Third Person POV
Derreck Mitchell and the Spencer's arrived at the Chicago Airport around 2 in the afternoon. Tired, uncertainty and grievance were felt through the thick icy weather.
After they each gathered their luggage, they decided on grabbing something to eat before heading towards their destination.
Ashley was especially feeling anxious. She itched with the need to run into her daddy's arms. She could almost picture his face full of surprise and excitement when he sees them. She knows he's not expecting this surprise. She looks forward to their reunion, longing for each second to pass by quicker until the time comes for them to meet with him.
Derreck sat next to Logan. He sat calmly, eating his food and making small conversation to keep Logan's mind at ease. He knew Logan was in no mood, his demeanor said it all. Dark aura and a stiff complexion that fought against self-control.
How could he keep calm? His gut told him things were edgy from
AshleyWe boarded the elevator in silence. I clung to mom's waist, unwilling to part away from her. I wanted to stay strong, but the strain in my throat was far too much for me to bear. I cried like a five-year-old through our ride down that elevator.No one said anything. They simply allowed me to cry my eyes out until I could no more. Logan held his head up towards the heavens with his eyes closed and hands behind him, holding on to the rail.Derreck, though he didn't say much, was giving us a look that let us know things would be ok. I wanted to believe that way too, but I was very uncertain at this point.Derreck sighed and ruffled my hair, "Hey Ash?" I turned my head up to see him, I sniffled and cleaned my years with the back of my hand.He reached in the inside pocket of his jacket, retrieving a handkerchief. He ducts down a little, cleaning my face softly."No more crying, ok? Look, our flight isn't until tomorrow morning, what do yo
Hailey: (Flashback to late July)We sat at the doctor's office. My boys were due to come home in just a few more days, Aaron would have to start soccer practice in just a few more weeks.I have been having a bit of pain in my left breast. At first, it was bearable, but the pain keeps getting a bit more intense. Like a shooting pain, or as if there was a small needle pricking me in the same spots.I decided to go in for a mammogram. I was a bit scared, to say the least. My husband has always been very supportive of me, and since the day we were married, we have stuck to our vows. For better or for worse.I was honest with him and told him about my situation. Though there were no lumps or any visible evidence of anything being wrong, I needed to make such things were ok. That's when my obstetrician gave me the bad news. Soon as she mentioned to me that I should be getting a second opinion and further studies from a mammographer, I k
Third Person POVNo one was prepared for the events approaching. From the separation of Mr. & Mrs. Spencer, the bad news of Hailey's health, T's parents had suddenly come home unexpectedly, Lexie's dad was given the news he may lose his farm, and there were many more obstacles that the kids from Lakeview high would have to suddenly face.One thing was for sure, Hailey was determined to make this a great Thanksgiving dinner. She has less than a day before Thanksgiving to male preparations. It has to be memorable.She had managed to come home safely without having to stop because of nausea she has been experiencing from the new medication. The radiation had left her sore from head to toe and in so much pain.She quickly got a hold of Troy's grandma and asked her for help. But, she found Troy's parents had gotten home last night as well. Poor Troy, she knew the situation was no less of misfortune as well. He was such a great kid, so smart and capable,
SophieSunday MorningI hadn't spoken with my friends all weekend. It was as if we were suddenly too occupied with our own things.I woke up to the sound of my phone going off, though I didn't get to pick it up on time. The time on my clock read 6 a.m.I glanced at the phone once it began to ring again and saw Troy's name on the caller ID. I picked it up quickly to answer him. Something had to have happened with his parents for him to call me at this time."Hi T. What's going on?" I asked calmly."Hi, baby girl. I'm sorry I haven't seen you all week, I have been home with my grandma, and then my parents came by unexpectedly. I really needed someone to talk to right now. I didn't know who else to call.""Where are you right now?" I asked concerned? His voice sounded hoarse, I could tell he had been crying a bit."I'm outside your house. In my car. I-" He sighs deeply trying to hold back unshed tears. It b
Amber's POV"AMBER! where the hell is this girl? It's late." I could hear dad's voice yelling and complaining from downstairs. I can't stand being in this hell-hole. I knew he was getting hungry and impatient. It was late after all, and he'd soon have to leave for work. I never asked him for a ride to my new job, yet he always gets preoccupied with me.Mom probably drank too much again and is knocked out cold in her room. It's our never-ending cycle in this stupid house. Dad has to be mom and dad to me because mon is always complaining about her poor pathetic excuse of a life.Dad and I try doing our best to keep this house going, but with a mother like mine that keeps on wasting our damn income on her fucking drinking and smoking habit helps nothing at all. She loves to tell us how the house is always messy and untidy.Our house is in bad need of a fresh coat of paint as well. But van you blame us? Dad and I are always out of the house working and in s
Amber's POVI was exhausted but too happy to care. This job meant so much to me.The bistro was nonstop busy. People have been coming in and out like crazy. Not just the ones staying at the BnB, but also folks from around our town, out of town, folks working here, folks from the near hospital, and even soldiers from the Marine Base just out of town.It was so crazy. It kept me busy all day.It was near 11:30 when dad sent me a text.Though most jobs require us to keep our phones in our locker rooms, our boss requested we kept our phones on us at all times in case of an emergency, or in case a supervisor needed to get in contact with us.Dad sent me a text near that time, and since I was new here, I figured I would be the last to get my break. I was surprised when my supervisor Pascal sent me a text to tell me to take a half-hour break at noon.I sent dad a
LoganWe were due for the school field trip today. Thanks to mom and Mrs. P, Sophie and I were headed early this morning to the school to volunteer for the annual hiking trip on the old trail up the mountains.We hadn't slept so much last night, which means Sophie was still fast asleep in the car.The weather was getting pretty chilly since its the beginning of winter after all. Luckily, it was not snowing yet.The reason why they hold the trail during the time is that most years and big animals are hibernating. There are fewer probabilities of any student being attacked by an animal if they strive away from us.Plus the fact there are still a few does out there we can still see.We were headed a little early since we were supposed to be there before the other students got there, so I stopped and got her a muffin and coffee and parked the car next to the school bus.I woke her up and handed her her coffee
SophieThe days went by slow from thereon.Logan and I were close and I felt I was in love with him more each day, but I felt as if everyone around me were hiding things from me.Mom and dad were going on business trips more often, and it worried me. Mom didn't look so good. She looked stressed out, tired, worn out. She had lost a lot of weight and tried to hide it, changing the subject each time I asked her if she was ok.We were getting close to Christmas time and that meant two things. One- Our winter formal dance was coming up. Two- Christmas break was coming.My family usually goes off to a cabin we rent out in the mountains. I'm not sure that's the case this year. My parents have been so busy.Logan was busier than before since they had won qualifications for county champions. I was so proud of him. The thing that bothered me was that Carter was still messing with him and me.We oversaw his be
**Bonus Chapter** AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please note that this bonus chapter is pretty much a summary of what the sequel will be about. It will seem there are lots of gaps in between and so many unanswered questions, but you will be able to read the in-between soon as I begin posting the sequel. (Still In Love With You)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sophie "Come Sophie. Who else am I supposed to ask? You're my best friend. Please?" Troy insisted. "You can ask Lexie. She's your best friend too." "Ugg, you're so hopeless. Childish and selfish Sophie. How can you say that? Besides, Lexie is already a bridesmaid or groom maid. . . whatever you want to call it. Please, Sophie!" I grunted and closed my eyes in surrender over the phone. "Oh, you are such a drama queen. Fine, I will be your maid of honor." He screamed with joy over the phone, deafening my ear.
SophieIt's been almost seven years since I left Lakeview. I never thought I'd go back. But terrible news pulled me back to that old town.A few months after Logan had found me in Los Angeles, four years ago, I received a phone call from dad. Mom had gotten sick again. But this time, they didn't catch it in time. She hid it from everyone, including dad. No one, not even I was ready for what was to come.Mom died just a year after I went to see her. She was so happy to finally spend more than a few days' worth of time with Nathan. All we did was talk about him when we are on the phone. She simply adores him. But it was so hard to see her in pain. Cancer had come back to her bones that time, I could still hear her crying from the pain, saying her body felt as if it was on fire. I don't understand how life could be so cruel.She was my best friend, my biggest support, and my shoulder to cry on. She finally passed away a few days before mother's d
Three Years Later:SophieI walked towards the cafe I work for a few hours after class. I was too tired to work today. It's getting harder every day to even get out of bed.I have no energy. My days are crazy. I can't sleep at night, yet I want nothing to do but sleep during the day. My budget scares me. I don't even know how I am doing this? Dad keeps sending me money, though I refuse to touch it unless I have no other option.I dropped most of my classes for now. I can't focus- it's as if my mind gets clouded. I feel like a damn airhead. I had to go see a doctor, and she gave me so many vitamins because she says I am underweight and need to nourish my body. The vitamins taste so gross. I especially hate the iron pills.But if I don't take them, I will never get rid of my anemia. It will be bad for me if that happens."Hey, darling. You look so gorgeous today. Look at you glowing like the diva you are!" Mrs. Cl
Sophie"I can't believe we are finally graduating tomorrow. This seems so surreal." Lexie whispered to my left as we sat in the auditorium while listening to instruction for tomorrow's ceremony. Logan sat to my right, holding my hand with our fingers interlaced. I could tell he was nervous. Our valedictorians this year are Russell Knight and Emily Mitchell. They tied perfectly for the grand title.Graduation came by too fast if you ask me. Before we knew it, we were hit with finals and SAT's, final projects, and more.We ran around getting caps, gowns, graduation outfits. Logan and the rest of the gang, as well as me, volunteered for the prom decoration group, it turned out beautifully. I won't go insomuch detail, just know Logan was amazing. We had matching colors on my dress and his tie. After, we went to the cabin and spent all weekend there. He wanted us to go to the house he's building by the lake, but there were major setbacks, and we didn't want to be in
SophieI woke up hopeful today. I knew Logan would be off to be with his mom at the courthouse. This is the time when I woke up begging God for a miracle. I wanted things to work out for them. I miss Ashley so much, and I know she must be missing her mom and Logan. They deserve to be together. I just hope that Mr. Spencer can see that in time.He picked me up from home and gave me a ride to school before leaving. I gave him a quick kiss and got off the car. I waved at him as he sped off to Mr. Mitchell's office. He had called him this morning to tell him he had big news for him. I hoped it was good news, Logan could really use a turn to all of the bad things that have been happening lately.I decided to send him a quick message before entering my second class and told him that everything was going to be ok.Sophie- Hi Baby. Good morning. I just wanted you to know I love you. Things are going to be ok, you'll see. I'll see you after school, ok?
Logan "I know mom, I was going to go back to school. That was my plan. But, then uncle Danny stopped me at the lobby. He told me to wait for him so I could take Ashley with me to get some ice cream. Which is why she is now covered in chocolate. You know she can't eat chocolate ice cream without getting it all over herself!" Ashley socked me on my arm as I made fun of her. She had a huge chocolate ice cream stain on the top of her dress. I tried to avoid the menacing look on mom's face as she stood before me with her arms crossed next to uncle Danny and Derreck. Ashley and I were in the middle of our second scoop when mom walked in looking for us. She looks over towards uncle Danny, I don't her arms, and places one hand over her hip. "Uh, in my defense, it was better for Logan to keep her company than for her to be out in the lobby all alone. Wouldn't you agree?... Derreck?" He looks at mom first and then towards Derreck for reinforce
Riley"Da- Daniel, what are you doing here? I thought you and Layla were in Mexico doing business." I asked him making him turn with a smile towards me.His hand softly grasping mine with a gentle squeeze."We were, but Ruth told me you were having a little issue with Charley-boy, so Layla and I came by to see what was going on. Luckily, I reached out and did my research on what's going on." He responded turning with a mischievous smile towards Charles whose face was red as a tomato."Daniel, no offense but your presence is unnecessary to this hearing. This is a matter between Riley and me.""Oh, on the contrary." He cut Charles off, opened his suitcase, and brought out a stack of papers, and slammed them in front of Charles."You forget about this Charley-boy? Ashley, baby, Logan is waiting outside. Why don't go out and get some ice cream with him, ok honey?" He says pulling out his wallet and giving Ashley a hundred-dollar bill
RileyI stood outside of the courtroom with my hands shaking, tapping my phone over the other hand.I was a nervous wreck, to say the least.One thing I was glad of, was that Charles had asked for a private hearing. We would stand before a judge inside a private room rather than a big courtroom full of strangers and try to come to an understanding from both parties."Ms. Riley Spencer? We are ready for you." The young lawyer called out from the door. I looked at Derreck with fright written all over me. My heart pounded in my ear from the nerves I felt inside.Soon as I went inside, my heart shrieked with enthusiasm as I saw my baby girl sitting next to her dad."Mom!" She yelled out, standing up and running to my side."Ashley. Oh, baby, I missed you so much, princess." I hugged her tightly, embracing the feel of her arms around my waist as I stroke her hair delicately and kissed her head continuously."
SophieAfter dinner, we all went our separate ways. I missed nights like this; when all was normal and we had no worries but to enjoy our youth.It seems that the closer we get to graduation, the more real adulthood gets, and by all means, adulthood is not always pretty. I see how stressed out daddy gets helping out mom with her radiation and traveling to and from work every day.He's so strong. He never complaints about anything. He simply helps and puts on a happy smile. Deep down, I know he's hurting. He's hurting just as mom is, or more.Logan and I made our way to his car after saying goodbye to our friends and headed to his house. I have spent so little time in his house lately. He's been at my house mainly because he knows I want to be close to mom.Tonight we will spend the night at his place. Mom had to see her doctor in New York this weekend, so she will be gone for the past three or four days along with dad.This