"Reece!" Anna bursts into my room, eyes wide and concerned.

I turn around with furrowed eyebrows, pausing in the middle of pulling a shirt on. Layla only just left half an hour ago and I'm now starting to get ready for school. "What's the matter?" I ask, confused.

"It's Layla. She- she's crying, and she said she needs you," She says hurriedly, her sentence broken as she tries to get the words out quick enough.

Before I can even process what I'm doing, I'm out of my room and heading towards the front door. When I see her there, I feel my heart sink in my chest. She stands there, tears streaming down her face, eyes red. I instantly break out into a run, enclosing her in my arms as soon as I reach her. Her arms hook around my neck tightly as she presses her face into my neck, sobs wracking her small body.

Who the hell hurt her? I'll fúcking kill them.

Although my thoughts about whoever hurt her are violent, I keep my tone gentle as I whisper what I hope are comforting words. "Hey, I'm here. Just breathe. I'm not going anywhere."

"Reece," She whimpers my name softly and I almost start crying myself. She sounds so broken and sad and I know there is nothing in this world I won't do to see her beautiful smile back on her face.

"Oh, Sunshine," I whisper, cradling her in my arms. After a moment of me just standing and holding her, I bend down and pick her up bridal style. She doesn't complain, holding herself to me tightly and burying her head in the crook of my neck. I completely disregard the fact that we have to go to school soon and just focus my attention on her.

I don't know what has happened, but whatever it is has clearly upset her. And I sure as hell am not about to let her go.

A small, selfish part of me is just the littlest bit happy that it's me she came to. That in her time of need, it's me she came running to. I have to admit, that makes me feel just a little bit special.

Keeping my grip on her tight, I start walking us towards the living room. I pass my mother on the way who looks at Layla worriedly. She doesn't say anything though and lets me take her into the living room. I sit down in the armchair, leaving Layla in my lap. Slowly, I start running my fingers through her hair, whispering sweet nothings in her ear in an attempt to calm her.

I don't know how she does it. She always makes it look so easy when she calms me down. But me? I never know what to do in these situations. But I'll try. I'll try for Layla.

Soon her harsh sobs turn into quiet whimpers until eventually she falls silent apart from the occasional hiccup that escapes her. I still don't let her go, playing with her hair, and occasionally kissing the top of her head. After a few moments I murmur, "Do you want to talk about it, Sunshine?"

She doesn't say anything for a minute, and I'm worried I have upset her more, but slowly she nods, pulling her head from where it is tucked up next to my neck. She doesn't move away though, instead just rests her head on my chest, taking my hand in hers so she can play with my fingers.

"When- when I got home, Bella, she-" Her voice breaks and she sniffles, squeezing my hand in hers. I barely even noticed how she has linked our fingers together. I'm certainly not complaining. I don't say anything or interrupt her and instead just give her a few moments to get her thoughts in order.

"She was crying on the front porch steps and- and I immediately went over and asked what was wrong, obviously. And- and-" She takes in a shaky breath before continuing, "She told me that mom and dad are getting a divorce."

I feel my heart drop into my stomach at her words. "Sunshine-"

She cuts me off, shaking her head, "No, I knew that was coming. That's not- that's not why I'm so upset," She says, and that sinking feeling returns. What could possibly be worse?

"I went inside to speak with my parents, and they confirmed they're getting a divorce. Then- then my mom told me that we're moving out and Bella and I are going to live with her somewhere else."

As she speaks, my whole body fills with dread. My hand stills in her hair as I wait for her next words.

"My mom, she- she got a new job. But," She draws in another shaky breath, "That means we have to move. To New York."

And just like that I feel my heart break in my chest. It's as if someone has punched me right in the gut and simultaneously stabbed me in the heart as she utters those few words.

New York?

"But that's..." I trail off, unable to find words.

"On the other side of the country? Yeah, I know," Her voice breaks and her hand in mine tightens.

"Okay," I let out a shaky breath, "New York is amazing. I'm sure you'll go to a great school and- and there are lots of amazing colleges in New York. And you'll make friends super easily because... well, because you're you, and-"

"No! Reece, do you not understand?" She exclaims abruptly, pushing off my lap and standing in front of me.

I stare up at her, shocked, "What, Sunshine?"

"My dad is here. My best friend is here. I can't leave! How- how can you-" She groans, starting to pace. She abruptly stops and turns her narrowed gaze on me, "How can you not understand? My whole life is here! Bella's life is here! Mack is here, our friends are here!" She stops and lowers her voice, "You're here, Reece. What am I supposed to do without you?"

Oh God, now I'm going to start crying.

"Sunshine," It's all I can get out as I stand, her name barely a whisper leaving my lips. "You don't need me. I'm- I'm a shít friend and I- I hurt people! You- you're... Sunshine! A beautiful ray of sunshine and you don't... you don't need me."

She laughs humorlessly, "Reece, how can you even think that? You are amazing. You are quite possibly the kindest, most gentle, loving and good person that I have ever met. Of course I need you. You're my best friend. No, even more than that, you're like..."

"A brother?" I ask, wincing even as the words pass my lips.

Layla's eyes meet mine and she raises an eyebrow, "No. I just- I can't explain it. But you- I mean, clearly you don't need me as much-"

It's my turn to laugh humorlessly as I shake my head, taking a step towards her, "You really think that? Sunshine, you-" You're everything. "You have no idea how much I need you. I mean, you're pretty much the only person who can calm me down when I'm angry. You just... Look, I never really let people in, but with you... It's different. You make me feel safe."

"Reece," She whispers, closing the distance between us again and throwing her arms around my neck. I let out a small sigh of relief, feeling myself relax almost instantly. "I don't want to leave you," She murmurs before quickly pulling away a second later, "I-I mean, all of you, obviously. I don't know what I'd do without the Carter family."

I smile and shake my head, wrapping my arms back around her waist to pull her into me. "It's only New York, Sunshine. It's what... two thousand miles away?"

"Two thousand, nine hundred, actually," She replies almost instantly, burying her face into my neck. "Give or take."

I chuckle, "How did you-"

"I googled it," She mumbles into my neck and I can feel her smile against my skin.

Sighing quietly, I hug her to me tighter.

How the hell am I going to survive without her?

"Layla?" A small voice interrupts and instantly Layla and I jump apart, looking down at Macy and Sophie who stare up at us curiously.

"Hey, Princesses," Layla says, crouching down to their level.

"Why are you crying?" Macy asks, pointing to Layla's face.

She laughs softly, "My mommy and daddy just told me that we're gonna move away for a while. And I was crying because that means I won't be able to see you guys as often."

Both the girls frown, "But you can't leave," Macy says then looks up at me, "You make Reecey happy," My eyes widen and I quickly look away when Layla looks up at me, finding the carpet extremely interesting all of a sudden.

"I'm not the only person that makes him happy. You do too," She tells them, her voice soft and I look back at her out of the corner of my eye.

"Yeah, but you're a girl."

Layla raises an eyebrow at them, "So are you two."

Macy sighs dramatically before explaining, "Yeah, but we're his sisters. You're a girl and you aren't family, so it's different," My cheeks are practically on fire, but Layla only laughs lightly in response.

"Are you really leaving?" Sophie asks in a small voice and I can tell that she's upset.

"I am, Princess. But I promise I'll come back and visit you as much as possible. Besides, I have to make sure this troublemaker doesn't get into too many fights." She directs her words to me at the end, looking over her shoulder at me.

I look away from her gaze when my mom suddenly walks into the room, carrying two mugs in her hands. "I made you some hot chocolate. Girls, yours are in the kitchen," She smiles down at Macy and Sophie who immediately run off to get them.

"Thanks, Mom," I murmur quietly, taking one of the mugs from her.

"Thank you, Novah," Layla says, taking the other. A small smile is now present on her face, but I can tell she's still upset. Layla turns to me, "Is everyone else here?"

I nod, "My dad's at work, but everyone else is here."

"Okay, I want to tell them." She says quietly, her smile turning down.

"Tell who what?" Max says, walking into the room, Cody following just behind him.

"Are you alright, Lay?" Anna asks, walking into the room as well.

Layla clears her throat before shaking her head, "I just found out that my parents are getting a divorce. But, um, that means that Bella and I will be moving with my mum... To New York."

"New York!?" Anna exclaims, eyes wide, "But- but you're my best friend, you can't leave."

I can see the tears coming to Layla's eyes again, "I know. I wish it wasn't true, but it is... I'm so sorry."

"Oh, love, you have nothing to be sorry about," Mom tells her, walking forward and embracing Layla in a hug, "Your dad lives here, so I'm sure you'll be coming back to visit all the time."

I hear Layla sniffle and my heart breaks further when she speaks, "Thank you. You guys have become like family to me. I- I'm going to miss you all so much."

Mom has tears in her eyes now as well, "Oh, Sweetheart, you're a part of our family now. You are always welcome here whenever you like."

When the two pull apart, Anna instantly engulfs Layla in what seems to be a bone-crushing hug. "I'm gonna miss you so much! But it's okay because we can call and text and facetime every day! And New York is amazing! You'll go to a great school, I bet."

Layla laughs but it turns into a sob as tears start falling again, "I'm gonna miss you too."

"Where's my best friend!?" I hear Amanda's voice come from the front of the house and my eyebrows raise. When did she get here?

"Hey! She's my best friend!" Liam argues and I just shake my head. Of course he's here as well.

"Nice try bítch, but she's mine!" Amanda argues, walking into the living room. She stops when she sees us all. Mark and Liam are just behind her as well.

"Who hurt you? I'm wearing high heels, so I have a weapon," Amanda says, immediately walking over to Anna and Layla and joining their hug.

Layla chokes out another half-laugh-half-sob. "Mands, I'm moving. I'm moving to New York because my parents a getting a divorce and my mom got a new job and-"

"Slow down, girly," Amanda says gently as Anna steps away, allowing the two to hug properly, "Everything's gonna be just fine. There's a simple solution, really. I'll just come with you. Your suitcase is big enough for me to fit into, right? So I'll just sneak onto the plane and then we can live together in New York."

"I object," Mark puts in, raising his hand.

"Me too," Anna agrees.

"Wait, wait, wait. You're moving? Bella is moving?" Max asks suddenly, looking at all of us with wide eyes as if he only just realized what this means.

When we all nod, he takes off into a run, "I'm going to see her, bye!" I shake my head, laughing quietly and taking a seat in the armchair again. I watch as Layla hugs Liam and Mark and Cody as well. Everyone is trying to make the best of the situation, but the more I think about it, the more real it seems.

Layla is moving. Thousands of miles away from me. So I won't be able to see her smiling face each morning before school or sit next to her in calculus as we both laugh at Liam acting like an idiot. We won't have chemistry together where we make fun of the teacher. And I won't get to sit next to her in the cafeteria at lunch or find her in the Art room instead. There will be no more Friends marathons, no more kisses on the cheek in greeting. No more seeing her laugh and smile. No more hugs. No more Sunshine.

What the actual fúck am I going to do without her?

~

She's leaving on the 10th of November. I have less than two weeks left with her. I'm fúcked.

Layla explained to us when she will be leaving yesterday morning before the kids had to go to school. Layla, Liam, Mark, Amanda, and I ended up skipping school and hanging out together instead. We know we have a limited time left with Layla and we want to make the most of it. Tonight we are all going to Liam's house for his Halloween party.

Layla must have superpowers or something because I haven't worn a Halloween costume in years. Yet here I am. Dressed up as a fúcking police officer to match Liam and Mark.

I walk out of my room and make my way out into the hall. I stop when I see that Layla, Amanda and Mark are all standing at the front door talking to Anna. The girls are wearing prisoner costumes to go with our policeman costumes.

Layla grins when she sees me walking closer and I stop, smiling slightly at the sight of her. She looks good. She always looks gorgeous. My eyes sweep over her body once, but I quickly snap my eyes up to her face. "Hey, Sunshine," I greet her.

She smiles, walking over and stopping just in front of me, looking up into my eyes. "Hey back."

"Nice outfit," I compliment, letting my eyes sweep over her body once again.

A slight blush tints her cheeks at my words and I feel a burst of pride at the fact that I did that. "Was that a compliment, Reece?" She teases.

My smile twitches, threatening to break out into a grin, "Maybe."

Her smile widens and she takes another step towards me, "Well, thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

My smile grows, "Thanks, Sunshine."

"Layla, you're here!"

A small body suddenly flies at Layla's legs making her stumble back a couple steps. She laughs and hugs Macy back. "Hey, Princess," She greets her with a smile. I smile at their interaction. I like that she's so fond of my siblings and that they are equally as taken with her.

Macy gasps when she sees her costume, "Your costume looks so cool! Me and Sophie and Cody are going trick or treating soon!" She suddenly gasps, "Do you wanna see our new toy?"

Layla laughs and nods, "Sure."

So she grabs her hand and drags her into the living room. I chuckle softly, glancing to the side to see Mark, Amanda and Anna now walking up to me. I greet Mark and Amanda before we walk into the living room to see Macy explaining her new toy to Layla.

She stops her explanation when she sees me again and skips straight over to me, lifting her arms up as she stares at me expectantly. "Carry me?"

I chuckle and easily oblige, lifting her up and setting her on my hip. Layla walks over to us and we both watch as Macy surveys my costume. She gasps suddenly, looking down at the handcuffs hanging off my belt. "Are those real?"

"They are. I have keys for them in my pocket," I reply.

"How did you get those?" Layla asks, raising an eyebrow at me.

I only laugh, winking at her with a grin on my face as I decide to tease her. "A magician never reveals his secrets." She rolls her eyes at me before we both turn at the sound of the front door opening and closing suddenly. "That must be my mom," I mumble, running a hand through my hair.

Not a moment later, Mom walks into the living room, smiling at all of us. "Don't you all look amazing! You guys ready for the party?"

Layla smiles at her, "Thank you, Novah. I think we're all ready, right, Reece?" She directs her attention back to me.

My gaze is already settled on her and I nod, "I think so."

Mom smiles, "That's great, I love your outfits. Prisoners and police officers. Very cool."

"Thanks," Layla says, looking down at the bright orange pants she's wearing. Macy hops out of my arms and goes over to her toys.

Mom laughs and turns to face all of us, "Well, go on then. Don't you all have a party to go to?"

~

If I told you this was only gonna hurt

If I warned you that the fire's gonna burn

Would you walk in

Would you let me do it first

Do it all in the name of love

As a new song starts playing, my eyes scan the crowd of people dancing. I find Anna amongst everyone else, dancing with a group of girls from her grade. Happy that she's safe, I continue my search of the dance floor.

My eyes meet a pair of bright green eyes just as the beat drops and my stomach somersaults simultaneously. Her lips which are coated in a soft pink pull up into a grin. She begins to make her way towards me, pushing her way through the sweaty bodies.

When she finally reaches me, she leans back against the wall next to me, resting her head back and looking up at me with a smile. "Hey, Reecey." With her head tilted at that angle, her throat is exposed, and I would be lying if I said I don't want to lean down and bury my head in the crook of her neck.

"Having fun, Sunshine?" I ask instead, angling my body in her direction.

Layla nods happily, biting down on her pink-painted bottom lip to hold back a grin. My eyes are immediately drawn to the action. When her teeth release her lip after a second, my eyes snap back up to hers, only to find her staring out at the crowd. "I am. Why aren't you dancing?"

I shrug, taking a sip of my beer, "I don't really dance, Sunshine."