Song: Easier To Run by Linkin Park

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On New Year's Eve, my mom woke me up early. She told me I had a phone call waiting for me downstairs. It was weird, but I got out of bed and followed my mom sleepily while rubbing my eyes. We walked into the kitchen and she handed me the phone. "Hello?" I answered and ran my free hand through my hair.

"Lucy," Zoe's voice said softly. "Hey."

My eyes opened wider and I straightened slightly. "Zoe, hey, how are you?"

"Okay," She replied. "How are you?"

"Good," I answered and sat down at the kitchen table. My mom gave me a reassuring smile before she walked out and left me alone.

Zoe was quiet for a moment. "How was your Christmas?"

"It was pretty good." I nervously picked at my bottom lip. "Mom bought me a lot of clothes and a new case for my computer. Dad just gave me an amazon gift card."

Zoe laughed.

She actually laughed and the sound was music to my ears. "Sounds like Dad. He never did know what to get anyone. Except Jason, of course."

I laughed too. "Yeah, that's true."

Zoe was quiet again for a few seconds. "Hey, listen, I called to apologize for last week," She said softly. "I shouldn't have treated you that way. My doctor said he'd set up an appointment for us to talk. Mom said you just wanted it to be me and you."

My heart stuttered. "R-really? You want to talk?"

"Yeah, Lucy." Her tone was still quiet. "I think it's time. And...I miss you. A lot. I'd like us to talk. I want to come home."

My eyes stung with happy tears. "Yeah, okay. I'll be there Monday morning."

"Could you stay for a couple of days?"

The hope in her voice made my chest ache. "Definitely."

"Thank you." I heard her sniffle and then laugh lightly. "Mom told me about your boyfriend. Do you know how weird that sounds?"

I had to laugh too. "I know. The baby of the family has a boyfriend."

Zoe laughed again. "Will you tell me about him when you visit?"

My heart did that thing again and I felt myself smiling. "Yeah, I will."

There were other voices echoing behind Zoe and I heard her let out an annoyed sigh. "I gotta go, but I'll see you Monday, Lucy."

"See you then, Zoe."

She said bye quickly and then the line went dead. I sat there and stared at the phone for a couple of seconds. Was all this really happening? In a matter of a week, everything seemed to turn around. It was like a secret wish was granted for me. It's all I want...my family to be together again. I want Zoe to come home and talking to her will hopefully help. I'm nervous, but also excited.

Anxious.

Mom came into the kitchen and I hung the phone up. Dad followed her and they both looked at me curiously. "Well?" Dad pushed.

"Um, Zoe wants me to visit her on Monday. I'm going to stay up there for a couple of days."

My mom piped in quickly. "Oh, we'll go with you—"

"You have to stay to take care of the bakery." I smiled sadly. "I'll be fine, Mom."

She nodded quickly. "Of course, honey."

I reached forward and grabbed her hands. "Thank you," I said softly. "This past week has been so...light." I think that's the word I'm looking for. "I've never been happier."

She let go of my hands and grabbed my face. She left a small kiss on my cheek and breathed. "I told you I'm learning."

I stepped back and bobbed my head. "I know. It means a lot." I also know this isn't easy for her, despite how old I am. It's all she knows...how to protect me is all my mom knows anymore and she has to fall into a new routine.

My mom touched my cheek lightly and smiled. "I'll book the hotel for you, if you want?"

"No, it's okay, I can do it. But thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm just glad she's going to talk to you." She breathed a sigh of relief.

I nodded in agreement. "It's going to be okay. I'm excited to talk to her."

"I'm sure you are." She grabbed my hand and squeezed my fingers gently. "Anyway, I'm going to start preparing for the party tonight. Are you going to be free to help?"

"I think you know the answer to that already." I laughed. "I'm free to help."

"Good then! Is Mia coming? Benji too?"

"Yep, and Mia is bringing Caleb as well."

It was definitely going to be a party.

* * *

About an hour before the party, I started to get ready. Mia would be here soon and I wanted to be dressed before she got here. I picked out a white skater dress that fell just a few inches above my knees and paired it with a loose fitting black cardigan.

Just as I was pulling my arm into the last sleeve, my phone starting ringing on my desk. I leaned over and saw Tyler's name pop up on my screen. Without any hesitation, I swiped to answer the call and press it to my ear. "Hey, Smurf," I teased.

"Oh, so funny," He retorted with a fake laugh.

"I know." I sat down on the edge of my bed. "I was just starting to miss you."

"I'm that irresistible, I know." I heard him chuckle. "I called to talk to you about that school thing. Did you mention it to your mom?"

"No," I answered. "But I will. I've just been busy."

"You forgot, didn't you?"

I chewed on my bottom lip. "Maybe?"

"It doesn't really matter," He said smoothly. "I just thought it'd help you if you told her."

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "It will. I'll talk to her after I see my sister next week."

"That's fine with me, Lucy. Are you coming over tonight?"

"If my parent's don't make it to midnight, probably." I laughed lightly.

"Aw, I was just starting to miss you," He mocked with a baby voice. "I hope to see you tonight, miss Lucy, but if I don't, happy New Year."

My lips curved. "Happy New Year."

We hung up and I stood up to check myself in the mirror. My hair fell in its natural waves and all I did was pin one side back out of my face. I paired it all with a pair of black flats and walked downstairs in time for Mia and Caleb to walk in through the front door. She ran to me, immediately throwing her arms around me and hugging me tight. "I thought I'd never see you again!"

I laughed and hugged her back. "Then don't go on vacation again."

"Never again." She pouted and pulled back. "Tell me everything I missed out on."

Instead of answering her, I looked at Caleb who looked slightly awkward and uncomfortable. "My dad is watching TV or you can join us and gossip."

Caleb held his hands up. "I'll go find your dad. He's a man of few words."

"Good idea," Mia said with a grin. "Give me a kiss first."

He obliged and kissed her quick before walking down the hall to find my dad in the living room. I dragged Mia back up the stairs and locked us in my room. Mia grabbed my forearms and brought me to my bed. "I got your text about your mom finding out about Benji. What the hell happened?"

I broke into the story about everything that happened after I left her house that day from my sister leaving because of me and Benji picking me up at the hotel to bring me home. She wasn't too surprised, but then I told her about my talk with my mom and how she said she was going to start trying. "And she is trying. She likes Benji, too. It's all starting to look up."

"I'm so freaking happy for you, Lucy." She dropped her hands from my arms. "And you're seeing Zoe next week?"

I nodded. "And my mom is letting me go alone."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yeah, and she didn't have to yell at me. She actually understands this time because I need to work on my relationship with Zoe."

"That's amazing." She smiled. "Keep in touch though. I want to make sure you're okay."

"I'll call you that night, I promise."

She opened her mouth to speak, but the doorbell rang again. I told Mia I'd be back and left my room to get the door. My mom was almost there and I said, "I'll get it."

She just smiled and walked back in the kitchen.

The moment I opened the door, I was graced with Benji's presence. He wore a black button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, black jeans, and black boots. I'm so weak. Not only is he wearing all black, but also the rolled up sleeves are adding to it. Such a small thing and it makes me knees weak. Then he had to smile at me too.

I moved away from the door so he could come in and I shut the door behind him.

"Hey—"

I pulled his lips down to mine, sealing off his words before they came out. His arm went around my waist and the other hand caressed my jaw. Before my mom could find us, I leveled my feet back on the ground and broke apart from Benji. He breathed a laugh and swiped his tongue over his lips. "Hello to you too."

I grinned up at him. "I haven't seen you since Christmas," I pointed out.

"I know," He said and brushed his thumb over my bottom lip. "If it helps, I thought about you quite a lot."

Blush crept up on my cheeks. "Yeah?"

"Uh, yeah." He chuckled and leaned down to kiss me quick.

I sighed with contentment and brushed my fingers over his jaw. "There's something I want to talk to you about later."

He raised a brow. "Should I be worried?"

"Not at all." I laughed. "It involves a mini road trip."

Benji's lips curved into a small. "And I do like the sound of that."

* * *

"Oh, gosh, do you remember that time Caleb got locked out of his car..." Mia was struggling to breathe through her laugh and it came out as a snort. "And...and he had his pants stuck in the door."

I nearly spit my champagne out of my mouth as I handed the bottle to Benji. Caleb's cheeks turned red and he let out a nervous laugh.

It's fifteen minutes until the New Year and we've been sitting in my room with a bottle of champagne I stole. My mom didn't even notice because she's so caught up with her guests. She didn't even notice we weren't down there.

I sat on the edge of my bed with my legs hanging over the edge, Benji sat on the floor with one of his arms looped around my calf and his head resting against my knee. Caleb sat beside him and Mia was sprawled out on my bed. The champagne already went straight to her head. I felt a slight buzz, but she's had more than me. Benji and Caleb haven't had much because they have to drive home.

"That was last year," Caleb defended. "And the guy that helped me had the weirdest look on his face like I did it on purpose."

Benji took a drink of the champagne and handed it to Caleb. "I think you need this more than I do."

Caleb gladly took it.

Benji leaned further against my leg and I weaved my fingers through his dark hair. He sighed and his hold tightened slightly around my leg. "One time me and Tyler dared our other band mate Evan to ask this girl out at a party." Benji choked on a laugh. "He said he needed to have a few beers in him before. So four beers and a shot of tequila later, he goes for it. She actually said yes and then he threw up on her shoes. I'm pretty sure his dead ancestors felt the slap she gave him."

Mia was the first to burst out laughing, and then Caleb and I followed. "Okay, that's so much worse than what Caleb went through," Mia managed between giggles.

"Did he ever get that date?" I asked.

Benji nodded. "He did and they've been dating for two years."

"That's so cute!" Mia announced. "A weird story to tell their kids though."

Benji chuckled. "At least it won't be forgotten."

"True," I murmured and leaned down to kiss Benji's forehead.

"Ugh," Mia groaned and poked my side. "You guys are so cute, it's gross."

I laughed and brushed my fingers over Benji's cheek before looking at her. "Benji and I talked about that actually. We wanted it to be our goal," I said it with a complete straight face.

She just rolled her eyes. "I'd tell you to get a room, but we're in your room," She whispered and climbed off the bed to sit in Caleb's lap. "Is it midnight yet?"

I grabbed my phone and checked the time. "Two minutes," I informed.

"Good." She sighed. "I'm so tired..."

Caleb wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head on his chest. They were the cute ones. I knew they'd be together for the rest of their lives probably. They've been friends since preschool too, but didn't start dating until they were sophomores in high school. Caleb's a calm person, but it balances with Mia's spontaneous personality.

We started to hear them countdown on the floor below us and Caleb handed me the bottle of champagne. Once they shouted the last number, I took a giant swig of the champagne and my chest turned warm again. Benji leaned his head back and I hooked a hand under his chin as I leaned down to kiss his lips. The taste of champagne lingered on both of us, but Benji tasted more like the chocolate covered strawberries he ate earlier.

When we parted, I licked my lips and took another drink of the champagne before I handed it to Benji. He took a drink and then passed it to Caleb, who then passed it to Mia.

"I should probably get her home," Caleb said while stroking the side of Mia's arm. "She's about half asleep."

I laughed and nodded. "I understand. Tell her to call me tomorrow."

"I will," Caleb replied and looked at Benji. "It was good seeing you again."

"You too, Caleb."

They shook hands and Caleb managed to stand with Mia in his arms. I got up quickly and opened the door for him. Caleb told me bye before he walked out of my room. I watched him walk down the steps carefully and then heard the front door open and close. They were still shouting downstairs and laughter rang out. The party probably wouldn't die for another hour.

Which meant I have an hour alone with Benji.

He was still sitting in the floor when I turned around. When I walked closer, he wrapped his fingers around the hem of my dress and tugged. I lowered myself in his lap and his arms slid around my waist. With a hand placed on the side of his neck, I lowered my lips to his again. He tugged me closer and my mouth opened under his. My hands moved to his face and I pulled away for a breath. "Where'd you park?" I asked.

"Across the street." He reeled me back in for another kiss. "Why?"

I brushed my lips over his. "Let's talk there," I whispered and stood from his lap.

Benji smiled at me and stood up too. We quietly walked down the stairs and I checked the living room before making a run to the front door. Benji ran out first and then I did, shutting the door quietly behind me. He grabbed my hand and we sprinted towards his truck. I opened the driver's side door and slid in, Benji followed and shut the door.

We both laughed and I felt out of breath. The laugh covered that up quickly.

"What'd you want to talk about?" He asked.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. "I talked to my sister this morning."

Benji's brows rose. "That's good, right?"

I nodded quickly. "She wants me to visit on Monday and Tuesday. I told my mom I could go alone and I'm perfectly capable of going alone, but I thought I'd ask you to go with me."

"Your mom's letting you go alone?" His voice contained a small hint of surprise.

"Yeah, she is. I booked the hotel this morning so I'm definitely going."

"I have work on Monday, but I can call in sick." His lips tugged upwards. "You wouldn't even have to ask me twice to go with you. Will your mom have a problem with me going though?"

"Probably," I answered truthfully. "But she won't say anything about it."

"Sure about that? We're going to be in a hotel room for two days. She's definitely going to have something to say about that."

I shrugged a shoulder. "And I'm also eighteen years old, need I remind you."

"You don't need to remind me, Lucy. I'm just saying—"

"You weren't complaining on Christmas when you—"

He held his hand up to stop me. "Okay, I get it. Last week was my doing, not yours. I just don't want you to feel guilty about going against your mom."

I let out a really loud laugh. "Are you serious right now? I've been going against my mom the moment I met you. You made me feel...different. I wasn't about to let that go because of mommy's rules." I rubbed my forehead and dropped my hand. "You of all people should know that."

Benji's features softened. "I didn't mean it like that, Luce. I shouldn't have lied to your mom last week and I feel bad about it is what I'm trying to say. If she's trying to build trust, you can't lie to her anymore."

My chest ached. "I'm not, Benji. Do you regret last week or something? Did you even mean it when you told me you were falling in love with me? Or the song? Was it just so you could sleep with me? Because if that's what you wanted, then why are you still here?"

He clenched his jaw and shook his head. "I'm still here because I meant every single word I told you. I meant it when I told you that I'm yours completely. Every part of me is yours and I'd let you break my heart before I broke yours. Don't you dare say that I only wanted you for sex. I wrote the song for you because I care, Lucy."

My eyes burned and I didn't reply.

"I can't believe you'd even say something like that to me. After everything I've done...what we've done and what I've told you. I'm so twisted around your pretty little finger and you're clearly too blind to notice."

I watched him for a moment and tears still threatened to spill over my eyelids. "I'm sorry," I murmured and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I stared down at my lap because I felt stupid. A complete idiot.

"Why...why would you say that? You know exactly how I feel about you. I've showed you how I feel. On Christmas...everything I did that day was to show you, Lucy. Don't say that I ever used you for anything. I'm only here for you."

"I panicked," I admitted, but I was still unable to lift my gaze to his. "I'm not used to this. I'm not used to having someone like you, Benji. And I know it's not an excuse. I'm sorry."

It was quiet for a moment.

Then Benji scooted towards me and lightly cupped my face to lift my head. His eyes locked on mine. "You better get used to it, because I'm not going anywhere. You can push me away and I'll pull you right back."

I gripped his wrists. "You should be mad."

"I am," He said. "I understand your hesitation, but you told me you loved me on Christmas. So don't use that as a bullshit excuse. You know what you want. You know how you feel and you know how I feel. Nothing I've ever told you was a lie. I am in love with you, Lucy. I didn't even think it was possible to love so quickly but, shit...I'm so in love with you."

Tears were welling in my eyes again and I hiccuped.

Benji's fingers brushed over my cheeks softly. "I know you're sorry and you don't have to be. I want things to be open with us. If something is wrong, tell me."

"I didn't mean any of it," I said softly.

"I know," he replied.

"Can we forget about it?" I asked timidly.

"We can." His lips touched the space between my brows and I squeezed my eyes shut. "Just don't forget about what I said."

I gave his wrists a small squeeze. "I won't."

Benji kissed the bridge of my nose and then kissed my lips. "Do you still want me to go with you on Monday?"

"Of course," I responded. "Come over on Sunday and we'll talk to my mom. She knows that she can't protect me from my own life."

"I'm doing this for you," He said and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

That made me kiss him again. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He started to lay me back against the cab of his truck. "Can I hold you now?"

"Please."

Benji lay on his side and I turned on my side to face him too. He held one arm out for my head to lie on and his other arm went around my lower back to pull me taut against his chest. "I couldn't stop thinking about you after Christmas." I felt his breath against my forehead.

"I couldn't either." I tilted my head back to look at him. "I still think you're too good to be real."

He chuckled. "I'm as real as you are."

I settled a hand on the nape of his neck and pulled him into a kiss. "Pinch me if you're real."

Benji laughed again. "Didn't we go through this already?"

"Yeah, but you never pinched me. I could still be dreaming right now."

His hand started sliding down the arch of my back. A few seconds later, I felt a pinch.

I yelped in surprise. "Did you just pinch my ass?"

"You didn't say where."

"Well now I know I'm not dreaming."

"Are you sure? I can try it again if you want."

Playfully, I swatted his arm and laughed. "I'm good, thank you."

Benji joined in on my laughter and gave me another kiss.

He was right.

I did feel it. Every word he told me...I felt it.

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I have a lot of plans for the last three chapters and if you have unanswered questions, let me know so I make sure they're answered!

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