Tennessee.

Air pushed faster and soon the time was due to approach midday and stretches left an all too tired passenger. Two hands were held in close proximity as they woke properly from the flight that was due to end shortly.


It felt like a lifetime before they got out but when they did Craig bounded towards them and Aletheia nearly fell when he hugged the two individually. Craig had not put a thought as to how weak she was but it was long forgotten when they all began to speak a little more.


"So you two are definitely together. Nice, nice. I mean, that would explain yesterday and your little outburst." Aletheia laughed visibly as Jaren tried to shy away from what had been said.


"You called me a little bitch that cucks. I was the one playing mini-golf and you called two of us a bitch. I see how it is. You don't even know my middle name and yet you call me such things. Disgostin' really." The clear reference made Mini open his mouth in awe and shock. He hadn't expected that of her.


The group went their separate ways and the couple ended up travelling together but at the last second Aletheia told him to go with the boys and she would go in an Uber. She could wait. Jaren wanted to protest but the look in her eyes told him she was not about to debate it with him. The pair were only in Tennessee for him after all. They gave a quick kiss and the pair behind them consisting of Mini and Jay pretended to be oblivious to it all.


Aletheia was left with her phone and some cash. When the car pulled up a warm and kind greeting was given before her phone went off and she had to answer it. Glad that it wasn't Smii7y so that he could be having fun.


"Hello. Yes. No, I put the letters in your outbox. Your secretary told me to but she was also sipping her yoghurt up using the case of a pen. I also believe that the pen had burst as ink ran up it. No, she doesn't work there I believe anymore. Yeah. Not the smartest but she was all kindness. No, the manslaughter was passed as accidental and a hefty fine was all she got. No, I have emailed them to you and Sarah has the key to my office so if you need to they are in my top draw. That is also locked. Sarah should also have that but if it is in another draw then you will either have to wait for me to return or find the original." She spoke evenly but a slight rush claimed her as the man she was supposed to be her superior and yet he was always one to treat others as equals.


Aletheia had been so busy texting all of the people she could to solve the issue that when the journey finished she was not at all ready but she jumped out and gave a tip to him. A smile being given once again to say goodbye.


The house was a stunning one with fields running for miles. The day was barely over as the time had just passed half one. It didn't help that the driver decided to go the scenic route and all of the possible red lights hit the car but that had hardly been noticed at all. The front door was visible and a deep breath was taken in.


A hand rose and met the wood of the door within a matter of moments. It didn't take long for dogs to bark and voices to fill the space around her. When the door did open a Dalmatian and a brown dog ran out still in loud fits of barks. Strokes and a passing left the dogs behind as she walked into the rest of the house.


Most of the inhabitants had been met before and so not much was new but still, a few of the faces weren't recognised. Greetings and handshakes followed by hugs were carried out and they all stirred in the kitchen. Last to meet Aletheia was Jaren and a kiss on her forehead was given. Brock pretended to be sick when Craig perked up.


"You have a kid. You did more than that. You are daddy Brock. I mean, we have all just done worse and you seemed fine. Is it just Aletheia's face? I have the same reaction but I keep it to myself." Aletheia laughed as her eyes watched Jaren jump onto the side and she stood between his legs.


"Can I just say Brock, I spend my life in the most traditionally male job surrounded by posh and privileged arses. I can tell you that you have the most traditional white and male face I have ever come across. I mean it isn't an insult I just thought that the four-year-old version of me could never imagine someone to actually look like you." He was not sure of what to say but everyone could agree with her words.


"Brock is a basic white bitch." Evan almost shouted as he got some ice from the large machine.


"Did you find it odd moving to Canada? I mean the change in society even." Aletheia moved her head from side to side as she let the past fill her mind.


"Yeah. I was raised so traditionally British that it hurts and when a stranger talks to me in the street then I basically prepare to be mugged or lied to so yeah. I also found it to be odd how straightforward people are. I mean growing up girls basically threw their bodies and minds at a boy and then he may pick the hint up and grow some balls. But, I stood in the airport. Just landed and three men gave me their numbers. That is not like the UK. Normally anyway." The change had been a big deal at the time but upon her reflection, it wasn't all too difficult to change and adapt.


Brock stood holding a small baby as the two spoke and his wife, Lauren, had walked off to nap. The small one had kept her up all night and Moo had been asleep the whole time. Aletheia kept her place between the knees of Jaren and their hands clutched at her hip level. Brock was called over by some of the boys and he looked nervously at the two who stood and sat alone. Aletheia just had to nod and he handed the baby to her.


"She is the sweetest thing in the world." Was all Aletheia could let out. Her chubby and round face brought a smile to her face. Not a difficult thing to do but her smile was one that Jaren always wanted to see.


"Jaren?" He had kept his chin resting on her head but when she said this and turned he was forced to look into her eyes.


"Don't worry I don't want a child. My poor career. Anyway, Will and I were trying to be parents before. If I had the baby would you still have wanted me?" The fact that he had to think for a second showed Aletheia that he really was trying to be honest and that was far better than any white lie. Unless it did make her look fat.


"I mean. It would have been tougher just because Will would have to be in our lives all the time but apart from that yeah. I am sure that I would have tried. I mean, when I saw you twerk I thought that you were at the very least worth a try." The pair shared a kiss before Aletheia turned and looked at the child some more.


"Why don't I post this?" John joked and a look of 'hell no' was sent his way. Making him stop in his tracks and stand at her side.


"Thanks, John. I needed you." When this had been said he tilted a fake hat and have a quick puff of his vape. But no smoke came out since he was around a baby, he had to face away before he let it out.

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