CHAPTER42

It's been two weeks since Carter was buried. Two dejectful weeks. Although it was my birthday well Lee and I's, it didn't feel the same without the constant noise we will be getting from Carter's annoying voice or the what-looks-like-cake that he always bakes in the morning. Things sure aren't the same. "Hey, I know it's been tough on you all but do you think he wants us to just sit down in a perfectly good restaurant and do nothing? I mean come on guys, do what Carter will always do. Have fun" Ryan cajoled us. He does have a point. If Carter were here, he'd have smacked us for being so lame "Ryan does make some sense even though it was hard saying that" I agreed. Lee replied "Yeah you know what? Instead of mopping around, let's just celebrate him. We will get through this. Together." "Oh I miss my Carter but no matter what, I won't be so sad anymore since y'all hear with me" Melia smiled. Out of all of us, she was the one who felt it the most so I'm very proud to learn that she's moving on. "And besides, it's Leon and Lorrie's twentieth. Are we going to be acting like children or are we going to party like adults?" Brooke cheered and I shook my head in dismay. "You do realize that you all just said the same thing I said right?" Ryan laughs and we join him. "Let's eat, I'm starving for some pancakes" I announce because seriously, my stomach has been growling like crazy. "Eating? And without me?" A voice said behind me and I instantly smiled. "Hey man" Lee greeted first then the rest followed suit. I smiled "Michael. Good to have you back" "Good to be back" he removed his hands from his pocket and hugged me "I'm so-" I began to apologize "No need for that. I deserved it and besides it's your birthday, you deserve a get-out-of-jail-free card" he said as we took our seats. "Speaking of birthdays, where are my gifts because I don't see anything here" I asked confusedly. They all laughed "You really don't know how to calm it. But don't worry, you'll get them." Brooke said. They obviously have to give me something. It's inevitable. As we dived into different topics of discussions, a voice cleared its throat stopping all conversations. I instantly looked to the direction of the voice only to come face to face with Lexis and honestly, a large part of me was relieved to see him. "Hi?" I asked for some reason. "Can I?" He signaled to the door and I instantly understood so I excused myself and joined him outside. "Wha-" "Before you talk, I need to let you know some things, Lorraine. First of all, I spoke to my parents and I am willing to give them a chance no matter what. That's all thanks to you of course. I know your life's not perfect; I know we both have our problems and I'm sorry for making you question yourself when it comes to me. Lorraine, yes when I first met you I kind of had that impression that you were stuck up and all but that changed the moment I started to know you. For you. Honestly, I can talk about you all day and all through the night, and even now I have a million more things to say. But that as it may, too many words get to be good for nothing, so I'll simply end it at "you're the most magnificent individual I've ever met, and I can't envision not having you in my life. And I just want you to know that you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I love the way you fall asleep on my chest when I ask you to stay with me, how you are able to keep up with my drama. You are just, I don't know- Perfect? You are a gift. A gift I'm not willing to lose." By the time he was done, I was speechless and in tears as to what I heard. They weren't butterflies in my stomach; I had a shitload of confetti bursting there. I mean, I've had my fair share of boys but this... This is amazing. "I don't even know what to say Lexis. I ju- I ju- I love you. So much" I wrapped my hand around his neck, our eyes never leaving each other. He looked at me then my lips as if waiting for permission to kiss it and man do I want to taste his so badly. Literally, everything in me was screaming 'Take my lips.' I looked back to his eyes, taking in the emotion that was radiating from him as we moved closer and I just couldn't help but love it. "Well then princess, it is with all my heart that I tell you that I love you too" he muttered huskily before capturing my lips with his. I couldn't think straight immediately he kissed me so I just did what I have been longing to do; I kissed him back and smiled to myself, enjoying the feeling. His arms were immediately around me, as sure and hard like he didn't ever want to let go. All I felt was the rush of helplessness, the sinking yielding, the surging wave of warmth that left my limp. His kisses were softly at first, but then it turned into then a swift range of intensity that made me cling to him as the only solid thing in a dizzy swaying world. His insistent mouth sent wild tremors along my nerves, evoking from me, emotions I had never known I was capable of feeling. We were rudely interrupted by Lee who knocked on the glass abruptly "We really love your display of affection but would you mind? The civilians don't want to see your porn. Thank you." I blushed, held my hands in his then dragged him inside when he stopped me "Wait." I frowned "What?" "I don't know if it's a good time but, will you make me this dude happy and be his girlfriend?" He asked expectantly and I gasped. I chuckled "For the fact that we were just engaged, I'd say I love to" I answer as he pecks me on the lips and follows me inside, a smile on both our faces. We both sat down and joined the rest of our birthday breakfast. As we shared thoughts, brought up memories, laughed together, I looked at my friends that became family, I smiled looking at where we all were and how much we've been through and I couldn't be happier to share every moment with them. Honestly, I'm so grateful for each and every one of them. To Leon for being the best brother I could ever ask for and for finally coming back home, To Brooke for her constant nagging, To Melia for being an awesome sister, To Michael for the help and everything he went through just for Lee, To Ryan, for being the most entertaining person I've ever met, to my boyfriend Lexis, for giving me such a hard time, every time and to the many years I hope to love and spend with him and To Carter who's probably cheering us on from heaven. I found happiness, I found love, I found peace, I found hope and most of all, I found the faith that got me through the storm. ~THE END~ *