Chapter 44

"Kevin, I'm home!" I yelled.

"Okay, be there in a second!" Kevin yelled from upstairs.

I went back outside and got more groceries. I put them inside and then made one more trip. Once I grabbed the last of the bags I locked the car.

I walked in and Kevin was still upstairs so I began to put the groceries away. I opened the refrigerator and put the food in it. I closed the door and Brian was standing right there.

"Aah!" I screamed.

"I'm sorry Janel!" Brian said as he hugged me.

"You scared the crap out of me!" I said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think I would scare you that much," Brian said, smiling at me.

"Yeah, just a slight scare," I said. "So what are you up to?"

"Nothing. Just came to see what you guys were doing," he said.

"Missing Ashley?" I asked.

"Is is that obvious?" he asked.

"Yeah, kind of. So what's up?" I asked.

"Nothing. Just came to see what you and Kev were doing," he said.

"Oh, nothing really. Just being followed by a couple of fans, but other than that a completely normal day," I said as I continued to put the food away.

"Yeah, Kevin told me about that. Little scary, huh?" he questioned.

"Yeah, a little bit. So do you plan on staying for dinner?" I asked.

"No, I dont' think so. I'll leave you and Kevin alone tonight," he said.

"No, that's okay Brian. Kevin and I would like you to stay," I said as I stood next to Kevin. "Wouldn't we?"

"No, not really," Kevin said jokingly.

I playfully hit Kevin in the arm.

"He doesn't mean that Brian. Please stay with us," I said.

"I don't know," he said.

"I'm making tacos with homemade tortillas," I said persuasively.

"Oh, alright. You've convinced me. I can't pass up a home-cooked meal," Brian said, smiling at me.

"Do you need help?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, please," I said as I got what I need out.

I began making dinner with the help of Kevin. Brian talked to us about him getting married.

"So do you have anything planned?" I asked.

"No, not really. I know who I want to invite, but that's about it. I'm leaving the rest up to Ashley," he said.

"A very smart man," I said, smiling.

"I would have no idea where to start. I'm sure Ashley won't mind. She's already told me that she's going to ask you to help," he said.

"Oh, really. I can't wait," I said, excitedly. "We're going to have so much fun!"

"I'm sure you will," he said.

"So when is she coming down?" I asked.

"She should be here next weekend. She's going to stay with me and then after the New Year we'll begin moving her things in," he said. "So what's happening with you two?"

"Well, Janel will be moving in next weekend sometime," Kevin said as he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

I turned around and kissed his neck. Then I set the food on the table.

"Yep," I said, happily. "We'll be getting my stuff when we go back to New York for Stacey's graduation."

"I can't wait," Kevin said as we sat down.

The three of us sat down for dinner. I enjoyed my dinner with Kevin and Brian. The entire time we reminisced about when we were little. We all told stories and had a good laugh about the things we did. By the time we were through eating it was really late.

"I guess I better get going," Brian said as he stood up. "Thanks for dinner."

"Oh, you're welcome," I said as we walked to the door.

"See you later, cuz," Kevin said as he hugged Brian.

"Bye, Kev," Brian said.

Then he came over to me and gave me a hug.

"Take care Shorty," he said.

"You too B-Rok," I said.

He walked out to his car and drove off. After he had left, Kevin and I closed the door and walked back into the kitchen. We picked up the mess and then went upstairs. We changed and then climbed into bed.

"Night. I love you Kevin," I said.

"Love you too," Kevin said as he wrapped his arms around me.

The week before we went to New York, Kevin and I got situated. I explored the house and he gave me a room that was just mine to do whatever I wanted with. Then we began to decorate the house for Christmas.

I put angels all over the house along with lights. Then we did the Christmas lights on the outside of the house. Kevin got his ladder out and began putting the lights up. Then he had to get on the roof. I stood outside watching him. It was wonderful having someone to share the joy of Christmas with. At night we went outside for the plugging in of the lights. He plugged it in and we watched the house light up. Then we stepped back so we could see the entire house.

After that, we were packing for the trip to New York. We loaded our things into the truck and took off. We got to the airport and waited for Lauren, Howie, and A.J. to arrive. They quickly got there after us. We gave our tickets to the flight attendant and then we boarded the plane.

"Are you ready to leave your home?" Kevin asked.

"My home is anywhere with you," I said as I kissed him.

"Okay," Kevin said.

"But let me tell Lauren and Stacey myself," I said.

"That's fine," he said.

I held Kevin's hand as I leaned against him. I closed my eyes and slept my way through the flight.

"Wake up Pumpkin," Kevin said as he kissed Janel on the head.

I opened my eyes while Kevin played with my hair.

"Are we there?" I asked.

"Yep, in about 10 minutes," he said.

I kept my head against his chest while he continued to play with my hair.

"I love you," Kevin said, quietly.

"I love you too," I said as I looked up and kissed him on the lips.

"Hey you two! We're in an airplane not a bedroom!" A.J. said.

I turned and smiled at him. Then I wrapped my arms around Kevin and began to kiss him more passionately.

"Please, my eyes," A.J. said.

"You know you like it," Lauren said.

All of us began to laugh.

"No comment," A.J. said as he put his sunglasses on.

The plane landed and we got off. We got our luggage and then quickly headed towards the exit. We got outside and Stacey spotted us, or actually A.J.. She smiled and then she started racing towards A.J.. He smiled and stood still with his arms open. She ran up to him and planted a huge kiss on him.

"People are starting to stare," Kevin said.

"Um, yeah. We better get going," Howie said.

"Come on babe, we'll continue this later," A.J. said.

"With pleasure," Stacey said.

The guys picked up the luggage and put it in to Stacey's car. Lauren and I hugged Stacey.

"Hi guys!" she said.

"Hi girl!" Lauren said.

"What's up Stacey?" I asked.

"Not much. Just waiting for you guys to arrive and to gradaute," she said as we walked to the car.

"Okay, problem. Only three seats in the back," Howie said.

"No problem. Janel can just sit on my lap," Kevin said.

"Oh, look at that. Problem solved," I said.

Everyone just looked at us and smiled. Stacey got in and drove us home. We pulled up into the dirveway and then we all got out. As I was getting out, Kevin slapped my butt.

"Hey!" I exclaimed.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," Kevin said while smiling as he got out.

"Geez, you two! You can't seem to keep your hands off of each other," Lauren said.

"Sorry. We'll behave, right Kevin? That is until we get to my room," I said, smiling.

"Oh!" came the reply from everybody.

"No! No! I'm just kidding!" I said while laughing. "Just kidding!"

"Yeah, sure," Lauren said.

"Whatever," Stacey said.

"Darn," Kevin muttered.

The guys got the luggage along with me and Lauren while Stacey unlocked the door. We walked in and took the luggage to our rooms. Then I fell onto my bed. Kevin sat down next to me. I pulled him towards me so he could lay down. He laid down next to me and held me. I closed my eyes and listened his steady heart beat.