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(Third Person POV ---Sophie and Troy had spent all summer long in her parent's summer house, down in Quintana Roo. Binge-watching Spanish soap operas they rarely understood what they said, but nonetheless, loved every minute of it. Embracing their freedom of no parents around, and going shopping any chance they could. )
Sophie (Late July in Mexico, Quintana Roo)
It wasn't until the middle of summer when the third person of our trio came to join us. Our best friend, Alexa Garlik. She looked stunning like always, flaunting a Grecian tan to match her beautiful curves and making her blue eyes sparkle. She had to spend her first weeks in Greece visiting her maternal grandparents.
She told us about her adventures, and the handsome boy she'd meet while visiting her grandparents. She was very outspoken and very outgoing, but even then, she could not get Troy and me to budge on going out to the numerous clubs around the town we were staying in.
Both, Troy and I were far too responsible for our age, or so my parents say. Which was why our parents had allowed us to go on this trip alone. I had no intentions in breaking that trust my parents and Troy's grandmother had placed on us.
We made a pact the last day we were there....To make the best of our last year of high school, regardless of what happens. We'd stick together and protect each other like we always do, and embrace the end of school by bidding each other good luck when it was time to leave for college.
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Present Day, late August, just a day before school starts.
I lay on my bed. My mind wanders off, reminiscing of the awesome summer nights I spent with my two best friends. Meanwhile, Alexa and Troy try to talk me into having a little fun and going out to a party one of the football guys is throwing. Oddly enough of him to invite us, don't you think? This definitely has prankster-Logan written all over it. But, Troy takes it as a sign that things might just be changing for the good. Huh, maybe not T. I'm not falling for it.
I can't understand how everything between the two of us got this bad, but he doesn't care, so why should I? The arguing and pranking gets worse and crueler each year. But does it matter? All I know is that neither one of us can stand each other any more than the other.
I can't stand the sight of him, and he can't stand how annoying and nerdy I could be, I know...he's said before. The worst punishment for him, is having to spend hours sitting down in the same classrooms as me. And being that we are both A.P. Students, we get stuck in similar classes all the time.
He told me that he hoped this year would be different, he would avoid falling into one of my dumb pranks and stupid comebacks, as if he was any different? I was getting better and sneakier at my comebacks though, and for all the same reasons he thought of every single way possible to make my life a living hell this new year coming up, I know it, I can just feel it. He's probably going to give me hell, and give me little, to no chances to find ways to make my comeback.
'Just a few more hours to go between the end of summer and the start of a new year.' I think to myself.
He has the perfect event to go to, to celebrate his new twisted plots and incredible ideas to make the life of 'Sophie Patterson' the worst in all of Lakeview Academy's history.
( third-person pov: meanwhile, in a different house- Logan gets ready, dressing in a black t-shirt, with dark blue jeans, and his converse high tops. He grabs his keys and runs down the stairs of his house, slamming the door behind him. He'd always forget to lock the door, but for all the good reasons, his sister, Ashley would always keep an eye out to secure the house when he'd leave. He quickly got into his car, driving away to Sam's house for the last summer party, before their first day of class tomorrow morning.)
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Sophie
"I can't believe I let you guys talk me into coming here tonight. Do you have any idea what tomorrow is? The last I need is to show up to school tomorrow, late or worse! With a huge hangover! That's it, I'm staying in here and waiting for you two to come back, and you two better not talk me out of it." I stood in the passenger's seat inside Troy's car with my arms crossed.
I puffed my cheeks and pulled down on the hem of my dress. I hated wearing short dresses. But it was part of the deal I made with Troy and Alexa. To dress to impress, along with the new makeover they gave me a few weeks ago.
I said goodbye to my glasses, getting fit for new contacts I had been wearing for the past two weeks now so that I could get used to them. Though from time to time, my doctor told me to wear my glasses so my eyesight wouldn't get too tired.
I underwent a torturous three hours getting a facial, hair cut, and Mani-Pedi a few nights before leaving Quintana Roo, inside a beautiful salon full of gorgeous massagers who pampered me with a wonderful massage. It left me feeling like I was floating in mid-air. Though any other girl would have loved every second there, it made me feel a tad frustrated, in my eyes, beauty is in the mind and soul, and not in the physical appearance, I didn't want to change. But, I promised my friends, and I always keep my word.
"Sophie we had a deal! And you promised not to chicken out, remember? Now, this... is part of your new persona! So get your ass out there, and flaunt those gorgeous legs honey, because you look smocken' hot!" Troy moved his fingers up and down, gesturing towards my body. I grunted in protest, making Alexa giggle as she sat in the back seat. She clicked away on her phone, tossing her hair back.
"Wow, Troy!...if I didn't know you were gay, I'd think you were hitting on Sophie!" The three of us chuckled and got off the car unanimously.
Alexa and I stood side by side and waited for Troy to come around the car to join us, while he grabbed his jacket off the back seat."You ready Soph?" Alexa looked at me with a gleam in her eyes, but...was I really ready to show all these stuck-up preps who the new Sophie Patterson was? I gulped down hard and nodded my head unsure of myself. "No, not really! I think I need to throw up." I grabbed my stomach and puffed my cheeks.
"Oh no, you don't...You're just nervous, baby girl. Don't worry, after tonight, everyone will want to be your friend. You'll get so many invitations to parties, you'll be entering these things like a pro by the end of the year." Alexa giggled and looped her arm around my arm.
I roll my eyes and chuckle, "Oh, she speaks with words of knowledge and wisdom now, darling! The pro that gets invited to every party and doesn't dare to hang out with her two best friends on movie night, because popularity in high school is so important. Right, Miss Lexie? God forbid you get stuck all senior year with your two Geek friends!" Troy raises an eyebrow at Alexa making her turn red and squint her eyes.
"How many times am I going to apologize to you guys over this subject? I invite you guys to every party you know? But you two always turn me down. We only live once Troy! I want to be able to enjoy and make the best of life. This is why you two need to start doing the same, as of NOW. So come on, let's get in there and PARTY." She grabs Troy, looping her other arm around his and pulling us towards the house.
Many girls are in the front yard giggling and watching some of the football guys messing around in a friendly game, tackling each other and throwing the football to one another.
Troy's eyes are caught on a new guy who we hadn't seen before. He stands by Steven holding a solo cup. His golden hair tossed back and to one side. His jawline looked sharp, and even with his black hoodie, we can tell he is very well fit and very VERY attractive.
"Wow, who's the new hottie? Do you guys see him? He is hot! I wonder if he's gay?" Troy whispers, making Alexa chuckle, and I roll my eyes.
"Troy, you wish every hot guy was gay. But if that was the case, then what would be left for us? Selfish Troy, selfish!" Alexa hits his arm softly making Troy chuckle, catching the attention of that particular person he has his eyes on. The guy clenches his jaw and quickly looks away. Troy brushes it off, maybe Alexa is right. Wishful thinking of him to hope the hot new guy would be gay, though, I hope he finds someone soon.
We enter the house and just as quickly, Alexa disappears towards the kitchen Island grabbing a beer and two Jack Daniel's coolers for us. Troy pops open each drink, handing the southern peach flavor to me and the fruit punch to Alexa. We click the bottles together before taking our first sip.
In the far end, where everyone grinds and dances together, Logan dances away with McKenzie. I bet the liquor has already intoxicated him, probably trying to forget the fact he came back this summer just to find Amber in Carter's arms. He was now a free man, and all he wanted was to have a good time and forget the rest. Especially now that it's their last year before going off to embrace adulthood. It's a small town, by the way, word spreads quickly here.
He has plans to go to NYU with a full college football scholarship, and study law. Amber will be heading out to USC to study out there, saying goodbye to this boring old town and her mother, who she despises with every inch of her. I'm not sure what their relationship is like, but I do know that she hates her mom, and can't stand her.
The music played extremely loud and the house is so crowded, that it's hard for the three of us to stand in one single spot without being pushed or bumped into. Troy grabs my hand, I quickly give my drink to a girl near me and grip Alexa's hand, and pull her in the direction Troy is guiding me.
I almost lose Alexa in the crowd, but she manages to retake my hand and doesn't let go until we are safely outside in front of the pool.
"Hey there's an empty table over there with plenty of chairs, let's go take a seat." Troy gestures to us and we follow right behind. Soon as we sit, the new hot guy comes over, taking a chair and turning it around with the backrest to his chest as he takes a seat.
"Hey, mind if I sit here with you guys?" He smiles and reveals his beautiful blue eyes and deep dimples matching Troy's. Troy sits in shock, with his lips slightly parted, and Alexa quickly clicks his chin to close his mouth making me giggle.
"Promise you won't bite?" I say chuckling and wink my left eye. He chuckles and throws his head back slightly. "No, of course not. Not unless you ask!" He looks at me, softly biting his lower lip. I widen my eyes and look straight at Troy nervously.
"I'm kidding. I won't bite. My name is Dylan. I'm new in town. I just got here a few days ago, my dad is a sergeant in the military nearby." He says smiling and glancing between each of us. He stops his gaze on Troy who is particularly overprotective of me, due to the constant bullying the cheerleaders and football guys do to me, because of Amber and Logan.
Troy gives him a stern look, narrowing his eyebrows and clenching his jaw. Dylan clears his throat and looks away towards Alexa. "So, what's good around here? What do you guys like to do for fun? I mean, besides partying of course."
Alexa and I chuckle, but Troy stays serious and crosses his hands over his chest. "Um, well, to be honest, we don't get out much. At least not Troy and me. Lexie is another story, she's the wild one in this group." I say chuckling, getting a soft slap on my arm from Alexa.
"Hey! That's not. . . . .completely true!" She begs to differ, but Troy and I laugh, making Dylan smile.
A few minutes later, Dylan has hit it off perfectly with the three of us. Dylan and Troy take turns fetching drinks for the four of us. But when one of the guys realizes who is sitting with Dylan, he smiles and gestures to another guy to look over.
"Hey, you're the new guy who's going to join our football team this year right?" He says as the other guy pours him the four cups.
"Um, yeah. That's me!"
"Cool man! Good luck this year. Here you go." He hands him the cups, and though Dylan finds his behavior oddly suspicious, he dismisses the thought.
He walks back, but he can't shake off the feeling something is off about those boys. He slowly sets the cups down and looks at Troy, who sends him a confused look as well. Slowly, Lexie reaches out for a cup but he stops her. I sigh in relief, since I wasn't sure we should drink then either.
"Wait!" He demands. We both get startled and he reaches into his back pocket. He brings out a small bag he has inside with thin paper strips. Unzips the bag and brings out one of the little strips, gripping one of the cups in his hand.
We stared at him dumbfounded and lean forward. "Dylan, what in the world are you doing?" Alexa questions him. He raises his hand to his lips asking her to remain quiet. Looking at Troy and gesturing him to look at the boys who are laughing and whispering amongst themselves.
"Wait! Do you think they did something to our drinks?" Troy asks as he sits forward. Both Alexa and I gasped in shock. I knew it, I cross my hands and grunt in frustration.
Dylan clenches his jaw and closes his eyes. "I don't know. Maybe! There's one way to tell." He lifts the drink, smelling it.
"It smells oddly familiar. And you see the small bubbling? This drink shouldn't bubble in just one spot continuously. It should fizz evenly in all directions if it was beer. Now, if I'm right, then my strip will turn into a bright pink color." He holds up the strip and dips it into one of the drinks. He brings it out and places it in the middle of the table.
All four of us glue our eyes to the strip, slowly changing to a faint pink, slowly turning darker and darker.
Dylan's jaw clenches and narrows his eyebrows in fury, matching the anger that builds up inside of Troy.
Both Alexa and I stare at each other, and before we knew it, the boys each take two of the drinks and walk towards the guys who gave them the drinks. "Oh-no." Lexie and I look at each other with eyes opened wide.
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πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨π Sophie Dylan and Troy walk angrily, tossing the drinks at the feet of the boys who are laughing away, careless of who is looking at them. Lexie and I run behind them to prevent a fight. "What the hell is your problem man? Why the hell did you pour GHB inside our drinks you fucking morons?" Dylan glares at them grabbing one of the guys by his shirt, evident he has taken some of the drug himself by the way he carelessly laughs away. "Yeah, why the hell did you. . .wait! What? What the hell is GHB?" Troy squints his eyes in confusion as he holds the other chuckling idiot by his shirt. Dylan's hand held the guys shirt tightly, his other hand held high in a fist by the guy stumbling over. "GHB, it's gamma. . . .-hydroxybutyric acid. It's a generic substance, used on people with deep depression. But it causes them to suffer hallucinations and can even make a person fall unconscious
πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨πβ¨ (Third Person POV- After they had left the party, they drove off in Troy's car, leaving Dylan's bike parked outside, by Steven's house. Deciding on having fun at the lake for a few good hours, and leading them to make a stop at Maggie's Diner before they headed to Sophie's house. They had been so tired by the time they got there, that the boys fell asleep in her living room. While Sophie tried to sleep, Alexa ranted away singing, talking on the phone with a boy she had met in Greece, and reading on one of her story apps on her phone.) β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨ Sophie "Lexie! Lexie! come on wake up. My mom's done making breakfast. Get up so you can get ready for school before coming down to meet with the boys." Alexa protests with a grunt, making me chuckle. Luckily, the boys were awake and ready to leave, and I had long ago gotten myself ready as well. Leaving only Lexie, who refused to leave the comfort of the bed.
"Regardless of what Logan says, I'm not falling for his stupid pranks this year. He better start acting mature already or so help me God I am not holding back this year. I will retaliate, and he will be so-""Ahem!" Sophie's eyes widen as she sits on her side of the bench in the cafeteria and is interrupted by the very own Logan Spencer. She had been furious the whole day. Just when she'd start forgetting about the incident that morning, someone had to mention his name. The butterflies in her stomach would begin to whirl again, and she'd roll her eyes.Annoyed and frustrated, all she wanted to do was sit with her friends at lunch and get her frustration out by talking to them about what was bothering her. Why did she have to get stuck with him for this project? To top it off, she still had two more classes to go, and was hoping she did not get stuck in another class with him.She widens her eyes, and the vertigo in her stomach plummets her into a
Sophie sits at the top of the stairs. She's bored out of her mind, but being that she made Logan a promise, she decides to stay in place, waiting for him to change his mind any second.She cancels out the loud noises of whistles, cheerleaders and the clashing of football players with her headphones by turning on her spotify list of favorite songs and reading her next chapter of 'white rose'***Steven looks over towards the bleachers where Sophie sits, and smiles tapping Logan on his shoulder while they huddle around the coach. "Hey man! Looks like you got a new fan up on those bleachers this year." He taunts him making the rest of the guys look over and they all begin to whistle."Alright, alright!" Coach Mitchell calls out making them silence."You guys leave Logan alone. Besides," he says hitting Logan lightly on his helmet."It's about time Logan actually got
Sophie's POVI sat across from Logan. I was unease with what Ashley had told me. Did Logan really have drawings of me? I had to get him to show me. Of course I knew the whole thing of him liking me was bogus. He and I could barely stand each other, so the idea he may have a crush on me? Was not happening.But my mind keeps going back to those drawings. How do I get him to show me those sketches? If I know him right, he probably drew pictures of me making ugly faces, or doing crazy posses. I can not allow him to send those along with his university application.If possible, I'd steal them and burn them.Without thinking, my pencil tapped on my notebook repeatedly. I leaned my chin on top of my palm, with my elbow resting on the island top."Soph?" I could hear a faint voice, but my mind mechanized how I would get him to show me those darn drawings?"Sophie?" Logan called out my n
Logan drives speeding off towards her house. She holds her backpack to her chest looking out the window.Sophie softly opens the door and gets out the car. "Thank you for the ride." She looks down to the ground and turns on her heel, walking towards the gate to the entrance to her house.He sighs, placing his car in drive and speeding away.*****Logan sits on one of his beanbags while Steven sits on the other one. The game console is on full volume as they both tap away fiercely on the controllers."So come on man. Tell me! How bad was it to be here studying with Sophie? She didn't try to kill you did she?" Steven chuckles while he continues to play.Logan sighs and nods his head. "Shut up and focus on the game will you?"Steven chuckles and nods his head. "That bad huh?""Shut it Steven! I mean it." Steven pauses the game and turns his body towards Logan."Ok! Spill it man. You've been fucking acting really
Sophie picks her tray of food and makes her way to her usual spot. She sits at the lunch table across from Alexa and Dylan. Troy sitting down next to her.Numerous conversations are heard throughout the cafeteria as students begin to sit and eat next to their friends.Sophie sneezes repeatedly as she makes herself comfortable on her seat, making the three chuckle. "Seriously Soph! You don't look so good today honey. Are you sure you're not coming down with a cold?" Sophie stares at Troy with an annoyed glare."I'm not getting sick. I told you that already." She turns, grabbing her burger and getting ready to take a bite when she suddenly sneezes again.Troy chuckles and nods his head. "Ok! If you say little miss stubborn ass.""So, anyway. Troy? How did it go yesterday with um, you know." Sophie glances at Dylan and cautiously choosing her words. She knows that even though Troy is ready to tell his parents about him, he's still not rea
AUTHOR'S Note: This chapter is dedicated and all chapters referring to Troy and Dylan's relationship is dedicated to all my beautiful LGBTQ friends out there. I can't imagine your struggle, but I do know that everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect. This world would be a better place if we just learned to love, accept, and respect each others differences. mingineee, I LOVE YOU MY FELLOW KING!**********Sophie and Troy walk together towards his car after school. She holds her backpack steady on her back gripping the straps tightly with her hands; Troy gestures her to stop, placing a five dollar bill inside the slot and grabbing two soda cans out the machine for each of them."What? No soda for me? I get it, it's because I'm not long haired and beautiful like Sophie huh?" Dylan startles them, walking
**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