Chapter 28

"Mason! Mason!" I yelled out.

I was trying my best not to hyperventilate and was failing. Mason came dashing into the room with his eyes wide and frantic. "Ava! What's wrong, are you okay?" He grabbed my arms quickly looking at me from head to toe and looking over the girls. "What is it? Are the girls okay?" He asked worriedly, watching them closely.

I pointed towards the tv half stunned. Mason looked towards the tv quickly and I didn't think his eyes could've widen even more. "Oh shit."

"What are we going to do? How did they even get those pictures? What's going to happen now? Why are you so calm about this?"

"Ava?! It's okay, relax." Mason said.

He took the remote from my hands to turn the tv up. "These photos have been floating all over the internet and Mason Reynolds have yet to make a statement, but the public is already making theirs. One person commented, 'Their hairs, their features, definitely his twins!' another said, 'He's dating Chasity but has a whole other life going on, poor Chasity.' We are all pretty eager to see what the Reynolds will come up with this time."

Mason muted the tv, "Damn it."

"What's going to happen?" I asked worried.

Mason began pacing back and forth in front of the bed with the remote against his chin. He had a thoughtful and worried look on his face which was doing nothing to settle me. Suddenly, he dashed out of the room. I moved to place the girls on their feet, and we went behind him. Mason was standing in his room against the tall windows as he talked quietly on the phone. I knocked gently causing him to look at us. He motioned with his head for us to come in and we entered slowly. I didn't notice his room before but like the rest of the house it was elegant. Dark grey ceiling, black carpeting, a large majestic bed, a mini fridge and a flat screen tv. I moved slowly towards his closet and my eyes widened. The closet was doubled the size of the one in my room and that was too big for my comfort already. I moved around the closet grazing the coats that were hung up neatly. I faintly heard Mason's conversation coming to an end and I quickly stepped out of the closet. He held Peppa in his arms while he talked.

"Yes, tomorrow afternoon. Thanks a lot. " He said.

Mason hung up and handed his phone to Lily, much to her delight as she sat on his bed. "What's going on?" I asked, joining Lily on the bed.

"Well the picture is already out there, and it has been for a few hours so removing it would be futile. If we had caught it earlier, we would've had a chance of containing it."

"Okay, so."

"So, life as you know it will change for the next few weeks."

"What does that even mean?"

"It means that you and the girls are going to have to be monitored, daily."

"What? Why?"

"Ava, these people are vultures don't you get it? They won't stop until they find out who you are and who they are. They are going to find out where you live, where you work, your friends and family."

I began hyperventilating. "Oh my god."

Why is this happening now? We are all still trying to adjust as it is. Mason placed Peppa on the bed with Lily and crouched in front of me. "I'm sorry Ava, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out this way, I wanted to release a statement beforehand."

"What good would that do?"

"Releasing a statement would've helped us to control it, contain it and manipulate it to our advantage, but I didn't want to do that when I was just trying to spend time with the girls and bond with them without all of this."

"Mason, I don't know if we are ready for all of this. Crowds and cameras are not my thing."

"I'm sorry but now, they have to be."

"But.."

"Ava, my entire life is in the public's eye and that isn't something new. There are times I can live regularly but other times my life can be a whole circus show."

"What about the girls?"

"The girls will be fine. I won't ever let anything happen to them, but you have to get used to the fact that the girls are going to be famous too and so will you as their mom." One of my fears is coming true. I was so worried about the media leaking our information out there. I knew the girls weren't going to lead much of a normal life with Mason as their father, but I was hoping that we could've at least ease it onto them.

"So, in detail, what does this mean?"

"A driver, bodyguards, security systems, a new phone and other few measures."

"Is all of that really necessary?"

"Absolutely." He said seriously. I sighed gently and looked towards the girls playing amongst themselves.

"Ava." Mason whispered, grabbing my attention. "Trust me. You all will be fine."

"How do you know?" I asked doubtfully.

"Duh, because you have a highly educated and skilled baby daddy." He said it as if it was so obvious. I snorted rolling my eyes.

The next morning was spent mostly packing. We planned on leaving later in the evening if everything goes well. Mr. Reynolds called a family meeting and I knew it was because the photos that were released. I could tell that Mason was more upset than worried and knew that this wasn't the first time they went through it. It seems that they have protocols to follow when things like this happen because Mason was already prepared. The girls were oblivious about everything as they played around the house and I really wish they could stay that way.

"Your father is upset, isn't he?" I asked.

We were getting ready to leave for the family meeting. "Probably." He shrugged.

"You don't seem worried."

"That's because I'm not."

"Why?"

"This isn't the first time this happened Ava. Our family has practice with this kind of stuff. So yes, he'll probably be upset but he'll get over it like he always does." He said leaning down to help the girls put on their coats.

"This isn't new to you, but it is to us."

"Okay?"

"Okay, I don't want him to lash out on me." I mumbled.

"Why would he lash out on you?"

"I don't know, because it's my fault for causing all of this."

"Ava, how in the hell can you blame yourself for telling the truth? If anything, he would lash out at me for not being careful." He said.

"I don't know how we'll get through this."

Mason straightened up and stared at me silently for a moment. He moved closer to me until he stood only inches from me, his green eyes piercing. "I want you to listen to me closely and please grasp this." He placed his hands on my shoulders. "I won't ever let anything happen to you girls. I don't care if I have to fight off every news reporter, paparazzi and my family. I won't allow anything to touch you all, okay?"

I nodded, "Okay."

It was hard for me to just trust Mason completely when I was so used to always protecting the girls at all cost myself. It was a relief to know I had someone to guide me in a situation I'm unfamiliar with. Mason pulled open the door and I was shocked to see Caleb standing there.

"You guys ready?" He grinned.

"Cabub!" The girls yelled.

They ran to him quickly and he swooped them into his arms. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I was summoned."

"Your dad told you about the meeting?" I asked, shocked.

Caleb scoffed, "Please not him, Mason called me."

"I wanted him there." Mason explained.

I watched him closely as he went to his car to grab the girl's car seats from the back. Before I could question him, I watched him carry them to a parked black suburban that I hadn't noticed. There was a tall buff guy that stood near the back door, his black suit and shades gave off men in black vibes. Caleb and I approached the jeep as Mason attached the car seats in the back. "Why aren't you driving?" I asked.

"Protocol." He said.

He straightened from the car after their seats were attached and held out his arms to Lily, who was still in Caleb's arms. I watched them secure the girls in the back seats quickly.

"Ava this is Auteaz one of our bodyguards and our driver in front is Gary." Mason said.

I nodded politely toward the giant man and he returned the gesture causally, while Gary gave a swift wave from the driver seat but didn't turn around. "Are you riding with us?" I asked Caleb.

"No, I'll be right behind you." He says nodding to his jeep parked behind us.

I noticed that he had a driver also. We got into the jeeps quickly and were on our way. "You're not going to drive anymore?" I asked Mason.

"Only until this blows over. It's easier to stay in the back with all of this. Everyone will be eager to get even a peak at us."

"Everyone?" I asked.

Mason pinched his mouth hesitantly before pointing to the small group outside of the community gate. My eyes widened as they all came as close as they could to see beyond the tinted windows as we drove past. "What the hell?"

"You haven’t seen nothing yet." He warned.

"It's going to be worse?"

"Definitely."

As we got nearer to the family's house, I couldn't help but check social media. I wanted to see if there was any more information on us yet. Mason's words still have me on edge because I still don't fully know what to expect. I found the picture that was released with Mason and the girls at their party and I couldn't help but to focus on it. The picture with us in the food store could've been taken by any random person who recognized Mason, but the one from the girl's party must be someone I know. The thought of someone close to me stooping so low as to expose us for their own personal gain is sickening. I looked at the angle of the photo and concluded it was taken near the center table that held the girls’ gifts and other treats. I remember sitting there with my friends as we watched the party unfolded but I don't recall any of them taking photos. I zoomed the picture in, and it gave me the answer I was looking for. She snapped the photo not realizing that the front of her shoe was shown. The white flats with black pooka dots, Loren.

"You really should stay away from social media for a while."

Mason's voice nearly took me through the roof. "We're here. Are you okay?"

I looked around realizing that we were indeed in front of the house. "Yea I'm okay, let's go."

We got the girls out of the car and quickly headed towards the massive door. "Nana Ann?" Lily asked.

"Yes honey." I smiled.

Caleb was close behind us and I tried not to let my emotions get the best of me. Who knows what will happen when I tell Caleb that Loren took one of those photos? Marie pulled open the door with a wide smile on her lips.

"Hi Nana Ann." Lily grinned and Peppa waved shyly.

"Hello, my sweet girls. How are you?"

"Good."

They responded in unison. "Come on in." She said.

It was then that she looked up noticing Caleb behind us. "Caleb." She whispered dazed.

"Mother." He nodded.

Marie controlled the frown on her lips but didn't respond as she allowed us to enter. She guided us to a room that looked like the living room except there wasn't a tv or any windows. The room had large chairs, paintings and a white board that was built into the wall with several markers close by. "This is the family room where our private family meetings are held and where we learned most of our school lessons." Mason said.

That would explain the board and markers. Everyone moved to sit into any available seats. I held Peppa in my lap and Lily sat with Mason next to me. "How are you?" Marie asked.

"We're good." I smiled gently.

"This is quite a lovely room." I said trying to make small talk.

"Thank you very kindly, it's one of my favorite rooms, it brings me the most delightful memories." She smiled.

Caleb scoffed, "We obviously have very different memories." He mumbled.

Marie's smile went away instantly, and she gave a gentle sigh. Why was there so much friction between them? From what I can remember from their stories, Mason and Caleb pretty much adored their mother. Just then the door opened, and Regina entered with a bright smile along with Jason and Jarvis.

"Aunty Gina!" Lily yelled.

"Jariiss!" Peppa grinned.

They both jumped off our laps to greet their aunt and cousin happily. "Look at aunty princesses!" Regina gushed.

"Could have sworn you all saw each other yesterday but whatever." Caleb teased.

"Oh, you hush." Regina warned.

She moved towards Caleb and he quickly stood to embrace his sister warmly. "Nice to see you ass wipe." She grinned.

"Wish I could say the same bird legs." He smirked.

I immediately stared at Regina's legs. They were long and kind of frail. "Hey, don't look at them." Regina snapped her fingers in my direction causing the room to chuckle.

"Nice seeing you again Ava." Jason smiled.

"You too Jason." I smiled.

Jason moved to sit down next to Caleb and Regina came at my side. Jarvis and the girls were drawing on the white board happily and I was so glad that he was protective of them as if they were his little sisters. "Looks like someone is ready to be a big brother." Caleb grinned.

"Lord don't even put the idea in the air right now, there's too much going on." Regina said causing Jason to chuckle.

"God, I already have so many ideas in mind for them."

"Ideas?" I asked.

"New outfits of course." She grinned.

"Should I be worried?"

"Yes." Mason answered.

I smiled as Regina rolled her eyes. "Don't you mind him. I'll have my nieces rocking the best."

"Thank you but you know it's not necessary." I said.

"Aht aht, they're Reynolds now." She winked.

I knew then that I would love Regina and I knew Catherine would love her even more. The door of the room opened again, and I stiffened reflexively. Chasity glided in almost looking ominous. Her dark hair was like billows, light, curly and shiny against her shoulders. She wore a dark fitted purple dress with a designer belt around her waist and shades over her eyes. "Marie." She said gently, going over to kiss her cheek.

Marie simply smiled gently, "Welcome Chasity."

Mason got up from his seat slowly. "Hey beautiful." He said leaning in to kiss her cheek. He tugged her in my direction, and I swallowed before standing. "You remember Ava."

"Yes." She mumbled sticking out her hand. "Nice seeing you again."

"You too." I forced a polite smile quickly and shook her hand.

I don't know if it's because of the conversation I overheard but something about her rubs me the wrong way. Chasity gave small greetings around the room before sitting next to the Mason. She clung onto him like a barnacle on a boat and I suppressed a chuckle. Finally, the last person we waited for graced us with his presence, Charles Reynolds. Mr Reynolds entered the room quietly, his face serious and his back rod straight. He didn't bother with a greeting but went over to kiss Marie on the cheek. Mr. Reynolds straightened up to look around the room. His eyes immediately zeroed in on Caleb and he quickly found me next. "What are you two doing here?" He asked rudely.

My fist instantly balled up, but Caleb reclined in his seat with ease staring at his father silently. He raised a brow quietly and crossed his ankles. Regina shot out of her seat quickly. "Rose! Come on kids why don't you play with Miss Rose." She said as she guided the kids to the door.

Rose was one of their many housekeepers and she instantly came to the door. "Ma'am?"

"Take the kids for a little walk, yea?" Regina said.

Surprisingly, the girls went to Rose with ease and I suspect it was because of Jarvis. Charles' eyes landed on the girls briefly as they walked out but he quickly refocused on Caleb and I. "I asked you both a question." He said.

"I'm sorry, did you not see your granddaughter, your only granddaughters walked past you just now?" Mason said standing up.

"This is a family meeting." Charles said coldly, ignoring Mason's question.

"They're family dad." Mason said.

"Really?"

"Quit it dad, if you want to get technical Chasity shouldn't be here either." Regina said, moving to retrieve her seat next to me again.

"Excuse me?" Chasity said removing her shades. Regina simply shrugged.

"Chasity is family." He said.

"Really, you sure?" Regina said.

"I don't need any lip from you Regina."

"Hello! Your granddaughters just walked past you and you don't care?" Mason yelled out again.

"You'd have a better chance yanking out his teeth." Caleb mumbled.

"Excuse you? Need I remind you that you weren't invited? This is a family meeting." Charles replied.

"Charles." Marie chastised gently but he wasn't fazed in the slightest.

"I can't believe that you're just standing here like you don't care. They are your granddaughters and that is their mother and Caleb is your son. No matter how you feel, they're staying." Mason said.

"Tread very lightly Mason." He warned.

"Dad cut it out! Normally I love my fair share of family drama, but I have a flight to catch so out with it." Regina said, crossing her arms.

Jason placed his hand over his head, and I knew that he wasn't entirely comfortable. Mason and Charles glared at each other across the room almost as if they were challenging each other. I stared at my fingers as I played with them nervously. Regina nudged me gently, I looked at her and she shook her head before gesturing her head up. I got her message loud and clear, chin up. "I called this meeting because Mason allowed his emotions to affect his decisions putting this family in the lion's den again." Charles said.

Mason rolled his eyes, "Don't you think you're going high on the hyperbole?"

"Do not downplay this boy. You know how serious this is and how it could get out of hand very quickly."

"What do you suggest?" Mason said folding his arms in boredom.

"You must release a statement before this gets any worse."

"It's already worse. People see the resemblance and they are even saying that he cheated on me with..." Chasity glanced at me, "her."

I refrained from rolling my eyes. "This is why he must release the statement Chasity, to put all these rumors to rest and not to hurt your public relationship." Charles said.

"This isn't about Chasity and I. This is about Lily, Peppa and Ava. I won't release a statement for anyone to prey on them."

"If you don't give them something son, they will go digging and that might be worse." Marie said softly.

"This affects all of us." Charles said.

"No, it doesn't." Caleb said.

"You never knew when to shut up did you?"

"Not at all. This rumor involves four people, two of them are no longer in the room. Let him handle this the way he sees fit because it'll affect them more." Caleb said.

I understood why Mason wanted him here. "I didn't ask for your input."

"I did and I agree." Mason said.

"I want to introduce Ava as a family friend for now and later on when the girls are more comfortable, I will state our relationship."

"Have you completely lost your mind? You will not interlock this family with this woman." My mouth fell open in offense at his words.

"This woman is the mother of your grandchildren!"

"I don't care if she is God, she is no friend of this family. From the moment she walked in this house she has caused nothing but chaos."

"Chaos for you and your sick master plans to control this family to bow to your every whim." Caleb said.

"You watch your mouth!" Charles said.

"Or what dad?!" Caleb stood.

"Stop this, stop this now!" Marie said quickly.

"Caleb." I said.

He glanced towards me quickly and I shook my head silently. I don't want this to get any worse than it already is. Sighing, he sat back down. "Marie, do not undermine this. Mason knew exactly what he was walking into when he started fraternizing with this woman and her children."

"Our Children." Mason interjected.

"Going to their birthday parties and shopping as if they are some kind of happy family. The media will go wild if we don't handle this properly." Charles continued.

"What do you suggest darling?" Marie asked.

"That he releases a statement that this woman is simply an old friend who he was assisting, nothing more."

"What?!" Mason, Caleb, Regina and I were all on the same page.

"Dad that is ridiculous. Stevie Wonder can see that Lillian and Penelope look exactly like Mason and even mom. The media will be brutal if they detect a lie." Regina said.

"Exactly. I will not brush aside my daughters. I will do this my way and I will go public with our relations at the charity event in L.A."

"What?!" Charles and Chasity yelled.

"Do you know who will be at that event? How could you do such a foolish thing?"

"Because this is my life, those are my daughters, Ava is their mother and I will not turn my back on them. What kind of man do you take me for?"

"An ignorant fool if you think for one second, I will let you ruin this family with your bastard children." There were several gasps around the room and I instantly stood from my seat.

"What did you just say?" Mason said.

"How dare you?!" I felt Regina grip my arms to keep me in place. "What kind of man says those things about his own grandchildren?!"

"The kind of man that works hard to protect his family and wealth, something you know nothing about with her absentee father and lower-class mother." I leaned back like I've just been slapped. He might as well have.

"That's enough! This is bullshit you've crossed the line!" Mason yelled.

"Watch it Mason!" Charles yelled.

"Or what dad?! Or What?!"

Charles fumble over words and I realized then that he needed Mason more than I thought. "We're out of here."

"Mason" Chasity said standing.

"Chase, I'm sorry love but I can't stay here. I will call you later, but I have to go." Mason kissed her cheek gently.

"That's the best idea I heard all day." Caleb said standing.

"Mason don't leave." Marie whispered.

"I'm sorry mom but I won't stand here and be disrespected and sure as hell won't allow you to disrespect her!" He said pointing me.

"If you can speak so negatively about people you don't even know and insult my children and their mother with no remorse you are no father of mine. Ava let's go."

"I'll get the girls." Regina whispered and Jason went behind her quickly.

Caleb was already out the door behind them and Mason grabbed my hand tugging me close. I noticed the look on Chasity's face at the gesture but ignored it. Mason stopped at the door to face his father. "I can't believe I once strived to be just like you, I see now that that was a mistake." He said.

Charles stood fuming and Marie's head was in her hands as we left the room. We stood in the foyer waiting for Regina and Mason turned to me remorseful. "Ava I'm so sorry."

I placed my fingers against his lips and shook my head gently. I don't want his apologies, if anything his father should be the one apologizing. Mason still looked remorseful but remained silent. Caleb stuck his head into the front door. I almost forgot that he was waiting for us on the front porch. "Hey guys I'm going to head out, this place is giving me a rash." He said.

"Caleb, wait." I said.

"Yea?"

"Um, I think you should know something?"

"What is it?"

"Loren took that picture at the girls party."

"What?" Caleb and Mason said in unison wearing the same confused expression. "How do you know?" Caleb asked. I pulled out my phone and showed them the picture.

"The angle of the picture was where she was sitting and those were the shoes she wore that day." I said.

Caleb stared at the picture for a moment before groaning and marching outside. Mason and I followed him. "Damn it!" He yelled. "I have to deal with her."

"Wait, maybe she wasn't the one who sent it." I said.

"It doesn't matter Ava! That man already had my ass over the leaks that Libby made. Do you know what he would do if he found out another leak came from my company? Damn it!" He yelled out again.

"I don't want to be the reason someone loses their job." I said.

"You're not the reason for this Ava. She made her bed and she is going to lie in it."

"Caleb.."

"I will handle this Ava." He said firmly, silencing me.

He turned to Mason and gave him a one arm hug. "I'm proud of you for what you did in there man. I'll see you later." Mason nodded as they parted quickly.

Regina opened the front door allowing the girls to come out. I instantly bent to pick them up in my arms and buried my head in their hair, welcoming their familiar scents.

"I'm sorry Ava, daddy can be a prick. We will deal with him, I promise." Regina said.

I nodded but didn't respond. "Mommy we played with books and toys." Lily said.

"We color too momma." Peppa grinned.

"That's great babies, that so great." I said.

I could feel Mason's hand against my back gently and I struggled to keep my tears at bay. I was wishing desperately for things to be easier for their sakes. Why can't their grandfather love them as much as everyone else does?