"We both drowned under the waves of words we weren't saying."

***********

Two months later...

Lilly's POV

Happy.

I've been happy. So very happy, that it feels surreal at times.

It makes me wonder how can one person only make me feel so much at once.

The sweetness, the gentleness, the excitement, and the thrill...it's all very overwhelming.

I don't want it to end. Can it never end?

I took Sally's advice and lived each day, one at a time, not ruining it with thoughts of what will happen tomorrow. At the moment, I really don't care about tomorrow, as long as today, he's by my side and I am by his.

Chase has gotten better, much better lately. The doctor says it's a matter of days before he can be discharged for good. They're only keeping him in now to make sure his condition is stabilized.

The side effects stopped almost a couple of weeks ago. Still, he went through a lot of pain and it ruined me seeing him face it all. I thought I am not strong enough to stick by him through all the bad, but I did.

I kept my promise and stayed. It wasn't even physically possible to keep away.

Even without attending in person, he is doing very well at school. Our finals are so close, but it's sure he'll be graduating with his class by the end of this semester.

Gosh, seeing him good now and all better, I could never be prouder.

Usually, after school, I immediately drop by the center to see him, except for today, I wanted to bake him some cookies, so I came back home, changed, and prepared them. I haven't tasted them yet but I hope they're good. I really don't wanna poison him after everything he had gone through.

"You're going to Chase's?" Mom's words had me lifting my eyes from the task at hand, I nodded and she smiled, but when she walked closer, her forehead creased and she looked around, "Something smells like it's been burned."

I gulped down and guiltily said, "Oh yeah, I burned the first patch of cookies and threw them away."

She chuckled and sat down on the stool next to me, "Why didn't you tell me, I would've made them for you."

I shook my head as I finished arranging them inside the small container, "No, I wanted to do it for him by myself," I added as I placed the container in my bag.

Mom's smile grew a bit wider, "You guys are so cute," She commented and placed her arm around me, "It's going well between you two I guess, right?"

I leaned into her embrace and nodded, "Yup, very very well." I added, unable to hide the girlish smile creeping up my face.

Mom seemed content at my response, the total opposite of dad, who keeps mumbling incoherent words every time he sees me beside Chase, but I think he's getting used to the idea of us, little by little. I mean, he could just forbid me from going there, but instead, he is the one who drops me there every time I ask him to.

"Yeah, I can clearly see it in your eyes," Mom commented, "And in Chase's eyes as well." She teasingly added, "I went and visited him in the morning when you guys were at school," She said and her next words were enough to make my smile drop, "Aylin was also there," Her eyebrows pulled together as if she just realized something, "Are you guys fighting or something, I never see you together anymore?"

My jaw tightened as I assessed her words. Aylin was there. What the hell was she doing there?

I shook my head, my mood flipping a hundred eighty degree, "No, we are not friends anymore," I mumbled, breaking away from mom's embrace and grabbing my bag.

I got to my feet and faced her again, "What was she doing there?" I asked, unable to keep my curiosity or anger at bay.

Mom shrugged, "Probably checking up on Chase," She answered, totally unaware, "When I got there, she was leaving," She added, "Oh, and she brought him a cake or something."

Cake?

Cake. Because his birthday is in two days.

My fingers curled into the inside of my palm and a weird type of feeling pressed up against my chest. She really is never going to give up, is she?

Before I could ask more, the car's horn blaring from outside had me checking from the window, "It's dad, I have to go," I said, all of my excitement fleeting away as I started to head outside, "See you later, mom."

She probably sensed my discomfort but before she could say anything else, I was already outside, at the moment hating the fact that I am going. Talk about one little detail to ruin your happiness. The moment I got inside the car, the music blaring at high volume had me groaning in annoyance. I immediately turned the volume down till I barely heard it.

"...that's honestly worse, 'cause you're so gorgeous it actually hurts..." Dad's singing along Taylor swift paused and he glared at me, "You don't have to do that every time!" He said, annoyed by my behavior.

He reached for the radio and increased the volume again. I rolled my eyes and a loud frustrated sigh parted my lips, "Taylor Swift? Seriously dad?!"

He didn't care to reply to my comment, instead continued mumbling along with the song as he placed the car in reverse and headed for the street.

I pressed my elbow against the door and rested my head against my palm, thinking back to what my mom said. Why did Aylin go there? What did they talk about? Will Chase tell me? He better, or I am so going to over-react to this. Did she go before this time? Did he not tell me that she did?

Okay, stop over-thinking. Nice and easy, nice and easy Lilly, you can go there now and ask him, he won't lie.

Thankfully, when the song ended, dad decided to turn the volume down, "Hey you," He said, making me face him, his eyebrow pulled together when he looked at me, "What's wrong?"

I shook my head, "Nothing," I mumbled, looking away.

"God, when will you stop being such a teenager," He said in annoyance.

What the- I immediately turned to him and he rolled his eyes, "Just like her mother's glares," He mumbled under his breath.

What's with him?

The car came to a stop by the entrance and I was more than ready to get away from dad. But before I could reach for the door's handle, his hand rested over my arm, "Little bug seriously, are you okay?" He asked, his tone warmer now.

I turned to him and put on a smile, "Yeah dad, I am fine," I said, "As long as you stop listening to Taylor Swift, I'll be just fine," I added playfully, trying to lighten my mood as well.

His eyes playfully narrowed at me and I inched closer and kissed his cheek, "Love you," He finally smiled, satisfied, "Call me when you want to leave, okay?"

I nodded and went down before he took off. I gave the building one look and sucked into a deep breath, don't over-think it Lilly, and don't over-react just yet.

After a small pep-talk with myself, I decided to finally head inside. I walked into the building and into Chase's room.

My eyes first fell on him, he was sitting on the chair, looking at the book laid down on the desk ahead of him, his hand in his hair, he looked so concentrated, while Conner was laying down on Chase's bed, his eyes closed, probably sleeping.

At the sound of my footsteps, Chase's eyes went from the book and up to me, an immediate smile broke down his features, "Hey," He said, his voice warm, and his eyes even warmer, they almost made me forgot that I am angry.

"Hey," I said back, walking closer as he got to his feet, "How are you today?" I asked when I was by his side.

Instead of answering, his arm went around my waist and pulled me closer, his other hand came to my face, he hooked his fingers under my chin, angeling it up so he could reach for my lips.

He kissed my lips sweetly and when he pulled back, he breathed in and his eyes fell on mine, "Now, I am fine," He said genuinely, and against my better judgment, my heart melted.

Someone knocked so we both turned to see Sally standing by the opened door, she gave me a cheesy smile, "Hey guys," She said, walking inside. Her eyes drifted from us to Conner, her eyebrows pulled together and she whispered, "Is he really sleeping?"

Chase nodded and an evil smirk came to Sally's lips, "Oh, this is gonna be fun!" She said, silently walking toward him, probably ready to wake him up.

"No, leave him, he was really tired," Chase commented, his concern genuine.

"Is he okay?" I asked Chase.

He nodded, "It's just with his part-time jobs, the school, and here, he barely even sleeps," His lips pressed into a thin line, "I feel so bad," He sighed, "But he never listens to me."

I couldn't help but smile, Conner was really sweet, couldn't Aylin love him and leave my Chase alone. Oh, here we go, I am angry again.

"Can I at least draw on his face, please, pretty please," Sally asked, her eyes pleading Chase, "It's so tempting!"

Chase chuckled, "Okay, I can't say no to that."

She pulled a black marker from her bag and carefully sat down beside him on the bed, she leaned down, her face so close to his and she scribbled something over his upper lip and down his chin. Conner groaned lowly at the sensation and moved a bit. Sally paused, her eyes widened but when he stayed asleep, she continued finishing her masterpiece.

I shook my head at her silliness and sat down beside Chase. I leaned into him, needing the distraction, or else my thoughts will keep drifting back to Aylin.

Conner groaned again and this time, he opened his eyes, Sally was right in his face, his eyes widened in shock and he pulled himself up right away. I gasped when he accidentally slammed his head against Sally's face.

She stumbled backward, "Ahhh! You idiot!" She screamed at him, her hand hovered over her mouth and she winced in pain.

"What the hell were you doing?" He squeaked out, still trying to make sense of where he is and what's happening, he wiped at his face, smudging the black ink all over his face and palm.

"Are you okay?" I asked Sally, trying so hard to hide my laugh.

She glared at Conner, "You broke my lips!"

His eyebrows pulled closer, "How does someone break someone's lips, explain!"

She winced again and his hand curled over her arm, pulling her closer, "Come here, let me see," He said, seriously this time and he pulled her back to the bed. He removed her hand from over her mouth and inspected it.

I stared back at them, amused. Conner ran his finger over the side of her lip, where a small cut could be seen, he gently wiped away the bit of blood there, "Don't worry, you'll survive," He said his voice softer as his eyes flickered to hers.

I noticed how he stared at them a bit longer than he should. I think he noticed that himself as he immediately pulled his hand back and cleared his throat.

His gaze went to us, "What are you two looking at?" He shot out in annoyance and I shook my head with a smile, "Go and look in the mirror," I said.

Confusingly, he got to his feet and walked to the bathroom.

"Sally, I am gonna kill you!" He snapped from inside and I chuckled, my gaze went to Chase beside me and I whispered lowly, "Did you notice what I noticed?"

He smiled and nodded, "I think I did."

My eyes lightened up, "Imagine Conner and Sally together, that would be so funny," I chuckled, they're somehow the total opposite of each other.

Conner washed up, and Sally angrily slumped over the couch, inspecting her lip.

The lyrics of the song dad had in the car kept running up my mind, and I involuntarily found myself mumbling them lowly, "Ocean blue eyes looking in mine, I feel like I might sink and drown and-"

Chase's weirded-out look had me shutting up. I sighed and shook my head, "It's all dad's fault." A small smile crept up my lips as I looked into his eyes, "Actually, it could be our song, feels fitting."

He smiled back and pulled me to his side, he pressed a gentle kiss to the side of my head and I sighed in relief. Aylin can't destroy this, she can't.

When Conner came back, he shot Sally a hard glare to which she returned, still holding her broken lip. When he looked back at us, he rolled his eyes, "Can you two not be lovey-dovey all the time?"

I pretended to think about it then shook my head, "I don't think we can," I said and pressed a small kiss over Chase's cheek.

Conner mumbled something, probably swearing at us before he slumped over the couch, "I am hungry," He mumbled as he tiredly rubbed at his eyes.

My eyes widened a bit, "Ahh, true, I made cookies," I said, remembering, as I reached for my bag and pulled the container out, I opened it and Conner was the first to take from it. He grabbed two, and walked back to the couch, he placed one in his mouth and threw the other at Sally to catch.

I extended it toward Chase, "Do you want?"

He reached and took one, "If you made them, of course I want."

I smiled wholeheartedly as he took the first bite, but my smile was long gone when Conner said, "Ew, Lilly what the hell is this?" He said in disgust, taking a napkin and spitting the cookie into it, "Gosh, this is so terrible." He added, throwing the napkin and the rest of my poor cookie into the trash.

Sally stared at the cookie in horror and placed it away without taking any bite. My heart dropped down and I looked back at Chase, "Is it really bad?"I asked, sadly.

Chase was already taking his second bite, he shook his head, "No, actually it's really good," He said, "Don't listen to him," He added, dismissing Conner.

I looked at Sally and she shook my head, pushing the cookie away, "Sorry, I don't wanna get poisoned, I have a date tomorrow." She said seriously and I rolled my eyes at her.

"Which poor guy is going out with you?" Conner scoffed.

She said something back at him but I ignored them. I took one cookie from inside the container and took the first bite, it wasn't as bad as Conner made it out to be, but it wasn't that good either. I probably should've added more sugar and more chocolate chips and maybe more flour.

Oh god, I suck...

I turned to Chase, who almost had finished his and I grabbed the rest of it, "No, don't eat it, it's bad," I mumbled, a frown pulled between my eyebrows, my mood going down again. Today is really not my day.

Chase snatched it back and shot me a glare, "I said I liked it," He said, seriously.

I shook my head, "You're just saying that so I won't feel bad."

Lines cut into his forehead, "No, if I didn't like, I would've said so," he added, his words somehow felt genuine, maybe he really liked it, I don't know.

"I know that love makes someone blind," Conner commented sarcastically, "But I didn't know it makes your taste buds blind too."

I tensed a bit, the love word settling and pressing in a weird way against my chest. It's a word we haven't exchanged yet, although it was hinted at so many times, yet never said directly.

"Shut up, Conner," Chase mumbled, annoyed by his interference. He grabbed the container from my lap and to his side, "She made them for me, not for you." He added, reaching for his second one.

My heart calmed down a bit and I stared back at him as he ate my terrible cookie, as if it's the best in this world. It's weird, but I think he really likes it.

Conner rampaged through the drawers, "There must be something to eat over here, your mother always leaves someth-" He paused and pulled something out, "Oh, there is cake," He added like he just hit the jackpot, he pulled one piece and it looked like it's a homemade one.

The cake...the one Aylin brought or made, or whatever.

"Oh, this smells so good," Conner added, "Who made it? Definitely not Lilly," He commented and took the first bite, "Oh my god, this is so good," He moaned in satisfaction and walked closer and extending it toward us, "Chase, eat from this, they're so much better than Lilly's terrible cookies."

I don't know why my heart twisted, no, it wasn't Conner's comment, it's the whole situation. It's Aylin, it's...this feeling. I don't know how or what I felt or why I felt it, but somehow, it hurts.

I angrily pushed Conner's hand away, and got to my feet, walking away, needing to be away or I will explode in Chase's face and I don't want to be angry at him.

"What's the matter with you?" Chase angrily shot back at Conner before I heard his footsteps behind me, his hand reached for my arm before I got the chance to escape. He twirled me around, "Lilly-" he started to say something.

I pulled my hand back from his hold and couldn't stop myself, "What was she doing here?" I asked and Chase's eyebrows pulled together at the furiousness in my tone.

"Aylin," I clarified and realization flashed in his eyes, "What was she doing here?"

"I think we'll just head out and go, and yeah, just go-" Sally said, nervously, trying to escape. She pulled at Conner's sleeves, pulling him along, "Hold on, this seems fun," he mumbled, his mouth stuffed with cake. She didn't listen to him and forcefully pulled him and the stupid cake, out of the room.

I looked back at Chase, "You still didn't answer me, what was she doing here?"

"She just came to check up on me, Lilly, it's nothing," He explained and my eyes widened at how normally he addressed the situation, "Nothing? It is something, it is something big, something that shouldn't happen," I shot out, stressing on each word.

His eyebrows pulled together cluelessly, "What was I supposed to do? Kick her out?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yes, of course, why do you still talk to her anyway?" My eyebrow raised, "She lied to you, Chase, did you forget that? Did you forget everything that happened? She tricked you, so yeah, of course, you should've kicked her out!" I couldn't control my tone or the anger building up my insides, "Because I don't want you talking with any girl that has any type of feelings for you!"

"Lilly, come on, it's not like that," He tried to explain, "She doesn't have feelings for me or whatsoever."

I pressed my palm over my forehead, "Oh my god, you boys are always so stupid and clueless!"

"Why do you think she lied to you, huh?" I asked, "Why did she tell you that I went with Zack? It was the only way to let you lose your mind and do anything in return, which meant...which meant sleeping with her!" The old wound from that day opened up. I thought I forgot the thought of them, together. Apparently, I haven't yet.

"Do you...do you have feelings for her or something?" I asked, unable to hide the hurt in my tone.

His eyebrows pulled together, "Lilly, do you hear yourself right now?" He asked, staring at me in disbelief, "You know that's ridiculous, right?"

"Then why is she still part of your life?" I asked, "Why does it feel so normal to you?" I added, "Were you even planning on telling me that she came?"

He sighed, "Of course, I was gonna tell you, but you do realize we haven't sat down alone yet, right?" He added, "And why for any reason, would I ever hide it from you?"

I shook my head, bewildered at the whole situation, "I don't know, okay, I don't know," I took a step backward from him, "She is the reason, Chase, she is why we couldn't make it work the first time, and I can't bear to think she could be why we may not make it work this time," My words had him stepping forward, he shook his head, his words firm, "That would never happen, Lilly, never."

"Aylin means nothing to me," He added, and something akin to guilt flashed in his eyes, "What I did before, it's...it's something I don't even remember, it's something I can't take back, it's something I regret every second," A frown pulled up between his eyebrows as he tried to explain it to me, "I only treat this normally because she means nothing to me, but if that's how you feel, then I won't talk with her again, I really don't care."

His hand rested over my cheek and the look in his eyes made me want to take back everything I've said, "No one in this world would ever come close to what you mean to me, no one, you do realize that, right?"

That look in his eyes, that has to be it, right?

That L-word that gets my stomach tumbling and gets me so very anxious.

My gaze drifted down for a second and he angeled my head up, so I can face him again, "You're my hope, Lilly," He said, his warm voice sending chills down my skin, "Whenever I wanted to give up, you were there, reminding me why I shouldn't," I leaned further into his palm, his words like a warm blanket wrapping around my heart, "I really wanted to at times, but for you, I didn't," His gaze flickered to my hair, to my pink ribbon wrapped up into a knot, he knows pink is my happy color, because that's how I felt today, happy, till I felt he might slip in between my fingers.

He smiled, and his eyes went back to me, "You're my little ribbon," He called me what he used to call me when we were young, words I used to hate, words that were never preceded with the pronoun my.

Words I fell in love with now.

Words that made a heartfelt smile crawl up my lips and let loose of my anger, "And you're my baby boo."

He chuckled, both hating and loving the nickname.

I tiptoed, reaching him, my arms wounded around his neck, "I just got so scared for a second," I mumbled, explaining why I over-reacted, "I thought I am gonna lose you again."

He shook his hand, his arms around my waist, pulling me closer, "Keep one thing in your mind," He started, "You'll never lose me, no matter what happens Lilly, I will always find my way right back to you."

My heart skipped a beat, "Promise?"

He nodded, "Promise."

I took his face in my hands and kissed him, pouring all of my heart into the heavens of his lips.

When I pulled back, I looked into his ocean blue eyes and thought for a second; that feeling multiplying against my chest, that's...that's got to be love, right?

I know that of course, I love Chase. He's family before anything else.

I also know that I am hugely attracted to him.

But after all this time, did that love become...love.

I mean how...how can you know what a feeling is when you've never felt it or ever experienced it before?

"Which is better, my cookies or her cake?" I asked, lighting the mood and letting go of the tension wrapping up around us.

He immediately smiled, "I didn't eat her cake, but I am pretty sure it's your cookies."

My eyebrow raised, "Conner seems to disagree on that."

He scoffed, "Conner is still single for a reason."

I laughed lowly and kissed him again.

I am fine. We...we are fine.

****************

"I told you guys, you didn't have to come here today," Chase told his parents, who dropped by unexpectedly, way to ruin my alone time with Chase, "Conner is staying tonight."

Auntie Katherine nodded and sadly mumbled, "I know, but I've missed you," Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Also, I think there is something wrong with your dad."

Uncle Ashton looked at her, confused at how she talked about him when he's right there by her side.

She gave him a side glance and looked back at Chase, "Yesterday, he made me dinner for example, can you believe that? And in the morning, he made me breakfast again," She said, pretending to whisper to Chase, "I mean he hadn't done that in forever, I think he's not okay."

I chuckled at how serious her tone is, she turned to Ashton and her eyes suspiciously narrowed at him, "What are you planning?" She asked, "What do you want from me?"

He couldn't help but smile at her expression, with his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her closer, "Well, I just wanna see that smile," He said and involuntarily she smiled, she tried to hide it but miserably failed.

She looked at me and Chase and mumbled, "He is so cute, isn't he?" She added adoringly, "I think I love him."

"All these years and you still think?" He asked, amused and she just innocently shrugged.

I smiled at them, they're so cute. I sighed, I wonder how does it feel to have a normal father who doesn't talk about sex with every passing second of the day...Dad traumatized me, I swear.

I looked at the phone and seeing it has gotten late, I excused myself for a bit, "I will be back," I said to Chase before I walked out of the room. I was about to call Conner, but saw him heading in my direction.

He gave me a questioning look, "Are you mad at me, still?" He asked, "If I ate one of your terrible cookies, will you forgive me?"

My eyebrow raised and he sighed, "Well, what can I do, I am not Chase, I am not in love with you to find your terrible cookies so great!"

Here is that word again.

I ignored him, "Nevermind that now, Chase's birthday is in two days, I already have a little surprise in mind that I need your help with," I said, "But it's not something materialistic, so I want to get him another thing on the side, so what do you guys like?" I asked, finding it impossible to pick up a gift for a guy, "Like, what does Chase love?"

Conner's eyebrow raised, "Well, besides you, he-"

"Will you stop with that already!" I mumbled, the harshness in my tone wasn't anger at all, it was all that nervousness accompanying hearing that word more times than I could count today.

He stared at me, confused at my outburst, "Easy there, tiger."

I sighed, "Anyway, will you help me?"

He nodded, "Yup, sure."

**************

Two days later...

I pulled at his sleeves, dragging him with me, "Where are we going again?" Chase asked, totally confused.

"I've got a little surprise for you," I said, the excitement bubbling inside me had me all hyped-up.

His eyes narrowed at me in suspicion, "I am kind of scared, what are you going to do?"

I understood his underlying tone and gave him a wink, "Don't worry, that thing is for later tonight."

"Jesus, I am still here!" Conner said in annoyance as we all walked out of the elevator.

I dragged Chase with me to the back entrance. This center has a small beautiful garden in the back, really beautiful and relaxing, Chase and I would sometimes go down and walk here for a while.

Once we reached there, I paused to a stop and Chase started at me, dumbfounded, "What?" He asked.

I nodded my head forward and he followed my path of sight, his eyebrows pulled together, "Coach?" he addressed our school's coach, still confused as he noticed that the whole soccer team was here, "What are you guys doing here?"

Coach stepped closer and he smiled proudly, "Well, we heard you got better," He said, "And I am in desperate need of my best player."

"What?" Chase asked, still trying to wrap his mind about their presence and coach's words.

"Well, thanks to that little one over there," He looked at me then back at Chase, "We talked with your doctor, he said your health is good enough for you to play again, and we still have one final game left for the season," He explained, "It's in ten days, you'll be discharged by then, so I am gonna need you on the team," He shrugged casually, "The doctor did say I should not over-over-exhaust you, so I am just gonna over-exhaust you."

Chase stared at him speechlessly, "We can start training right away, we still have time to catch up before the game." The coach added.

"Are you serious?"

He nodded, "Hell, I am, if I am gonna have only the likes of Walker on the team," He nodded toward Conner, "Our school will be losing for the first time this year."

Conner nodded, totally agreeing, "Yeah, I suck."

One of the guys from the team added, "We really need you, Chase."

Coach nodded, agreeing and he handed Chase a folded-up jersey. Chase took it, still trying to believe it's happening, "Look at the back," Coach urged, a big grin on his face.

When Chase unfolded it, he stared at the letters on the back, spelling the word, 'Captain.'

His shocked eyes snapped back to him, "We need a new captain for the team," Coach explained, "Are you in?"

A happy smile broke up Chase's features and he didn't need to think twice about it. He nodded, "Of course, I am in."

The whole team cheered and gathered around him, bump fisting and being all guy-like. A relieved breath pushed out of my chest and I stood there, staring at him, talking, smiling, and laughing with the other guys.

I knew the things Chase loved most in this world; His family, playing soccer, playing the piano, and his dream of becoming a pilot (a real Captain), and maybe...maybe me.

Now, I checked one item off that list.

Chase excused himself from the crowd and his eyes fell on me, he walked closer and he didn't miss the chance to pull me closer, "You did all this?" He asked, his smile so beautiful, so contagious, and his eyes so warm making my heart stumble right out of my chest.

I shrugged, "I just did the talking," I said, dismissing it, "It's no big deal."

He nodded his head, "It is a big deal," he said, "I've missed being on the field so much."

I nodded, "I know, that's why I did this, I wanted to see that happy look in your eyes."

He gave me a knowing look, "Well, I have that look every time I see you."

I placed my hand over his chest, wanting him to stop making me blush so hard in front of everyone, I bit at my lower lip, "I still have another little surprise for you," I added, "Now go, finish playing with the guys and when they're gone, I can show it to you."

He shook his head, "You didn't have to do all of this."

"I know," I said, "I just wanted to."

They started calling for him to join, he looked at them then back to me, he sucked into a deep breath, "I am the captain," He said, trying to believe it.

I nodded, It's something that was supposed to be his from the beginning, "Yes, you are."

Almost an hour later, the whole team and the coach bid their goodbyes to Chase, and planned when the next practice would be. Chase had that full-of-life energy radiating off him proving that he really needed this.

"Now, it's time for your second surprise," I added, as we walked back inside. I went through my pockets and sighed when I realized that I forgot the room's key upstairs, "Oh damn, I forgot the keys in my bag, let's go to your room first," I said and Chase stared at me confused, "What keys?"

"You'll see," I said with a teasing smile. I am sure, he'll love this too.

When we stepped into his room, auntie Katherine and Ashton were there. I internally groaned in annoyance. Definitely not the right time!

"Oh baby, happy birthday," Auntie Katherine said, immediately pulling him into a very tight hug. He chuckled when she didn't let go easily. She placed her hands over his face, her eyes watering, "Stop growing up so fast, okay?"

He nodded, "I will try not to." He answered, going on with her.

"We were gonna wait till tonight to come here, but," Katherine said, her eyes going to Ashton, "Your father has a surprise for you."

Uncle Ashton's grin was wide as he handed Chase an envelope. Chase stared back at it confused, "Open it," Ashton said and he opened it and took the paper inside. His eyes went through the words written and I tried to look as well, curious as to what this is.

Chase's eyes widened and they shot to his father, way too shocked at whatever he read.

"Congratulation," Ashton said and Chase shook his head in disbelief, "Is this...is this for real?"

He nodded, "After talking with a lot of people and explaining the whole situation, the dean of the department finally agreed to extend the deadline of the aviation medical exam, it's next week, and your doctor said you'll pass it for sure," He looked at him, proudly, so did auntie Katherine, "You're back into the program."

My heart slammed against my ribcage, both in happiness and in something else entirely.

Chase's shock pushed him to hug his dad, "Thank you, dad," He mumbled lowly, both in relief and still in a total haze.

Uncle Ashton hugged him back, "I didn't do anything, it's all you."

When Chase pulled back, his happiness seemed to multiply as he looked back at the paper, "I can't believe this," He shook his head, "Today, I am getting so many good news, it's kind of scary."

Ashton chuckled, "Well, you deserve it."

Katherine leaned closer to Chase, "Ah, my son is gonna be a pilot!" She added, excitedly.

"Oh, also, you know the summer program they have," Uncle Ashton asked and Chase nodded and answered, "Yeah, it's like an introductory course to train students before getting in."

"Exactly, and from it the airline picks up one student only to work for them right after graduation, they train him and guide him all through the whole process," Uncle Ashton said, his eyebrow raising, "Well, they want you to participate into that summer program as well."

My heart sank, deep down and my stomach did that very uncomfortable thing again.

Chase's eyes widened, "But they don't let just anyone get in."

Ashton agreed, "Well, you're not just anyone."

My hand curled into the inside of my palm, the shock of their surprise hitting me one at a time. God, I am happy for him, of course, I mean look how happy he is. It's his dream after all. I wanted him to have it, it's all he ever wanted.

But...

Chase walked to my side, "Can you believe this?" He asked, almost out of breath at the sudden change of events, "I feel like I am dreaming."

I felt tears gather into my eyes, and I tried so bad to keep them in and not expose me.

He is happy.

I should be happy too.

It's one other thing to check off the list.

I should be happy. I should be...

Then, why am I not?

He enthusiastically added, "I am gonna be a pilot."

I forced on a smile, for some reason, my heart breaking, one small piece at a time as I nodded, this time not satisfied with my next words, "You're the captain."

I was right before; Aylin can't destroy what we have.

But this...this can.

***********************************

If my calculations are right, the next chapter will be the last chapter in part one. I think so. Let me write it and see!

And are you loving these frequent updates as much as I am? Woah, I hope I don't jinx myself and keep this up xD

So, what do you think our Lilly will do now? If you were in her place, what would you do?

She really scares me lol, I feel like I should keep a leash around her all the time or she'll just run away xD

Anyways, see ya next chapter and Love ya all!