"Hi Ryan."

Well that woke him up. 

Nash let out an awkward cough before heading on to the bus. Jamie however, took his time. He looked from Maddie to Ryan, and back again.

"Don't screw this up," was all he said to this older brother before following Nash on to the bus. 

Maddie slid off the hood of Olivia's car and approached Ryan, keeping a distance between the two of them. It was hard seeing each other like this; not together that is. What made it even harder was the fact that they were both still madly in love with each other. 

"Why are you here?" Was all Ryan managed to say. It was so incredibly difficult to keep up this whole charade. 

"We need to talk..in person." She said, handing him an envelope. 

"What is this?" 

"You know what it is..it's my acceptance letter into Stanford."

"Maddie, that's gr-"

"Don't even." She replied, cutting him off. Her voice wavered. The little bit of courage she previously had was fading fast. "I know my mom or dad talked to you. I found this, too." Ryan grabbed the ticket stub out of her hand and looked back at her. 

"Maddie, listen.."

"No, you listen Ryan. I know what you're trying to do here. I can see right through this..this whole facade! I know you're probably trying to do what's best for me, and I appreciate that, but not like this. I'm an adult and am perfectly capable of making my own decisions. And I've made my decision, Ryan." Maddie paused, grabbing his hand. "And I choose you. Every single time. I want to be with you, Ryan. And I have a feeling you feel the same way. I don't want to go to Stanford, and major in business. I want you, the band, and my camera - and to see where we end up. I love you, so much and I'm not going to give up my happiness because of what my parents think are right."

There was a silence before Ryan spoke. "And you're sure about this?" She just nodded in response, knowing if she tried to talk, her voice would undoubtedly catch in her throat. 

This time there was no hesitation. Ryan pressed his lips against hers and closed the awkward space between them. Suddenly everything was right again, they were both themselves again - just like that. They backed up to Olivia's car, until the back of Maddie's knees hit it and she was lying down on the hood of the car; Ryan following suit. Okay, so maybe they were a little happy to be back together again. Ryan's hands were wrapped around her waist, slowly making their way up her body, while Maddie's were tangled in his hair.

"As happy as I am you two are back together, it'd be great if you didn't have sex on my car.." Olivia called out from the bus. They pulled apart rather quickly at that, both with a pink blush settling on their cheeks. Ryan grabbed her hand and led her on to the bus, ready to make up for lost time.

- - -

"You know I only did it because I care about you, right?" Ryan asked, later that night. After saying their goodbyes and promising to stay in touch, Olivia and Grace left for Michigan once again. And now the rest of the band and crew were passed out, except for Ryan and Maddie, of course, who were lying once again in his cramped bunk.

"Of course I do..I'm just happy we're past that, y'know?"

"Yes, I do. And I promise I'll never do anything like that again, sweetheart. I just can't stand not being with you."

"I love you, especially when you get all cheesy." She said laughing, and kissing his nose. He just smiled at his girlfriend, and pulled her close. He brushed the loose hair out of her face and smiled at how perfect she was to him. Her breathing became slow and even as she drifted off into sleep, her mouth slightly open. It was then that he came to a realization. And that realization being that he didn't want her to be only his girlfriend anymore. He wanted more than that. 

- - - 

A/N No, I am not dead..I'm sorry. You should just expect long gaps apparently. Haha although! The rest of the story is COMPLETELY planned out so it definitely won't be such long gaps anymore. I've just been so busy lately. Yay college classes! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter..I wrote it kind of fast. But please vote and comment any feedback you have! Thanks for supporting and sticking with me all this time xx