"Sounds like fun."

"We also tell secrets!"

Fear rushed into her stomach, "Really?"

"Nah, but you should have seen your face!"

"Ronnie!"

They sat in chairs that were circled around a fire that Sam was fixing for them. She said her hey's to him and Danny, who she had met a while back. He was nice and way taller than the others. He also was a little awkward, which made them both become friends.

They talked about different things, sang songs, and laughed. Of course, Delilah didn't say too much, but she tried to include herself in the fun. It started getting darker, and she watched as the couples scooted closer. She had been watching Jake and Jocelyn the whole time, but tried not too. But listening to her giggling was cutting into her each time.

"So, Delilah, where are you from?" Jocelyn asked.

"Arizona. I lived in Phoenix."

"Really! What was it like?"

"Just like any other city. Full of people and cars and stores."

"Malls?"

"Yeah."

"I love malls! We live like two hours away from the nearest one. Why'd you leave?"

"Uh, just some reasons."

"Oh, come on. You can tell us."

Delilah made a face; her eyebrows furrowed and frowning a just a little. "I'd rather not."

"Then I'll guess."

"Jo." Emery stated.

"Come on," Jake also was disagreeing.

"Shh, it'll be fun. Okay, I say an ex? No. Okay, how about -"

"Jocelyn! Please." Ronnie said.

"Oh, please. It can't be for a bad reason."

"So what if it isn't. It's not your business or anyone else's."

"Geez, sorry." She rolled her eyes, making Delilah feel like she was small and puny. She hated this feeling.

"It's okay." Ronnie whispered. Delilah smiled and nodded. The air became tense no one really knowing how to get back to the carefree atmosphere.

Thankfully, her phone went off. "Hey Dad!" she answered.

"Delilah." This made her sit straighter. "I need you to come back home. I tried to give you time but we need to talk."

"Alright. Is everything okay?"

"I'll see you when you get here." He hung up. Something was definitely not okay.

"I gotta go."

"Is everything okay?" Jake asked.

"I don't know." She stood up and so did Ronnie.

"I'll walk you back."

When she got home, both of her parents were sitting in the living room. "What's going on?"

They looked at each other and then back at her. "It's your biological mother. She's going to fight for custody of Arlo."