Snowed In (CW)

Two movies and a lot of small talk later, the still blotted out sun finally dipped behind the mountains shrouding the side of Bear Mountain in even more darkness. JJ flipped on the news while Kenny and Kailyn took a quick look out the window together, "Wow...I think it's even worse than it was when we showed up!"

Kenny gave the back of his head an uncertain rub, "It was supposed to be a joke that you two would be here longer than we expected, but you guys can't leave in this. It'd be way to dangerous for you to try and make that drive back to BMU."

Kailyn nodded in fully agreement, "Yeah, but it's okay, by morning I'm sure it'll break. So we just crash here with you guys tonight. Maybe play some board games like we used to when you'd come to sleep over," She gave Kenny a playful bump with her elbow. Despite everything, Kenny had to admit he was a lot happier to see Kailyn than he anticipated. Growing up she often felt like another older sister, always extremely kind and warm, and even in a blizzard she could find an upswing.

"Hope you guys have a few games because we definitely aren't leaving in the morning." Sydney called over causing the pair to quickly return to the television where Sydney and JJ both sat on the couch with dismay.

"What are you talking about, Syd?" Sydney merely extended a hand towards the television.

With all eyes on the weatherman, JJ shook his head with genuine disappointment, "The whole weekend...the whole damn weekend." He leaned back and sighed, "One of the most intense storms they've seen in years and they didn't even expect it. Now we're all gonna be stuck in here until at least Sunday, and we're not gonna be able to make it to the hockey game tomorrow."

"JJ, I don't even think the hockey players are making it to that game." Kenny pointed out, "Look, Dartwin is totally covered."

Kailyn rested a sympathetic hand on JJ's shoulder, "I know...but it sucks, I was really looking forward to this. My team hasn't played here in so long, it's been years since I got to see a game live."

"Well maybe if they cancel it we'll get refunded or sent new tickets for the next game? They usually do that sort of thing, right?" Kenny looked between Sydney and Kailyn,

Sydney confidently nodded, "Totally, you'll still get to that game eventually," Sydney then gave JJ's leg a quick patting slap, immediately intent on cheering the teenager up. "Now enough moping about! If we're all stuck in here, then we should make the most of it! Kai said board games, and I'm in for it." Sydney suggested.

Kailyn grinned, "I know it sounds dumb and stupid, but that really does sound fun to me, I can't remember the last weekend I was totally free from school. And I literally can't stress about school either since everything is back in my dorm!" The older Jackson was giddy, normally the little free time she had was spent with Rachel White, and that always meant some crazy party. The idea of a cozy indoor weekend already sounded like a dream, even if it was technically **** on her.

"Since we have the time, want to break out Monopoly? That's a solid way to kill a couple hours," Kenny shrugged,

"And break a couple friendships," Sydney added with a devious grin, "Get it."

"Yeah, over here, my dad put all the games in the hall closet," Kailyn waved Kenny on and the two headed up the main hall and took a right just past the kitchen, passing by the bedrooms and to the end closet. She pulld the door open, pulled the string for the lightly and let out a hum as she looked around the packed storage area, "Hmmm, but where did dad stash them?"

"Top shelf." Kenny pointed over Kailyn's head to a stack of games tucked away in the corner,

"Good eye, Ken!" Kailyn reached out and with a little grunt stretched for the pile, "D-Damn it Dad, not everyone is as big as you and JJ..." She winced under her breath, pushing up to her toes. Suddenly, Kailyn felt hands on her hips followed by being lifted straight off the floor, "Ken -- Ney?!" The girl exclaimed in a full mix of surprise, fear, and joy.

"There, can you reach them now?" Kenny lightly chuckled back while Kailyn quickly grabbed hold of the game,

"Got 'em! Now put me down, dummy," Kailyn lightly giggled as Kenny set her back down on her feet. The older ebony girl twirled around, eyeing Kenny with a full smile, "Just because you're big doesn't mean you can just go lifting girls off the ground."

Kenny shrugged, "Well I wouldn't have to if you didn't need the boost. I think I should be thanked for be such a helper," Kailyn playfully tossed her eyes at the comment, but Kenny only responded with an expected smile.

She reached up and gave Kenny a playful pinch on the cheek, "Yeah, alright, you always were my little helper." She teased but then Kenny was a little surprised to find the college girl give him a once over, "Well, not so little anymore, that's for damn sure."

Kenny rubbed the back of his head and shrugged, "What can I say? I grew up."

"Evidently, but you're still the same old Kenny I've always known." Kailyn happily added lightly patting his chest then turning back to close the closet back up.

Sydney, meanwhile, hung back in the living room, noting JJ's lack of movement, or any emotion beyond sulking. "Hey...come on, it's not that bad," Sydney softly reassured as she reached down taking his hand, "We'll still have some fun."

"Yeah...I know," JJ mumbled back, his head still hanging low.

"Once we start playing a game, and watching a couple movies you'll feel way better. Come on." She gave him a tug.

"Nah, Syd, I'm good. You guys go ahead, I think I'm gonna just chill here for awhile."

"What? You think I'm going to let you sit here alone and sulk? No way, James!"

"I appreciate what you're trying to do, honestly, I do. But I'm not feeling up to it right now. Sorry."

Sydney let go of JJ's hand, pursing her lips as she took in his words before her brow jumped and a sly smile spread across her face. "Oh...okay, I get it." JJ lifted a brow and peered up, "Yeah...I'd be pretty scared of me too." Sydney coyly suggested with a stretch, "Considering I whooped your butt every time we used to play back at my house."

"What?" JJ chortled, "I'm not scared of you, I just don't want to play."

"Sure you don't." Sydney winked back at him.

JJ crossed his arms letting out a breathy laugh, "That's not gonna work on me."

"I'm not trying to make anything work," Sydney sweetly smiled back, "I'm merely stating some facts. I. Kicked. Your. Ass. Always."

JJ sat up, his brow slightly furrowed, "That's so not true! I used to beat you all the time! You always beat Kenny, not me!"

"That's not how I remember it."

"That doesn't make that fact any less true."

"I guess I'll just have to take your word for it." Sydney shrugged and turned, sauntering off.

JJ remained on the couch for only a moment, his foot tapping and his upper lip ever so slightly twitching, "Take my word for it...yeah, sure." JJ muttered under his breath. Then with a scoffing exhale, JJ jumped up, "Syd!" The brunette looked over back over her shoulder, "You're going down!" The pair shared a challenging grin.