“What?” I asked James as he stood by the door to my apartment shaking his head and chuckling.



“Do you really need all this stuff?” He said looking down at my two suitcases, purse and tote. “We’re only going to be there for a few days.”



“You said at least five days!” I insisted. For a girl, who was so indecisive, this was not too much. “I like to have options okay? I’m not like you, I can’t just plan all my outfits out.”



“Okay, okay.” He held up his hands in surrender. He grabbed my two suitcases and I followed him out the building, down to his car.



He put my things in the trunk and then we both slipped in. The short drive to the airport was filled with chatter of our plans for the next few days. I am so excited to see Beck again and the rest of the Neal clan. They are practically my only family since I haven’t spoken to mine since I left for Pittsburgh.



As we waited in line to get through security I leaned on James, resting my head on his chest. Even though I’m really excited to be back in Whitby, I’m also really nervous. I’ve never been there with James, and now we’re a couple. I’m just not sure how to act with him around his parents and Beck. We’ll be staying at their house and I’m not sure what the sleeping arrangements will be. I’ve always slept in Beck’s room and she took James’. None of the boys have ever brought a girl home, at least not to stay over. If they let us stay in the same room will that be awkward? I shake my head, there’s no need to make myself so nervous. It’s just the Neal’s.



When we’re finally boarded onto the plane and seated I let out a breath. I hate the amount of time it takes to actually get in the air. We’re seated in first class, which is new to me, so it’s just the two of us. James pushes up the arm rest and spreads out, pulling me into him once he’s comfortable.



He kisses my cheek. “I’m nervous.” He states. I look up at him quizzically. “I’ve never brought a girl home to mom before.” He explains.



I smile softly at him and kiss his lips. “I’m nervous too, but not about that, i’ve already met your mom and she loves me.” James chuckles at that and I pinch his side.



“What are you nervous about then?”



“Where am I going to sleep? And how are we suppose to act? I don’t want to make out with you in front of your family!” He laughs at my horrified expression.



“You’ll be sleeping with me, and we just act how we usually do, just less tongue.” He states cheekily. I roll my eyes at him before snuggling into his side.



After a short plane ride, and after receiving our luggage we walk hand in hand towards the exit where I can see Rebecca waiting for us. I lay my tote on top of the luggage on the cart James is pushing and let go of his hand to run over to her.




“Beck!” I laugh as I embrace her in a big hug.



“I’ve missed you so much!” We say simultaneously and then fall into a fit of giggles. As James walks up she presses a button on the keys which pops the trunk, then turns to me and starts filling me in on everything I’ve missed.



“Really Rebecca?” James asks exasperated. “Your own brother doesn’t even get a hello?” I giggle at him as Beck rolls her eyes but attacks her big bro in a hug.



I slide into the front seat much to James’ dismay and Beck pulls out.



“I am so excited that you’re finally here!” She gushes, “I already have everything set up in my room and have planned-”



“Woah what?” James interrupts her leaning forward in-between our seats. “Annie’s staying with me.” He states firmly.



“James, that’s not fair! I hardly get to see her! She’s staying with me!”



“She’s my girlfriend Beck, and I know you’ve already planned out every single day with her.” I smile at their bickering but felt torn, I wanted to spend quality time with both of them.



“Fine!” She sighs heavily giving in. “She can stay with you, but you don’t get to hog her this whole trip!”



James huffs and sits back only slightly satisfied. It’s clear he doesn’t get his way around Beck, and that agitates him. I wrap my around around the back of the seat and hold it out until I feel his fingers tangle with mine, giving me a soft squeeze.



As we pull up to house the whole Neal clan piles out of the house to greet us. As I climb out of the car I am swept into Mrs. Neal’s arms (or Deb as she prefers I call her).



“Oh Annie! It’s so good to see you honey!” She gushes and I hug her back.



“I’ve missed you guys!” I say as she lets me go and holds me at arm length to look at me.



“Your hairs grown out! I like it longer, it’s very pretty.”



“Thanks Deb.” I say before Peter Sr. comes to give me a hug and Deb embraces her son. After getting passed around Deb and Beck and I head into the kitchen to chat as the boys get out suitcases out.



“So, you and James.” Deb says causing me to blush, she cuts right to the chase. “I had always hoped you would end up with one of my boys. But I have to say, I kind of thought it was going to be Pete.”



I laugh out loud remembering when Mike said the same thing.



“To be honest, I never thought I would end up with James either.” I told her.



“I did!” Beck stated causing both of us to chuckle. “And you can thank me at the wedding.” My eyes widen at talk of marriage and Deb laughs at my reaction.



“Don’t worry sweetie” She says while patting my hand, “I’m not expecting any engagement news. At least not for a year or so.” She’s kidding, I know, but the thought still freaks me out. I am so not ready for marriage.



We idly chat and I wonder what the boys are up to. I also wonder if Deb knows James and I will be sleeping in the same room. As Rebecca heads out to find one of her brothers I decide to ask Deb’s permission anyway. I mean, it is her house and all.



“Deb, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay with James and I, well sleeping in the same room. This is your house after all, and I don’t want to disrespect you in any way.” I bit my lip nervously.



“Oh, Annie! You could never disrespect me! You’re part of this family, you have been for awhile. My son is way past the age of me being able to tell him how to live his life. But as long as he’s with you, I don’t have any complaints. Now why don’t you go get unpacked and ready for dinner, we’re going out tonight.” I smile at her and hug her one last time before retreating upstairs.



While Deb and Peter were downstairs, all the kids were upstairs. Rebecca had the the biggest room, and the one farthest away from all the others. James’ was at the end of the hall next to Mike’s and across from Peter’s. I knocked on the door as I swung it open.



James was laying on his bed flicking through tv channels. When I stepped in he smiled and turned the TV off placing the remote on his bedside table. I gave him a soft smile before walking fully into his room, looking around.



“I’ve never been in your room before.” I told him, walking over to a wall that held trophies and pictures of James as a kid playing hockey.



“I’ve never had a girl in my room before.” He replied back which made me smile, glad that I could be the first.



“I uhh-cleared out some room in my closet and the top drawer for you.”



“Thanks babe!” I stated, pleased he would do so. I pulled my two suitcases on the bed and opened them up to start unloading them.



“I’ve very curious to see what all is in those bags.” He teased and I stuck out my tongue at him. “Cute baby.” I winked before pulling out a few dresses and walking over to hang them up.



I placed my shoes on the floor in his closet, hung up a few skirts, so jeans, and all my nice shirts. In the drawer I placed some workout clothes, sleepwear, and cover-ups. When I turned back around I see James sitting next to my bag rooting through the rest of my things: bikinis and underwear.



“James!” I scold playfully before grabbing and armful of stuff and shoving it in the drawer and pushing it closed. James pouts shortly before a smirk settles on his face.



“You know I’m going to see it all sometime baby.” He says pulling me down on his lap and bringing me in for a heated kiss.



I jump off his lap as I hear one of the guys running up the steps. James laughs at my reaction and tries to pull me back down. I shake my head and try to take my hand back, which he doesn’t allow.



“I am not hooking up with you when your brothers could walk in at any second!”


“One, it’s not hooking up when we’re in a committed relationship.”



“James, that has nothing to do-”



“Two, they know not to come in here.” He finishes as if I hadn’t interrupted him.



“What do you mean ‘they know not to come in here’?”



“I told them not to bother us.”



“You told your brothers not to come in here in case we’re having sex?!” I hissed at him appalled and embarrassed he would do that.



James just shrugs his shoulders like it’s not a big deal and attempts to bring me closer. I yank my arm away and glare at him.



“I cannot believe you would do that! Do you know how weird that makes it for me? Not to mention your brothers are going to be all over me this whole trip about it! Plus I am not having sex with you under your mother’s roof!”



“What? Why not?” He asks completely ignoring my whole rant expect for the no sex part.



“Do you seriously have to ask me that? It’s weird, and they can all hear us!”



“Not if your quiet.” He says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.



“James Neal we are not having sex with your family around. End of discussion.”



“What! How is it ‘end of discussion’ we’ve barely talked about it?”



“Because I said so!” I say, standing my ground. James can wear the pants in this relationship, but not this week.



His mouth opens and closes a few times before he slumps down into the bed pouting like a little boy who was just told he couldn’t have ice cream. I want that ice cream too, bad. But it’s just going to have to wait until we get back home. Five days. I can do five days.