Jay's POV
8:00 AM in London
8:00 AM.
Jay Jay opened her eyes slowly, the kind of slow that only happens when sleep was good and the world outside feels temporarily harmless.
Soft London light filtered through the curtains. The room was quiet except for the low hum of the city waking up.
She sat up and looked around.
Chloe was still asleep, one hand tucked under her cheek, peaceful and composed even in rest. Sunshine without even trying.
Sebastian was sprawled across the bed like a fallen king, blanket twisted around one leg, pillow barely surviving.
Mateo was half on the bed, half off, face buried in a pillow, breathing like someone who had zero intention of facing the morning.
Jay Jay checked the time.
8:03 AM.
She slipped out of bed quietly, grabbed her hoodie, and stepped out before any of them could protest their own existence.
Coffee Before Chaos
The café downstairs smelled like roasted beans and fresh pastries. She ordered a simple black coffee and carried it back upstairs.
On the balcony, London stretched beneath her. Red buses rolled like clockwork. People hurried along sidewalks. The sky was pale and calm.
She took a slow sip.
Peaceful.
Her phone buzzed.
Percy Mariano 💫
Of course.
She opened the message.
"'Hey there, baby sister. I got to know that you are in London. Are you free tonight? We can go for an outing with Sebastian, Mateo, Aurora, and Chloe.'"
She smiled at the dramatic repetition of London.
She typed back.
"Yes, I am free. We can go."
The reply came instantly.
"Excellent. Prepare yourselves. London will witness greatness."
She shook her head, laughing softly.
The clock read 8:42.
Time to wake the sleeping kingdom.
The Great Awakening
Jay Jay stepped back into the room and stood in the center like a commander evaluating troops.
"Good morning."
No response.
She walked over to Chloe first and gently nudged her shoulder.
"Chloe."
Chloe blinked, then stretched slowly. "Is it morning?"
"Yes."
Chloe sat up, brushing her hair back. "I require five business days."
Jay Jay laughed softly.
Next, she turned to Mateo.
She pulled his blanket slightly.
"Mateo."
He groaned without opening his eyes. "No."
"It's almost nine."
"I hate mornings," he muttered into the pillow. "They are aggressive."
Chloe smiled sleepily. "You hate responsibility."
"Correct," Mateo replied.
Now Sebastian.
Jay Jay poked his shoulder.
He didn't move.
Chloe leaned over and flicked his arm lightly. "Seb."
He turned over dramatically. "I don't hate mornings."
Everyone looked at him.
He paused, eyes still closed.
"I hate mornings."
Jay Jay burst out laughing.
Mateo groaned louder. "See? Even Seb understands."
Sebastian finally pushed himself up, hair chaotic. "Why are we alive this early?"
"Percy wants to take us out tonight," Jay Jay said.
That woke Sebastian properly.
"Your stepbrother Percy?"
"Yes."
"The mirror enthusiast?"
Chloe smiled. "This will be entertaining."
Mateo dropped back onto his pillow. "I need emotional preparation."
Chloe nudged him. "Get up, Potato."
Mateo opened one eye. "Do not use that name before coffee."
Jay Jay crossed her arms. "Up. All of you."
Chloe stood first, stretching gracefully.
"Fine," she said. "If Percy is involved, I want front-row seats."
Sebastian slid off the bed with exaggerated suffering. "I don't hate mornings," he repeated under his breath. "I just hate being conscious."
Mateo sat up finally. "If this outing includes walking, I protest."
"It will," Jay Jay said.
He sighed. "Then I protest loudly."
The room filled with soft laughter.
No tension. No stress. Just teasing.
Evening with Percy
By the time evening arrived, London had transformed into gold and amber.
Percy was waiting outside the hotel, leaning against the car like he had planned this entrance for days.
"Baby sister," he announced as they approached. "You look radiant. London suits you."
Jay Jay rolled her eyes. "Hello to you too."
He looked at Sebastian. "Ah. Cavendish heir."
Sebastian nodded casually. "Mariano."
Percy looked at Mateo. "Whitmore."
Mateo blinked. "Do we always greet like we're signing contracts?"
Chloe laughed softly.
Aurora stood beside Jay Jay, smiling gently.
Percy turned to her dramatically.
"And you must be Sunshine."
Aurora smiled. "Only when I choose to be."
Percy nodded approvingly. "Excellent."
The Outing
They started near Covent Garden, where music and chatter floated through the evening air.
Street performers entertained small crowds. Lights twinkled above them.
Mateo wandered toward a food stall immediately.
Sebastian examined architecture like he owned half of it.
Chloe walked beside Jay Jay, calm and observant.
Aurora stayed near them, taking everything in quietly.
Percy led like a tour guide no one hired.
"This angle is perfect for photos," he declared.
They gathered reluctantly.
A stranger took the picture.
Percy reviewed it like a board chairman.
"Acceptable," he concluded.
Mateo leaned toward Sebastian. "Does he ever relax ?
Sebastian replied, "I suspect not."
They wandered toward the river as the sky deepened.
Lights reflected on the water. The air cooled gently.
For a moment, everything felt suspended.
Jay Jay stood at the railing, watching the city glow.
Chloe joined her. "You seem lighter today."
"Maybe," Jay Jay said softly.
Percy appeared beside them. "Admit it, baby sister. This outing is elite."
She smiled.
"Fine. You win."
Mateo stretched. "I don't hate nights."
Sebastian smirked. "He hates mornings."
"Everyone hates mornings," Mateo replied.
Aurora laughed quietly.
And under the dim London sky, they stood together. Not as heirs. Not as leaders. Not as responsibilities waiting to happen.
Just friends.
And for that evening, that was enough.
.....