Everything had fallen into place. Bryson was mine; that was hard to swallow. After all these years of hatred and fighting, he's mine. I laid back in my bed, staring at the ceiling. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep, lights on. I was woken by someone shaking me.

"Riley, sweetie, it's time to get up." When I realized who it was, I shot up from my bed and looked at the alarm clock.

"Shit, I forgot to set my alarm again." Angela laughed, shaking her head.

"The lights were on, so I figured you didn't do much of anything last night." I smiled as the memories from last night came flooding back. "What's got you so smiley?" I laughed.

"Bryson asked me out last night. It just seems too good to be true after everything that we've been through." She smiles and wraps me in a tight hug.

"I'm so happy for you! Now, hurry up and get dressed. Your breakfast will get cold." I nodded and she walked out of my room. I knew this was going to be a good day.

~~~~

On my way to school, all I could think about was Bryson. Did he tell Emmy? What about his friends? Are they going to accept me? What is the rest of the school going to think? Who am I kidding? I've never cared what people think. I knew that whatever life was going to throw at us, we could get through it. The parking lot was nearly empty when I pulled in. I parked my car and shoved my books into my bag. I threw my bag over my shoulder as I made sure my car was locked. Just as I assumed, there wasn't many people in the school either. I knew I wasn't that early. Usually Emmy would be here by now. After shoving the books I didn't need I to my locker, I pulled out my phone to text Emmy.

where are you?

I headed towards the cafeteria to find a table. Some kids were standing in line getting breakfast, and I shuddered at the thought of eating the schools breakfast. It never looked appetizing. My phone started vibrating furiously off the table, and I grabbed it seeing a text from Emmy.

on my way!

I smiled at my phone. Emmy and I hadn't really hung out since she helped me pick the outfit for my date with Bryson. It wasn't long before Emmy came trotting into the cafeteria with a tired looking Bryson behind her.

"Hello, darling," Emmy said with a smile.

"Hey, stranger." I looked back at Bryson who had taken a seat, but his head was down looking at his feet. What's up with him? I shrugged it off. Maybe he's just tired. Bryson looked up briefly, catching my eyes. He shot me a quick smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. I smiled back. I looked at Emmy who just shrugged her shoulders. She plopped down on the bench next to me.

"So, my mom wants you to come over for dinner tonight," she said with a smile. I saw Bryson tense up at the mention of his mother. Did they have a fight?

"Yeah, of course. I'll head there after school." I returned the smile, but I kept my focus on Bryson. Something was just weird about him. The bell for first block rang, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'll catch you later," Emmy said, waving us off. I got up, grabbing my bag.

"You coming?" I asked Bryson, who was still glued to his hands.

"Huh? Oh, yeah." He stood up, grabbing his bag. We had first block together, so it was nice that he could walk me to class.

"What's wrong?" He snapped his attention away from his feet and looked me at.

"Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired." Once again, I shrugged it off. He probably was just tired.

~~~~

First block went by extremely slow, and although I loved math, I just wanted today to be over. Bryson hadn't said a word the whole class period, which was weird for him. Then again, I don't know what weird is now that we're dating. Is he just afraid to let everyone know we're together? I kept sneaking glances at Bryson, but he hadn't taken his eyes off of his note book. Hell, he hadn't even written anything down. When the bell rang, everyone basically ran out of the class room; everyone except Bryson and I. I stayed behind as he shoved his things into his bag and finally stood up. We walked out of the classroom and stopped at my locker.

"You sure you're okay? You've been quiet all day." He looked up at me, and I couldn't read the emotion that was in his eyes, but I knew he wasn't tired.

"Yes, Riley, I'm fine," he snapped. I wanted to take a step back, but I just turned into my locker, grabbing my books. I heard Bryson sigh, like he realized he was in the wrong.

"I'm sorry. I'll see you at my house, okay?"

"Yeah," was all I could say. He placed a kiss on my cheek, and I couldn't help but smile. He smiled back, a genuine smile, and headed down the hall. I closed my locker and leaned up against it. Something must really be bothering him.

~~~~

All together, the day went by way too slow. I was glad that it was almost summer break. The only thing that would ruin it was when Bryson left for school. He hadn't even told me what school he chose. I practically ran to my car and drove to Emmys house. All of the vehicles were in her driveway, which was slightly unusual. Her parents usually didn't get out of work until five. I turned my car off, pulling the key out of the ignition. The door opened before I could knock, and Mrs. C pulled me into a tight hug.

"Hi, sweetie! I'm so glad you could make it." She looked worn out. Her hair was thrown back into a messy ponytail, she had bags under her eyes, and her clothes looked a little baggy.

"I always have time for your amazing dinners." She blushed at my words. She motioned me to head into the kitchen. Emmy was already sitting at the table and Bryson was leaning against the counter. He shit me a smile when he saw me and walked over, planting a kiss on my cheek. He wrapped his arm around my waist and I could help but laugh at the shock written all over momma C's face.

"I knew this would happen eventually!" She squealed, wrapping us both in a hug. I chuckled as she pulled away. I looked over at Emmy to see her gagging herself. I grabbed a napkin off the counter and balled it up, throwing it at her head. I bursted out laughing when it caught her off guard and she nearly fell out of her chair. These were the moments I lived for.

~~~~

"Dinner is served," momma C said as she placed a dish of lasagna on the table. My mouth watered at the sight. I dished a big piece onto my plate. I noticed Bryson staring at my with his jaw dropped.

"What? I like to eat, okay?" He shook his head and laughed. He had definitely seen me eat this much before. I took a bite from my lasagna and moaned in enjoyment.

"Is it good, dear?" Momma C asked.

"Mhm," I nodded, shoving another mouthful in. Everyone laughed.

~~~~

"Thanks for helping with the dishes, Riley," Emmy said as we finished up the last of the dishes.

"When don't I help out? This is like my home." Emmy smiled and we put the dishes away.

"Girls, ice cream!" Emmy and I raced over to her mother, each grabbing a bowl and heading towards the living room. I grabbed my and Bryson's bowl and Emmy grabbed one for her and on for her father.

"Thanks, beautiful," Bryson said as I handed him his bowl. I blushed at his words and plopped down next to him. I was happy to see the change in his attitude from earlier, but I still couldn't help but wonder what was wrong. Shortly after, momma C came into the living room, sitting down next to Mr. C.

"Riley, I have some news I would like to share with you since you are part of my family." I nodded. I was worried, but I felt honored to be apart of the family. Did that make things weird with Bryson and I? I could feel Bryson tense up next to me when his mother talked. I wonder if this was what had been bothering him. "I have cancer," she blurted out. If Bryson hadn't been sitting next to me, I would have dropped my bowl on the ground.

"What?" I knew what she had said, but I couldn't believe it.

"It's going to be a long recovery, but the doctors think we caught it in time." Is that why she looked so tired? Her clothes were too baggy? I couldn't retain what she said to me; I was too shocked.

"You know I will do whatever it takes to help you guys out," I finally said. Bryson rubbed my back, seeming more calm than he was a few minutes ago.

"I appreciate that, dear. Like I said, you are a part of this family." I smiled at her words, but I didn't know how much longer I could hold back the tears.

~~~~

The mood shifted drastically after the bin momma C had dropped. It was hard, but we played bored games to bring the mood up. It worked. I managed to win monopoly, which never happens.

"I should probably get going," I said as I checked the time on my phone. Momma C wrapped me up in a bear hug, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Come back soon. You're always welcome here." I smiled and sent her a nod. She knew I would probably be here tomorrow.

"I'll walk you out," Bryson said as I put my jacket on. I smiled at him, and we walked outside.

"Is that what was bothering you earlier?" I asked as he walked me to my car. I could hear him scuffing his feet, which drove me nuts, but I didn't say anything, knowing he was hurting.

"Yeah, I just didn't know how to take it. I didn't understand why it had to happen to such an amazing woman." I grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop.

"She's going to pull through this, Bryson, and she's going to be even stronger than she was before. We all are going to be." He smiled and wrapped me in a hug. "You know in here for you." He nodded, and I rested my head against his chest. We sat like that for a little while before I looked up at him. He smiled, placing his lips against mine.

"You're amazing, Riley Allister." I kissed his cheek and got into my car. He waved as I left. I knew this was going to bring Bryson and I closer, as much as u didn't want momma C to have cancer. We were all going to be okay.

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How are you guys liking the story? Please, let me know if there is anything you want to see in this story that I haven't done yet!

Teaser: I'm honestly not sure yet, so it'll be a surprise!