Breathe For Love

Hey!

Just wanted to let everyone know, I'm leaving for Virginia/D.C. early tomorrow morning for a week. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to get online/on buzznet, so there may not be any updates for a few days. :/ Sorry!

At the very least, I should be able to get on buzznet via my iPod Touch at a Starbucks or something, so I should still be able to keep in contact/read everyone else's updates over the next week, but there is no way I am typing out a chapter on the iPod and I don't think I really want to lug my laptop around DC all day, lol.

I'm going to try to update tonight or tomorrow morning, depends on whether or not I can get myself in the writing mood. haha. I'm hoping to do a lot of writing on the plane/during my layover in New York though, so hopefully there will be a lot of updates when I get back to make up for the lack of them this week. :)

Anyway! If I can't get online over the next week, SEE YOU ALL NEXT SATURDAY!
I'll miss everyone!!

~Emma

Ok, sticking with the original plan. Haha. More drama.
We kind of get to see Sarah and Jeremy a bit in this chapter, yay! lol.

---

Hayley hummed the rhythm of the latest song she and Josh had been working on as she walked to the laundry room. She started the washer and began loading it with dirty clothes, making sure to check pockets before throwing pants in. After one too many iPods had taken a little swim, Hayley learned that checking pockets was a good way to save a few hundred bucks.
She smiled and shook her head as she felt something smooth in Josh’s jeans pockets and placed whatever the item was on the top of the dryer before throwing the jeans in the wash. As she picked up the next pair of jeans, Tyler’s, she laughed. Two in a row! She pulled out whatever was in Tyler’s pocket, placed the item on top of the dryer as well, and threw the jeans in.
As she closed the door to the washing machine, she looked on top of the dryer to see what exactly she had saved from a good washing. Her heart stopped as her eyes landed on a candy wrapper and an opened condom wrapper.
“Shit.” She said, breathlessly. Whose was who’s? Which one came from Josh’s pocket and which from Tyler’s? Why hadn’t she paid more attention? An overwhelming feeling of dread settled over her and she felt dizzy. She had to sit down.
She stumbled into the kitchen and leaned over the sink. Josh, it had to be Josh. Tyler was only sixteen. Josh was cheating on her. She thought this was over with.
“Sarah.” Hayley whispered.

Sarah was in the middle of making cookies when she heard her phone ring.
“Jer! Would you get that? I have cookie dough all over me.” She called. Jeremy skidded into the room and grabbed the phone. He was more than willing to do anything that might help speed the cookie-making process along. Sarah’s cookies were amazing.
“Yello?” He said into the receiver. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down and translate. I don’t speak girl.” He laughed.
“Yeesh.” He held the phone away from his ear wincing slightly. “It’s for you.” He handed the phone over to Sarah. “I have no idea what she’s blabbering on about.” Sarah frowned and wiped her hands on her apron before taking the phone.
“Hello?” She asked. “Whoa! Hayles, it’s me. Jeremy just gave me the phone, calm down. What’s going on?” Jeremy took his chance and reached for the bowl with the cookie dough. He grinned triumphantly as he scooped some of the delicious dough onto his fingers.
“What the hell?!” Sarah yelled suddenly, making Jeremy jump.
“Whoa, sorry, it’s just cookie dough, babe.” Jeremy raised his hands into the air.
“He did not!” Sarah continued, talking into the phone. “I thought this whole Alex thing was resolved?”
“Oh.” Jeremy blushed as he realized the comment was not directed at him.
“Oh, shit.” Sarah sighed. Jeremy cocked his head to the side, realizing something was wrong. “Stay where you are, I’m on my way.” Sarah assured before hanging up the phone.
“What’s going on?” Jeremy asked, licking the dough off his fingers.
“Hayley found a condom wrapper in someone’s pocket, she’s pretty sure its Josh’s.” Sarah explained.
“I’ll kill him!” Jeremy roared.
“Hey! Calm down there, Incredible Hulk, there’s a chance it’s Tyler’s.” Sarah soothed. “Hold off on the killing until we know for sure. I’m gonna go see her.” She kissed his cheek and hurried for the door.
“What about my cookies.” Jeremy pouted as the door to the house slammed shut, signaling Sarah’s departure.
He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Josh. “Hayles found the wrapper. If its yours I. am going. to KILL you.”
“wtf are you talking about?” Josh replied minutes later.

“Ok, Hayley, this is ok, you can handle this.” Sarah said after hearing the full story. “I have an idea.” She grabbed the wrapper and set it on the kitchen table.
“What are you doing?” Hayley asked.
“Fishing.” Sarah replied. “When do the kids get back from school?” Hayley looked puzzled and shook her head.
“Uh, Tyler is picking Mac and a friend up from piano lessons, they should be here any minute, and Jake is at football practice, should be back within a half an hour.” She replied.
“Ok.” Sarah said, taking a seat at the table.
“Now what?” Hayley asked, still unsure of what Sarah’s plan was.
“Now, we wait.” Sarah replied, smiling. Hayley was beyond confused now, but she didn’t have time to question as Tyler and Mackenzie walked through the door.
“Hi, Mom!” Mackenzie sang as she ran through the kitchen with a friend, on the way to her room.
“Hey, Mom, what’s u –” Tyler froze as he looked from Hayley, to Sarah and, finally, to the wrapper on the table. “Uh…” His face burned red. Sarah smiled triumphantly.
“I’ll see you later Hayley. Don’t be too hard on him.” She whispered, squeezing the redhead’s shoulder lightly as she left.
“T-that’s yours?” Hayley gasped, looking at Tyler in disbelief.
“Uh, I can explain!” He said quickly.
“Please, do!” Hayley said, standing up quickly.
“Um, I…” He stuttered. Hayley shook her head.
“Who with?” She sighed.
“I-I didn’t.” He mumbled. “It was… from health class?” He said hesitantly.
“Nice try.” Hayley rolled her eyes. “Look, I’m not going to yell at you. Your father might, but I wont.”
Tyler’s eyes went wide. “No! No! Please don’t tell Dad!”
“I’m not making any promises.” Hayley said. “Are you at least dating this girl?” She asked. Tyler blushed heavily before nodding slowly.
“Kinda…” He whispered. “Mom, I love her.” Hayley bit her lip. Tyler was only 16, how could he know what love was? She held herself back though.
“I am so disappointed in you.” Hayley said quietly. Tyler hung his head low and nodded.
“Sorry.” He muttered.
“Hey, Ty! Look at you!” Jake grinned as he walked into the house, smelling of sweat and grass. “Ma, did you know Tyler, our little Tyler, finally has a girlfriend?! I saw him kissing Arianna at school today.”
“Hayley? Are you here?” Josh called as he opened the door. But Hayley didn’t hear him.
“Arianna?!” She yelped, eyes wide. “Arianna York?” Jake paused, looking confused as Tyler shot him a death glare.
“What’s going on in here? Why does Jeremy want to kill me?” Josh asked as he joined everyone in the kitchen.
Hayley took a deep breath, “Jake, go take a shower, you smell awful from practice. Tyler, go to your room until we figure this out.”
“W-what the hell is that?” Josh yelped, spotting the condom wrapper on the table.
“Tyler, go.” Hayley said. “Josh, sit.” Josh looked at to Tyler.
“You – that’s yours?” He asked.
“Oh shit.” Jake whispered. “Sorry, Ty.” He mumbled.
“Boys, out!” Hayley demanded. “Now!” They both headed for the stairs quickly.
“Hayley!” Josh said, eyes wide in shock. “What the hell is going on?”
“I found the wrapper in Tyler’s pocket when I was doing laundry. Josh, don’t make this a bigger deal than it is.” Hayley said quickly.
“Who?” He said, surprisingly calmly. “Who?” He repeated when Hayley didn’t answer.
“I’m not entirely sure, but I’m assuming his girlfriend.” Hayley replied.
Josh paused. His mind was reeling. He and Hayley had always tried to convince their children to wait until marriage, as they had done. Josh felt very strongly about it, that sex was something sacred to be shared between a man and his wife.
Hayley, of course, shared the same thought with Josh, but she understood that times were changing, kids gave in to peer pressure. Heck, she and Josh had barely made it to marriage without having sex, and that was years ago! And they certainly hadn’t been able to steer clear of doing other things.
“Wait a second…” Josh muttered as he gears began turning in his head. Hayley had said a name when he walked in the door… what was it?
“A-Arianna?” He spat suddenly. “Taylor’s Arianna? Arianna York?”
“Josh, calm down.” Hayley warned. Josh took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself.
“Nope, can’t.” He said after a few seconds before turning and heading for the door.
“Joshua Farro!” Hayley called after him, but it was no use, he was long gone. Hayley sighed and sent a quick warning text message to Taylor and Laura before she hurried after Josh.

---

FILLERRRRRR. Haha, sorry. It's necessary filler though.
I think this is coming to an end. I think I have one more ‘drama’ thing planned (it’s slightly funny drama, so don’t worry! Haha)

Ok, part of the beginning of this chapter refers back to an incident in the original MFEO (this chapter) so you may want to read (or re-read) that if you haven't yet, so you know what exactly Hayley and Mac are talking about. :)

---

“What exactly are we looking for?” Mackenzie asked with a frustrated sigh. She was in a bad mood. All she wanted to do was sit in her room and talk to friends online. Hayley of course, had other plans for her.
“The box of party supplies.” Hayley repeated for what seemed like the hundredth time. It was mid-August and the Farros were having an “end of summer/back to school” combination party for friends and family. Everything was set up and ready to go, minus the tablecloths and various other party supplies that were buried somewhere in the attic.
Hayley looked around the old storage room in the attic and sighed. She really needed to get up here one day and sort through everything. One corner was filled with Christmas decorations, old childhood keepsakes hid one entire wall, and there were various other boxes spread throughout the cramped room.
“Careful Mac!” Hayley scolded as her daughter began tearing into boxes roughly and throwing them aside haphazardly.
“Mom, it’s already a mess.” Mackenzie pointed out. “You can just clean it up later next spring like you always do.” Hayley took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Kids could be so selfish sometimes.
“Mackenzie,” Hayley said calmly, “if you keep up with this attitude, you’ll be the one cleaning all this up. And I’ll make you do it this weekend.” Mackenzie rolled her eyes but began taking it a little easier on the various boxes.
Hayley walked forward and scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of a party streamer, or anything party related. The sooner they got out of this hot attic, the better.
“Ah!” She grinned, spotting a box with ‘party’ scribbled messily on the side in Josh’s handwriting. “Found it!” She announced, stumbling her way over other boxes to get to the party box.
“Wow! Look what I found!” Mac whispered excitedly from somewhere behind Hayley.
“Hmm?” Hayley asked, grabbing the box she needed and making her way back to Mac.
Mac held up an old white scrapbook with a smile. It was Josh and Hayley’s wedding album.
“Oh my gosh!” Hayley gasped. “What is this doing up here? It should be downstairs!” She hurried over and sat next to Mac, leaning over her shoulder as Mac flipped through the pages.
“What is that?” Mac asked, pointing to an old, wrinkled piece of white lined paper. Hayley bit her lip and felt a tear burn at her eye.
“That is how your father proposed.” Hayley replied quietly with a smile as she read over the paper. Mac raised her eyebrow.
“Um, no offense to dad, but I think he should stick to writing music and leave the lyrics to you.” She teased. Hayley laughed and ruffled Mac’s hair gently.
“You’re missing the message.” Hayley said. She pointed to the first letter of each new line. “See?”
“Mar ry-meh a-yley.” Mac said aloud. “Mom, that doesn’t make any – oh! Aww! Marry me Hayley!” She grinned; finally realizing what was hidden in the lyrics.
“Mom! That’s so sweet!” Mackenzie smiled. Hayley nodded happily.
“You’re father can be clever when he wants to be.” She laughed. She took the album from Mac and hugged it tightly to her chest. “Ok, grab that box and lets get out of here.” She said, hurrying for the stairs.

~*~

A few short hours later, the party was in full swing. Josh and Jeremy were manned at the grills, Hayley was running around, making sure each guest was happy and making sure everyone had what they wanted for drinks. Mac and Tyler were taking orders for food, and Jake was on some special mission he apparently wasn’t allowed to tell Hayley about.
“Josh!” Hayley said as she walked over. “Two more cheeseburgers please, and Jeremy, one more steak.”
“Got it.” Jeremy grinned as she threw another steak on his grill.
“Hayley, calm down.” Josh laughed. “This is supposed to be a relaxing, fun party.”
“Dad, this is mom, she’s incapable of slowing down.” Jake teased as he joined his parents at the grill.
“Yeah, dude.” Jeremy added. “You should know that. What was it you used to call her? Jack rabbit?”
Josh laughed and nodded. “She’s always hopping around.” He defended, planting a supportive kiss on Hayley’s cheek. Hayley scowled and pushed Josh away with a laugh.
“Jake.” Josh said, turning away from the group and motioning for his son to come closer.
“Anything?” He asked as Jake came nearer.
“Nothing yet.” Jake shrugged.
“I thought he told you everything.” Josh said.
“He does. He must know you’re blackmailing me to find out.” Jake replied.
“It’s not blackmail.” Josh said stubbornly.
“Ok, bribing. Whatever.” Jake laughed.
“Joshua Farro.” Hayley said dangerously.
“Gotta go!” Jake said quickly.
“What are you doing?” Hayley demanded.
“I am standing here, talking to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.” Josh said hesitantly. Hayley glared at him, waiting for a real answer.
“Nice try, Josh!” Jeremy threw in. “’A’ for effort.”
“Josh.” Hayley repeated.
“I’m pretty sure Tyler has a girlfriend, just trying to find out for sure.” He admitted. Hayley’s jaw dropped.
“And instead of talking to Tyler yourself, you sent your son to do it?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I’ve tried talking to Ty, he won’t talk.” Josh said.
“Josh, you can’t just send Jake to do that.” Hayley replied.
“Well I have to get through to him somehow.” Josh pointed out. “He’s a quiet kid, Hayles, he’s not going to talk to us about girls. But he talks to Jake. I’m not asking for details, just trying to figure out what’s going on and if I have to have a little girl-talk with Tyler.” Hayley shook her head, obviously disapproving. But to an extent, Josh was right. They did need to get at least a vague understanding of what was going on in Ty’s life.
“Call off the hunt.” Hayley said finally. “There has to be another way. We’ll just sit and talk with him, make him feel comfortable. Even if he doesn’t talk about what’s going on in his life, we, well, technically you, can talk to him about girls and relationships anyway.”
“I say go with Hayley’s advice.” Jeremy interrupted. “Much better idea.”
“You suck, Jeremy.” Josh laughed. “Thanks for not defending me at all.” Jeremy shrugged and laughed.
“Alright, your way is better, I admit it.” Josh sighed. “I’ll try talking to Ty again tonight.” Hayley nodded happily and turned back to the party.

“Excuse me, have you seen Alex anywhere?” A tall man asked as Hayley nearly ran in to him.
“Uh, last I saw her, she was by the pool.” Hayley said slowly.
“Hey you!” Alex called. She rushed over and hugged the tall stranger tightly.
“Hey babe.” The man said, kissing her quickly.
“Hayley, this is my boyfriend, Kelly.” Alex announced as she smoothed Kelly’s shirt out. Hayley bit her tongue to keep from laughing. Alex and Kelly. Except Alex was a girl and Kelly was a guy… too perfect!
“Nice to meet you, Kelly.” Hayley smiled politely.
“You as well.” Kelly replied, shaking her hand gently. Alex grinned and dragged her boyfriend away to get him a drink.
Hayley turned around to look at Josh, mouth wide open. “I know!” Josh laughed. “Too funny, right?” Hayley nodded and finally let out the laugh she had been holding back. She sighed and turned back to the party with a smile. It was a bright, sunny day, all her family and friends were here, she and Josh had finally started writing together again… life was good.

---

That was a really boring chapter… sorry! Haha. I might do a double update to make up for it. Depends on this paper I have to do. Scratch that, no double update, sorry! I should have something posted by tomorrow night though.

Amanda is so smart. haha. :) (she guessed what was wrong with Hayley)

This chapter is sorta-kinda filler-ish with some important bits thrown in.
Eh, I hate not being completely behind a story, it sucks. :/ haha, I guess I just feel like my writing is not up to par in this fic. Oh well. I’m posting it anyway. lol.

Enjoy!

Oh! And, sorry for any grammar mistakes! Pretty sure I caught everything, but I probably missed a couple things. lol

---

Jake walked along the too clean corridor, heart racing. He had no idea what was going on. His father had called him, first telling him not to worry, but to bring a change of clothes to the hospital for his mother. He also said not to tell his siblings where he was going, so they wouldn’t worry.
“Excuse me sir, can I help you?” A nurse asked as Jake hurried down the halls.
“Nope!” Jake called over his shoulder, he knew exactly where he was going.
“Sir, please slow down. You’re mother is fine.” The nurse said. Jake stopped dead, puzzled, and turned around.
“How did you know what I was here for?” He asked.
“You look a lot like your father.” The nurse smiled.
“Oh, ok. Well, see you.” He said awkwardly.
“Hey, for your father’s own safety, try to convince him to come home with you.” The nurse added. “He hasn’t left her side since she got here and he’s looking pretty exhausted.” She said with a small smile. Jake smiled at the thought. His dad really loved his mom, why had he ever thought differently?
“Uh, I’ll try. Not making any promises that I’m actually leaving either though.” Jake replied before continuing down the hall.
 
Room 411…413…415…417! This was it. He skidded into the room and froze almost immediately. There, in a hospital bed, was his mother. She looked so small in the huge bed. There were no tubes or needles sticking out of her, so whatever was wrong couldn’t be too bad, but that fact did nothing to calm his nerves.
He smiled as his eyes moved down the hospital bed and landed on his father. Josh was sleeping in a chair next to Hayley with his upper torso and arm sprawled across the hospital bed, his hand holding on to Hayley’s tightly.
“Dad?” Jake whispered quietly. Josh jumped in his seat, looking around the room frantically.
“Hayley?!” Josh said instantly, rubbing his eyes with his fists.
“It’s me.” Jake whispered.
Once he got his bearings, Josh turned to look at Jake and smiled. “She’s ok!” He whispered, nodding toward Hayley. “Lets go outside.” He stood and led his son into the hall so they wouldn’t wake Hayley.
“What happened?” Jake asked.
“Apparently she had a pretty bad panic attack.” Josh replied with a yawn. “They think there may have been something else going on that made the attack worse, but they don’t know for sure." He continued. "Either way, she’ll be fine, they just want to keep her here overnight because she’s exhausted.”
“Why did she have a panic attack?” Jake asked, though he was pretty sure he knew the answer.
“It’s nothing you have to worry about.” Josh assured. “Everything is fine.” Jake nodded slowly.
“Thank you, Jake.” Josh smiled. “For bringing everything over.”
“Uh, yeah, no problem.” Jake replied, still in a state of partial shock. Josh took the bag of Hayley’s clothes and found that Jake had also thrown in a few pictures of their family into the bag, knowing his mother would be worried sick about them while she was here.
“Jake?” Josh asked. Jake looked up. “I know you’ve been yelled at all day for this, but I would never cheat on your mother. Ever.”
“I know.” Jake replied. “I-I’m sorry, I don’t even know what made me think you would.”
“Hey, it’s ok.” Josh smiled. “I just want you to know. I love your mother so much…”
Jake nodded, looking guilty. “You…you don’t think that me bringing up the potential affair thing made her-”
“No!” Josh cut him off instantly. “Jake, this had nothing to do with you. I promise.” He nodded back to Hayley’s room. Jake nodded, but didn’t look convinced.
“Look, this is all on me.” Josh said seriously. “And I feel completely horrible about it. But you don’t need to. You didn’t do anything that made her worry. You are not the reason she is here.” He finished, a bit unsteadily. Jake stood in shock, was that a tear in his father’s eye? He had never seen his father cry. That just didn’t happen.
He looked again, but whatever trace of tears there might have been, was gone. He shook his head slightly and allowed his father to pull him into a hug.
“C-can we go see her?” Jake asked hesitantly. Josh nodded with a smile and led the way back to Hayley’s room.

“How long has she been asleep?” Jake whispered.
“Since she got here.” Josh replied. “She woke up for about five minutes once, long enough for the doctor to explain to her why she was here, but she was pretty out of it then. The doctor says she needs rest, and by tomorrow morning, she should be fine to go.”
Jake nodded slowly and walked over to the side of the bed. He reached out and touched her hand softly and grinned as Hayley smiled in her sleep.
“Where do I get to sleep?” Jake asked, turning back to Josh.
“In your bed at home.” Josh replied with a laugh.
“Dad!” He complained.
“Your mother is fine, I need you at home with Ty and Mac.” Josh replied. He had thought long and hard about it. He wanted to be at home, his kids had never spent a night in the house by themselves, but Jake and Ty were old enough. They could handle it. And Mac, well, Mac was Mac. She was quite the little independent. Josh wasn’t worried about her too much. Hayley needed him more right now. He needed her more right now. There was no way he was leaving.
“What about you?” Jake asked.
“I’m not leaving. You kids don’t need me at home right now. I’m not leaving your mother to wake up alone.” Josh said.
“I’m not going to wake up alone.” A tired voice called from behind Josh and Jake.
“Hayley!” Josh cried, spinning around.
“Mom!” Jake yelped at the same time. He rushed over and hugged her tight.
“Hey Jakey.” She smiled, stroking his hair gently as he hugged her.
“You’re ok!” He mumbled.
“I’m fine sweetie.” Hayley whispered, kissing the top of his head.
“Where – ” She looked up and froze, mid sentence. Josh was standing at the foot of her bed, a tear rolling down his cheek. She bit her lip, feeling her own eyes well up and she held her hand out for him.
Jake pulled back from Hayley, wondering what was going on, and quickly shuffled out of the way as Josh walked over slowly.
“Hayley!” Josh gasped, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so sorry.” He whispered. Jake froze. Ok, now his dad was definitely crying. Awkward.
“Shh!” Hayley soothed. “It’s ok! I’m fine.” She buried her face in his shoulder.
“I l-love you so much.” Josh stuttered.
“I love you too.” Hayley whispered with a smile. “I love you too…”

~*~

“Ok, Jake, drive safe.” Hayley instructed as Jake prepared to leave. “Make sure Ty and Mac don’t stay up too late, Aunt Sarah will be checking in on you. Call me if anything goes wrong.” Jake nodded obediently.
“We’ll call Tyler and ‘Kenzie now to let them know what’s going on and to let them know Mom is ok.” Josh assured. Jake had been worrying about what to say when he got home. After goodbye hugs, Jake turned to the door and walked out.
“Jake!” Hayley called. “Don’t forget to lock all the doors and the windows and – ”
“Mom! We’ll be fine!” Jake laughed. “Don’t worry about it, you’ll end up back here.” He teased. Hayley rolled her eyes and shook her head with a smile.
“Wiseass.” She laughed as Jake took off again. One he was gone, Hayley turned to look at Josh.
“Don’t do that.” She groaned.
“What?” Josh said instantly, rushing to her side.
“Don’t look at me like I’m about to break! I'm fine.” She replied. Josh nodded slowly.
“Hayley, I am so sorry. I am such an idiot.” He mumbled.
“Yeah, you are.” She laughed. “But, I overreacted about it too.” She admitted.
“No! No, you didn’t.” Josh assured.
“I did, Josh!” Hayley laughed. “I completely freaked at you when this first started happening. I didn’t handle it as well as I should have.”
“I swear it won’t ever happen again.” He said. “I don’t even know how it got to be like that. I promise you, I never saw her as more than a business partner, or friend.”
“I know that.” Hayley replied. Josh raised an eyebrow. “Well, I know that now.” She corrected with a laugh.
“I’ve been thinking about it, and, well, I think that’s just how you act. Like, when we were in Paramore, that’s how we all acted around each other. That’s how everyone acted while we were on tour, not just us as band members, the crew acted like that too. We were all one big group of friends.” Hayley explained. “That was the only other real “job” you had before this. So, maybe, because of that, you somehow feel like that is how you’re supposed to act in a business situation. You feel that everyone should be friends. But that’s not right. This is not anything like Paramore, Josh, this is strictly business.”
Josh opened his mouth to respond, but shut it quickly, taking in everything she had said. It sort of made sense, but at the same time it didn’t. He knew that he couldn’t be friends with anyone at the studio. He was the boss; he had to keep a certain distance. There was just something about Alex that made him forget about that distance. She was just a very likeable person.
“Well, whatever it was, we don’t have to worry about it anymore.” Josh finally replied. “Alex and I talked, and we both agreed that it’s in everyone’s best interest if she leaves.”
“Josh, no.” Hayley said stubbornly. “Alex does a great job. Lets face it, without her, this producing thing would have gone right down the toilet. She can’t leave.”
“Hayley…” Josh sighed.
“No.” She said simply. She no longer felt threatened by Alex. Ever since Alex had taken care of her at the studio before the ambulance came, something had just clicked in Hayley’s mind and she realized that Alex was not a man-stealing whore.
“Call Alex tomorrow, tell her she’s not leaving, and then,” she motioned for Josh to come closer, “stay away from her.” Hayley emphasized each word. She was unable to keep a straight face though, and was laughing by the end. Josh smiled and nodded.
“No problem.” He replied. “But, I still don’t know if Alex should be coming back.”
“I'm not worried about her.” Hayley insisted. “And I’m sorry that I ever was.”
“I’m sorry that I made you worry.” Josh whispered. “I am so sorry. I never – ”
“Josh, shut up.” Hayley laughed. “I know, you’re sorry. Don’t be stupid though, get Alex back and move on.”  Josh laughed and shook his head.
“Now, come here.” She smiled innocently. She pulled Josh onto her bed and kissed him hard on the mouth. Josh kissed back happily and settled onto the bed next to her. He tried to pull her head down to rest on his chest, so they could just relax together, but Hayley wasn’t having it. She climbed on top of him, straddling his legs, and began planting kisses along his jaw.
“Hayley…” Josh warned gently.
“What? Am I not sexy in my hospital johnny?” She giggled, pulling at the thin, cotton hospital gown that covered her up.
Josh smiled. “You’re sexy in anything.” He assured. “But, we’re in a hospital, and, as much as I hate to admit it, we’re adults now. We may be getting a little old for sex in public places” He reminded.
Hayley rolled her eyes. “So?” She mumbled softly against his neck. “The Josh I know will never be too old for that.” Josh bit his lip as his male instincts threatened to take over. Lucky for him, there was a knock on the door.
“It’s for the best.” He grinned as Hayley pouted. He rolled off the bed and took his place in the uncomfortable hospital chair next to the bed just as a doctor walked in.
“Mrs. Farro! How are you feeling?” The doctor grinned happily. Hayley shot a nasty glare his way. Josh shrugged, feigning ignorance at his wife’s reaction, as the doctor looked to him for an explanation.

~*~

Later that night, Hayley rested her head on Josh’s chest, absentmindedly playing with a loose string on his t-shirt. They had both managed to squeeze onto the small bed so they could lay together.
“We’re gonna be alright, aren’t we?” Hayley asked quietly, twisting to look him in the eyes.
Josh hugged her tightly. “We’re going to be fine.” He smiled, kissing the top of her head lightly for extra reassurance.

---

Yay for snow days! :)
Boo for work! :(

Gah! I still suck at dialogue! haha. Exciting chapter though. Bwah ha haaaah.
Oh, just a warning, there is a bit of language in this chapter. Not a whole lot of swearing, but I thought I'd let you know, just in case.

Bring. It. On. XD
Wow, I’m in a weird mood…

---

“Hey, Alex! Come here!” Josh called. 
“Did you finally get that song ironed out?” She asked happily, walking over to him.
“Yeah! Listen to it.” Josh said proudly as he pressed play. Alex leaned against the table in the recording studio while Josh stood from his chair and leaned on the table next to her. Zac shook his head as he watched Josh put his arm on Alex’s shoulder gently. In Josh’s mind, it was a friendly gesture, but to everyone else, even to Alex, it was a little strange.
“Hey, Josh.” Zac said hurriedly as he got a text from Hayley, saying she was on her way over. Hayley didn’t need to see Josh like this, she was already worried enough.
“Hm?” Josh said, turning to look at Zac.
“Uh, I think this track needs something …more.” He lied, quickly undoing the last batch of editing touches he had recently made. Hey, anything to get Josh away from Alex.
Zac new it was harmless flirting between the two, but the situation was obviously stressing Hayley out in a very bad way.
Josh leaned over Zac’s shoulder to listen to the track and immediately went to work ‘fixing it’. As if on cue, Hayley knocked on the door and hurried in.
“Hey!” Josh grinned happily. He pulled Hayley into a sideways hug and kissed the side of her head.
“Today is a good day.” He decided. “This CD is finally looking like it’s going to come together alright, I’ve got my brother, and I’ve got my ladies.” He smiled, pulling Alex to his other side. Zac groaned as he saw worry flash through Hayley’s eyes.
“Be right back, bathroom break.” Josh smiled. He kissed Hayley quickly and hurried out of the room, Zac not far behind.

“What the hell are you doing, Josh?” Zac demanded. Josh turned around and shrugged.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“What do you think you are doing with Alex?” Zac spat. “That is completely unacceptable, you are married.”
“Zac, we’re friends.” Josh said.
“Yeah, friends don’t put their arms around each other like you do.” Zac argued.
“Would you drop it?!” Josh said angrily. “There is nothing going on!”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean this behavior is acceptable.” Zac explained. “It’s not fair to your family. Don’t you see what this is doing to Hayley?”
“There is nothing wrong with the way I behave around Alex.” Josh said. “Hayley needs to deal with it, it’s not like she doesn’t have guy friends.”
Zac moved right into Josh’s face, so his brother didn’t have a chance to look away. “Did you know that your son called me today, completely freaking out because he is convinced you’re having an affair with her?” He spat. “It took me an hour to convince him you weren’t. And even then, he apparently didn’t believe me.”
Josh froze. He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair.  

“Record’s really coming together then…” Hayley said awkwardly as she and Alex were left alone in the studio.
“I guess so.” Alex replied. “I don’t usually hear too much about this side of things. I usually just get the boring business side of everything.” She added with a laugh. Hayley nodded slowly and sat on the couch. She had never really talked with Alex. Not alone like this anyway. Honestly, it surprised her. She had known Alex for years now.
“Hayley…” Alex said quietly. Hayley looked up. “I know how things look, but I just want you to know that there is nothing to worry about. There is absolutely nothing going on between your husband and I.”
“I know.” Hayley said shortly. “I trust Josh.”
“I know, I’m not saying you don’t. I’m just saying it’s totally understandable to worry, if my husband looked like Josh, I’d worry too. Not to say I like the way he looks!” Alex rambled.
Hayley laughed. “No, it’s ok, I understand.” She smiled. “I guess I’m just a little put off by how close you two have been recently.” She admitted.
“Me too.” Alex confessed with a laugh. “Honestly, I don’t know how it happens. But I swear, nothing is going on.”
“This is ridiculous.” Josh shook his head, hearing the end of Alex’s explanation as he walked back into the studio. “Hayley, I’ve told you a million times –”
“I know!” Hayley said, raising her voice.  
“If you know, why do you keep bringing it up?” Josh complained. “Why can’t you just let it go?”
“I’m trying!” Hayley replied. “I’ve been trying! You’re not really helping the situation though.”
“Hayley didn’t bring it up.” Alex interjected. Josh and Hayley both glared at her.
“Just saying!” Alex put her hands in the air. “I’m the one who brought it up.”
“This is completely ridiculous.” Josh sighed. “Why can’t you trust me?”
“I never said I didn’t trust you.” Hayley said, confused. What had brought all this on?
“Really? Well, why does Jake think I’m having an affair then? Who put that idea into his head?” Josh demanded. Hayley’s jaw dropped.
“You cannot be serious.” She whispered.
“What?” Zac spat in disbelief. “Josh…”
“Shut up, Zac.” Josh said, face going red with anger.
“Josh, I can’t deal with you if you are going to act like this. You can’t put all the blame on me.” Hayley said calmly. “I think I need to spend a few nights with Sarah.” She felt her throat close up as the words left her mouth, but she managed to keep a straight face.
“This is so stupid.” Josh muttered. “Fine, go, stay with Sarah. See if I care.” He shrugged. He turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door behind him loudly.

“Hayles, I’m so sorry. He’ll come around.” Zac soothed. Hayley didn’t reply, she ran her hands through her hair and leaned against the wall, breathing erratically.
“I’ll be right back.” Zac said, rushing out after Josh.
“I-I am so sorry.” Alex whispered from the corner of the room, horrified by what had just happened.
Hayley shook her head. “We fight, we make up, life goes on.” She said, obviously struggling to get the words out. She took a deep, agonizing, breath and groaned in pain.
“Whoa, Hayley!” Alex gasped. She rushed forward as the redhead grasped at her side and doubled over.
“Talk to me Hayley, what’s going on?” Alex said, putting her arm around Hayley for support.
“I-I can’t breathe.” Hayley said between gasps for air.
“Keep talking.” Alex said as she pulled out her phone and dialed 911. “Tell me how you’re feeling.”
“Dizzy.” Hayley said shortly, she was shaking uncontrollably now. “Chest hurts a little.” Alex guided her over to the couch and sat her down carefully.
“Here, just sit down and think happy thoughts.” Alex said soothingly.
“M-my arm is numb.” Hayley said, scared. Her eyes teared up as she tried to get more air into her lungs. She leaned forward suddenly and grabbed a waste bin, retching into it the second it was within range.
“Hi, yes, I need an ambulance.” Alex said calmly. She gave the address and sat beside Hayley, rubbing her back.
“Female, she’s having chest pains, trouble breathing, she’s vomiting and she’s shaking pretty badly.” Alex explained. “Thank you.” She snapped her phone shut and turned back to Hayley.
“You’re ok. You’ll be alright, I promise.” Alex whispered, trying to calm Hayley down. Hayley shook her head, still gasping for air, and let out a small sob.
“No, no!” Alex cried as Hayley’s eyes began to close. “Stay with me Hayley!” She demanded, putting her hands on either side of Hayley’s face. “Just stay with me, the ambulance is on the way. You’re gonna be ok!”
“Josh!” Hayley whimpered, tears streaming down her face.
“Josh is here, he’s here. He loves you so, so much, Hayley.” Alex said seriously. “You and the kids are all he talk about.”
Hayley nodded shakily. “I need him.” She gasped. Her eyes rolled up into her head and she passed out.

“Leave me alone Zac!” Josh called over his shoulder. He knew Zac had followed him out of the studio. He just wanted to be alone. He needed fresh air, he needed to clear his head and figure out what exactly was going on.
The news that his son honestly thought he’d been having an affair had come as quite a shock to Josh. Maybe Hayley’s “overreaction” about his relationship with Alex had some ground to it, maybe she wasn’t just being a jealous, worried wife.
“I can’t believe you.” Zac seethed. “Who the fuck do you think you are? What the hell have you done with my brother? Because this… this person,” he gestured to Josh, “definitely isn’t the brother I grew up with and looked up to.” Josh opened his mouth to fight back, but was cut off by the sound of sirens headed their way.
“Hayley!” He screamed in panic as the ambulance pulled up to the studio parking lot and paramedics rushed inside. He didn’t for a second think it might be Alex who needed the ambulance, all he could think of was his wife’s safety.
“Hayley!” He cried again. He tried running in to the studio, but he something was holding him back. “Zac! What the fuck! Let me go!”
“Josh!” Zac said loudly. “Stay out of the way, let them do their job!”
“Get off!” Josh demanded.
“Sir, please stay back.” A paramedic said calmly.
“No! That’s my wife!” Josh yelled angrily. His face was red, the veins in his forehead were popping out slightly and he was beginning to sweat, a sure sign of a pissed off Josh.
“Sir –”
"Shut up!" Josh screamed. "I need to get in there."
“Josh, you need to calm down.” Zac pulled Josh back and put his arms around his brother, squeezing tightly in an attempt to soothe him.
“No! Zac! I need to get to her!” Josh struggled to get free. He was becoming frantic now.
“Josh! Shh, calm down!” Zac said, as coolly as possible. Josh suddenly went limp as Hayley was carried past him on a stretcher, unconscious.
“No.” He whispered, “Hayley…”

---

:O Even I didn’t see that one coming. It started typing and it came out all on it’s own. lol.

Update time!! Finally! :) Gah, that project took over my life…
Anyway, this one is in two parts. Part two should be up …soonish… hahaha. I just have to redo it because I don’t like it. I suck at dialogue. :/
I feel like this chapter is kinda ~meh, but it’s kinda funny too. Next part should be better, I have big plans for it. ;)
I did a quick grammar/spelling check, but I probably missed some stuff. Sorry!

---

Oops! I forgot the last part of this chapter. Stupid copy/paste, it's all here now. :)

---

“Ty! I know what I saw!” Jake assured.
“Dad is not cheating on mom!” Tyler said, annoyed.
“Tyler, there was a girl in his office, while mom was out grocery shopping. I’m telling you, Dad and Alex are getting it on!” Jake repeated for the hundredth time.
Tyler paused to think. “What do we do?” He sighed, finally caving in.
“I don’t know.” Jake admitted.
“I can’t believe Dad would do that!” Tyler winced.
“I know…” Jake said quietly.
“What’s going on guys? You look upset.” Hayley asked as she walked by Jake’s room.
“Nothing!” Tyler jumped up. He hurried out of the room, leaving Hayley to look after him, confused.
“Jake?” She asked.
“Yeah, Mom?” He asked.
“Care to explain what that was all about?” She asked, pointing after Tyler.
Jake sighed. “Uh, Mom? I think we need to talk.” Hayley hurried into the room and sat down, instantly snapping in to worried mother mode.
“What is it babe?” She asked.
“Uh, well, the other night…” He started. “Um… I think… I think Dad’s having an affair.” He said quickly. Might as well get it over with.
Hayley stared ahead blankly. She felt her heart drop. “W-why do you say that?” She asked.
“Well, the other day I stopped by to see Dad and… uh, well, Dad wouldn’t let me go in to the recording studio where he was and, well, I saw a woman leaving not long after I got there.” Jake explained.
“Did you get a look at this woman?” She asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Not really, but I’m pretty sure it was Alex.” Jake said. Hayley shut her eyes and shook her head slowly.
“When was this?” She asked.
“Last Thursday.” Jake replied. Hayley bit her tongue and snorted slightly. She felt a like an immense weight had been lifted off of her.  
“Last Thursday? As in the day your father and I had our anniversary?” Hayley asked, trying not to laugh. Jake nodded.
“Tyler!” Hayley called immediately. “Come here.” Moments later, Tyler walked back into the room, head hung low. He was totally expecting to be chewed out for ever thinking his father may be a cheating bastard.
Hayley sat him on the bed, next to Jake, and looked from one boy to the other. “Your father is not having an affair.” She concluded.
“Mom! I know you don’t want to believe it, but you have to at least think it has a possibility of being true. I mean, come on! Alex is always hanging around him!” Jake said instantly. He had all his arguments pre-panned. He was convinced it was true.
“She is not. Your father is not having an affair. End of story.” Hayley said strictly. “I can’t even believe you would even think he would do that!”
“I didn’t believe it on my own. Jake talked me into it.” Tyler interjected. Jake glared at him. “Just, you know, for the official record.” Ty added quietly.
“How can you be so sure?” Jake said. Hayley sighed, debating whether or not to come clean.  
“I just know, alright?” Hayley said, hoping he would just drop it. “Your father wouldn’t cheat, especially not with Alex. End of discussion.”
“Mom – ”
“No, Jake.” Hayley cut him off. “Now, go get ready for lunch.” Tyler happily jumped off the bed and hurried out of the room.

“Mom! How can you just shoot the idea down like that? How can you not even question it?” Jake asked as Hayley turned to leave.
“Because I trust your father.” Hayley replied. “And I said end of discussion.”
“Fine, I’ll just ask Dad.” Jake mumbled.
“Jakob Benjamin!” Hayley scolded.
“Well you seem so set on not believing it, that it must be true!” Jake argued. Hayley sighed and cursed herself, and Josh, for being so stubborn. Clearly, the trait had been passed down.
“This happened last Thursday you say?” Hayley sighed reluctantly. Jake nodded.
“The day I went grocery shopping?” She asked, blushing slightly. Once more, Jake nodded. “The day I went grocery shopping and mysteriously came back with no food?”
“Oh.” Jake said slowly. “Oh!” He repeated louder in realization. “Oh! Gross!” He wailed.
“Eww!!” He groaned, rubbing his eyes, his face burning bright red.
“Sorry honey.” Hayley laughed. She rubbed his back gently and stood to leave. “But you should know your father well enough to know he would never cheat.”
“Lesson learned.” Jake wailed. “Lesson learned…”

Hayley laughed and walked out of the room. When she was out of sight, she leaned against the wall and sighed heavily. Even the kids were starting to notice that Josh and Alex were a little too close ever since she got her own office in the studio.
Hayley was beginning to get more than a little worried, but there wasn’t a whole lot she could do about it. She had already talked to Josh several times about the situation, and the conversation always ended in yelling. She would just have to put on a brave smile and deal with it.
The noise of her cell phone ringing tore Hayley from her thoughts. She jumped a bit in shock and quickly pulled the phone out of her pocket.

“Hello?” She said, not bothering to check the called ID.
“Hey Hayles.” Zac replied with a smile. “What’s up?”
“Not a whole lot.” She replied, waiting patiently for him to reveal the real reason he had called. He never called just to talk. He was more of an ‘in person’ type of guy when it came to just plain chatting.
“Just wanted to give you a heads up.” he started. Hayley smiled to herself. Yeah, Zac always had a reason for calling.
“About?” Hayley asked, urging him on.
“Well, I meant to call you earlier, but this is the first chance I’ve had. Jake called me this morning, he was pretty upset…” Zac explained.
“Why?” Hayley asked, confused. “Oh no! He did not!” She said, shaking her head. Zac laughed.
“I take it he talked to you?” He asked.
“Oh yes.” Hayley replied. “I can’t believe he would think Josh is having an affair!”
“I know, I know.” Zac said with a laugh. “I tried to tell him it wasn’t true, but he was convinced.”
“Well, he knows it’s not true now.” Hayley mumbled.
“Really? How did you convince him? I tried everything.” Zac asked, enthusiastically.
“Um… I have to go.” She said quickly. “Josh knows, ask him.”
“Ooook…” Zac said slowly but Hayley had already ended the call. She returned her phone to her pocket and began laughing. Once you were a parent, nothing could stay a secret anymore. Why do kids always pick the worst times to barge in?

Holy wow, this took some effort from my mush-filled brain. Seriously, I’d be surprised if this really makes sense. My brain has definitely switched off for the night. haha.
Anyway, the beginning kinda starts off the same way the last chapter was with the ‘look how far Josh has come’ stuff. But it’s only for the first paragraph so yeah…
Some parts are weak, others are better. I’m going to shut up so you can read now. :)

---

Josh leaned back in his chair and looked around with a smile. He couldn’t believe how far he had come over the past few years. He had produced several records that had gone gold, and one that had actually gone platinum only a week ago. He thought business had been starting to pick up before a record he produced went platinum, well, now it was just insane. He actually had a waiting list of artists who wanted to work with him! Joshua Farro! It was almost too incredible to believe.
Josh looked out his office door and found Alex’s door wide open. She was talking on the phone, and apparently things were not going her way. She kept shaking her head and rolling her eyes. And, every once in a while, she would clench and unclench her fists in frustration. She looked cute when she got all worked up.
Josh froze. He pushed himself away from his desk, but kept his hands on the corners of the smooth wood. He leaned forward, looked at the ground and shook his head. He did not just think that Alex looked cute. That did not just happen. He loved Hayley; Hayley was the only person he needed to be looking at.
“You alright there boss man?” Alex laughed. Josh looked up to see Alex standing in his doorway, leaning against the frame.
“Uh, yeah.” Josh said, running his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, fine. Just …been looking at the computer screen too much.” He lied.
“Headache.” He pointed to his head lamely. He internally groaned, he must look like a five year old.
“Right.” Alex laughed. “Ok then, will you pass me the receipt books from last year?”
“Eh, what?” Josh asked, still trying to snap out of his daze. Alex rolled her eyes and reached across Josh to get to the bookshelf next to his desk. Josh’s eyes went wide as she leaned over him and he felt his heart rate pick up.
“These.” Alex pulled a few old tattered spiral-ringed books off the shelf. “I have no idea how theses ended up in your office, they’re supposed to be in mine. Thanks.” She called over her shoulder as she left the office.
“Fuck!” Josh whispered under his breath. This wasn’t good. What was going on? He had never thought of Alex like this before. Then again, he had never really been around her as much as he was at the new studio.
After a few moments of worry, he reasoned that it was humanly impossible for any man to completely stop looking at other women. He was allowed to look at other girls and think they were pretty, he just wasn’t allowed to like them. Or do anything with them. Hayley must have looked at other guys before. Josh can’t have been the only one.
He shook his head decidedly and went back to work. He was just looking, nothing to worry about.

Hayley pulled up to the studio and snuck in through the back door. She crept through the hallways and peeked around a corner to see if the coast was clear. She saw Josh and Alex in the hall and hung back.
“I’m serious!” Josh said. “Go home! You’ve put in a lot of hours this week, go home and enjoy yourself.”
“No, really, I don’t mind staying. I’ve only got a few things to finish up.” Alex replied. Josh reached out, put his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye.
“Go home.” He said sternly. Hayley felt a twinge of jealousy as Alex raised her hands to cover Josh’s. She wanted to run over and cut in, but she controlled herself, she was on a mission, she couldn’t be discovered.
Alex grabbed Josh’s hands and removed them from her shoulders, letting them fall to his sides. “Ok, you’re the boss.” She smiled. Josh nodded with a laugh. “But you should get out of here too, isn’t it yours and Hayley’s anniversary today?” She asked.
A grin passed over Josh’s face, making Hayley smile, and he nodded. “Yeah, it is. And I’m on my way out, just have to grab my laptop from the studio.” He said.
“Alright, see you tomorrow morning then.” Alex called. She turned and walked in to her office to shut the computer down.
Hayley dashed behind the receptionist’s desk to hide as Alex and Josh both walked by. She watched Alex walk out the front door and, as soon as Josh walked in to the recording studio, Hayley dashed for his office.
She closed the door to the office behind her, and quickly began to strip down to the sexy lingerie Sarah had helped her pick out especially for this occasion.
“Happy anniversary Josh.” Hayley whispered to herself. “I cannot believe I’m doing this!” She groaned quietly. She caught a glimpse of herself in a small mirror hanging on Josh’s wall and backed away so she could get a better view of herself.
She smiled as she turned from side to side. “I still got it!” She grinned happily. After three kids, she was still in great shape.

Josh grabbed his laptop and began locking up the studio. He was glad to get out early for once, he wanted to surprise Hayley before he took her out for a fancy dinner. He hummed quietly to himself as he walked back to his office to grab his laptop case and car keys. As he rounded the corner, he froze.
There was a girl sitting on his desk reading the latest issue of AP magazine and wearing very sexy lingerie. Half a second later, as his laptop slipped out of his hand and fell to the floor with a heavy thud, he realized it was not just any girl sitting on his desk, it was his wife.
“If your eyes get any wider, they’re going to pop right out of your head.” Hayley giggled. Josh stood, still frozen, in the doorway.
“I-you-Hayley.” He gasped. Hayley stood up, raised her hands above her head and twirled around.
“You like?” She asked with a smile.
“Fuck yes!” He said bluntly. He finally scurried into the office, closing and locking the door behind him. After having three kids, who still couldn’t seem to learn how to knock, Josh figured out it was always a good idea to lock the door.
He walked toward Hayley confidently and pushed her against the wall, kissing her lightly. Hayley made quick work of unbuttoning his plaid that shirt she loved so much, and pushed it off his shoulders. She grinned as she felt the tight skin of his abdomen under her fingers and pulled him close to her.
“Knew this office would come in handy for something.” Josh joked. He ran his fingers along the small of her back, loving the feeling of her smooth, soft skin under his fingertips.
“Josh!” Someone called from outside.
“No one’s home.” Josh called over his shoulder. Hayley bit her lip to keep from laughing.
“Josh, just one more thing!” Alex called from the other side of the office door.
“What is it?” Josh said angrily.
“What the – why is the door locked?” Alex asked, jiggling the handle a bit.
“I’m a little busy right now.” Josh replied.
“It will only take a second.” Alex called.
“Go.” Hayley whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.” Josh grunted.
“Just a second.” He called to Alex. He regretfully pulled away from Hayley and hurried to the door.
“What is it?” He asked, poking his head out of the small gap between the door and the wall.
“I – wait, why aren’t you wearing a shirt?” Alex asked.
“I’m changing. For that dinner with Hayley I told you about.” He replied. A faint giggle came from somewhere behind Josh. Josh rolled his eyes, there was no way Alex didn’t hear that.
“Oh!” Alex said, eyes wide in realization. “Uh, sorry!” She said, trying not to smile.
“What is it?” Josh demanded, desperately wanting to get this embarrassment over with and get back to his wife.
“Just wanted to remind you to get here early for that meeting tomorrow.” Alex replied. “And to give you this.” She handed over a small package. “Have a good time!” She smiled, raising her eyebrow suggestively. Josh grunted in response and shut the door quickly.
“Sorry!” Hayley said, she was laughing uncontrollably now. “I couldn’t help it!”
Josh turned to face her, lust clouding his eyes. He threw the package aside and walked toward Hayley slowly, pressing her against the wall once more.

~*~

“See, I told you, Farros don’t get old.” Josh said with a smile. Hayley curled up next to him and laid her head on his bare chest.
“Yeah, well, you didn’t have to prove it by nearly breaking your back.” She laughed. Josh laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I will never look at this studio the same way again.” He said, looking around from the couch he and Hayley were lying on. Hayley shook her head and sat up.
“I suppose we should get dressed now.” She yawned.
“You know, I had dinner reservations for us.” Josh said as he sat up as well.
“Really?” Hayley smiled.
Josh nodded. “200 bucks just to reserve the table.” He mumbled.
“Josh!” Hayley scolded.
“Hey! It’s our anniversary! We deserve a nice night out.” Josh smiled. Hayley cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrows at him.
“You know I’d have been fine with a quiet dinner at your parent’s restaurant.” She said.
“I know.” He smiled. “It’s not too late to do that, our dinner reservations at the other place will have come and gone by the time we get out of here and get all dolled up to go.” Hayley nodded slowly and looked at Josh. She couldn’t believe how much she loved him. Her feelings hadn’t changed at all since the day she first realized she was in love with him.  
“Hey Dad! You in here?” Jake’s voice called from the front room.
“Shit!” Hayley cried.
“Jake! Go get that sound mixer from the trunk of your car!” Josh thought fast.
“Dad I just – ”
“Now please!” Josh said urgently as Jake neared the recording studio door.
“Fine, whatever.” Jake sighed. As soon as they were sure he was out of the building, Hayley and Josh made a break for his office, and their clothes.
“How do I look?” Josh asked quickly as he finished buttoning his shirt.
Hayley laughed. “You look like you just had sex.” She replied.
“Twice!” Josh reminded, proudly. Hayley shook her head and tried to smooth out his hair a bit.
“I’m going to sneak out the back door and get home, so Jake doesn’t get any ideas that might scar him for life.” She said. She grabbed her purse, kissed him quickly and hurried out of the building.
Josh sighed and began reorganizing his desk. Everything was out of place from when Hayley had pushed things out of the way so she could sit on it while waiting to surprise him.
The package from Alex caught his eye and he leaned forward to grab it. He opened the little card on top, “To Josh and Hayley, From Alex, Happy Anniversary!” it read. Josh smiled; it was nice of her to think of he and Hayley on their anniversary. She was a very sweet person.
He opened the package to find a photo frame filled with photos of Hayley, Josh, and their kids at the studio throughout the years. Hayley would absolutely love it.

As Jake walked back into the building, lugging a very heavy soundboard, he heard someone leave his father’s office. He looked down the hall and caught a glimpse of a feminine looking leg as the outside door at the end of the hall closed. It must have been Alex leaving for the night.
“Dad!” Jake called. “Where do you want this?”
“The lounge is fine.” Josh called back. “Thanks J-man!” Jake sighed and set the equipment down on a nearby table. He had used it to help his father record a concert for a live CD a few weeks ago and had never gotten around to bringing it back to the studio until now.
He walked down to Josh’s office and knocked on the open door lightly. “Whoa!” He laughed. “What did you do to your laptop?” He bent down and picked up the computer, a large piece of the plastic casing was dangling off one side and the battery had popped out completely.
“Oh, you know me, clumsy as ever.” Josh blushed slightly. He reached forward to take the laptop. “Good thing I back everything up.” He smiled.
Jake looked at his dad and frowned. His hair was awfully messy. “Uh Dad?” He asked.
“Yep?” Josh asked over his shoulder as he placed the broken laptop in its case.
“Did you forget how to button your shirt?” Jake asked. Josh looked down and laughed. He had been in such a hurry to get dressed, that he hadn’t lined the buttons up correctly.
“Have I been looking like this all day?” He asked. “Wow, I’m really losing it.”
Jake narrowed his eyes as things came together. His father obviously didn’t want him to come in the recording studio earlier, when he came back in with the mixer, he saw a woman leaving, and his father looked very pleased and …unorganized. His father was normally a very organized person. Something was up.
“Uh, I’ll see you at home I guess.” Jake said, hurrying out of the office.
Josh frowned, but didn’t chase after his son to see what was up. Maybe he had seen Hayley leave and had put two and two together. Josh didn’t want to confirm whatever Jake might have been thinking and, as Hayley had said, possibly scar him for life.

“Answer your phone Ty!” Jake muttered irritably to no one in particular.
“TY!” He nearly shouted as his brother answered his phone. “I think Dad’s having an affair…”  

---

...Really hope that made sense... haha. Woohoo for 1AM posts! :D

Sorry it took so long for an update! This one is extra long though, so hopefully that helps make up for it. :)

I feel like this chapter rambles on a lot. I don’t like it as much as I originally thought I would, but I’m still relatively happy with it. Yay! haha.

Part of this chapter refers back to the MFEO epilogue. The part where Josh is holding Mac and giving her a little lecture on the rules of the house. :) Just so you know.

---

“Jake! Tyler! Get your butts up now!” Hayley yelled up the stairs. She groaned. It was impossible to wake up teenage boys.
“Josh, please do something!” She snapped at her husband. He was eating breakfast while she was seemingly doing all the work.
“What do you want me to do?” Josh asked, irritated.
“Stop sitting on your butt and help!” Hayley sighed. Josh stood up and walked over to Hayley with a pout.
“Calm down babe.” He said soothingly. “They know if they don’t get up soon, we take Jake’s car keys and they walk to school.” Hayley pushed him away as he came closer and crossed her arms.
“’Kenzieeeeee!” Josh complained. Mackenzie looked up from her seat at the table.
“Your mother is being mean to me.” He pouted. Mac hid a grin in her glass of milk and stifled a giggle. Josh looked to Hayley and saw a hint of a smile playing at her lips. He grinned triumphantly and walked back over to her.
“Go away!” She scowled.
“She’s being so mean!” Josh called to Mackenzie once more. “Make her be nice.” He put his arm around Hayley.
“Stop it!” Hayley whined with a giggle. She finally allowed Josh to pull her into a hug and she relaxed.
“Ew!” Mackenzie wrinkled her nose as her parents kissed. “That’s gross. And incredibly awkward.” Hayley laughed, Mackenzie always spoke her mind. Quite often, that little trait got her in to quite a bit of trouble.

“Dad?” Mac asked as Hayley hurried out of the room to go threaten the boys. Josh flinched, since when had he become ‘Dad’ instead of ‘Daddy’?
“Uh,” he cleared his throat, “what ‘Kenzie?” He asked.
“Can you drive me to the mall after school?” She asked, sticking her bottom lip out a bit. Josh looked away quickly. He still hadn’t become immune to her pout after all these years.
“Mac, you know I have to go check on the progress at the new studio.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, but I can’t today.” Mac sighed dramatically. Mackenzie Farro was the queen of dramatic sighs, Josh was convinced of it. She had that sigh down to a science.
“Hey! I bet Jake would take you.” Josh encouraged.
“No, he has a date or something.” Mac rolled her eyes. She didn’t fully understand the dating thing yet. She was starting to notice boys though, which scared the crap out of Josh. Hayley had thought he had been over-protective of his little sister when she started getting interested in boys… well, that was nothing compared to how he felt about his daughter’s interest in boys.
“What’s going on?” Hayley asked as she came back in to the kitchen and noticed Mac’s irritation.
“Dad won’t give me a ride to the mall after school.” Mac frowned.
“Honey, you know he has to work.” Hayley replied. “I can take you after grocery shopping though, if you want.”
“Thanks mom!” Mac grinned.
“Is Kelsey coming too?” Hayley asked. Mac and Kelsey, Zac’s daughter, were glued at the hip. They had been since they were babies.
“Uh, yeah.” Mac looked away. “And so are Lindsey, Ben and Cory.” She added quietly. Josh’s head snapped up.
“Ouch!” He flinched as he got whiplash. He rubbed the back of his neck to subdue the pain while Mackenzie and Hayley covered their mouths, trying not to laugh.
“Hey!” Josh said to his daughter. “Don’t you dare forget what I told you when you were a baby, little missy.” He pointed a finger at her. Mac raised her eyebrows and looked to her mother. Clearly, Dad was off his rocker.
“Calm down!” Hayley laughed, rubbing Josh’s back. Josh spun and looked up at his wife. Hayley raised her eyebrows and smiled, she obviously wasn’t going to side with Josh on this issue. Josh stood up and grumbled.
“What are you doing?” Hayley asked as he pulled out his phone.
“Calling Zac to see if he knows his daughter is going to the mall with a freakin’ boy.” Josh replied. If he could get Zac on his side, maybe they could stop this mess from happening.
Hayley rolled her eyes and turned back to Mac. “Don’t worry about him, he’s crazy.”
“Mom, he’s always been crazy.” Mac replied. “I’m used to it.”
“Did you get your homework done?” Hayley asked as she finished packing lunches.
“Yep.” Mac replied. She put her dishes in the sink and hurried upstairs to get her backpack.
“I can’t believe Audra still lets Zac sleep in this late.” Josh complained, walking back into the kitchen.
“Babe, it is only 7 in the morning. It’s probably safest for everyone that he’s asleep.” Hayley joked. Suddenly, Jake and Tyler rushed into the kitchen, freshly showered and fully clothed, which was highly unusual for two teens who usually enjoyed their breakfast in pajamas.
“Whoa! What did your mother do to you two?” Josh laughed, as he looked the boys over. They looked wide-awake and slightly shocked. Neither boy responded and both grabbed a box of cereal before inhaling their breakfast.
Josh looked to Hayley for an explanation as to why the boys had gotten up and ready for the day so quickly. Hayley shrugged, “I have my ways.” She replied with a lopsided smile.

~*~

“This is awesome, Josh!” Zac grinned as he looked around the nearly complete studio.
“I know!” Josh grinned. He stood in the center of the recording studio, arms crossed over his chest, and looked around. He looked like a proud parent.
“Aw, look at you.” Hayley smiled as she walked into the room. She kissed Josh quickly on the cheek before walking around the room to get a closer look at everything.
Josh’s first studio had started off slow, but, in the last few years, it really took off. And now, nine years after the start, Josh had become well known enough as a producer to justify moving to a bigger, better studio.
The record label was a different story. Sure, Josh had produced a few records under his label, but he definitely had more people interested in him as a producer who were either unwilling or unable to change labels. So, Josh had begun ‘lending’ himself out to other labels and was doing quite well. Hayley was confidant that, in time, Josh would become the number one go-to producer in Nashville.
She was so proud of him. He had been right, the ‘producing thing’ had been a great idea. Though, she didn’t for one second regret doubting the idea. She strongly believed that there always had to be someone who doubted an idea, and she didn’t mind being that person.
If she had gone along with Josh’s record label idea, no questions asked, she knew Josh wouldn’t have done nearly as much background research as he had done. Background research that had helped inform him of what he was really getting himself in to.

“Kelsey and ‘Kenzie having fun at the mall?” Zac asked. Hayley nodded shortly as she ran her fingers over the mixing console with a smile.
“Oh! Do you know who your daughter is at the mall with?” Josh said suddenly, snapping easily into dad mode.
“Uh…Mac and Lindsey.” Zac replied slowly, looking at his brother in amusement. He clearly thought Josh was stupid.
“And Ben and Cody!” Josh informed.
“Cory.” Hayley corrected. “They seem like nice boys.”
“WHAT?” Zac yelped. “Hayley! You left my daughter alone with a boy?!”
“Audra approved.” Hayley laughed, putting her hands up in an ‘I’m innocent’ gesture. “Besides, they aren’t alone. They’re with friends.” Zac sputtered for a few moments before yanking his phone out of his pocket and dialing Audra’s number.
“Now look what you’ve done.” Josh pouted as Zac left the room in a huff.
“I don’t want to hear it.” Hayley laughed. “Mac’s growing up, Josh.”
“Nope. I’m not letting her.” Josh said simply. He led Hayley to the entry room of the studio and collapsed onto one of the couches.
“Ew, this room smells like wet paint.” Hayley wrinkled her nose. “You can’t tell her not to grow up.” She sat next to her husband and settled her head on his shoulder. Josh grunted in response and put his arm around Hayley.
“And, if I remember correctly, you weren’t as concerned when Jake and Ty started getting interested in girls.” Hayley pointed out.
“I was too!” Josh cried. Hayley laughed.
“Not to this extent you weren’t.” She smiled. “You momentarily freaked and then got over it and said ‘way to go Jake!’ when Jake got his first girlfriend.” Hayley recalled, imitating Josh in a low voice.
“But…” He stuttered.
“Josh, they’re only thirteen.” Hayley laughed. “Its not like they’re going to sneak off somewhere and have sex.” Josh’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head at the thought and he tensed up.

“Oh ho! I know that look!” Jeremy laughed as he walked in to the building and spotted Josh. “Mac’s with a boy! Isn’t she?” Josh looked to Jeremy, mouth agape.
“She’s at the mall with a group of friends. A few of whom just so happen to be boys.” Hayley laughed. “As you can see,” she gestured to Josh’s shocked expression, “apparently now is not the time to joke about Mac and sex.”
“Josh, calm yourself.” Jeremy laughed. “They’re only kids. You have a few years before you have to work on those worry lines.”
Josh instantly relaxed the muscles in his face, causing the creases in his forehead to fade away. He sighed and leaned back against the couch. He couldn’t really argue with Jeremy. Jeremy had already been in this position last year with Maddie.
“Hey dudes!” Taylor grinned as he entered. “Oh, nice.” He smiled, looking around the lounge room. He hadn’t seen the place with a fresh coat of paint yet. Josh immediately grinned and jumped up, happy to get his mind off his daughter.
“I’ll show you around!” He said eagerly. Taylor laughed, he’d already seen the place several times while it was being redone, but he allowed Josh to drag him around anyway.
“This is the waiting room and lounge.” Josh smiled, gesturing around the room they were currently in. “Down that hall are the bathrooms and game room. And mine and Alex’s offices are down this hall.”
“Alex?” Hayley snapped her head up from the magazine she had been flipping through. “She’s not working from her house anymore?” The first studio was too small for an office of any kind. So, Alex had worked from her house, occasionally coming in to the studio to meet with Josh.
“No.” Josh scoffed. “We have a bigger studio and a few employees now. It doesn’t make sense for her not to have an office here.” He explained. “Anyway,” He turned back to Jeremy and Taylor, “come check out my office!” He grinned, dragging the guys down the hall.

Hayley bit her lip, she wasn’t quite sure how she felt about having Alex in the same building with Josh, let alone across the hall from him. Over the past few years Hayley hadn’t exactly felt threatened by Alex, but she liked the idea that Alex wasn’t actually around Josh all day, every day.
Alex was definitely a people person. She was very warm and friendly to everyone, whether they deserved it or not and she seemingly wouldn’t hurt a sole. But she was also undeniably gorgeous and, inadvertently, very flirty and ‘touchy-feely’. She was always touching whomever she was talking with, whether it was on the arm, the shoulder, or wherever. That alone scared Hayley.
“Audra is being so stupid about this!” Zac whined, walking in the front door. Hayley snapped out of her thoughts and looked at an exasperated Zac.
“Zac.” She sighed, she didn’t want to go over this again with another stubborn, overprotective Farro.
“I know, I know, they’re only kids, they have to grow up sometime, we taught them well, blah, blah, blah. Audra gave me the lecture.” Zac sighed. “I still don’t like it.”
“Me either, buddy.” Hayley laughed. “Me either.”
“We ready to record?” Jeremy grinned as he, Josh and Taylor reappeared from the office.
“Heck yes!” Taylor grinned, running for the door to the recording studio. Zac and Jeremy followed in excitement while Hayley stood up from the couch.  
“Oh! Hold on!” Josh hurried back to his office. “One more finishing touch!” He called over his shoulder. Hayley laughed and waited, choosing to explore the area behind the reception desk.
“Hey, come here a sec!” Josh called. Hayley sighed and walked back to his office.
“Yes?” She asked.
“Stay here!” Josh grinned, hiding something large behind his back. Hayley settled into Josh’s chair and relaxed as Josh rushed off.

“Ok!” Josh grinned as he reappeared a few minutes later. “Close your eyes.” Hayley stood up and did as she was told. She smiled as she felt Josh stand behind her and sighed in content as his arms wrapped around her and gently placed his hands over her eyes to make sure she didn’t peek.
“We’re gonna move now.” He warned. Hayley nodded in understanding and allowed herself to be guided back to the lounge. As they reached their destination, Josh removed his hands from her eyes and stepped away.
“Open!” He grinned. Hayley opened her eyes and laughed. Above the door to the studio was an old sign that read ‘recording’ in red letters when lit up. It was the same sign Hayley had given to Josh when he had moved in to his first apartment with Zac years and years ago.
“Where did you find it?” Hayley asked excitedly, wrapping her arms around Josh’s neck.
“Parent’s garage.” Josh mumbled against her lips. “Zac, Jake and I,” he kissed her lightly, “helped clean the garage out,” he planted another quick kiss on her lips, “a while back and I found the sign.” He finished quickly before kissing her properly. Hayley grinned into the kiss and tangled her fingers in his hair. Neither one heard the door to the studio open, and neither one noticed Zac standing over them.
“Record now, make babies later.” Zac said excitedly, physically pulling the two apart. “Come on!” He hurried back into the studio where everyone was waiting.
Hayley looked at Josh and pouted. He laughed and held the door open for her as he made his way in to the studio.
“Paramore is back!” Jeremy grinned as everyone settled into chairs.
Josh laughed. “Well, recording anyway.” He corrected. “I think we’re getting a little old to be touring.”
Hayley looked at Josh with raised eyebrows. “Did Josh Farro just admit he was old?”
“What? No! I-” Josh blushed. “I mean… family… uh.”
“Relax!” Hayley laughed. “I was only joking.”
“Alright Zac, lets get going!” Josh spun around in his chair, choosing to drop the ‘old’ topic as quickly as possible.

---

There might be a bit of a wait for the next chapter. I have it mostly planned out, but this weekend and next week are going to be hell for me because of school.

First of all, I'm already sidetracked from the original purpose of this post, HOLY CRAP they changed the 'add a journal' page. ^{I can do all sorts of fun stuff now!} haha.

Aaaaaaaanyway. I'm bored, my first class was cancelled. Woohoo! So yeah... random post time.

So, for anyone who has an iPod Touch (or iPhone if you are so lucky.): This has been out for a few weeks now, but, in case you didn't know, there is a free iPod Touch app for Death Cab for Cutie! It's kinda cool... I think it's an awesome idea, and I think more bands should do it.

I've had it for a few days and I took a few screenshots to show everyone:

Main screen

 

 9 tracks to pick from and listen to so far.

 

If you click the pics, you can view them full screen. And, bonus, RYAN RUSSELL!! haha. :D If you click his name, it takes you to his website.

Pretty cool app. :)
And this concludes my random post for today.

Well, all the captions were hilarious and I loved all of them, so I had a really hard time choosing the best captions for each picture. So, Laura kindly helped me chose. :)
There were a few comments made after I had already picked the bast captions (I had to go to work before I had a chance to post the results here) But anyway, because I had such a hard time deciding, each pic has a 'winner' and at least one 'runner up'. (Click pics to see full size)


Winner: "What the... what the hell? Did that kid just moon me?" - createthejoy
Runner up: "I wonder what the meaning of life is..." - parawhore101


Winner: "Iz Sexy like this?" - parawhore101
Runner up: "Does it look like I'm serious?" - 30secondstopaija
                   *Burp* - herewegoagain180


Winner: "Do I look like food to you?" - herewegoagain180
Runner up: "You better watch it..." - parawhore101
                   "I can has puppy?" - 30secondstopaija


Winner: Hayley: "Hah! Josh is wearing shorts!" Josh "I'm the next Angus Young Biatch!" - 30secondstopaija
Runner up: "HAHA. Josh is still playing the song!" parawhore101


I had such a hard time with this one. haha
Winner: "I'm bringin' sexy back" - createthejoy
Runner up: "Look into my eyes" - srecords
                   "So Josh says HE'S the guitar hero... I shall show him wrong!" - herewegoagain180


Winner: "I agreed to be the only girl in the band. FML!" - musiciscool
Runner up: "Oh yeah, I look like I'm not enjoying this... but you know, teenage hormones..." - parawhore101
                   "we never do this. no really. i'm serious. don't think i'm lying...alright...just don't tell my mom." - createthejoy


Winners: (It's a tie!!) "WHAT?! are you seriously accusing us of something suspicious?" - musiciscool
              and "What? nothing happened...I swear" - parawhore101


Winner: "J: Wait where did my cupcake go... it was right there a second ago! Z: Heheheeee" - herewegoagain180
Runner up: "Zac: "what should we eat next?" Jer: "how bout 7 glasses of water?" - 30secondstopaija

This one was the hardest to pick!! Another tie. :)

Winners: "ooo...that wasn't supposed to feel right..." - createthejoy
                "That's some nasty smell.... oh man it's me." - parawhore101
Runner up: "ohhhhh!!!! sunburn! ohhhhh. don't touch it. ohhh!!!" - srecords
                   "Damn! Missed the drum again! - herewegoagain180

Thanks everyone for playing! This was fun. haha.

EDIT! Ok, so I guess I'm going to pick winners for each photo. haha. Feel free to re-submit if you want. I'll do a post sometime tomorrow with the winners. :)

---

Hehe! So, Laura (maystar234) and I were playing a little game yesterday, and I thought it would be fun to share with everyone.

Here's how it goes:
Look at the pics, think of something funny the people could be saying/thinking and leave that in a comment along with the number of the picture you're talking about. You don't have to come up with something for all of them, just do the ones you want to do. lol

For example: 
1)
You might leave something like "#1 Jeremy: Do I smell tacos?" in a comment. :)

Only one rule, please be nice! Don't write something ridiculously offensive or anything. Not that any of you would be mean. :D

Have fun!!!

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

Oh wow. This almost didn't get posted. Mostly because the internet hates me right now, but partially because I HATED it at first. I completely re-wrote the last half of this though, with Hayley and Josh talking and now, well, I definitely like it more than I originally did. haha.

Next chapter really starts to slow down a bit, I'm actually really liking chapter 10 so far. But, it may be a few days before I update again 1) because of work/school and 2) because I really need to sit down and map out the rest of this fic. lol

Oh, and just in case this makes things easier: Jake is almost two and a half years older than Tyler, and Tyler is two and a half years older than Mackenzie.
Anyway, enjoy!

---

Josh had been running around town like maniac all day. He spent most of the day on the phone with Alex, and they had finally agreed to meet up for coffee and discuss everything.
By the time he got home, he was bouncing on his heels in excitement. He was sure Hayley wouldn’t be able to turn him down now. Alex already knew one band they could sign and one solo artist. Two artists! Two potential artists who actually happened to have talent, according to their demos.

“Daddy!” Mackenzie yelled as Josh walked through the door.
“Baby!” Josh yelled back. He picked her up, twirled her around and placed her on the floor once more.
“How’d it go?” Hayley laughed.
“Awesome!” Josh said, unable to hide a grin. “Listen to this Hayley!” He ran to the nearest laptop, inserted one of the demo CDs and clicked play.
“Not bad.” Hayley nodded as she listened. “What is it?”
“Demo! For a band Alex wants to sign!” Josh explained excitedly. “Hayles, we already have two people we could sign! And Nate said he’d draw up a logo for us for free!” He continued.
“Babe! This could really work!” He said, standing up and putting his hands on her shoulders.
“Josh, you still need to look at a studio.” She pointed out.
“There’s one being sold in Nashville. It’s only a half an hour drive from here. It needs some fixing up and some new equipment, but it’s not bad for a starter studio.” Josh explained. “Jeremy, Ajax and Zac all said they’d help with setup and Zac wants in on the producing side. If things pick up, we’d definitely have to move to a better place, but this one is fairly inexpensive and perfect to start with.”
“What’s a study-o?” Mac interrupted.
“Studio.” Hayley corrected. “You know how Daddy, Uncle T, Uncle Z, Uncle Jerm and I have CDs?” Mac nodded with a grin. She loved listening to Paramore records and she proudly flaunted the fact that her parents made music when she went to day-care.
“Well, we had to record it in a studio.” Hayley explained.
“Oh!” Mac’s eyes went wide in understanding, though she clearly was still lost.
“Josh, why don’t you have Alex come over on Friday and we’ll talk about some things.” Hayley said. Josh grinned and nodded before pulling out his phone. “I’m still not giving you the green light!” She called after him as he hurried out of the room to call his potential business-partner.
“Want to help Mommy with dinner?” Hayley asked Mac. She nodded eagerly and obediently followed Hayley into the kitchen.

~*~

“Sarah!” Hayley wailed as she spotted her friend at a table in Starbucks.
Sarah laughed as she looked Hayley over. “Wow girl, you need a spa day!”
“Shut up!” Hayley laughed. “He wants to start a record label producing company combo thing.” She sighed.
“Who wants what where now?” Sarah asked with a laugh.
“Josh. He wants to start a label and to produce records now.” She explained. “I didn’t think would follow through with the idea, but he’s actually jumping through all my hoops quite nicely.”
“Oh! That's what Jeremy is so excited about!” Sarah grinned. Hayley glared at her shook her head.
Sarah laughed. “I'm sure if you talk to Josh he won’t do it.” She said. “He wouldn’t do anything that would make you angry.
“I know.” Hayley sighed. “But, he deserves it. And we really could use the money. The Paramore wealth is coming to its end as far as college education is concerned.”
Sarah frowned sympathetically. “But that’s just crazy Hayley. A record company? There are so many in Nashville already. And he doesn’t know the first thing about running a business.”
“I know. But Alex does. And so far, they already have two potential artists and he’s really making it sound tempting.” Hayley sighed.
“Well then go with it!” Sarah laughed. “The worst that could happen is he fails.”
“And we lose an ass-ton of money.” Hayley added.
“True.” Sarah frowned. “But Josh really is good at producing. I doubt he’d fail.”
“Doesn’t matter how good he is. People have to like the music.” Hayley sighed.
“Wait, who’s Alex?” Sarah asked as she backtracked through their conversation.
“Some dude Nate knows. Not sure how, but apparently he’s been in the record business for a while now and is pretty good.” Hayley buried her head in her hands. “We’re meeting for dinner on Friday to discuss everything.”
Sarah shook her head. “Good luck.” She laughed. Hayley groaned and let her head fall onto the table.

~*~

“Josh! Door please!” Hayley called as the doorbell rang. She was finishing getting dressed for the meeting with Alex while Josh put the finishing touches on dinner.
“Got it!” Josh replied.
“Hello!” Hayley called as she hurried down the stairs to meet, who she assumed would be, Alex.
“Uh, Hi?” Hayley repeated, confused, as she stared at the tall, thin brunette beside Josh.
“Hi! I’m Alex!” The brunette replied.
“I’m Hayley…” Hayley said slowly, holding out her hand. They shook quickly and Hayley turned to Josh.  
“Josh, will you help me finish dinner?” Hayley asked. Josh smiled weakly; he knew he was in trouble.

“Alex sure has large breasts for a man!” Hayley spat quietly as they entered the kitchen.
“I know! I know, I should have said earlier. It just… it slipped my mind.” He said quietly.
“Slipped your mind?!” Hayley cried. “When I kept referring to Alex as ‘he’ it didn’t occur to you to maybe correct me?”
“Sorry.” Josh mumbled. “But she’s really good! One of the best.”
Hayley scoffed. “Josh! She’s tits on legs!”
“Hayley please.” Josh sighed. “Lets just eat dinner and talk. I promise you she’s got brains.”
Hayley sighed. “Lets get this over with.”

“You can’t be Alex.” Tyler frowned. “Alex is a boy name!” He giggled.
“Tyler!” Hayley scolded when she overheard her son on her way back to the entryway. Alex laughed.
“It’s alright, really. I get that a lot.” She smiled politely.
“Sorry.” Hayley mumbled. “This is Tyler, Mac and Jake are around here somewhere.” She smiled.
“Well hello Tyler! I’ve heard a lot about you from your Daddy.” She crouched down to get closer to his height. “You’re a big brother right?” Tyler grinned proudly and nodded. He loved the term ‘big brother’ and was already very protective of his sister.
Hayley sighed. Well, Alex had won Tyler over. She couldn’t be too bad.

~*~

“So…” Josh said carefully after Alex left. Hayley didn’t respond. She continued loading dishes into the dishwasher, back to Josh.
“Hayley come on.” He sighed.
“What?” She turned to face him and shrugged.
“Don’t be like this! I said I was sorry about the whole Alex thing.” Josh replied. He walked over to her and placed his arms around her waist. Hayley sighed and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder.
“So, what do you think?” Josh asked hesitantly.
“I think…” Hayley paused. “I think she’s alright. I’d prefer a guy though.” She sighed. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, I totally do trust you, but I don’t know if I trust her to keep her paws off you.” She rambled, jokingly. It was a legitimate concern, but posing it as a joke made it easier to talk about.
Josh smiled. “Hayles, I swear, if she pulls any crap, which she wont! But if she does, she’s out of there.” He assured. Hayley bit her lip as Josh waited patiently for her decision.
“Aright, fine. Whatever. Do it.” Hayley sighed, pushing Josh away from her gently.
“Hayley…” Josh sighed.
“No seriously, I’m ok. Do it.” She replied.
“I’m not doing it unless you’re completely ok with it.” He sat down at the small island in the kitchen.
“Josh,” Hayley took a seat next to him and took his hand in hers. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be completely ok with this.” She admitted. “This is as good as it’s going to get right now. At this point, as I see it, the reward outweighs the risk, but only by a hair. I won’t kill you if you do it, but I won’t be angry if you don’t.” She paused, thinking carefully about how to phrase her words.
“If you really want to go ahead with this, great. But only if you’re passionate enough about it to actually stick with it and see it through, because it certainly isn’t going to be easy. It’s going to be hard, and it’s going to suck. And it will undoubtedly put strain on our relationship. But, if it works out, it could be great. And you could be very happy, we could be very happy. I think that our relationship is strong enough to handle most any stress that may be thrown our way. But, really, the ultimate decision is up to you. That is my final opinion.” Hayley finished quickly. She kissed his cheek and left him alone, she didn’t want to wait for a reply. He needed to think everything over on his own, without anyone sitting around him to influence his decision.

Josh frowned. She definitely wasn’t making this easy. He just wanted a clear answer, an answer that would assure him that everything would be fine, that he wouldn’t fail. But, of course, Hayley didn’t, and couldn’t, know that answer. He had to decide for himself if it would be worth the risk.

---

BLINK 182!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D
That's all.

Ok, time to try and save this wreck of a story… can you tell I’m really not feeling it right now? Hah. I really do like the ending I have planned though, so I’m gonna stick with it. I hope you will too. :)

This chapter picks up where Chapter 8 left off.

---

“Hayley!” Josh grinned as he walked through the door hours later. “I think I have a solution!”
“I don’t want to hear it!” Hayley snapped. “Where the fuck have you been?” She whispered, so the kids wouldn’t overhear.
“I’ve called you about fifty times now.” She continued. Josh frowned.
“I-I went to talk to Nate.” He said. He pulled out his phone and winced as he saw ’18 missed calls’ flash across the screen.
“Sorry.” He muttered.
“Sorry doesn’t cut it.” Hayley spun around on her heel. Josh raised his eyebrow. What could possibly have gone wrong in just a few short hours?
“Ty! What are you doing here buddy? You’re supposed to be at school.” Josh said as he spotted Tyler and Mac on the couch watching cartoons.
“I’m sick.” Tyler smiled proudly. “I don’t have to go to school!”
“Oh.” Josh frowned. Oops.
“Yes, Ty was ill, Mac freaked out and Jake was apparently very hungry this morning, he was incredibly vocal about it.” Hayley said in an unusually happy tone. Josh pulled her into the kitchen, away from the kids, sensing that a good scolding was coming his way.
“Eventually poor Sarah came over to get Jake in matching clothes and to take him to school with Maddie so I could calm Tyler and Mac down and make an appointment for Ty at the doctors office.” Hayley continued to explain.
“Ty’s appointment is in a half an hour, he’s had a fever of 104. They say he’s probably all right, but would like to see him just in case.” She informed. “I would appreciate it if you would take him. I need to take a shower and clean dried vomit off of myself.”
“Ok, I just have to call – ” Josh started.
“All you have to do is take care of your children.” Hayley said dangerously. “Anything else can wait.”  Josh frowned and nodded.
“We have to talk.” He said quietly.
“Later.” Hayley said through clenched teeth. “Ok Mac! What would you like for lunch sweetie?” She turned around and headed for the living room.
Josh sighed and grabbed his coat. He felt horrible for putting Hayley through all the stress that morning, but he hated the fact that she had made it seem like he didn’t care about his children. They were his everything. He loved them more than he loved her.
He knew she felt the same way about them. It was impossible not to love your own children more. They were the creation of you and the one you loved.
He would do absolutely anything for them. And, right now, that meant no record label. Hayley was right, it would have to wait, family was too important right now.
“Ok Ty, let’s get you better.” Josh put on a big grin and walked over to his son.
“I want Mommy to take me.” Tyler complained. “She helped me this morning.”
“Well, Mommy can’t go, you’re stuck with Daddy.” Josh said. “Come on buddy. I’ll make sure the doctor gives you a sticker and a lollipop.”
Hayley passed him a plastic bag as he walked Tyler out the door. “Just in case he’s sick again.” She explained. Josh cringed slightly at the thought and took it.
“Thank you.” She said flashing him a genuine smile. He nodded quickly and hurried out the door.

“Another stressful day in the Farro household comes to a close.” Josh yawned as he pulled on his pajamas.
“I’m just glad Tyler’s alright.” Hayley sighed. She laid down on the bed and groaned, happy to be off her feet. Josh soon turned out the lights and joined her on the bed before pulling the covers over them.
“Eh.” Hayley mumbled grumpily as her hand searched for him. “I don’t like this. You’re so far away!” She complained. “You used to be plastered to my side.”
“And you used to complain about it.” Josh laughed.
“Well, I’m still complaining.” Hayley grumbled. Josh edged closer, but tensed a bit at her touch.
“Ok, start talking.” Hayley sighed. “We need to fix this. I’ve been cold and sleeping alone for too many nights now. I want you back next to me.”
Josh laughed. “I can come closer.” He said.
“Josh.” Hayley warned.
“Ok, ok, let’s talk.” He replied. “I just don’t want to end up fighting.”
“Well, lets just start talking, that’s a step in the right direction.” She advised. Josh nodded, but neither of them said a word. Where did they start?
“So, you said you talked to Nate today?” Hayley offered.
“Uh yeah.” Josh said. “Well, you know, he runs his business so I figured I’d talk to him. But really, it’s not a big deal. It can wait. I just want the option for now.”
“What did Nate have to say?” Hayley asked. She wanted to try being as open as possible, though she still wasn’t completely fond of the idea.
“Well, um, he actually knows someone, Alex, who has been thinking of opening some sort of music business for a while now. Nate said Alex has worked for a record company for years now and knows the ins and outs of it. He reckons it wouldn’t be such a bad idea if Alex is up for it.” Josh hesitantly explained. He really wasn’t in the mood for another Hayley-outburst.
All was silent for a few minutes as Hayley processed the information. Finally, she looked into his eyes and bit her lip. She decided to take a chance.
“Ok.” She sighed.
“Ok?” Josh asked, confused. “Ok, what?”
“Call Alex. Talk to him, see how it goes. I’m not giving my full blessing for the label and production thing yet, but might as well do some research.” Hayley explained.
“Hayles, you don’t have to do this.” Josh said quickly.
“I'm not. I’m saying look into it.” Hayley said. She wanted to make that fact very clear. “We’ll see what everything looks like after you do some more research.”
Josh stared at her, mouth agape. Hayley giggled at him and rolled her eyes.
“But,” She said.
“Here it is!” Josh smiled. He knew there would be a catch.
“But!” Hayley continued with a laugh. “If, and this is a big if, but if this all works out, you have to promise we get some studio time to just mess around.”
A huge grin broke out over Josh’s face. “Of course!” He answered. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He scooted closer to her on the bed and hugged her.
“We good now?” She asked.
“Hayley…” Josh frowned. “Don’t do this to make everything better between us.”
“I’m not.” She assured. “I’m secretly intrigued. Just know that family comes first, and I completely expect you to drop what your doing and come running if the kids need you.”
“Obviously.” Josh replied.
“Now come spend some time with your cuddle-deprived wife.” Hayley giggled. Josh laughed and pulled her close in one strong swoop of his arm.
“I love you Hayley Farro.” He smiled.
“Yeah-huh.” Hayley replied. Josh pouted and gave her his best puppy-dog eyes.
Hayley rolled her eyes. “Love you too.” She sighed.
“Thought so.” Josh grinned happily.

This is incredibly random, but I'm incredibly bored...
Haha, every time I see this particular part of this interview, I laugh. XD



It reminds me of Ross and Rachel on Friends that time they got married in Vegas and then went separate ways when they left the wedding chapel. lol.
(Note: If you're using Firefox, the animation is sped way up (at least it is for me) haha)

This feels rushed to me... :/

---

Hayley woke up with a smile and turned to snuggle with Josh. Almost instantly, her smile faded as she realized Josh wasn’t there. He was all the way on the other side of the bed, sleeping soundly.
She felt her heart drop, this had been happening for months now, and each week, he seemed to get further away from her. She missed the days where she would wake up with him pressed right up against her. When had that changed? Was he falling out of love?
She rolled her eyes, trying to shake off the thought. Of course he still loved her. It’s just… he was acting so distant… she didn’t like it. She didn’t like it one bit.
“Josh.” She whispered, dragging herself closer.
“Mmm?” He groaned sleepily.
“Josh wake up.” She whispered in his ear with a smile. She placed a kiss on his jaw and she felt him sigh happily underneath her.
“Ok, ok! I’m up!” He laughed as her kisses continued further and further down his bare chest. He kissed her quickly and rolled out of bed, heading for the shower. Hayley remained on the bed, dumbfounded. What had just happened? Usually if she woke him up like that… well, he certainly didn’t walk away.
“Josh!” Hayley said sternly, hauling herself out of bed. Josh groaned to himself and turned around.
“What’s going on?” Hayley asked as she caught up to him.
“I’m taking a shower.” He said simply.
“I think we need to talk.” She said quietly. “I think something is wrong. You’ve been acting… different.”
“I’m fine!” Josh insisted. “Nothing to talk about.” Hayley’s eyes instantly filled with tears. She couldn’t help it; it was far too early in the morning for her to even bother trying to control her emotions.
“Oh! No!” Josh hurried forward. “Hayles, no! Don’t cry.” He hugged her tight.
“Please don’t cry.” He whispered. “I’m fine, we’re fine. I swear.”
“No! No, we’re not!” Hayley said, exasperated. “You can’t ignore this Josh!”
“Hayley.” He put a hand on each of her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “Calm down, you’re going to wake up the kids. Let me take a shower and we’ll talk.” Hayley nodded slowly and wiped her face.
She scowled at herself, she hated crying, she felt so weak. Josh kissed her cheek quickly and hurried to the bathroom. He had to organize his thoughts before he and Hayley had their talk. If anything came out the wrong way, he knew Hayley would worry. There was no need for her to worry.

After his extra long shower, Josh slowly got dressed and walked back in to the bedroom to find Hayley sitting at the bottom of the bed, waiting.
“Josh, look.” She started calmly. “I just feel like you’re…distant. We used to be so close. Hell, we used to be best friends. What’s up?”
“We still are best friends.” Josh assured. It was true, he told her everything. Well, almost everything.
“Josh.” She looked at him with raised eyebrows.
“Hayley, it’s nothing you need to worry about, I promise.” Josh tried.
“Wrong answer.” Hayley laughed sarcastically.
“I know, I… I don’t know.” Josh sighed. “I guess…” he paused. “I mean, I love our kids, I love them so much.”
“But?” Hayley asked.
“Gosh, this is awful.” He sighed. “Well, Jake and Ty are already in school, so they’re gone most of the day and ‘Kenzie is going next year…”
“You’re bored?” Hayley asked.
“Not bored.” Josh said quickly. “I love you, I could never be bored around you.”
“Josh, you’re allowed to be bored.” Hayley laughed. She thought she was finally able to get an idea of what was bothering him. He had never been much of the ‘stay at home parent’ type. Neither of them had been.
Josh blushed slightly and nodded. “Ok, I’m bored.” He admitted. “But not with you!” He added.
Hayley paused. “Well, maybe we can talk to Zac and Taylor. I know Jeremy would love to do some more recording. Even if we never release or tour.” She started.
“I-I’ve kind of been thinking…” Josh cut her off.
“About?” Hayley asked. She was willing to try anything that might make him happier.
Josh took a deep breath. “I want to start a label.” He said quickly. “And I want to produce records.”
Except that. That was something she wasn’t so sure she was willing to try.

“You…what? No!” Hayley said. “No! You have no business experience.”
“I have producing experience!” Josh pointed out eagerly.
“You have a bit of producing experience.” Hayley corrected. “You do not however, have any experience with how to run a business.”
“Hayley, please." He rolled his eyes. "There are plenty of college grads out there with a degree in business. I’m sure I could find someone to go in with me.” He argued. Hayley scoffed at the thought and shook her head.  
“See! This is why I didn’t say anything!” Josh said, raising his voice slightly. “I knew you would react like this!”
“React how?” Hayley shot back. “Sensibly? Come on Josh! I know we have money, but the kids' college education seems slightly more important.”
“Hayley, I’d make whatever money we spend on this back!” Josh argued.
Hayley shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths to keep herself from completely losing her cool. “Josh, I know you love music, I do too, but this just doesn’t make sense right now.” Josh opened his mouth to protest, but Hayley cut him off.
“We may be able to revisit the idea later, but for now, I’m going to go make breakfast for our children. Who need us here. At home. Not fighting.” She emphasized the last few words.
“Whatever.” Josh sighed. "You're being irrational." He left the room quickly closing the door, rather forcefully, behind him. He knew she wouldn’t be fond of the idea at first, but he hadn’t expected her to shut him down completely. And her points, though valid, weren’t strong enough to be a reason not to go for it.
He grabbed his coat and hurried out the door to calm down. He didn’t want to be in the same room as Hayley at the moment in front of their children. He knew they would catch on immediately and they didn’t need to worry about what was going on with their parents.

Hayley took a few breaths to calm herself down and wiped away a few angry tears. She already regretted her reaction to his idea, but at the same time, it really didn’t make sense for them at the moment. The kids were still all very young and, even if they were at school all day, they needed someone there for them when school was over in the afternoons.
Sure, Josh could still be home a lot, especially if he started his label in Nashville, but it meant that what little time they currently had for each other would virtually vanish. She knew he would want to spend time with Jake, Tyler and Mackenzie when he got home from work and he would miss them like mad.
But the more she thought about it, the more she realized… she was jealous. Josh wanted to go on and do something outside of the house. Hayley would be left behind, playing dutiful housewife.
“Fuck.” She whispered. She felt awful at the thought. She loved her kids, she wouldn’t trade them for anything. But some part of her still wanted to get away every once and a while. She needed more than just being a mother. She needed music again.
“Mommy?” Mackenzie called from the doorway to the bedroom.
“Huh ‘Kenzie?” Hayley asked, turning and wiping away more tears before her daughter noticed.
“Hi.” The toddler grinned shyly.
“Come here baby.” Hayley laughed. She scooped up Mac and hugged her tightly.
“I love you Mac.” She whispered.
“I love you more mommy!” Mac giggled.
Hayley backed away and shook her head. “Nope, not possible!”
“Yes! I love you this much!” Mac spread her little arms out as far as they would go. Hayley bit her lip, Mac really looked just like Josh. She had the same color hair and the same cute little nose.
“Mommy?” Mackenzie frowned. Hayley snapped out of her daze and gently threw Mac onto the bed, making her giggle.
“There’s no way you love me more than I love you.” Hayley grinned. She started tickling Mackenzie and laughed as the toddler squirmed around.
“Mommy! I’m hungry!” Jake wailed from the living room.
“I’ll be out in a minute Jakey!” Hayley called. “Why don’t you see if Daddy will get you some cereal.” She added, knowing how impatient Jake could be.
“Where is Daddy?” Tyler replied. “I’m hungry too!” Hayley frowned. Where could Josh have gone?
“Oh… I, uh, I forgot. Daddy went outside for a bit.” Hayley answered hesitantly. Well, it seemed logical, Josh had probably gone out to cool off. Hayley sighed and picked Mac up before heading out of the room to deal with breakfast, the clothing of squirmy children, and whatever other morning rituals had to be performed for the day.

~*~

Hayley silently praised all single mothers as she sent Jake to his room to get dressed, sat Tyler down with some Cheerios to tide him over, and began breakfast. She certainly wouldn’t be able to put up with three hungry, hyper children on her own every day.
“Mommyyy.” Tyler groaned suddenly. He grasped his stomach and doubled over.
“Shit!” Hayley gasped, knowing those signs all too well. She grabbed Tyler’s arm, pulled him to the sink so he was standing over it, and rubbed his back soothingly as he vomited. Seconds later, he began to sob.
“Shh, it’s ok!” Hayley soothed. “I know, I know! It’s scary. You’re ok.” Mackenzie began to cry as well, out of confusion and slight fear.
“Kenzie, it’s ok, he’s alright.” Hayley insisted. Mac began to pull at Hayley’s leg to be picked up as she continued crying.
“Hold on Mac!” Hayley whined as she cleaned a horrified Tyler up. She felt his forehead and sighed, he had a definite fever.
“Mommy! I’m hungry!” Jake complained, walking in to the kitchen with an orange shirt, green pants, and mismatched shoes on.
“It’s gonna have to wait, Jake, honey.” Hayley said as calmly as she could.
Mackenzie wailed once more and continued pulling at Hayley’s leg as Hayley’s cell phone began ringing. ‘Sarah’ flashed across the called ID. Hayley groaned, it was her day to take Jake and Maddie to school, Sarah was probably calling to make sure she remembered.
“Thanks Josh.” Hayley mumbled. “Thanks a lot.”

Double update! Woohoo. :) This one is very cutesy. haha. Fun to write though.

---

Ok, skipped a few more years. I gets more interesting soon, I promise. Haha. Might do a double post tonight because I’m really not thrilled with this chapter. We’ll see...

---

“Done!” Hayley grinned as she placed the last toy in its proper place on a shelf.
“I still don’t see why you’re putting the toys away, you know Tyler is going to pull them all out again when Arianna and Sam get here.” Josh sighed. Hayley shrugged.
“Gives me something to do.” She yawned. Jake was at a friend’s house and Tyler was taking a nap before his friends came over. This left Hayley bored, with nothing to do.
“Geez, if I had known it was just out of boredom…” Josh mumbled. “You know, you could have just paid attention to me.”
“Eh, that’s no fun.” Hayley teased. Josh pouted and nuzzled her neck with his nose.
“Ok, ok!” She laughed. “Sorry! But you know, Tyler is still sleeping and Arianna and Sam wont be here for another half hour.” She raised an eyebrow. Josh immediately grinned and picked her up. Hayley laughed and wrapped her legs around his waist before kissing him passionately.
“Whoa! Hold up.” Hayley quickly scrambled to get away and grasped at her stomach.
“You ok?” Josh asked curiously. Hayley shook her head quickly and looked up at he husband.
“Yeah, yeah fine.” She forced a smile. “Breakfast just got jostled around when you picked me up.” Josh didn’t look quite convinced, but he accepted her reply when she slowly snaked her hand around his waist. She moved her hand lower and Josh yelped as he felt a small pinch on his butt.
Hayley laughed as Josh attacked her with his lips once more and she allowed herself to fall onto the couch, Josh not far behind.
“Mommy?” A sleepy voice called out.
“Noooo!” Josh whined quietly. Hayley laughed and pushed Josh off of her.
“I’ll go.” Josh said immediately. “I want to spend some time with my little man anyway.”
“Alright.” Hayley nodded, Josh was a great father.
As soon as he was out of the room, she ran for the bathroom to be sick. “No, no, no!” She whispered in horror. “This cannot be happening!” She groaned and heaved again. “Shit! No! I can’t be pregnant!” She wailed to herself. She and Josh had agreed to stop trying for kids for now, but possibly revisit the idea in a few years. How could this happen? They had been so careful.
“Josh’s birthday!” Hayley groaned as she remembered. Zac and Audra had kindly offered to take the kids for the night so Josh and Hayley could have an evening alone. They hadn’t been alone together in so long and, well, one thing had led to another, and Josh had no condoms stocked up. Hayley had wanted to make a quick trip to the store, but, well, Josh was Josh, very impatient and all that.
“Great.” She sighed. “Just freaking perfect!” How could she ever have possibly thought either she or Josh was infertile?
“Hayles?” Josh called. Hayley groaned. She personally didn’t mind too much about the fact that she was, most likely, pregnant, but she wasn’t sure how Josh would take it. They barely had time for each other as it was.
“In the bathroom!” She replied. “Be out in a second!” She quickly washed her face and hurried out to her family.

“Knock knock!” Taylor called as he opened the door to Josh and Hayley’s apartment.
“Uncle Taylor! Auntie Laura!” Tyler grinned. Laura, who had been holding her two year old daughter, Arianna, lowered the toddler to the floor and gently pushed her toward Tyler.
“Go on sweetie!” Laura smiled. “Go say hi to Ty, aunt Hayley and uncle Joshy.” Arianna grinned shyly and clung to Laura’s leg. She was incredibly shy, though Hayley didn’t expect that toddler shyness to last long considering who her parents were.
 “Hi Arianna!” Tyler said boldly. He certainly wasn’t a shy one.
Arianna was only seven months older than Tyler, but the two weren’t incredibly close. Their parents had tried, but it seemed like Tyler was developing an early case of ‘girls have cooties.’
“Do you two want to play with Tyler’s play-doh?” Hayley suggested. Both toddlers nodded their heads furiously and ran into the living room.
“Josh and Taylor, do you mind?” Hayley asked, nodding after the kids. “I’m going to get Laura some tea and get some snacks for the kids.”
“Sure!” Josh and Taylor answered, a bit too enthusiastically. Hayley and Laura laughed and headed or the kitchen.

“Spill.” Laura said the second they were alone.
“What?” Hayley asked.
“Spill!” Laura repeated. "Start talking!"
Hayley laughed. “There’s nothing to spill!” Laura placed a hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow.
“Hey!” Sarah smiled as she entered the kitchen. “Jeremy saw play-doh and ran off with Sam.” She explained quickly. Sam was Jeremy and Sarah’s two and a half year old and he and Tyler were inseparable. Sam was going to be quite the ladies man when he got older, just like Tyler and Jake would be. Hayley was pretty nervous about it.
“Sam has been talking all day abo – wait, what’s up?” Sarah stopped mid-sentence and looked at Hayley.
“Hah! I’m not the only one!” Laura grinned. “What is going on?” She demanded.
Hayley sighed. “Uh, well, Josh and I decided not to have any more kids for a while.” She started.
“Oh.” Sarah frowned. “What? Did you change your mind?”
“I guess.” Hayley mumbled. “It was kinda changed by force though.” She added under her breath.
“Well, talk to him! I’m sure he’d be open to the idea.” Sarah said simply.
“You’re pregnant aren’t you?” Laura spoke up. Hayley looked up from the floor, eyes wide.
“Oh my gosh!” Sarah gasped.
“I’m not sure yet!” Hayley said instantly, shushing the two. “Ugh! He’s gonna freak!” Hayley wailed, burying her head in her hands.
“I really doubt that.” Laura laughed. “Especially if it’s a girl.” She nodded over to Josh.
He was sitting on the living room floor with Arianna in his lap, helping her push play-doh through a plastic mold. Hayley smiled, he looked so happy. Josh was Arianna’s favorite ‘uncle’ and she totally had him under her spell. It was no secret that Josh wanted a daughter one day; maybe this would be his lucky pregnancy.
“If it’s another boy though…” Hayley rubbed her stomach gently.
“He’ll love it just as much Hayles, you know that.” Sarah soothed.
“Ok, we’re going baby shopping next weekend.” Laura grinned.
“Laura, I don’t even know if I am pregnant.” Hayley laughed.
“You can help me then!” Laura smiled.
“You’re pregnant?!” Hayley and Sarah cried. Laura nodded happily.
“Just found out yesterday.” She grinned. “And you know what? Getting pregnant is fun.” She added with a laugh. Hayley and Sarah laughed but nodded in agreement.
“Who’s pregnant?!” Josh yelped from the living room in a strangely high-pitched voice.
“See!” Hayley hissed. “He totally isn’t ready for another kid!”
“Me!” Laura called.
“Oh.” Josh smiled, relief written all over his face. “Hey! Congrats!” He patted Taylor on the back and quickly and heaved himself off the floor to go see Laura.

Later that night, Hayley collapsed onto the bed and sighed. She still wasn’t sure how to tell Josh. She had yet to take a test, but she knew. She was definitely pregnant. Again. And she was already completely in love with whoever was growing in her.
“You alright? You’ve been acting strange all day.” Josh frowned.
“Mmm” Hayley groaned from the bed. “Tired.” She yawned. Josh nodded slowly. Over the last few hours, he’d had a sneaking suspicion about his wife, but he couldn’t be sure if he was right and he wasn’t quite sure how to ask without getting yelled at if his suspicion was wrong.
“I can’t believe Taylor and Laura are having another baby.” Josh smiled. He climbed into bed and pulled Hayley close to him.
“Yep.” Hayley replied shortly.
“Kinda makes me miss the excitement of another child.” He admitted. He felt Hayley tense a bit in his arms.
“We said no more for a while.” She replied.
“Yeah, I know.” He sighed. “But sometimes I just wish we were having another one I guess.” He faintly heard Hayley mumble something into his chest.
“Huh?” He asked.
“Your wish is my command.” She repeated, a bit louder. She pulled back to see his face and bit her lip. He was in shock.
“You’re… p-pregnant?” He asked.
Hayley nodded slowly. “I think I am.” Suddenly Josh was on top of her in a hug.
“Yes!” He cried. Hayley felt a smile spread over her face. “I knew it!” He added.
“What?” Hayley laughed.
“You’ve been acting strange. And you were sick this morning. At first I was terrified at the thought, but then when Laura announced she was pregnant, I realized I want a little girl.” Josh rambled.
“Josh, don’t.” Hayley shook her head, all happiness momentarily forgotten. “Don’t say it’s gonna be a girl.”
“Hayley, I don’t care what it ends up being.” Josh replied.
“Ha!” Hayley replied sarcastically.
“I’m going to love it no matter what.” Josh assured.
“I know, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up.” Hayley replied.
“If it’s not a girl, that would mean we have to try again.” She added with a laugh. “I don’t know if I can do this a fourth time.”
Josh laughed. “I’ll live if we don’t have any girls.” He kissed her forehead gently. Hayley wriggled around on the bed so her head rested on his chest.
“Seriously? You’re ok with this?” She asked suddenly.
“I am more than ok with this.” Josh assured. “Things happen for a reason Hayles.”

---

Yeah, I'm thinking I will definitely do a double update, or at least a 'Cutting Room Floor' chapter, assuming I can make myself write. haha.

1. I am a very quiet/shy/self-conscious person. But I'm also very friendly. Drop me a note sometime and I'll definitely say 'Hi' back. :)
2. I am not a fan of school, I don't do very well. I got really bad grades until halfway through High School when I finally realized I needed to clean up my act.
3. I think ADD is over-diagnosed. I used to think it was a completely made up disease until I was diagnosed with it. I went from Ds and Fs to a few As but mostly Bs. I was kind of amazed. So yeah, it's over-diagnosed, but I suppose it's a real thing.
4. I play the guitar. and I would love to learn piano, or drums
5. I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life once I get out of college. Absolutely no idea. Kinda scary.
6. I LOVE music. I don't know what I would do without it.
7. This story writing thing is one of the longest hobbies I've kept. I usually ditch a new hobby a few weeks after picking it up. Seriously, I thought I'd get through MFEO and then that would be it. haha. And I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.
8. My friends don't know I write. Not just fics, they don't know I write period.
9. My friends know I have a buzznet, they do not know my username, nor do they care (I don't think haha), and they know about a few of my buzznet buddies and they think it's cool. But, like I said, they do not know about the writing. Guess I'm afraid they'll think it's weird or something.
10. I love my friends and would do anything for them.
11. Buzznet has been a really good thing for me. I love the people on here, and being on here makes my crappy days a billion times better.
12. I sing in my car. Only in my car. XD And I must say, I'm getting better at it. Still not good enough to sing in front of... anyone... but better than I used to be. I can't dance either. Seriously, I can't.
13. Sometimes I feel very alone. I wouldn't say I feel depressed, just alone.
14. I wish I could focus on things better.
15. I always complain about work, but really, I suppose it could be worse. We're having a pajama/game party next weekend after we close for the night. I mean, come on! How bad can that place really be? haha
16. I sell digital cameras, I'm starting to really get in to photography now. I'd love to have a Nikon D90 some day. (Ooo 3 facts in one! lol)
17. I wish I could go to more shows/concerts.
18. I hate it when people lie. I suppose that makes me a hypocrite on occasion, but yeah.
19. I love my buzznet friends. Almost more than my real friends. hahaha.
20. One of my friends is pregnant and I'm scared crapless for her.
21. I say 'haha' too much. and use '...' too much. I can't seem to make myself stop.
22. I get overly nervous when I post a new chapter that I'm not ok with
23. I will never be 100% ok with anything I post here. On that note, I'm always looking to get better with my writing. Constructive criticism is always welcome and encouraged. :)
24. I did this to avoid writing a (relatively easy) 5 page paper on the meaning behind "Antigone". haha, oops. I'm gonna regret that later tonight.
25. I am very hesitant to post this... In fact, I will, most likely, delete this at some point.
26. Oh! I thought of a #26! haha. I have AIM and MSN. Drop me a note if you want my username for either and I'd be happy to talk. :)

Ok, skipped a few years! Just in case it’s not clear. Haha. Thanks for all the support with “From the Cutting Room Floor.” I’ll definitely keep posting that. :)

Get to know Jake (if you haven’t already read) here: Introducing Jakob Farro

---

“I feel like I’m going to explode.” Hayley groaned as she and Josh got out of his car. Josh unbuckled his now 2-year-old son, Jake, from his car seat and picked him up, carrying him to their apartment.
“Well, you are almost nine months pregnant.” Josh pointed out.
“No, I mean I’m so sore and achy.” Hayley snapped. “I hate this so much right now.” She unlocked the door and kicked it open in frustration. Jake let out a huge yawn and rested his head on Josh’s shoulder.
“Aw!” Hayley cooed.
“Let me put him down for the night and I’ll draw you a nice warm bath.” Josh smiled. “How does that sound?”
“Excellent.” Hayley sighed. “I’ll take Jake.” She added.
“No, you shouldn’t be carrying him right now.” Josh advised. Hayley put her hand on her hip and glared at her husband. Josh ignored her, she had been told several times by the doctor not to hold Jake at this stage in her pregnancy.  He carried Jake into his bedroom, with an irritated Hayley close behind.
“Why don’t you go get the bath ready and I’ll tuck him in.” Hayley suggested calmly. “I haven’t read Jakey a bedtime story in a few nights now have I?” She turned to her son and smiled.
“Mommy!” He grinned. “Read the dragon one!”
“Alright, see you in a minute.” Josh smiled.
“No lifting!” He warned. Hayley nodded obediently. Josh kissed the top of her head and hurried to their bedroom to start the bath.

When he returned to the bedroom, Hayley and Jake were both fast asleep in Jake’s little bed. Hayley had a book in one hand that obviously hadn’t even been opened and Jake's arm was sprawled across her big belly. Josh grinned and walked over. He gently kissed Hayley, waking her up instantly.
“Shh.” Josh whispered, pointing to Jake. Hayley nodded, yawned, and stood up carefully. Josh tucked Jake in and kissed his forehead gently.
“Bath’s ready.” He said quietly as they made their way to their room.
Hayley grinned. “You’re great, you know that?” She said.
“I try.” Josh grinned. “Come on.” He pulled her into their bathroom and turned off the tap as it finished filling the tub with water.
“You’ll be joining me right?” Hayley grinned. A slow smile broke across Josh’s face and he nodded eagerly.
“If you really want me to.” He said. “I don’t want to make you more uncomfortable or something, I mean, that tub really isn’t meant for two people to be in.”
“Next place will have to have a bigger tub.” Hayley mumbled. “Come on, get in. I want to just relax with you.”

“Mmm this is nice.” Josh sighed as Hayley lowered herself into the tub and sat in front of him. Once sitting, she scooted backward until her back pressed against his chest. She then leaned back, resting the back of her head on his shoulder, and sighed happily.
“Much better.” She smiled as she felt some of her aches and pains start to be relieved by the warm water.
“We should do this more often.” Josh yawned. Hayley nodded in agreement.
“Good luck with that one.” She said after a minute. “I mean, we’re already busy enough with just Jake. We aren’t going to have any time to ourselves once this one’s born.” She patted her big belly. Josh reached forward slightly to rub her stomach gently.
“Ouch.” She groaned.
“What?” Josh said instantly.
“My back.” Hayley said.
“Oh.” Josh sighed in relief. He thought the baby had been coming. He immediately pulled his hands back and began massaging her back as best he could in the small tub.
“Mmm, that feels nice.” Hayley smiled. “Thank you babe.”
“Anything for the mother of my children and the love of my life.” Josh smiled.
“Corny idiot.” Hayley mumbled. Josh laughed and let his hands rest on her stomach again, rubbing it slowly.
“Damn.” Hayley whispered. “That shouldn’t feel as good as it does.” She giggled. Josh raised an eyebrow. Hayley burst out laughing as she felt something poke against her lower back.
“That was fast…” She laughed. Josh blushed a bit and smiled.
“Well, my sexy wife is sitting butt naked in a bath tub with me. How else am I supposed to react?” He mumbled.
“You know, it’s situations like this,” Hayley gestured to the bathtub around them, “that get us into situations like this.” She pointed to her stomach.
“S’ok, I’m alright with having a big family.” He teased. Hayley laughed and leaned her back against his chest once more.
“Alright, time to get out.” She sighed after a few moments.
“Oh come on! We just got in.” Josh sighed. Hayley laughed to herself but agreed to stay in a bit longer. What harm would five more minutes do?
“Can we get out yet?” Hayley asked a few short minutes later.
“I suppose.”  Josh sighed.
“Great, cuz it’s time to go to the hospital now.” Hayley grinned.
“W-what?” Josh said breathlessly.
“Baby’s coming.” Hayley replied.
“What!” Josh yelped. “You let us stay in here… after you knew… what? When?” Hayley laughed.
“I think that back pain I had earlier was a contraction, I just had one again a few minutes ago.” Hayley explained. With that, Josh scrambled out of the bath, pulling Hayley with him.
“Josh! Josh hold on.” Hayley laughed. “We have time.” She pulled the stop on the bath so the water began to drain.
“Hayley! We have to go! Baby! Now!” He ran around the bathroom, dripping wet, trying to pull his clothes on.
“Josh.” Hayley said sternly. He froze. “Dry off,” she handed him a towel, “then get dressed and get Jake up. I’ll call my mother and have someone come pick him up and then we’ll head to the hospital.” Josh nodded obediently and hurried out the door.
“Clothes before Jake!” She hollered after him.
“Right!” Josh said as he skidded back into the bathroom. Hayley laughed and started searching for clothes.

~*~

“You’re sure you don’t want us to come?” Audra, asked once more.
“I’ll be fine.” Hayley insisted. “We need someone to look after Jake, your parents are out of town, and my mom will be with us. We’ll call you two as soon as the baby is born.”
“Alright.” Zac sighed in defeat.
“Come here Jakey.” Audra smiled.
“Mama and Daddy? Where are you going?” Jake asked, tears in his little eyes.
“Aw!” Hayley sighed. “You’re gonna have a sleep over with uncle Zac and auntie Aud!” She said, trying to get him excited. Jake grinned.
“And when you wake up tomorrow, you’re gonna have a little baby brother or sister.” Hayley continued.
“I don’t want one.” Jake said stubbornly.
“You wanted one yesterday.” Josh knelt down beside his son. “Remember? You wanted someone to play cars with. When your little brother or sister is born, you can play with him whenever you want.” Jake frowned as if he was thinking about it. Hayley gasped quietly in pain as another contraction spread through her body. Josh’s eyes went wide, but he tried to stay calm for Jake.
“Ok. Get me a little brother.” Jake decided. Josh and Hayley laughed.
“Alright.” Josh smiled. “See you in the morning.” He kissed Jake and hugged him tight.
“Be good for your aunt and uncle.” Hayley said as she said goodbye to Jake. Jake let out a huge yawn and nodded.
“Ok Jakey, let’s go get you back to bed.” Audra took his hand and led him out of the apartment.
“And lets get you to the hospital.” Josh said urgently. Hayley nodded as she grasped her stomach in pain.
“Argh, this hurts!” She wailed.

---