As I drove to my house, I was careful to avoid any ice on the roads, and watched my fellow drivers who, thankfully, were just as cautious as I was. I had to come up with a reasonable excuse to offer the house to Jason, one that didn't include Salem. Would he believe me if I said I was living with Paul? I contemplated that possibility as I pulled into my driveway, finding Jason was already there waiting. There was a layer of slush covering the ground and sidewalk that led to the door.

“Hey, Jason!” I yelled as I opened my car door. I was about to step out onto the slush when he hurried over, took my hand and helped me steadily through it. “Thanks.” I chuckled. “Can't afford to be slipping and breaking my skull.”

“Yeah, wouldn't want you to end up in a cast like me.” He laughed and my eyes fell upon the white bandage wrapped around his arm.

“Not bad enough to need a sling?” I inquired as I unlocked the front door.

“Nope, thankfully. Those things look so uncomfortable,” he grumbled. “Not to say this is comfortable, and man does it itch.”

“I’m really sorry that happened, Jace.” I frowned and let him lead me into the house.

I switched on the dining room light and was still unimpressed by the place in comparison to Salem's amazing house. I tossed my keys onto the table and went to offer Jason a drink when I realized in horror how long ago I had bought food. I also spotted the glass with the dying daffodils in it that Jason had given me; I hoped he wouldn’t notice them, but it was somewhat inevitable.

“Smells kind of funny in here,” he commented as I ran frantically to the fridge.

As soon as I opened it, I gagged. All of the food I had purchased had spoiled.

“Wow...” I sighed. “Sorry you had to see, and smell, this.”

“It's okay.” He laughed. “How long has it been since you stayed here?”

“A while. I've been,” I paused, thinking it over, “I've been staying with Paul.”

“Really? That’s nice of him to take you in like that and help you out while you’ve been sick and all. Wish I had an uncle that nice. My mom’s brothers are crazy! Want me to help you clear that out?”

“Are you sure you’re okay to help, with your...” I pointed to his injured arm.

“Yeah, no problem, I still have one good one, you know.” He smirked.

The next hour was spent disposing of the rotten food, cleaning the fridge, and leaving it open to air out. I ordered a pizza and pocketed the remaining money that Janet had left me. Jason was shocked when I told him what had caused her untimely death—although, it wasn't entirely true. My story involved her being bitten by the bear at the zoo, and getting a terrible infection from it that spread quickly to her heart—I hated lying to him, especially about something so serious, but overall I knew it was the best thing to do.

The pizza delivery man showed up just in time to interrupt any responses from Jason on the story behind Janet's death. Jason and I sat in silence for a few minutes when I abruptly sat down my slice of pizza and looked up at him.

“How are things going over at Howard's?” I asked as casually as possible.

“Great. I got a raise last week!” he exclaimed after swallowing his food.

“That's good news.” I smiled. “There's something important I need to talk to you about.”

He looked slightly uncomfortable now, if not a little worried. “It's not about the other day at the diner, is it?”

“Not entirely, but it’s got to do with something you told me while we were there,” I replied, tapping my fingers nervously on the table as I recalled that afternoon. “How are your parents doing?”

Jason stopped eating and sighed. “The arguments are getting even worse, and to the point that Mitchell and I wind up sleeping outside in my car to avoid the noise some nights.”

“That's horrible,” I said, noticing the sadness in his eyes. “What would you say if I offered you my house, for a very low rent?”

His expression perked up slightly. “As a roommate?”

I laughed and shook my head. “No, though that is a tempting idea. I think I’m going to just stick with living with Paul for now...he gets lonely.”

“Oh. Then, just me?”

“You could bring Mitchell, too, if you like…or whoever else. Just as long as you keep it safe and clean.”

“Wow.” He smiled really big, exposing his straight, white teeth. “That would be awesome, Alex! Are you sure you'd want to do that?”

“Yeah...there's nothing left for me here now, besides bad memories.” I sighed. “I thought about selling it, but then decided to ask you first if you’d be interested in it at all.”

“I would be more than happy to take it!” He grinned again. “Imagine the parties...”

I shook my head, laughing. “I had a feeling you might say that.”

“How much were you thinking...for rent?”

“I really don't want any of your money, actually,” I said, shrugging. “All I want is to know it's taken care of, and I can come by whenever I need to.”

He blinked. “You are going to let me stay for free?”

“Yeah. You're my best friend, Jason. I can't take your money.” I smiled at him. “You'll have to pay the rest of the bills though of course, and some land taxes once a year, but aside from that it’ll be free.”

“This is unbelievable, Alex!” He leapt from his chair and gave me a one-armed hug and an unexpected peck on the cheek. I was secretly glad it wasn't more than that. “Don’t be surprised if you get some money from me now and then, though. I don’t want to feel like I am taking advantage of you! When can I move in?”

“Anytime. If you want, we can take out the furniture, and you can replace it with your own, or you can just keep it...or sell it. I really don't care.”

“Are you serious?” He gaped at me, examining the surroundings. “You can't imagine how grateful I am, Alex...and Mitchell will love it, too!”

“I'm glad. I just have one other condition...” I said suddenly.

“What is it? I'll do anything!”

“Don't tell Paul...he wouldn't understand.”

“Sure, I won't say a word about it.” He grinned and hugged me again. “I'm going to go home and tell Mitch. Mom should be relieved to have us out of there, too. That way, we aren't there to see and hear the arguing and fighting anymore.”

I smiled, grateful that he was happy, and that I would no longer have the burden of tending to the place—not that I did a good job of that. “Tell Mitchell I said hi. Try not to spend too much time fighting over bedrooms.”

Jason laughed. “I’ve got a feeling it won't be too hard. Thanks so much Alex!”

“You're welcome,” I said, gave him a set of house keys and walked out with him. He took my hand and guided me to my car to protect me from the slush again, and before long I was pulling out of the driveway, and he was walking home, both of us headed in different directions.