N O

S U C H    T H I N G

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"So where is he taking you?"

"I have no idea." I sigh to Lena.

"Must be someplace special then." She smirks, still twirling around in my desk chair.

"Well, I suppose I'll find out sooner or later." I shrug. "Help me find a dress."

"A dress? Wow, fancy." Lena laughs. I normally never wear dresses, except for special occasions.

It's been a few weeks since the Halloween dance, and James said that he wants to take me out before Christmas, since we'll be spending it separately with our families. We were going to spend it together, but because we already spent Thanksgiving together, we wanted this holiday to be with just our families.

It was so nice to have everyone together for Thanksgiving. I didn't get a chance to see my baby sister Katrina, but I am promised to see her on Christmas day as well as dad and Kassie.

James' mom decided to host Thanksgiving at her house, so mom and I went over there for dinner. Mom was grateful for not having to cook, but she still offered her help with desert.

Ian spent Thanksgiving with us, and Lena managed to stop by for an hour to appease him. He's been doing a lot better, and just got rid of his crutches a week ago. Lena has been over the moon for his recovery.

Abby and her mom spent Thanksgiving with Percy and his family.

I know what you're thinking, what the hell? Well, Abby thought it would be a good idea for their families to get to know each other, since her and Percy are expecting a child after all.

She texted me and told me that it went as okay as it could have gone. Of course, Avery had to make everything about her. Nonetheless, Abby said she enjoyed the time with Percy and I am happy to report that they are actually a couple now.

It's still a bit weird, but everyone is slowly adjusting.

The two of them get to find out the gender of the baby here soon, so everyone is really excited for that.

I, on the other hand, cannot wait for tonight.

James and I have been stronger than ever, and we haven't had any trouble from Avery ever since James spoke to her at the Halloween dance. He told me everything he said, and I honestly couldn't have loved him more after that.

Things are finally starting to feel normal, and it's only the middle of the school year.

"I got to go; I'm meeting Ian at the mall." Lena smiles. "Think you can manage without me?"

"I'm sure I'll survive." I roll my eyes, but smile along with her.

"Abby and Percy are supposed to meet us at the mall. Pray for me." Lena says sarcastically.

"Will do." I smirk, watching as Lena walks out of my bedroom.

Once I finish curling my hair, I slip into a short black dress that I found in the depths of my horrific closet. I don't even remember owning this dress, but it fits surprisingly well.

I apply a thin coat of lip-gloss, before adding a fine layer of mascara to my lashes.

It's almost seven and James should be here soon.

"SKYLAR!" I hear my mother shout.

It sounds like a bad scream, so I jump up and rush out of my bedroom.

"Mom?" I shout, "Where are you?"

"My room!"

I hurry over into her room, and find her lying on the floor.

"Mom! Are you okay?"

"I just need some help sitting up." She sighs while lifting her arms up.

"Another episode?" I sheepishly smile.

"Yep, these are definitely going to annoy the living crap out of me." She shrugs after I manage to sit her up.

"Well you haven't had one in a while; at least the medication is helping." I suggest, and she nods in response.

"Yes, that is a good way to look at it." She smiles. "Thank you sweetie, I think I got it from here."

After she gives herself a few minutes to rest, she finally is able to stand up.

"Well, now that that's over, let me look at you."

I reach my hand out and she takes it, swirling me around.

"Absolutely gorgeous!" She beams.

"Thanks mom." I smile wide. "I don't know where we're going. This isn't too much, right?"

"Of course not. You look perfect."

I walk my mom down the stairs as I wait for James.

"I'm really proud of you." She suddenly says.

I look over to her from my spot on the couch. "How come?"

"You didn't let your fears hold you back. You saw love, and you went for it. Sure, it took you awhile, but you eventually got where you needed to be. James is a great person, and I honestly think you two will last. I never wanted what happened with your dad and me to burden you or have such an impact on your life. You were so young when everything happened, I honestly didn't think it would hurt you the way that it did. I'll always be sorry for that, but I'm happy that you two have decided to work things out." My mom explains carefully.

I listen to her words and nod, understanding.

"You don't have to be sorry. Some things just don't work out the way we want them to. I was stubborn for a long time, and I held in that hatred for him because it was the only feeling I could control. I shouldn't have let it dictate my life for as long as it did. I'm just happy that, that part of my life is over. If there's one thing I've learned recently, it's that holding grudges only hurts yourself in the long run." I shrug with a smile. "You can't ever expect to have anything positive in your life, if you're constantly worrying about the negative."

"Wow, when did you become so wise?" Mom smirks as she pulls me in for a hug.

"Pft, I'm far from wise, I got that last line from a Twitter post." I shrug playfully.

My mom gives me a pointed look, before laughing. "Regardless, that is why I'm proud of you. For finally letting go and moving forward." She smiles.

"Well thank you. I'm proud of myself too." I smile back.

A sudden knock at the door interrupts our special bonding moment.

"Wonder who that could be." Mom winks while rushing to the door before I can stop her.

"Mom!" I whine as I follow her.

"Hello Theresa." James smiles. "How are you?"

"I'm fine James, get in here!" My mom smiles back, while yanking James inside the door.

"Mom, can you not try to rip my boyfriend's arm off?" I glare playfully.

"Oh come on, he's tough. Look at those muscles!" My mom says as my eyes widen.

"MOM!" I sigh. "Don't you have a room to go clean or something?"

"Wow, my own daughter... I'm hurt." She fakes a frown while she wipes a pretend tear.

I roll my eyes as James laughs. "You ready babe?" He asks.

"Yes, please." I beg while I pull him back outside. "Bye mom!"

"Have fun! Stay out as late as you want, but use protection!" My mom screams from the front door and I stop to turn around and shoot her an incredulous glare.

"Bye sweetie!" She smiles wide before shutting the front door.

"I apologize for that." I sigh as James opens the passenger door for me. I climb into his truck carefully, since I am in a dress.

"Don't apologize. Your mom is amazing. Honestly my mom probably wouldn't have acted any better." He admits with a smirk. "Besides, I've got plenty of condoms in the glove compartment."

My eyes widen as a blush creeps its way onto my face.

"I'm kidding Skylar." James laughs, so I reach over to smack his arm.

"Just drive the damn truck." I glare while crossing my arms over my chest.

"Yes mam!" James salutes before pulling away from the curb.

"Where are we going anyway?" I ask.

"Not telling." He says casually.

"Please?" I beg.

"Nope."

"Please?"

"Nope."

"James!"

"Skylar!"

"Ugh!"

"We'll be there soon, calm your panties."

I shoot him a deadly glare as he laughs with not one care in the world.

Despite his best efforts, I decided to ignore him for the rest of the ride.

After twenty minutes, he announces that we are here.

We both get out of the car, and James immediately walks to the bed of his truck.

"Why are we at a deserted field?" I ask suspiciously. James has literally parked in the center of an open field, nothing around us but clear open sky.

"If you'd stop asking questions, maybe I could show you." He says from the back of the truck.

I roll my eyes as I start to walk toward the back of the truck.

"Don't come back here yet!" James is quick to shout.

I smile as I lean against the passenger door.

I hear a lot of noise, and then complete silence.

"Okay, come here." James says.

I slowly walk toward the back of the truck, to see the most beautiful set up I had ever seen.

Battery operated lights hung from the back windows of the truck. The bed of the truck is completely cleared out, only leaving a bunch of blankets neatly set up, and some pillows all around. In the center of the blankets are two candles (also battery operated), and a basket full of different foods. Instead of leaving his truck on, and possibly draining his battery, he brought a radio that's set up on the roof of the truck. It's just loud enough so we can hear it, but not too loud to where it's annoying.

"Wow." I whisper. "It's amazing."

"I know you are." James smiles while motioning for me to climb up into the back of the truck.

"I wish I would've known. I wouldn't have worn this dress." I laugh. "Thanks for not telling me to wear pants or something."

"Honestly, that dress is amazing. No complaints from me." He winks while climbing up into the bed of the truck to join me.

After an hour of stuffing our faces, and talking about the most random things, James cleans up the food and places the basket on the roof of the truck next to the radio.

"I can't believe you did all of this." I smile as we both lay down in the bed of the truck.

I am so glad he brought pillows.

"Of course I did. We haven't been on a proper date yet, and I needed to spend some alone time with you." He smiles while turning his head to face me.

I face him back.

"Oh, you needed to?" I smirk.

"Yes. We are always surrounded by our friends, and while I love them, I love you just a little bit more." He sends me a wink, and I can't help but laugh.

"That's really sweet." I smile. "Thank you for this."

"Absolutely. That smile on your face is so worth it all."

I take a moment to look into his eyes. The same grey-blue eyes that match my own. His are a lighter shade than mine are, but definitely better looking. His skin is flawless under the moonlight, and I can't help but feel my heart swell with happiness at the fact that he's all mine.

I scoot a little closer to him, and he notices. He reaches down and intertwines our fingers together.

It's a little cold out, due to winter fast approaching, so I grab a spare blanket and drape it over the both of us.

"Thank you." He smiles.

I turn my body to face his, and he does the same. The sun has set, and now the sky is full of twinkling stars.

"Do you remember in first grade when you put that glue into my hair?" I suddenly ask.

James chuckles and I swear I see his cheeks turn a light shade of pink, though it's hard to be sure under the darkness of the night. The lights hung around the windows only give a soft glow.

"Yes, unfortunately." He replies.

"Well I'm glad that you did." I admit with a smile.

"Yeah? Why's that?"

Instead of replying, I do something daring; I lean forward and press my lips to his.

The kiss is slow at first, and then fast all of a sudden, almost like falling in love. He's quick to pull my body closer to his, his arms going around my waist. I sigh in content against his body, the warmth enveloping us in a cocoon of pure bliss.

We intertwine our legs together under the covers, pressing our bodies as firmly together as possible.

I never felt such a high before in my entire life. Suddenly I was addicted to him, to everything he has to offer.

He isn't just James Ryan, my childhood rivalry. He is James Ryan, my very first love. My best friend.

I wasn't looking for anything when I agreed to be friends with James this year. I wasn't looking for love. Was I even ready for love? I don't think anyone is ever ready, but when someone makes you feel alive again, it's kind of worth the risk.

He ignited something deep inside of me, especially during the first moment that we ever kissed. He made me realize that maybe good things really do happen to good people. That maybe this crazy, messed up world is also the most amazing thing to ever experience.

I must admit, I fell in love twice. First was with James, and the second was with the person I became once I realized that he is exactly what I needed to drown the negatives out of my life.

James suddenly pulls away from our intense kiss, and looks deeply into my eyes.

Both our eyes shine brightly under the moonlight, something I want to keep with me forever.

"I know we haven't been together long, but I'm pretty sure I've been in love with you since first grade." He says, and this makes me laugh.

"Is that so? Little first grader James, in love?" I tease.

"I think it was the glue in your hair, really made a difference."

I glare at his smirk as he gently kisses my forehead.

"What about when we leave for college?" I suddenly ask, silently cursing myself for bringing up something that we have yet to talk about, but needed to.

"That's still a while away, we don't have to think about it right now." He shakes his head. "Let's just focus on this, us, right now."

"But James, what if we get into two different schools? What if we have to live in two different states and can only see each other during holidays? I don't think I can handle being away from you for that long." I frown while also wondering why this topic suddenly came up now. I haven't been worried about it until now.

"I don't know what's going to happen, but we will figure it out as we go. Whatever distance we may find between ourselves next year, I know we will make it through just as strong as we are now. But even if we don't, who says we won't find each other again after college?" He smiles.

"I don't know. God, I'm sorry. I'm ruining this special moment with negativity." I sigh while covering my face with my hands.

James is quick to reach up and pull my hands away from my face.

"Stop worrying so much. I promise, we will figure it out. Whatever it may be. For now, let's just enjoy the time we have, while everything is perfect." He says and I nod.

"You're right. I'm sorry." I sadly smile, leaning up to peck his cheek.

"After the holidays, we can talk more about it. I know we're going to have finals and stuff, but this is a priority for me. Come graduation, we will have figured everything out. We will have a plan." He reassures, leaning in to place a warm kiss against my neck.

I shiver at the gesture, my neck being one of my weak spots.

He must notice, because he continues leaving hot kisses all along my neck and collarbone, slowly pushing himself to hover over me.

I'm lying flat on my back now, and while his head covers my view of the stars above, I couldn't imagine a better view than the sweet face directly above my own.

The best feeling in the whole entire world is watching things finally fall into place, after watching them fall apart for so long.

I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be, right here and right now.

Maybe there is no such thing as fairytales, but I believe that with a little trust and good faith, there will always be such a thing as a happy ending.

James Ryan; you're my happy ending. My happy ending that's only just begun.

T H E      E N D.