I'M RESTLESS. This is my first official day back. The school is under construction and our usual morning assembly had taken place in the small auditorium. The children and their parents had been squished in so closely that the room was suffocating. But everyone showed and listened to the principal, shoulder to shoulder with some standing and others sitting. His words had fallen on my deaf ears. I hadn't listen to a word but I had known everything he was going to talk about from our constant meetings.

At the assembly all I could think about was how I was going to be able to help these kids cope.

How was I going to cope?

I hold my box of supplies and don't move, because for a moment I'm standing in front of my old office that's in rubble. Soot covers the air and no light comes from the covered window. The box leaving my hands snaps me from my reverie and Owen's next to me.

As if knowing exactly what I need he bends down and kisses me. My eyes close and my heart stills in peace.

It's been a few days into our new relationship and we've already had some meaningless fights, but I'm so elated and happy. No matter what we fight about I always stop and realize that I'm not arguing with Owen my brotherly friend, but my Owen... mine.

When he had kissed me on the baseball field I felt like he was revitalizing me with every touch of our lips and words. Not only did I want him, but I needed him.

And I need him now.

He's my source of strength, courage and peace that God delivered to me after years of patience.

He pulls away. "I love you."

I smile because I know what's in that I love... he's proud. "Love you too."

We go into the office and he helps me with getting my side fixed up. When we're done I limp over to him and wrap my arms around him. He kisses my head. "I hate to leave you but I've got to go. My shift starts soon."

I nod into his strong chest. "Be safe."

"Promise."

He walks to the door but before he leaves he turns back to me. "You've got this and if it helps let me give you a friendly reminder that tomorrow will be our first date." He starts shutting the door but not before saying darkly, "prepare yourself."

I smile. Finally. There's a knock and I look up to see Emily.

"Emily? What are you doing here?" I ask limping over to her.

She prances in and makes me sit back down as she sits at the chair in front of me. "I admire you."

My eyes widen and she continues, "I acted like I didn't remember you when you came with Owen to the pie shop because I was always intimidated by you. When I would go to the baseball games with my friends they all made fun of you when you screamed at the fences, but I always thought how freeing and courageous it was."

I raise a brow. "Emily, thank you for everything you're saying, but I don't really know what this is about."

She laughs lightly, then goes silent, and in a quick moment bursts out, "I want to be friends."

I rock back. "Aren't we already friends?"

Her eyes widen in hope and happiness. "Really?"

"Yeah."

She sits back in the chair with a sigh. "I thought with me going on a date with Owen you'd hate me. I'm sorry for going on that date with him... he's just so...."

I laugh, "I know you don't have to explain it to me. No need to apologize."

She smiles. "Well just so you know on our date all he talked about was you." My face flushes making her soften her big green eyes at me. "You two are really cute"

"Thanks."

"Where are all the other counselors?" She asks while looking around the tiny office.

"We've been divided up for now and sharing offices with some teachers. Once the wing is rebuilt we'll all be back together."

An idea pops in my head from out of nowhere and my mouth goes off before I can digest it. "Any chance you're looking to get out of the pie business?"

Emily jumps up from the loudness in my voice then gives a small smile. "Yeah, but I haven't found anything yet."

"Bring me your resume. We are in desperate need of a new receptionist."

Her eyes widen. "Seriously... I don't have much experience though."

I wave her statement off. "No worries, but just to forewarn you it comes with a lot of one on one time with me and subs from a shady whole in the wall place."

She laughs, "Sounds great too me!" Her phone goes off and her face falls a little. "Sorry I have to head out thank you so much though. I'll make sure to get my resume to you quickly." She stands in front of my desk and stares me in the eye. "Your thee strongest woman I know."

If only she had seen me a couple days ago.

She shyly waves and leaves. It's hard to imagine someone filling in Patty's position but that's part of moving on. My mind flashes back to Walt when I had gone and visited him with Owen. He's one person I wanted to comfort more than anyone. I know he loved his wife deeply and I partially felt responsible for his grief but I saw everything in his tear-filled eyes. There was no blame or anger, only respect.

The rest of the day is exhausting, emotionally and physically. My leg hurts and every child who comes into my office is hurting and confused. I understand cause I still am too. Healing takes time.

The steps to my apartment seem long as I use the banister for support. The muscles in my calf are sore and the climb seems never-ending. I yawn once I reach the top of the stairs and open the door to find Am chewing on a pencil.

"What are you doing home?"

She perks and quickly stands rushing over to me with a massive hug. Am's hugs are the best because they're tight and she cuddles you like a she's holding her most precious teddy bear Rumples. "How was it Buttercup?"

"Hard but I made it through." I get to the couch and lay down feeling completely drained. "So why are you home?"

She picks up her heels and throws them over to the hallway leading to our rooms. "Court got out early. Won the case though." She smirks triumphantly.

I give a pathetic fist pump in the air. "That's my bean."

She laughs and sits by my feet. "How's your leg?"

"Kills."

Her big grey eyes shimmer with concern as she gives me an understanding smile. Without uttering another word she goes to the cupboard grabs some meds and bring them to me with a glass of orange juice. Have I mentioned how much I love her?

"How's it going with Owen?"

The smile on my face can't be contained. "We fight but it's amazing. He's taking me out tomorrow."

"Of course you fight. You fight with everyone but knowing Owen he probably enjoys every second of getting under your skin and seeing you all riled up. He's always looooved doing that to you." Her hands clap in joy. "Let's go find you an outfit."

She pulls me up and we head to my closet. Hours go by of throwing dresses around my room, eating ice cream on my part and Am ripping through my closet like a mad woman. At the end of the day I lay in my bed exhausted yet excited. As soon as I'm done with school I get to spend time with Owen. I get... a date. My eyes close and I let exhaustion claim me as my mind shifts into the most peaceful sleep.

A/N: Sorry the chapter is rather short. The next one will be even shorter so I'll probably put it up today as well :) I know going into the next last chapters some people might not like me for what they do one their date but I can honestly say my husband and I did a similar thing on one of ours and it was the best date I ever had and so much fun! Anywhooo don't forget to vote and comment <3

~ Living Red