Xander and I enter the school with our hands laced together, ignoring all the whispers and stares. Its almost been a month since me and Xander have been together. Its kinda weird to have a boyfriend because I have never had one, but it's still nice.

We make it over to Tony, Adam and Clara. As usual. I glance at Tony and Clara, noticing them holding hands. I raise my eyebrow with smile forming on my face. Clara blushes. I mouth a 'finally' and she rolls her eyes at me.

"So you finally asked her out Tony. Took you long enough," Xander says playfully. Tony rolls his eyes at Xander pulling Clara closer.

"Now we just have to get Adam a boyfriend," Clara says with a laugh. Adam quickly looks at her way with a panicked expression.

"Did you tell her?" Adam says turning his gaze towards Tony and Xander with a hard glare.

"No, I didn't I swear! How did you know?" Tony asks turning to Clara.

"It's kinda obvious?" she states more of a question than an answer.

"Really?" Adam says looking down.

"Hey, nothing wrong with that. I just have a really good gay-dar," Clara laughs.

"How long have you sort of known?" Adam asks.

"For a while. It's weird but I'm very observant when it comes to people. This may sound creepy, but I call it 'people watching'," She chuckles.

"Oh," He replies giving her a weird expression.

"Yeah, kinda weird," Tony jokes. She turns narrowing her eyes then hits his shoulder.

"I'm kidding! Xander's that same way, weirdly enough," Tony says.

"Yeah," Xander mutters.

The bell rings and we head our separate ways to class. Xander, of course, walking me to mine.

"I'll see you at lunch," He says giving me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Bye Xander," I say with a blush creeping up my cheeks, before entering the classroom.

"Bye Emilia," He says walking down the hall.

I take a seat and soon the teacher walks in giving us the lecture.

----

The bell rings for lunch and I quickly stand up heading to the lunch room. I meet Xander outside before we head up to the line. We walk in and head for line seeing it's turkey wrap and fries. I'll just eat the fries.

"So, how was class?" He asks.

"Kinda boring actually," I reply with a shrug, grabbing a tray.

"Well the day is almost over," he says.

"Yeah, that's good," I say as I pay for my food and walk back to our table. I take a seat next to Xander and start eating my fries.

"So Adam, is there anyone in this school how has caught your eye?" Clara questions. He lets out a sigh before looking around.

"Yeah actually. Sadly, he isn't gay," he says.

"And how do you know? Nobody knew you were, besides me of course," Clara says with a triumphant smile. He shrugs his shoulders.

"Because he has practically hooked up with every girl in this school," He says waving his hand around.

"That doesn't mean anything, he could be trying to hide the fact he is gay," she adds pointing at him.

"Yeah right," he scoffs

"Well, who is it?" She asks.

"Travis Tucker," He says looking in the direction of him. I turn my head and see him sitting with a girl in his lap holding her by the waist. I look back to Clara and see her studying the guy.

"You could ask him," Clara says.

"Oh, yeah, just ask him and get publicly shamed for it? No thanks," Adam quickly states.

"No not right now," She says with an eye roll.

"Do you have any classes with him?" She asks. Adam gives her a werid look before nodding.

"Yeah, chemistry," he mumbles.

"Isn't that the class you suck at?" she asks trying to contain her smirk.

"Yeah," he drawls out waiting for her to continue.

"Isn't he like, a smarty pants?" She asks slowly. Adam nods with a shrugg.

"I guess?" he says.

"Well ask him to tutor you and get a feel for him or something," She says. He blushes.

"Oh not like that! You are all dirty minded!" Clara exclaims with an eyeroll.

"Like you're any better?" Tony adds. She glares before shrugging in agreement.

"He would never do that. I'm a nobody" he says looking down with a blush creeping up his cheeks.

"Well ask him after lunch, and if he rejects it, we got your back," Clara states with a wide smile.

"Fine if you think that will work," he says shaking his head while looking down trying to hide his smile.

"Oh another question Adam," She says.

"Yeah?" He asks.

"Are you a top or bottom?" She asks bluntly and I almost chock on my own drink. Tony starts to cough violently and Xander laughs at him.

"Really?" Tony says trying to clear his throat.

"What? I just wanna know," She trails off.

"Isn't that a little...oh I don't know...personal to ask him?" Tony questions.

"Maybe, but we are friends so, no," Clara states.

"Well...uh...this is awkward," Adam says.

"Hey, sex shouldn't be so taboo. It happens, so get over it," Clara states openly.

The bell rings ending our conversation as we throw away our trash and head out. We wait a moment till the halls are nearly empty. Clara gives Adam a look as we see Travis exit the bathroom. Adam looks hesitant and we give him a 'go for it' look with thumbs up. He walks over to him and they start talking. We hid behind the corner watching them.

"What are they saying?" Tony asks.

"I don't know I can't read lips you idiot," She says as she stares at them.

"Oh, he's smiling! That's good," Clara whispers excitedly. I see Travis nod his head, speaking again. Adam nods his head and starts to walk away, towards us. We step behind the wall so they don't see us.

Adam walks around the corner and Clara instantly bombarded him with questions.

"What did he say? Is he gonna go for it? Come on tell us!" Clara says firing multiple questions.

"He said yeah but that doesn't mean he is interested in me like that," Adam shrugs.

"When are you gonna hang out?" She says with a raised eyebrow.

"I told him I needed help in chemistry and he said tonight was okay," He says trying to contain his smile.

"He seemed pretty happy," Clara says with a raised eyebrow.

"Whatever, I'll see you guys later," He says a blush creeping up his cheeks as he walks down the hall.

"Aww, that's so cute!" Clara whispers with a slight squeal. Tony rolls his eyes and we head to our classes.

"I hope everything turns out alright for him," I say to Xander.

"Yeah me too,"

"Did you know Adam was gay?" Xander asks.

"No, I had no idea. I guess I'm not very observant," I say waving my hand. Xander chuckles pulling me closer.

"That's okay," He says placing a kiss on my cheek. I blush and enter our class together taking our seats. The bell rings and the teacher walks in, starting her lesson.

----

The bell rings for the end of the day and I stand up heading outside. I see Xander leaning on the hood of his car, looking at his phone.

"Hello," I say.

"Hey," he replies.

We get in the car and start our drive home.

"Wanna come over when we get home?" I ask.

"Yeah," He says taking a quick glance my way then back to the road.

We arrive home and enter the house to see my grandma, Amanda, with Izzy as she plays on the floor with her toys.

"Emilia, hello honey," Grandma says with a small smile.

"Hi grandma," I reply with a smile.

"I wanted to talk to you for a moment. Xander, you can listen too," she says. My eyebrows furrow in confusion but take a seat on the couch as worry fills me.

"What's wrong?" I ask, my voice dropping lightly.

"Oh, it's nothing, bad dear," she says. I let out a sigh of relief.

"I was going to tell you that I will be moving into a nursing home," She says. I feel my shoulders sag and feel Xander rub my shoulder in comfort.

"I thought it was a perfect time, being you mother told me she offered you to live with her and I'm getting too old to take care of myself," she says with a small laugh.

"I hope thats okay Emilia," she says.

"Yes, of course, I understand. When are you moving into the nursing home?" I ask.

"Actually, I know it's really short notice but tonight," she says. My eyes widen. Tonight?

"I've just been worried about my health and being alone, anything could happen and no one to help me," she says.

"I understand grandma, I want you to be comfortable," I say with a smile.

"I'm glad you understand dear. I was really worried about what you would say," she says with a half smile.

"What's gonna happen to your house and all your stuff?" I question.

"I'm gonna sell it, but I will take some stuff with me, like photos and some of my decorations," She answers. I nod my head.

"Are you gonna need help?" I ask.

"No dear. Amanda said she would help me. It's not very much," she says.

"I also told you mother about this, so she has already told me you can go whenever you would like," she says to me.

"Okay...I'll get to visit you right?" I ask hopefully.

"Of course! Whenever you want to," she says with a smile.

"Good, because I would miss you too much," I say getting up to give her a squeezing hug.

"I love you, honey," she says.

"I love you too grandma," I say releasing her.

"Alright, you should get going to your new home. I know Xander will drive you," She says looking over at him.

"Of course Carol," He says with a laugh.

I go back to my room and pack up everything in my bags. Xander takes them and I pout.

"I can help you, ya know?" I say crossing my arms.

"I know but I don't mind," he says. I roll my eyes before walking out to his car. He puts the bags in the back, then opens the door for me.

"Ma' lady," He says bowing, trying to contain his laughter.

"Seriously?" I ask as I get into the car.

"Only for you Emilia," He laughs. He walks to other side getting in and starting the car. We start our drive to my parents. I feel nervousness ruth through me.

"This was so sudden," Xander says with a laugh.

"Yeah," I say, Xander rests his hand on my thigh moving his thumb back and forth.

"I'm gonna miss living next to you," I say. He shrugs.

"I will drive to your house in the middle of the night if you want me to," He says. A giggle escapes me.

"I don't doubt that," I say with a laugh.

"I wouldn't," he chuckles.

----

The rest of the ride was silent until we arrive at my new home. Xander pulls in, turning off the engine before stepping out and grabbing my bags. I try to help but he pulls it away saying 'I got it,' I sigh before heading up to the front door.

I knock on the door and a few seconds later my mom answers.

"Hello, Emilia. It's good to see you again!" She says pulling me into a hug. I pull my arms up giving her a hug.

"Oh, come in! Nice to see you too Xander. I'll show you to your room Emilia," She says almost jumping with excitement.

"Okay," I say following her to my new room.

"Here we go," She says opening the door and my eyes widen.

"I-Is this all for me?" I ask in disbelief.

"All for you Emilia," She says.

I look around the room taking it all in. It has a full-size bed with a pretty light blue color comforter and pillows. There's a book shelf on one wall with it half filled. The desk has a laptop and different types of art tools. There's also a big TV hanging on the wall across from my bed.

"This is amazing mom, but you didn't have to get me all this new stuff," I say still shocked at everything.

"It's really nothing. We just want you to feel at home. Oh! Also, this laptop has a feature where you can use a pen to draw on it if you like," She says.

"Seriously? That's amazing," I say with a smile on my face. I look back to see Xander standing in the doorway awkwardly.

"I'll give you some time to unpack," she says exiting the room.

"You can set the bags on the bed Xander," I say with a laugh. He stops gaping at my new room and places the bags on the bed.

"This is an awesome room," Xander says.

"I know, it's crazy I just didn't expect this," I say honestly gesturing around the room.

"I promise, I will still visit you guys all the time. You are still my family," I say pulling him into a hug.

"I know because if not, I would drag you out of here with Izzy's help," he says pulling me closer. I giggle at him.

"I know you would," I say letting go and walking to my bag.

"Now, help me unpack," I say.

"Okay, miss bossy," He mumbles. I roll my eyes playfully.

"I heard that," I say.

"You were meant to," He says, opening up a bag. I hear him chuckle. I turn around and look up to see him holding my bra between his fingers. I blush, snatching it from his hand as I glare at him.

"I-I'll do this bag," I say pushing him to the other one. He lets out a hearty laugh making me blush darker.

"Shut up," I murmur. He kisses my red cheeks before going to the other bag.

----

After everything was packed away, we head down the stairs and I go into the kitchen to see mom cooking.

"Hello. Everything unpacked?" She asked.

"Yep, thank you, mom, for everything," I say.

"It wasn't just me, it was Mark too," She says.

"Is he here?" I question.

"No he will be here soon though. Xander, would you like to stay for dinner?" She asks.

"I wouldn't want to intrude," He says.

"Nonsense," She says with a wave of her hand.

"Okay, I'll just text my mom letting her know," He says pulling out his phone.

"Can I help mom?" I ask. She turns with a smile.

"Of course honey. I'm making chicken alfredo," She says.

"My favorite! It's been so long since I've had you homemade alfredo," I say.

"Yeah, I know, It's Marks favorite too," She says with a genuinely happy smile plastered on her face.

"You're really happy with him aren't you?" I ask.

"Happiest I've been in my life, even better with you in it now," She says giving me a side hug.

"My mom said it was okay," Xander says as he walks back into the kitchen.

"Can I help with anything?" He asks. I raise my eyebrow at him trying to hold in my laugh. My mom looks at me with a knowing look.

"Can you set the table?" My mom asks. He nods and my mom points to the cupboard.

"We need plates and bowls. Emilia will you toss the salad. The mix is in the fridge," she says. I take out the mix putting all the ingredients in the giant bow and the dressing.

"All done mom," I say putting the bowl in the fridge. Xander walks back into the kitchen standing by the island.

Just as I close the fridge door, I hear the front door open. Mark walks into the kitchen.

"Hello Emilia," He says as he walks over to mom.

"Hello," I say as I stand next to Xander.

"Hello dear," he says giving her side hug and a peck on her cheek. It's like almost everything I've hoped for. Don't get me wrong, Amanda is like a mother to me and I'm more than grateful for everything my grandmother has done but even though my mother left, I still missed her for all those years.

"Hello, how was work?" mom asks.

"It was good, not to busy today," He says setting his briefcase on the island. He turns to me.

"Did you get everything settled in?" He asks.

"Yes and thank you for everything. I really appreciate it," I say.

"It's really no problem. I'm glad you will get to enjoy them," he says.

"Alright, the food is ready," My mom says transferring the pasta from the pan to a bowl. I grab the salad bowl from the fridge taking it to the table.

"Thank you for dinner again," Xander says with a slight chuckle.

"You're welcome, I love cooking for people," she says. We make our plates digging into the food.

"It's as good as I remember mom," I say taking another bite.

"Yeah, this is great Ma'am," Xander says. She waves him off.

"Please call me Lillian," mom says. He nods his head before continuing to eat.

After we finished cleaning the kitchen we went to the living room and talked for a while.

Xander takes out his phone and sighs.

"I should get home. I'll see you later Emilia, and thank you for letting me come over," Xander says.

"You're welcome," They say in unison.

"I'll walk you out," I say standing up to follow Xander out.

"Bye, Xander, thank you for your help," I say giving him a kiss on the lips.

He pulls away with a smile.

"Bye Emilia and you're welcome, always like to help," He says giving me another quick peck before leaving.

I go back to the living room and stand there for a moment. Shuffling on my feet nervously from what I'm about to ask.

"What's wrong Emilia?" my mom asks.

"I-I wanted to ask you something," I feel it's the least I can do for all of Amanda's help.

"Okay," She says with concern.

"It's really more for Mark," I trail off.

"Okay, whats wrong?" He asks. I sigh before taking a seat.

"I know this might be too much to ask but, Xander's mother used to work at your hospital you own and has was recently let go because of money reasons?" I pause. He nods his head.

"I was wondering if you would give her, her job back. I know you probably can't but I...I really care about her, she took me in when I need help most and is like a mother to me. I don't mean to make you feel bad, it's not my intentions at all. I just know I wouldn't be here now without her and Xander. I just know that she really enjoys her job there and I would really appreciate it if you could do this favor for me," I ask. He looks at me for a moment before nodding.

"I can see what I can do," He says. A smile spread across my face.

"Thank you, it really means a lot to me," I say. I look at mom then back to Mark.

"Did you tell him about what happened to me?" I ask. A sorrowful expression crosses her face.

"No, I felt it wasn't something of mine to tell, so I thought you would tell him when you were ready," She says, and he nods his head.

"Yeah, you can tell me whenever you are ready," He says sincerely.

"I think I should tell you, put everything out there, I have nothing to hide anymore. I'm not ashamed of it," I say a smile forming on my lips. Xanders voice echoes in my head.

'They don't show weakness they show strength'

~~~~

Alright, you guys. Bet you didn't expect an update! HAHA. Anyway. Thanks for everyone's feedback, but I have sort of gotten my ideas in order...sort of. But yeah, I wrote this extra long chapter just for you guys. I think I will go back and edit after i finish writing this one and who knows a second book?

Mwahaha...

I still have been doing lots of college work its a pain in the ass...but don't let me deter you from college. Haha.

WE ARE NUMBER 4 IN ROMANCE!! OMG!!! AND 678,000 READS?! It's amazing! I love it! and I love the messages people have sent me, it means a lot. I've been stressing and my anxiety has been up but still THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

Until next time,

Ba-Bye :)