by Kelly, G. E.
Garrett: I can come over to get Jaycee whenever she’s ready. Dad doesn’t care when the work gets done, so long as I stay on schedule.
Lee: I’m finishing up a morning self-defense class now, but after that I’m free. I’ll clear out the rest of my day.
Jonathan: I’m not sure that will be necessary. She said she needs to take care of things on campus. You may just be waiting around all day.
Lee: That’s fine. I have some calls to make.
Sean: I could come over later…
Jonathan: That definitely won’t be necessary, and as I recall you got to escort her home last night, little brother.
Sean: Yes, but she was tired and didn’t say as much. Lee and Alec got to spend hours with her.
Alec: It was wonderful. Be jealous, dude.
Lee: You’re not helping, puck face.
Alec: No one ever said I was helpful ;P
Sean: True, haha. I’ll be fine, but I want some time with her the next time.
Lee: Noted.
Garrett: So, it’s decided? Lee and I will pick her up from your office later?
Jonathan: Yes, I’ll send you another text when she’s ready.
Lee: Sounds good. Gotta go.
Wishing she had a tissue, Jaycee wiped her eyes and tried to clean herself up. It would not be good if she got her campus ID with red-rimmed raccoon eyes. Jonathan stored his phone in his pocket.
“Are you okay now?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I just wish I didn’t have to take my campus ID photo today.” She pulled her phone out, and used it as a mirror cringing at her puffy face.
Jonathan put his hand over hers to lower her phone. “You still look beautiful. I wish I could stay with you all day, but I have appointments I have to keep myself. Don’t forget to come to the health center when you’re done. The nurses on staff will escort you to my office, all you have to do is tell them your name.”
“Thanks, Dr. Kavanagh,” she replied with gratitude, smiling now. She felt the need to call him doctor when he was on campus in his suit and lab coat.
“You don’t have to address me so formally, Jaycee. I’d like to think we’re friends now. After all, I don’t let just anyone cry on my shoulder.” He brushed the remaining tears from her cheek and gave her a tender smile.
“Okay…Jonathan.” The blush that rose to her cheek was no surprise by now, but still she felt silly. When would she grow accustomed to receiving so much attention from such wonderfully handsome men? Possibly after a year or two…
“I should go. Do you want me to walk you to the admin building?” Despite his declarations that he needed to keep his schedule, it was harder than Jonathan thought it would be to leave her.
“If you don’t mind? Well, really…only if it won’t make you late.” Jaycee didn’t want to let Jonathan go either, but she couldn’t be selfish.
“Then off we go?” He offered her his hand to help her up. It was a shame he couldn’t hold her hand across campus, but some of the faculty would frown upon it seeing as he was sort of faculty himself. He was tempted to say screw it, and hold her hand anyway, but he didn’t want to endanger his good standing at the university. Especially now that he needed to keep an eye on Jaycee.
Jonathan took Jaycee to the steps of the admin building, before giving her hand a quick kiss, and heading off to work. Jaycee walked straight in and looked for the bathroom. She found a sign right away and ducked in. She splashed cold water on her face. It was the best she could do given the circumstances. She needed a shower and time for her eyes to deflate, but at least she looked mostly presentable now. “Here goes nothing,’” Jaycee muttered to her own eyes in the mirror.
Finding the right office wasn’t hard, the school had placed large banners with directions all around the building. When she approached the office, she couldn’t stifle the groan that escaped. There was a huge line. Now she knew why there hadn’t been any other new students walking the campus. They had all been smart enough to arrive early this morning. Jaycee wondered if it would be better to head to another office first, but no…everything else would require proof of enrollment. Ten minutes…fifteen…twenty, she felt like she’d spent her entire life in this line. Jaycee prayed the campus bookstore would have shorter lines. Hoping to get through the tasks on her to-do list before the campus offices closed might be hoping for too much.
Digging in her backpack, she located all her relevant paperwork. Now she would have to hold it, but at least it would speed up her time at the window. Several other students had already filled in the line behind her. Most of the students kept their heads down or played on their phones. Jaycee had never really felt bereft without a smartphone until now. Instead of playing solitaire, she found herself recounting the last forty-eight hours. Had it really only been a day since she’d met the guys? She rarely (or never) let anyone in, especially men, but here she’d grown close to five of them in one day. College really could be life-changing.
When Jaycee finally reached the desk, she was practically asleep. The fear of mishandling her final steps toward being a full-time student woke her up in a hurry. She’d smiled for her photo, and made small talk with the staff. Luckily her photo wasn’t too bad. She’d already been there two hours. She still needed to retrieve her textbooks, have lunch, and purchase a meal plan. She’d left that till the last minute so she could get a look at the food before making a decision.
Decision made. She was not getting a meal plan. Lunch left her feeling nauseated. She would have been smarter to eat the fast food in the student union. Lesson learned. Not all campus meals are created equal. Jaycee had her books, her ID, and a belly fully of disgusting lasagna. Now all she had to do was find her way back to the health center. Easy, right?
Eight wrong turns, dead ends, and deceiving short cuts later, Jaycee was exhausted. Maybe she should have found a printed map, instead of relying on the one in her head. After all, it seemed the original map might have been out of date. A factor she hadn’t considered when she had done her pre-plan strategizing.
When Jaycee finally found the health center it was two thirty. She still needed to get a shower for the day, but since she’d showered late yesterday it hadn’t been a full twenty-four hours yet. She longed to see the guys again. Needing a friendly face, Jaycee approached the health center’s front desk.
“I’m here to see Dr. Kavanagh,” Jaycee told the nurse at the desk.
“Do you have an appointment? You’ll need to sign in.” The nurse was busy typing away on her computer, not looking at Jaycee.
“No, I’m not here for an exam. My name’s Jaycee and—”
“Oh! You’re Jaycee? Sorry, dear, I’ve been so busy today. I forgot Dr. Kavanagh said to keep an eye out for you. Right this way, hon. He’s with a patient, but I’ll let him know you’re here.” The nurse was probably in her late forties, blond curly hair cut short to her head. Jaycee hadn’t meant to disturb Jonathan. She had merely hoped to be shown to his office, but she guessed he would need to be informed she had arrived. Although, Sean had given her their numbers. She could have saved him the trouble, and done it herself. She supposed it was too late to worry about it now. Besides, it seemed like he’d been expecting to see her directly.
The nice nurse led her down a pastel hallway, past several open exam room doors, and around a corner. She passed all the usual hallway-situated equipment: blood pressure cuff on wheels, scale, etc. Until she arrived at a locked door. The nurse unlocked the door and ushered Jaycee inside. The walls were covered in wood paneling, and the room was dominated by a large oak desk situated in front of a window covered in blinds. Two chairs sat before the desk and Jaycee slid into the one on the right.
“I’ll go let the doctor know you’re here. He’s been anticipating your visit all day,” the nurse said with a smile, shutting the door before heading off in search of Jonathan.
“Anticipating my visit?” Jaycee talked to herself. She was glad he was happy to see her, but felt a bit strange sinc
e the only reason she was here was because of the unfortunate events of the morning. Which Jaycee was doing her best not to think about, even now.
After a few minutes went by without a peep from Jonathan, Jaycee grew restless. At first she simply paced the front of the room. When that too grew tedious, she began reading the titles of the medical books stacked on the desk. Picking up the only book in which the title seemed like it was actually English, Jaycee began to read. By the time Jonathan peeked his head in to see her, she was fast asleep, her face buried in his anatomy reference book. He often used it with patients to better explain their conditions, but it made for dry reading. Pulling out his phone, Jonathan leaned close, and snapped a quick photo. Blushing at his naughtiness, he rubbed the back of his neck. He simply couldn’t help it, she’d looked too cute, and he wanted to preserve the moment. He’d reflect on it later, when he had more time, and the situation was less complex. Lifting a wayward lock of her hair from her face, Jonathan tucked it behind her ear as he texted Lee.
Jonathan: The beautiful sprite is sleeping in my office.
Lee: Why is she asleep?
Jonathan: It would appear she’s been doing some light reading. lol.
Lee: She must have gotten her hands on a medical text. Am I right?
Jonathan: Yeah, I think she’s just worn out too. Little Princess has had a rough time of things. Marc’s going to be very upset when he gets back.
Lee: No, he’s going to be f***ing pissed. (Note I didn’t actually cuss.) But, we’ll deal with that when he gets back. I’m on my way there now. I’ll let Garrett know to meet me there.
Jonathan: Okay. Yes, I’m very impressed with your restraint…note my sarcasm. I was tempted to let her sleep. I figured it would be more comfortable for her elsewhere though.
Lee: Well, regardless of what we do with her, we need to get her stuff packed up. She can’t stay there. The others said she didn’t have much.
Jonathan: It’s a shame really. She should be cosseted, but it doesn’t sound like she’s been given much at all.
Lee: You can bet Marc will fix that. He’s been waiting years to see this girl again.
Jonathan: I’m afraid he’s not going to like the look of the queue.
Lee: I don’t expect he will, but it will be entertaining.
Lee texted Garrett to head to the health center, after he was almost there himself. A little healthy rivalry never hurt anyone, and he couldn’t help but rile up the other guys on occasion. After leaving the Army, he didn’t get as much excitement in his day. Doing contract work for the government and teaching self-defense classes didn’t create the same thrill. A thrill he hadn’t realized he’d become hooked on. Messing with his brothers wasn’t something he did often, but what better reason than for the love of a girl? Or at least the admiration of a girl…
Lee knew his way around the health center, and simply waved at the nurse on his way back to Jonathan’s office. Opening the door slowly, he saw Jaycee’s head still laying upon the anatomy book. He sympathized with the doctor, he didn’t want to wake her either. He had intended to rouse her, and spend a few minutes—sans the other guys—to talk with her alone, but c’est la vie. He walked further into the room, and shut the door without making a sound. He walked silently to the desk, and sat in the chair beside Jaycee. He didn’t want to be creepy, but he couldn’t help watching her sleep. She seemed so innocent. Her eyes were still slightly puffy from crying all morning. His beautiful flower…he’d hunt down that bastard that snuck into her room, and make sure it never happened again. He wasn’t chosen to teach self-defense because he believed in passivism. He wouldn’t beat him up. Being a highly trained soldier the punishment for Lee would be much more severe, but he could scare the shit out of the kid till he never dared to enter a woman’s bedroom again. Would serve him right.
Jaycee’s breathing escalated, and she began to squirm on the chair. Her eyelids showed rapid eye movement, and her heart raced. She was having a nightmare. Careful not to wake her up suddenly, Lee gently lifted her into his arms. He softly rocked her, humming an old Korean lullaby. She muttered unintelligibly under her breath, before she started to calm. Lee continued to rock her, until her lashes fluttered up, and he saw her eyes. Jaycee’s eyes widened to find herself no longer in her chair, but suddenly in Lee’s arms. How did she get in his lap? And for that matter, when did he arrive? Had she fallen asleep? Last she remembered she’d been reading out of boredom…she must have passed out. The book she’d been reading was still open on the desk. Subtly, she lifted her fingers to brush the corners of her lips, checking for drool. Thank God, she was dry.
“Are you with me now, Jaycee?” Lee brushed his hand over her soft hair. “You were having a nightmare. Care to tell me what about?” Placing two fingers under her chin, he gently lifted her head so her eyes met his.
“I don’t remember.” She felt confused. She didn’t want to remember the bad dream, but she felt sorry she couldn’t confide it to him.
“It’s all right. At least it’s over now. Just let me hold you awhile longer.” Lee wrapped his arms tighter around her, it wasn’t exactly a request, but Jaycee knew he’d put her down if she asked. She decided to play along. It felt too nice to be held by him. She felt safe and after the morning she’d had, that wasn’t a feeling she would take for granted anytime soon. Not that she’d felt safe at her foster homes. She wasn’t exactly accepted at homes one and two, and home three…well, Roger would make any young girl feel scared. Not for her life, but for her privacy and purity. The boy did not know boundaries. Why did she attract people like that? Was there something wrong with her? Jaycee hadn’t realized she’d been frowning, till Lee smoothed the wrinkle in her brow.
“Don’t frown, flower, you’ll get wrinkles,” Lee teased her.
“I’m eighteen, I’m not worried about wrinkles. Remind me when I’m thirty,” she said, managing a small smile. A thought occurred to her, “I don’t know how old you are…or any of the guys. Except Alec, no one’s told me their ages. Why is that?”
“No reason, I’m sure. It probably didn’t occur to them to tell you, is all. We’ve all know each other so long, they probably just forgot you wouldn’t know. I’m the oldest at twenty-two, Ma—Mr. Model is twenty-one. Jonathan is twenty. Alec, Garrett, and Sean are all nineteen. Well, Alec will be twenty in a few days.”
“When’s his birthday?” she asked.
“January 26. It’ll be here before we know it. When is your birthday, honey?”
“May 22. I’ll be turning nineteen this year.” Jaycee felt awkward being several years younger than Lee. Just then, the door opened, and Garrett walked in. His eyebrows rose as he took in Jaycee still cuddled up in Lee’s lap.
“Well, isn’t this cozy? Mind if I take a turn?” Garrett didn’t wait for a reply before sitting down in Jaycee’s chair, and reaching for her. Lee rolled his eyes, and muttered something under his breath, but still he handed her over to Garrett. “How are you feeling, gorgeous? I hope Lee here minded his manners.” Garrett sent Lee a searching look. The conversation that ensued was conducted entirely with facial movements. He seemed satisfied by what he’d discovered. “As much as I’d like to hold you all day, we should decide what’s to be done next.”
“The guys and I talked. We don’t think you should stay in that dorm room anymore,” Lee stated matter-of-factly. Garrett nodded in agreement.
“I have to,” Jaycee said reluctantly, she seemed to realize something. “I’ve already paid the allotted fee. Besides, this close to term, I won’t be able to find another roommate. My dorm is already booked and—”
“You won’t need to stay in a dorm. You can live with us,” Lee declared.
“I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be right. You guys have been so kind, but—” She argued.
“Think of it as doing us a favor. We need some estrogen in the house. To quote Alec, it’s a sausage fest in there.” A surprised giggle popped out of Jaycee, the guys just smiled, and Garrett continued. “You co
uld have your own room. We can figure out the details later.”
“The point is you can’t stay in a room where you don’t feel safe, and after what we heard happened this morning, your room seems like the antithesis. You trust us, don’t you?” Lee was pulling out all the stops. He wasn’t above using a bit of manipulation if it was for a good cause. He believed getting Jaycee to safety to be the ultimate good cause he’d taken up since leaving the military. Maybe ever.
“Wouldn’t it look bad…I mean one girl in a house with six guys?” Jaycee made one last effort to do the right thing, despite her desire to do the opposite.
“You’ve seen how people are. Do you plan on living your life to satisfy others, or to do what’s best for you?” Garrett asked the hard question. It spoke to Jaycee and where she was at in her life. The whole reason she’d left Independence was to gain some of that…independence. She wanted to help her father, and while she hadn’t had time to make any progress yet, she had the rest of the year to get a start on it. She’d made the decision to live for herself, and not to be pushed down or be held back by anyone any longer. Now she had these wonderful guys doing whatever they could to help her, to make a safe place for her. How could she turn that down? Was she really thinking about agreeing to this?? Yes, yes she was.
“You’re right. I can’t say it will work. But I’ll give it a try. I wish there was something I could do for you in return…” She gnawed on her lip, deep in thought.
“There is,” Lee offered. “The guys…including me…are terrible at housework. Well, besides Jonathan and Mr. Model, but seeing as they’re always too busy…how are you at doing chores and cooking?”
“I’m a foster kid. I’ve been made to take care of myself most of my life. I can’t promise any three course meals, but my food won’t poison you either,” Jaycee teased.
“Duly noted. Okay, here’s the game plan. We’ll take you back to your room to pack. Get everything, and I mean everything. I don’t want you going back there alone later if you forget something. Then we’ll bring you to our place. I’ll send the guys a text to make sure they know to be on their best behavior.” Lee spelled out his plan of action.