Now or Never ⇀ John B Routledge [1]

xxvii. semi-charmed life

Thunder rumbled in the distance as the five teenagers inhabiting the chateau partook in a rather aggressive game of Go Fish. Luke sat with a beer between his thighs, feet propped up on the coffee table as he casually stared down at the six cards in his hand. So far, the dark haired Hughes child was winning, but Emerson knew she could easily twist the game in her favor.

The tan girl sat across from him on the hardwood floor, legs crossed at the ankle as she attempted to hide her cards from the wandering eyes of her boyfriend. JJ thought he was slick, throwing an arm around her hoping the subtle action would give him a sneak peek at her deck, but he was only disappointed when she turned it away.

On the couch behind them, Ashtyn laid with her head in John B's lap. Every so often the youngest member of the group would let out a yawn and that mixed with the way her boyfriend's fingers brushed through her hair made it impossible to focus. She knew her deck was on display for the entire room to see, but she didn't give a single fuck. "Can you not play fair?"

"No." John's hazel eyes snuck a peek at Ashtyn's deck before returning to her baby blues, a smirk present on his face. "Not really."

With a huff, Ashtyn dropped her four remaining cards on her chest, giving up on the stupid game altogether. Her brain hurt and if she continued to think strategically, she'd get a migraine.

"I can't believe you denied your relationship earlier..." Emerson said, nudging Ashtyn. "That boy is wrapped around your finger."

Luke groaned rather obnoxiously from across the room, slamming his deck on the coffee table in defeat. It was one thing to watch John and his sister from a distance, but the last thing he wanted was to discuss the dirty details of whatever they may or may not do behind closed doors. It'd be like him discussing his and Sarah's personal details with Ashtyn... "Can you please not remind me that he's banging my sister?"

"Poor little Luke can't accept that his little sis growing up." JJ teased as another round of thunder shook the small home.

This time, Ashtyn's body tensed, causing John B to tighten his grip on the younger girl. After her treacherous nighttime departure during Agatha, the last thing Ashtyn wanted to experience again was a storm. The sounds alone brought back every dark thought and negative emotion she felt that night...

"You're right," Luke grumbled, "I can't. She's still in diapers as far as I'm concerned."

Emerson twisted around to smirk at Ashtyn, earning a playful glare in return from the younger girl. In all honesty, she didn't mind the teasing, but she also didn't want to be the center of attention for the rest of the night. "Awe, little Ashtyn needs to be potty trained."

With a roll of her eyes, the mainland girl dropped her hand on top of Emerson's head, a silent acknowledgement of the girl's joke. She didn't have enough energy to join in on the bickering, so this was the next best option.