ch.3 comfort and chaos

The next day, Helen spent the afternoon with her best friends—Danielle, Kylie, Sophie, Ariana, and the other Sophie. They met up at their usual spot, a cozy little café with string lights hanging from the ceiling and music playing softly in the background.

They laughed, gossiped, and talked about everything except the episode that aired last night. Helen was grateful for that. She needed a distraction, and her friends gave her exactly that.

After a few hours, they all said their goodbyes, and Helen headed home, feeling lighter but still a little worn out from everything.

Later that night, just as she was about to climb into bed, she heard a soft thud against her window. Her heart skipped, but then she rolled her eyes, already knowing who it was.

She walked over and slid the window open. “Javon, what are you—”

Before she could finish, he carefully climbed inside, balancing a basket full of her favorite candy and small gifts. In his other hand was a massive teddy bear, and dangling from his wrist was a Wingstop bag.

Helen’s eyes widened as she took in everything. “Javon…” Her voice cracked slightly.

He set everything down, giving her a small, lopsided grin. “Figured you could use a pick-me-up.”

That was it. That was all it took for her walls to come crashing down. A shaky breath left her lips before she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time, they were happy ones.

“Thank you,” she whispered into his hoodie, squeezing him like she never wanted to let go.

Javon held her just as tight. “Always.”

After a while, they sat on her bed, eating Wingstop and watching Brave. Helen curled up against him, her head resting on his shoulder, feeling more at peace than she had in days.

Somewhere between Merida’s speech and the credits rolling, her eyes started to droop. Javon pulled the blanket over both of them, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“Go to sleep,” he murmured.

And with him right there beside her, she did.

---

The morning light filtered through Helen’s window as she stirred slightly, still wrapped in Javon’s arms. The warmth, the safety—it was a feeling she didn’t want to let go of just yet. But then—

BAM.

Her bedroom door swung open.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Her dad’s voice boomed through the room, startling both of them. Helen sat up instantly, her heart racing, while Javon blinked awake in confusion. She barely had time to process before she noticed something even worse—the camera crew was right behind her dad, filming everything.

“Dad—” she started, but he cut her off.

“Are you kidding me, Helen? You snuck someone in? While the cameras are rolling?” His voice was sharp, laced with disbelief and anger.

Helen clenched her jaw, pulling the blanket over herself instinctively, even though nothing inappropriate had happened. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh, really? Because it looks like you snuck a boy in and broke about ten of my rules.” He gestured wildly, his frustration spilling over. “Do you even care about what this does to our image? To the show?”

Helen shot up from the bed, her fists clenched. “Oh my God, Dad, do you even hear yourself? That’s all you ever care about—the show! Not me, not how I feel, just your stupid image.”

The cameras inched closer, and she could feel the tension thickening, the pressure of being watched, judged, filmed.

Javon, still sitting on the bed, ran a hand over his face, looking between them. “Maybe I should—”

“No, Javon, stay.” Helen’s voice was firm as she turned back to her dad. “I’m not doing this right now. You always want to play the perfect father for the cameras, but off-screen, you don’t even see me. I’m not just your little reality TV puppet.”

Her dad’s expression darkened. “You are acting like a selfish, reckless child, Helen.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be if you treated me like a daughter instead of a storyline!” Her voice cracked, but she didn’t care. She was tired—tired of performing, tired of pretending.

Her dad exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You want to make your own choices? Fine. But don’t come crying to me when it all falls apart.”

And just like that, he stormed out, cameras trailing after him like shadows. The door slammed behind him, leaving the room thick with silence.

Helen’s chest rose and fell as she tried to steady her breathing, but her emotions were all over the place—anger, exhaustion, sadness, relief.

Javon stood up, walking over to her. “Hey,” he murmured, pulling her into a hug.

That was all it took. She melted against him, her face buried in his chest, holding onto him like he was the only thing keeping her together.

After a moment, she pulled back slightly, her eyes locking with his. Without thinking, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek—just near the corner of his lips.

Javon froze for a second, then let out a small breath of a laugh, his hand still resting on her waist. “You sure you’re okay?”

She nodded, wiping at her eyes. “I will be.”

He gave her one last squeeze before stepping toward the window. “I should go before your dad actually murders me.”

Helen managed a small smirk. “Probably a good idea.”

He climbed out, landing softly before looking up at her one more time. “Text me, okay?”

She nodded. “Okay.”

As he disappeared into the early morning light, Helen let out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she had someone on her side.

---

Helen.Osama✔️(Pretend it's javon and helen)

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Caption:my basket is so cutesy🎀💕

Comments below ⬇️

User she so pretty

User aww wanna got her a basket🤭

Ddosama that's how it is^How what is are you serious^Aight

JaylaWaltonI knew it^Thank you!!

Wanna Pretty girl^Ty💘

Maliabaker They're so cute🤭

TheShaderoomNew couple?!!^😣

_________________________________________________________

---

Later that morning, Helen’s phone buzzed with a new message. She rolled onto her side, still curled up in bed, and squinted at the screen.

Javon: Hope you're holding up okay. You need me to sneak back in with more Wingstop?

A small smile tugged at her lips despite everything.

Helen: As tempting as that is, I think I’ll survive… barely.

Javon: Barely surviving isn’t good enough. Maybe I should bring backup—cookies, fries, a whole buffet?

Helen: Now you’re just showing off.

Javon: Anything to make you smile.

Helen stared at the message a little longer, warmth spreading through her chest. He was always there when she needed him, no matter what.

But reality came crashing back fast. She still had to face her dad… and Hallie.

With a sigh, she dragged herself out of bed, threw on some sweats, and made her way downstairs. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the kitchen, but the second she walked in, the tension in the room became thick.

Her dad was at the counter, sipping coffee, pretending like last night hadn’t happened. The camera crew wasn’t there yet, which meant they could all act normal for a little while.

And then there was Hallie—sitting at the table, scrolling on her phone like she hadn’t just betrayed her.

Helen’s stomach twisted, anger simmering beneath the surface. She knew it had to be Hallie who told their dad about Javon sneaking in. How else would he have found out?

Hallie glanced up as Helen walked in. “Morning,” she said casually, like everything was fine.

Helen ignored her completely, heading straight for the fridge.

Hallie sighed, setting her phone down. “Oh, come on. Don’t be dramatic.”

Helen slammed the fridge door shut a little harder than necessary, making both Hallie and their dad look up. “Dramatic?” she scoffed. “You snitched on me, Hallie.”

Hallie crossed her arms. “I didn’t snitch. I just told Dad the truth. You were sneaking a boy into your room in the middle of the night and posted up with him on Instagram. What did you expect me to do?”

Helen turned to face her, rage flashing in her eyes. “I expected you to mind your own business.”

Their dad cleared his throat, clearly trying to stop this before it escalated. “Helen—”

But she wasn’t about to let him or Hallie play the victim here. “No, seriously,” she continued, glaring at Hallie. “You just love being the perfect daughter, don’t you? Always doing what Dad wants, always making sure I look like the problem.”

Hallie scoffed, shaking her head. “You are the problem. You never think before you act, and then you get mad when people call you out on it.”

Helen’s fists clenched. “At least I’m not fake.”

Her dad slammed his mug onto the counter. “Enough. Both of you.”

Helen’s jaw tightened, her heart pounding, but she wasn’t going to waste another second arguing. She grabbed a granola bar from the counter and turned toward the door.

“Where are you going?” her dad called after her.

She didn’t look back. “Somewhere where I don’t have to deal with this.”

She walked out, letting the front door slam behind her, her phone already in her hand.

Helen: You free?

A few seconds later, her phone buzzed.

Javon: Always.

And just like that, she knew exactly where she wanted to be.

---

Helen stormed out of the house, the tension still coiled in her chest. She hated fighting with Hallie, but what she hated more was how easily her sister sided with their dad. Like she wasn’t the one who had to live under his constant judgment. Like she wasn’t the one whose every move was being filmed for the world to pick apart.

Her feet hit the pavement hard as she walked down the street, phone gripped tightly in her hand. She didn’t even know where she was going—she just needed out.

A text popped up on her screen.

Javon: Where are you?

Helen: Walking. Needed to clear my head.

Javon: Stay put. I’m coming to get you.

She hesitated, but before she could argue, another text came through.

Javon: Please?

Her shoulders sagged. Fine.

Helen stopped at the corner of a quiet street and waited, her fingers picking at the wrapper of the granola bar she never actually wanted. Five minutes later, she heard the familiar hum of Javon’s car pulling up beside her.

He rolled the window down. “Get in.”

She didn’t hesitate this time. The second she slid into the passenger seat, the tension in her body eased a little.

Javon didn’t ask questions right away. He just turned up the music, letting the soft hum of a slow R&B song fill the silence as he pulled away from the curb.

They drove for a few minutes, the city slowly fading into quieter streets, until they reached one of their usual spots—a little park tucked away from everything. He parked under a big oak tree and shut off the engine before turning to her.

“Okay,” he said, finally looking at her. “What happened?”

Helen let out a bitter laugh, leaning her head back against the seat. “Hallie snitched on me.”

Javon frowned. “For what?”

“For you,” she said, giving him a pointed look. “She told my dad you stayed over. That’s why he barged in like a lunatic.”

Javon sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Damn.”

“Yeah.” Helen crossed her arms, staring out the window. “And of course, she doesn’t think she did anything wrong. She’s always been the golden child—the one who never messes up, never breaks the rules, never disappoints him.”

Javon studied her, his expression softening. “And you think you do?”

Helen hesitated, her throat tightening. “I know I do.”

Javon reached over, taking her hand in his. “You know that’s not true, right?”

She let out a shaky breath, staring at their intertwined fingers. “Sometimes, it feels like it is.”

For a while, they just sat there, the quiet between them feeling heavier than words.

Then Javon squeezed her hand. “Wanna do something stupid?”

Helen blinked at him, a smile threatening to break through. “What kind of stupid?”

“The fun kind,” he said, grinning now. “Come on.”

Without another word, he got out of the car, jogging around to her side to open the door. Helen laughed but let him pull her out.

And for the first time that morning, she felt free.

---

Helen didn’t know where Javon was taking her, but she didn’t care. She just needed to get the fuci away from her house, away from the cameras, away from her dad’s bullshit, and most of all—away from Hallie.

Javon drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting near hers on the center console. The air between them was heavy, but not uncomfortable. It was just there, thick with everything she didn’t want to say.

After about fifteen minutes, he pulled up to an empty lot near a hill that overlooked the city. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was quiet. Private. Their spot.

Helen let out a breath and slumped back in her seat. “I fucking hate my life right now.”

Javon chuckled, shifting so he could look at her. “I mean, yeah, your family’s a mess, your life’s on TV, and your sister’s a fucking narc, but at least you got me.”

Helen turned her head and shot him a look. “That was supposed to be comforting?”

He grinned. “Yeah. Did it work?”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at her lips. “Barely.”

Javon reached behind his seat and pulled out a bag. “Alright, since last night was chaos, I figured I owed you something.”

Helen narrowed her eyes. “What is this?”

He tossed it into her lap. “Open it and find out.”

She pulled out a box of her favorite candy, a bottle of her favorite iced coffee, and—

“Oh my fucking God.” She lifted the stuffed bear out of the bag, pressing it to her chest. It was even bigger than the last one he got her. “Javon, what the hell?”

He smirked. “You looked like you needed another emotional support bear.”

Helen shook her head, laughing. “You’re so fucking extra.”

“You love it.”

“Shut up.” But she was smiling, and he knew he was right.

For a while, they just sat there, eating candy and talking about nothing—music, school, the dumb shit their friends had done recently. It was easy, normal, the way things should be.

But eventually, Helen’s mind drifted back to reality, to what was waiting for her when she went home. She let out a sigh and leaned her head back against the seat. “I don’t want to go back.”

Javon glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Then don’t.”

She turned to him. “What, just stay here forever? Live off candy and gas station snacks?”

He smirked. “Could be worse.”

Helen huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re a dumbass.”

“But I’m your dumbass.”

She bit her lip, looking at him for a second too long. “Yeah,” she murmured. “You are.”

Javon’s smirk faded, his gaze flickering to her lips before meeting her eyes again. For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, before she could second-guess herself, Helen leaned in and kissed his cheek—right near the corner of his mouth. Just like last time.

Javon exhaled slowly, his fingers twitching like he wanted to grab her but was holding himself back. “You keep doing that,” he muttered.

Helen tilted her head. “Doing what?”

He licked his lips, eyes dark. “Testing me.”

Her heart pounded, but she forced a smirk. “And what if I am?”

Javon leaned in, so close she could feel his breath on her lips. “You’re playing a dangerous game, princess.”

Helen swallowed hard, but before she could say anything, his phone buzzed, snapping the moment in half.

Javon groaned and pulled back, checking the screen. “It’s my mom. I should probably answer before she starts thinking I’m dead.”

Helen let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Yeah. Good idea.”

As he picked up the call, she looked out at the city below them, her fingers still clutching the stuffed bear in her lap.

She had no idea what the hell she was doing.

But she knew one thing for sure.

She wasn’t done testing him yet.

---

Helen lounged on the couch with Kylie, a bowl of popcorn balanced between them as Frozen played on the screen.

“Damn,” Kylie muttered, tossing a piece of popcorn in her mouth. “You and Elsa kinda got the same vibe. Ice queen, emotionally repressed, mad at your family.”

Helen shot her a look. “Fuck you.”

Kylie smirked. “I’m just saying, all you need is a dramatic musical number, and you’re set.”

Helen rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, Kylie suddenly gasped and smacked her arm. “Oh. My. Fucking. God.”

Helen groaned. “What now?”

“Look at this shit.” Kylie shoved her phone in Helen’s face, and Helen squinted at the TikTok playing on the screen.

It took her half a second to process what she was seeing—her ex, David andAlabama laying beside each other.

“Oh, fuck no.”

The video looped, showing Alabama grinning up at David while some cringey song played in the background. It was obviously meant to be shady, like they knew people were going to talk.

And it worked. Because Helen was pissed.

Kylie looked at her with wide eyes. “I thought he fucking hated Alabama after what she did to Danielle.”

“Apparently not,” Helen muttered, jaw tightening. “I swear to God, he’s so fucking—”

Knock, knock, knock.

Both girls jumped at the sudden noise.

Helen frowned. “Who the fuck is knocking this late?”

Kylie grabbed a throw pillow like it was a weapon. “If it’s Hallie, I’ll swing.”

Helen huffed a laugh, shaking her head as she got up and walked to the door. But when she pulled it open—

She froze.

David.

Standing there like a ghost from her past, looking exactly the same but also… different.

He had the same sharp jawline, the same intense eyes, but there was something hollow about him now. Like life had drained him in the time they’d been apart.

Helen’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t seen him since she moved—since his brother and best friend died.

“Hey,” he said, his voice rough.

Helen swallowed. “David… What the fuck are you doing here?”

---

The room was so silent Helen could hear the faint hum of the cameras.

She swallowed, arms still crossed, refusing to let David’s words shake her. “You never got to say goodbye?” she repeated, voice flat. “That’s funny, ‘cause last I checked, you were the one who stopped calling.”

David sighed, leaning back into the couch. “Helen, I was fucked up. After my brother… after everything that happened, I didn’t know how to talk to you. And then you moved, and—”

“And what?” she cut in, eyes narrowing. “You forgot I existed? Forgot we went through shit together?”

David’s jaw clenched. “That’s not what I’m saying.”

“Then what are you saying?”

Before he could answer, Kylie let out a low whistle. “This is so much better than Elsa.”

Helen shot her a glare, and she threw her hands up. “What? I’m just observing.”

David shook his head, then scoffed. “You know what? Forget it. You clearly don’t give a fuck.”

Helen let out a dry laugh. “Oh, I’m the one who doesn’t give a fuck? That’s rich coming from the guy who’s suddenly buddy-buddy with Alabama.”

David’s expression darkened. “And you’re suddenly all over Javon?”

Helen’s stomach dropped.

Kylie tensed beside her. The cameras zoomed in.

“What the fuck did you just say?” Helen asked, her voice dangerously low.

David shrugged, his tone bitter. “I mean, come on. You think I don’t see the shit online? You and Javon all cuddled up like you’re in some fairytale romance? Is that what you do now? Jump from guy to guy?”

The second the words left his mouth, Helen saw red.

Before she could even think, she was on her feet. “Excuse the fuck out of me?”

David stood up too, his face set in a smug expression that made her blood boil.

“You heard me,” he said. “You act like you’re so above everyone, but you’re just like the rest of them. Trading one guy for another the second shit gets hard.”

SMACK!

The slap echoed through the living room, and the entire camera crew gasped.

David’s head snapped to the side, his cheek already turning red. He clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering with shock and anger, but Helen didn’t back down.

She stepped closer, her voice shaking with rage. “Don’t you ever talk about Javon like that. And don’t you ever talk about me like that again.”

David slowly turned back to face her, his expression unreadable. For a second, she thought he might yell, fight back—do something.

But instead, he let out a bitter chuckle. “Wow. He’s really got you wrapped around his fucking finger, huh?”

Helen didn’t blink. “Get the fuck out of my house.”

David stared at her for a moment, then scoffed. “Whatever.” He turned toward the door, pausing just before he walked out. “Don’t come crying to me when he fucks you over too.”

Helen’s fingers curled into fists.

The door slammed behind him.

The cameras were still rolling.

Kylie exhaled, shaking her head. “Well, damn.”

Helen swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling with angry breaths.

And then—her phone buzzed.

Javon: U good?

Helen took one last deep breath, then texted back.

Helen: Come over.---

Helen sat on the couch, her knee bouncing, still fuming from everything David had said. The cameras were still rolling, but she didn’t care. Let the whole world see—she wasn’t about to let anyone, especially him, disrespect her or Javon.

Kylie was staring at her like she had just witnessed the best drama of her life. “Girl,” she finally said, shaking her head. “That slap? Iconic.”

Helen huffed out a breath, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t even wanna talk about it.”

Kylie smirked. “Oh, but we are talking about it. The whole world is gonna be talking about it. You know that clip’s gonna be everywhere, right?”

Helen groaned. She already knew the internet would eat this up—another “Helen vs. Ex” moment to add to the list. But right now, she didn’t give a fuck.

Because Javon was on his way.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Helen was on her feet instantly, ignoring the cameras as she walked over and yanked it open.

Javon stood there in a hoodie and sweats, a bag of snacks in one hand, his other tucked in his pocket. His brows furrowed the second he saw her face. “What the fuck happened?”

Helen didn’t say anything—she just grabbed his hoodie, pulled him inside, and shut the door behind him.

Kylie, still lounging on the couch, grinned. “Oh, look. The knight in shining sweats has arrived.”

Javon shot her a look. “Do you ever shut up?”

“Nope.” Kylie popped a piece of popcorn in her mouth. “But don’t mind me. Carry on.”

Helen rolled her eyes and pulled Javon toward the hallway, away from the cameras. The second they were alone, he cupped her face, his dark eyes scanning hers. “Tell me who I gotta fuck up.”

Helen let out a breathy laugh, but her throat was still tight. “David.”

Javon’s jaw tensed. “What did he do?”

Helen hesitated, then looked down. “He showed up out of nowhere. We argued. Then he started talking shit about you—about me—like I just jump from guy to guy.”

Javon’s grip on her waist tightened. “And?”

Helen met his gaze. “And I slapped the f*** out of him.”

Javon blinked, then let out a short laugh. “Damn, princess.”

Helen crossed her arms. “He deserved it.”

Javon smirked, but there was something softer in his eyes. “You really out here defending me like that?”

Helen bit her lip. “Of course I am.”

Javon watched her for a second, then stepped closer, pressing a slow kiss to her forehead. “That’s my girl.”

Helen exhaled, her body finally relaxing.

“You wanna get out of here?” Javon murmured. “Go somewhere without cameras?”

Helen nodded instantly. “Yes. Fuck yes.” then they said bye to Kylie.

Javon laced his fingers through hers and led her toward the door.

And for the first time all day, Helen felt okay.

---Kyliecantrall✔️(Pretend it's Kylie and helen)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnlYRDjX480

Caption:bestie💘🎀

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Author-

This is probably my favorite chapter thank you so much for reading this book I promise to make it as interesting as possible pls leave comments on you opinions on how you feel abt the book and what I should add to the book.💘💘