This chapter is dedicated to RosannaMI my dear friend and someone who's been supporting me nonstop. Thank you so much for all the advice and love. I'm beyond grateful!

Also, check out her stories. My personal favorite is "The Handsome Heir of Stream Sparks" it is a sequel to a book called "What now, Lily?" Make sure to check them out if you love humor, wit, romance, and beautiful friendships.

As Steff and Jeremy chat, I let my mind wander to other things. I've been doing a little digging based on what little information I found from the mails from Liam's mother. I looked into her and her area based on the return address. Unfortunately, I couldn't find much except for an Instagram account that's rarely used. She only has one picture of herself, and the rest is a picture of her Botanical Garden and medicinal herbs. From the looks of it, it looks like she got into traditional medicine.

I feel guilty for going behind Liam's back and doing this, but I was curious. And hopeful. I want him to see her again someday.

My phone vibrates, snapping me back to reality, and I pick it up.

Missing you.

I smile at the text. Liam and I have developed a habit of constantly texting each other when we are not together. I look up and grin at him from across the Cafeteria. Today he is eating lunch with his friends. Ever since Elliot and Liam had that fallout a few weeks back, their circle has been reduced to Ryan, Red, and Chastity Price, who has befriended Red recently. It still makes me anxious to see him with Red. But I trust him, and I know it's not fair to want him to be around my friends all the time.

The janitor's closet in 20?

I watch as he grins at his phone.

"But you said you'd help me with calculus." Steff's snaps, making me return my attention back to my friends. She glares at Jeremy. "I should have just asked Jayden. Now my grade is going to sink like the Titanic!"

Jer stares at her with horror.

"No, I will help you. I have just been busy lately. That's all. We can work on it today?" He suggests.

My phone vibrates, and I look down at it.

Make it 10.

I smile and start typing.

"Busy kissing Penelope Delacruz?"

As soon as the words come out of Steff's mouth, I cringe. That was so not the way to bring it up.

Jeremy's eyes widen, and he visibly gets flustered.

"Since when do you kiss a girl and not tell me anyway?" Steff's offended tone catches me off guard.

"It's not that I was keeping it a secret. We were talking, and it just-- happened. I didn't think it was something worth mentioning."

Jeez!

I awkwardly sip on my drink.

"Okay." Steff rolls her eyes, and Jeremy looks to me for help.

I would let them argue it out, but she is being so unfair right now.

"Steff, it's not that big of a deal. You're blowing this way out of proportion. It was just a kiss. Who cares?" I say, and she stares daggers at me.

I sink in my seat, grimacing. I'm clearly not helping at all.

My phone vibrates on the table, and I grab it.

What's wrong?

I frown and look over to catch Liam's worried eyes. It momentarily amazes me how well he can read me, even from across the room.

Nothing to worry about. 10 sounds good.

".... doesn't matter anyway. I am going to a party tonight," Steff says cooly to whatever Jeremy just said to her.

He sighs heavily, looking uneasy.

"You and Liam will be there, right?" Steff turns to me.

Apparently, Louis is going back to London, and Ryan is throwing him a going-away party. Even though I'm not exactly fond of Louis, Ryan has repeatedly made it clear we aren't allowed to skip it, and we could use a night out.

"Yeah." I give her a small smile. "You can come with us if you want, Jer?" I look over at him.

"No, thanks. I'll catch you two later." He says, getting up, and I feel so bad.

"What the hell was that, Steff!?" I glare at her once he leaves the table.

She shrugs, but I see the regret in her eyes.

"I just don't know why he kept it from me. We used to tell each other everything." She says.

"Are you sure that's all it was?" I ask, quirking a brow.

"What else would it be?" She frowns at me, and a smile stretches my lips.

"Oh, my God! Not this again." She groans. "He has been my best friend for the past thirteen years. Don't be weird. I told you it's not like that." She says.

"Okay, okay!" I roll my eyes. "But you need to apologize to him. That was uncalled for!"

"I know." She sighs. "I'll talk to him after class."

"Alright. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go make out with my hot boyfriend." I grin at her.

"Ugh! You two are so adorable it makes me sick." She pretends to gag, making me laugh. "But, seriously. It's different, you and him. It gives me the chills." She says, and I frown.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. Just the way he looks at you. It's like you're his entire world."

My heart squeezes, and I look over at him. He is listening to Ryan talk, leaning back into his seat. So naturally self-assured and comfortable in his skin. It's almost impossible to believe he is the same guy who was so broken and vulnerable that night.

"Is that a bad thing?" I ask, returning my gaze to Steff.

"No. It's just rare. Especially at our age." She frowns a little. "He is so intense with you. It scares me how in love you two are sometimes. What happens when life eventually happens?"

I know it's not a typical high school relationship between Liam and me. But some people find the love of their lives early on in life, right? Maybe we just got lucky. Who knows what the future holds? I don't want to miss out on today worrying about tomorrow. But still, heaviness settles in my gut.

"I don't know," I admit. "But I love him enough to know that I will do whatever it takes to make it work. And I know he feels the same."

She nods, but a hint of concern lingers in her eyes.

"I just don't want to see you hurt." She says.

The topic of a possible future breakup causes a dull ache in my chest. A sort of nagging pain that's acute. I don't want to even entertain the thought of losing him.

"I know, Steff. I hope it doesn't come to that. But it was you who told me heartbreak was inevitable."

She lets out a snort.

"I said that?"

I nod.

"Wow, I'm so full of shit!"

I laugh, pulling my phone out.

Ready to go?

I text and look at him. He glances at his phone and then says something to his friends before standing up.

"See you at the party?" I look at Steff.

"Alright. Have fun, but not too much fun." She wiggles her eyebrows playfully.

"We'll try." I wink, standing up.

***

I smile, walking over to Liam. Soon as I reach him, he pulls me into a warm embrace, wrapping his arms around me and placing a tender kiss on the crown of my head. I see Chastity Price glaring at us as we walk out.

When we walk into the closet, I pull his face to me, and I kiss him fiercely. He responds with the same urgency taking control of the kiss. He holds my face with both hands as our tongues glide against each other. I encircle my arms around him and hold him tightly to me. Even though we are flat against each other, I still want him closer. I want to crawl inside of him and be a part of him forever.

Liam must feel my desperation in the way I'm clinging onto him because he slightly pulls away and creases my cheeks affectionately.

"Is everything okay?" He asks, a little breathless from our kiss.

I can't really see his expression in the semi-dark room, but I sense a small frown on his face.

"Yeah, I just-" I trail off, not knowing what to say.

I'm scared of what the future may hold.

I'm terrified of losing you.

What will we do after we graduate?

This isn't the place or time to be having this conversation.

"What is it?" Liam asks, and this time I hear the worry in his voice.

Instead of answering him, I wrap my arms around his torso, and I bury my face in his chest, letting his warmth and familiar scent engulf me. His arms come around me, and he holds me to him.

"Tell me what's wrong so I can make it better, baby." He whispers.

The bell rings before I can reply, slightly startling me. I take a shaky breath.

"We should get out of here before Mr. Bowen comes," I say, pulling away.

Liam hesitantly lets me go. We step out of the small space, and he walks me to my locker so I can get my things. Then he walks with me to my class.

We don't say a word to each other the entire way. When we stand outside of my class, I smile up at him, but he is somber as he looks down at me.

"Are we okay?" He asks, searching my eyes.

"We are perfect." I lean up to place a peck on his lips. "I'm sorry I got all weird in there." I chuckle. "See you after class?"

He nods apprehensively, handing me my books. Jayden walks past us, giving me a smile and a wave before walking into class. And I give Liam one last kiss before following Jayden inside.

***

Calculus passes as it always does, with most of the class half asleep. When it is over, Jayden cracks jokes making me laugh as we walk to our next class. Even though he no longer eats lunch with us, I feel like we are finally entering a comfortable zone in our friendship, and that makes me happy. I want to be someone he can talk to, even though that may take time. Now that I know the tragedy he went through just last year, I don't want him to feel alone.

When school is finally over and done with, I meet Liam at his car. And he greets me with a feverish kiss that leaves me breathless.

"Hello, to you too." I giggle.

"Let's skip the party and spend the night in bed." He says, holding my face in his hands.

Even though the idea is more than appealing, we have to go to this party. Ryan will kill us if we don't. But more importantly, things have been pretty rusty between Liam and Louis after Ellyn's party, all thanks to me. And I want them to be on good terms before Louis leaves.

"That's a very tempting offer. But it would be rude to miss a farewell party." I tell him softly.

"I don't give a fuck. I haven't been able to concentrate since we walked out of that damn closet. I need to make sure we're okay and then bury myself inside you." His eyes penetrate mine, filled with anxiety.

I sigh, knowing fully well that this is my fault. I let my anxiety get the best of me earlier.

"Liam, we are okay. I'm sorry about the closet. Steff said something that I let get to my head, but we're perfect. I promise." I look into his eyes, so he knows I mean it.

He hesitates.

"I promise," I repeat, placing another kiss on his lips.

He lets out a heavy sigh before nodding.

"Now, let's go get our groove on!" I do a little dance move, and his lips curve into a smile.

Finally!

"I know how you get when you drink. I need to keep my eyes on you, my little rebel." He says, opening the door for me.

***

We drive home so I can change, and we spend time with the twins playing video games till Ryan calls to inform us the party has been moved to Louis' residence because his parents came home unexpectedly. Liam says we should get going since we have a long drive, and mom gives me a blessing to spend the night at Liam's since I've been staying home the past few days.

On the drive there, it starts to softly snow. Liam reaches over and laces our fingers together as Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers plays on the stereo. The usually dark neighborhoods are alight with Christmas decorations. Lights of every color twinkle through the snow, giving off a warm, whimsical feel. It makes me feel nostalgic and lifts up my spirits. A small smile plays on my lips, and I watch the lights twinkle and dance around us as we drive up the hill.

***
Hey, guys! I hope you're all doing okay and staying safe. I know this chapter was relatively shorter and I sort of took a while to update. A writer's block hit me hard out of nowhere and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to write at all. I've had an off week in general and I'm still not sure if I'm out of that headspace. But I do hope you guys enjoyed this chapter regardless. The next one is going to be interesting. It's a party, after all. ;)

Don't forget to vote and comment. You're votes and comments really do make a difference.

Much love
Becca :)