"Get up, Leah." I heard my mom sweet voice say. It was just so comforting. I snuggled into my pillow a bit more taking in the warmth.

"Leah." Her voice called out softly as I felt the bed shift as she sat down next to me. "You need to get up or you'll be late for school."

I groaned into the pillow.

"Or we could go to breakfast? I think it would be okay if you miss first period."

I sat up in bed. "That's all you had to say." I told her groggily.

She chuckled and smooth my bed head down. "You definitely got that from me."

"Thanks for the great genes, mom." I said sarcastically.

She pat my cheek. "You're welcome. Get ready."

I nodded and obliged.

I dragged myself to the bathroom and got ready. My hair took the most time as you would think. Too many tangles.

I placed it in a ponytail and grabbed my backpack as I left my room.

My mom was already in the car. I tossed my backpack in the backseat when I sat in the passenger seat. I had texted Kayla to let her know that my mom would be dropping me off.

She drove us to our favorite breakfast place and they had unlimited pancakes and waffles.

Yes you heard me.

Unlimited pancakes and waffles!

You can see why it's our favorite place.

Once seated in a booth the waitress, Julia, poured us two cups of hot coffee.

She knew our order without asking. That's how much of a regular we are.

"Pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon. Just like always." She smiled.

"You know it." My mom said returning it and took a sip of her coffee. "And you always make the best coffee."

"Only for my best customers." She said giving us a wink before heading over to place our orders.

We started talking about her job and whatever came to mind.

I love spending time with my mom. She works various different hours and sometimes I go a few days without seeing her. So have time like this with her makes up for it.

"So I have something to tell you." She said as I stuffed my face with a piece of pancake.

"What is it?" I asked.

She looked hesitant for a moment.

I stopped chewing.

Don't tell me she's gonna say that one thing.

"So don't freak out. But I'm considering going back to school."

My eyes widen.

"Mom, that's awesome!" I cheered.

"Thanks honey. I've been considering it for a while and well since you're going to graduating soon I thought it was the best time then any." She smiled.

"I would love to be in college the same time as my mom. I could steal your notes." I teased.

"Well, my notes might be different from yours." I gave her a confused look. "I'm going back to be a Nurse Practitioner."

I could cheer, but my mouth was filled with pancakes.

She laughed and handed me a napkin which I sheepishly took.

"All the doctors have been telling me for years to do it. It seems like I have many specialties lined up for me. Don't tell anyone, but I'm their favorite nurse."

"Won't tell a soul." I held a hand up. "I'm so proud of you, mom. I though you were going to tell me that you were dating someone."

She laughed. "Oh no. I haven't considered that since your father." Some sadness filled her eyes at the mentioned of him. "You know this was one of his favorite places."

I nodded. "Oh yeah. I remember coming here with him. Always loved their pancakes." I smiled at the memories.

He was the reason that we consistently come here. His memory was imprinted here.

"You know, it wouldn't be odd if you did wanted to date." I told her.

She choked on her coffee and I handed her a napkin.

"I don't think so." She said simply. "You are my focus."

"Well, high school is almost done and then I'm off to college. You know dad would totally root you on."

"Leah." She warned.

"At least consider it."

"Eat." She pointed to my pancakes and I happily obliged.

After breakfast, my mom dropped me off a few minutes before first period ended.

I walked through the empty hallway to my locker. I heard my name being called and I turned around to see Nate jogging towards me.

"Hey." I said with a smile when he approached. "What are you doing out of first period already?"

"It's a free period for me." He said as we walked towards my locker. "So I always get to sleep in just a bit."

"I hate you. How can you be that lucky?"

"It's just my charm. The front office ladies love me." He bragged wiggling his eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes at him as I opened my locker. "You call that charm?" I teased.

"I can be charming." He defended.

"To a door maybe."

"Well, I charmed you didn't I?" He asked with a hopeful look as I closed my locker.

"Did you? I don't seem to remember that."

His jaw was left unhinged and I laughed.

I shouldn't deflate his ego that much.

"Okay, okay. You are charming. After all you did charm me."

"And I can do it again." He stated hopefully.

"Keep trying." I told him patting his shoulder.

He chuckled. "One day."

Something caught my eye over Nate's shoulder.

Jace.

My heart dropped into my stomach. He was walked over to us. His eyes locked on mine.

Nate's eyes followed my own. "Shit." He whispered. "We can go if you want."

But it was too late.

"Leah, can I talk to you please?" Jace said as he approached us. His eyes still on me.

I stayed silent.

"Hey man. I don't think she wants to talk." Nate said standing between us.

Jace's eyes narrowed in on Nate.

Oh no.

Jace's hand grabbed Nate's shirt collar. "Why don't you stay out of it?" He said through gritted teeth.

Nate pushed Jace away with such force I'm surprised he didn't go flying. "What the hell is your problem?"

I stepped between the two raging males.

"Nate, he knows." I said referring to the confession and kiss.

"Good. Maybe he can back off now." Nate said with his eyes trained on Jace.

Jace scoffed. "I will beat the sh-" He started but I interrupted.

"You said you wanted to talk." I told him getting his attention back on me.

His hard eyes landed on me and soften. "Yes."

I turned around to face Nate. "I'll see you later, okay?" I gave him a small smile.

He didn't look convinced. "Fine. Let me know if you need me."

"Yes Mr. Charmer. I'll let you know." I said trying to ease the tension.

He cracked a small smile.

I grabbed Jace's hand and pulled him outside through the double doors. Once we were in an open quite place, I turned to face him.

"Speak."

"Uh." He said and then stayed silent for a few moments.

"Jace, if you have nothing to say I'm going to my next class." I turned to leave.

"No wait." He called out and turned attention back to him. "It's just complicated to say."

"Say something. I'm tired of the secrets." My arms were across my chest. The cool breeze brush through us.

He rubbed a hand on the back of his neck.

"What are you hiding? What are you planning? Who was that girl?" I unleashed my questions.

He sighed. "If I tell you who she is, you'll never trust me again."

"Just spit it out." I was growing frustrated.

"That girl you saw yesterday is." He stopped mid sentence.

"Is what? What is she, Jace?" I prompted.

He sighed and looked me dead in my eyes.

"She's my girlfriend."

***