As discreetly as I could, I peeked inside the laundry room.

I held my breath in anticipation, even though I really shouldn't get my hopes up. When I saw no one in the room, I released the breath I was holding. Now I knew I really shouldn't get my hopes up and expect Anders to suddenly show up.

I needed to get a grip.

"What are you doing?"

I jumped and whirled around in panic, like I was caught doing something wrong which was just silly. Sunshine was standing beside Kristine, the art teacher. They were watching me curiously, with Sunshine looking more suspicious.

"What?" I asked innocently, straightening up and trying to act casual.

"What are you doing?" Sunshine repeated.

"Nothing."

Kristine stared at me. "You're not on laundry duty today."

Oh, frack. "Yeah, I just checked... on the sheets."

Sunshine looked skeptical. "Uh-huh."

Before she could ask about Anders – because I knew how her mind worked and therefore I was a hundred percent sure she would, I changed the subject.

"What are you girls up to?"

It was Kristine who answered, "We're going to grab a bite in the cafeteria."

"Wanna come with us?" Sunshine offered.

I shook my head. "I can't, I'm waiting for Kobe. We're gonna head to the diner to meet with his friends."

Sunshine gave me a knowing smile. "Look at you, being all social."

"They're not so bad once you get to know them," I said, shrugging. I didn't expect to get along with them, but I did.

She grinned and hugged me. "I'm proud of you."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be silly."

"Alright, go ahead and hang out with the cool kids." She pushed me away, before pointing to me. "'Cause once I get out of here, I'm gonna hog all your time."

I laughed. "Looking forward to it."

"Bye, Meadow!" Kristine waved at me.

Just in time, I got a text from Kobe saying he was in the lobby. I grabbed my bag from the staff room and headed out to meet with my best friend. And to my surprise, Ria was with him. I thought she didn't like the youth center.

"Gotta admit, I expected a gloomy vibe," she said, looking around the room.

"The aim is to make everybody feel comfortable and at home," I told her, coming up to them.

Kobe grinned at me. "Hey."

I smiled back. "Hi."

Ria nodded, looking impressed. "They totally achieved that. It looks like a hotel." Her eyes finally landed on me. "Ready?"

"Yup."

With that, and the three of us stepped out together. I caught Reagan in his dark red jeep, waiting for us in the driver's seat.

"What's up, Meadow?"

"Hi, Reagan," I greeted him, as I climbed in the backseat with Ria while Kobe sat out front on the passenger seat.

"Phil's already there," Reagan informed us, driving away.

"I'm texting Arienne and Linds," Ria siad, busy on her phone.

I looked out the window, remembering all the times I was in Anders' convertible. I liked how the breeze hit my face, smelling the fresh scent of trees around us. I didn't know why, but that had become my favorite part of the day when he was here.

I wondered what he was doing now. He said he'd be back but it had already been a week, and there was no sign of him. Not even a text.

Did he already forget about me?

Ria nudged me, bringing me back to the present.

"Sorry, what?" I asked.

Kobe looked at me from the front seat. "We're here."

I glanced outside and we were already in front of the diner. I followed Ria out of the jeep and walked towards the entrance. Kobe fell behind to match my pace.

"You okay?" he asked.

I sighed. "Yeah, just remembered something."

"Does this 'something' have curly dark hair and favored good looks?"

I shot him a look.

He pulled up his hands, laughing. "I'm just asking."

I rolled my eyes.

"C'mon," he said, putting an arm around my shoulders as he guided me towards the diner. "Let's get some food in you to get you in a good mood."

No truer words had been said.

I hung out with Kobe and his friends for the rest of the day. Well, I guessed they were my friends now, too.

I couldn't help but reflect on how I was now surrounded by a group of people. I realized that I didn't have friends before not because nobody wanted to be friends with me, but because I never tried to open up to them.

I was grateful I tried this time.

Later that day, Kobe and I went to the water tower.

It was our tradition to spend practically half of our summer up here, even though all we ever did was watch shops close up and people say good night to each other. There was just something peaceful about watching the whole town go to sleep, leaving it all to ourselves – like it was ours for the taking.

I heard Kobe release a deep breath, and said, "I'm gonna miss this place when we go off to college."

I raised an eyebrow, turning to him. "That's two years away."

He glanced at me suspiciously. "You haven't changed your mind, have you?"

"Nope."

It had long been decided that we were going to go to NYU together and pursue our dreams there. I wanted to study sociology while he wanted to major in game design. We didn't want to go too far away, so NYU seemed the most logical choice.

Kobe grinned. "Sure, you haven't. 'Cause you'll be closer to him that way."

I glared at him, making him chuckle.

His smile mellowed down, and he started to look at me warmly. "Have I ever told you how thankful I am for Anders?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"He lit a fire inside of you."

I tilted my head, trying to understand him.

"I love all sides of you, Mead." He paused to take a deep breath, turning his eyes downwards. "But I didn't allow you to be more than who you already are. I was content, and I didn't leave you any room to grow. I'm sorry for that."

"It's not your fault," I said quietly.

"I can't help but think it is. I held you back."

"No, I held myself back," I stated, shaking my head. "I was so good at hiding that I guess I embraced the invisibility, not daring to go outside my comfort zone." I looked up at the night sky and smiled. "Anders challenged me to step out of the boundaries I set for myself. He inspired me."

"And that's why I'm grateful for him."

"Me, too."

If not for him, I'd probably still be stuck within the four corners of my bedroom. And while I loved my own company, it shouldn't be the only thing my world revolved in.

Something lighting up in the distance caught my eye. I squinted, trying to figure out what was happening at one of the buildings not too far from where we were.

"What's that?" I asked.

Kobe's eyes followed where I was pointing at, and he said, "Isn't that the rooftop above the theater?"

"I think so."

"Wanna check it out?"

I leaned back. "What if it's a trap?"

He chuckled. "To what?"

"Hey, the evil witch used sweets to lure Hansel and Gretel to her lair."

He stared at the lights and shrugged. "I'm going."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Nah." He got to his feet and started climbing down the tower.

"Kobe!"

"If I die, at least you know where to find my body."

"That's not funny!"

He laughed. "Maybe not, but I'm still going."

"Oh, frack."

I stood up and followed my stupid best friend down.

We drove to the old theater. Kobe knew the guy working there and promised we'd be back down before he locked up. We used the fire escape and climbed the stairs until we made it to the roof deck.

I gasped when Kobe opened the door.

The whole place was decorated with lights. My eyes were transfixed on the little bulbs as I walked around. It was almost too late when I noticed someone standing near the edge, overlooking the town.

My heartbeat fast, recognizing that curly flop of hair anywhere.

Kobe literally gave me a light push from behind. I shot him a look. He only made a 'go ahead' gesture in encouragement.

I slowly walked over to the familiar person, glancing back at Kobe and seeing him close the door. He gave me a thumbs up before he left.

I turned around again, not sure what to say to the city boy. I felt like I hadn't seen him in forever. Maybe I could poke him. But he could jump in surprise and accidentally fall—Nope. Not gonna do that, then.

"I never saw the appeal to towns like this," Anders said, as he looked down on the empty street. "I'd easily get bored and move on to the next place."

I stayed quiet until I was beside him. "But you came back."

He turned to me. "I forgot something."

I looked at him questioningly. "What?"

"This." He pulled me in for a hug, before breathing out, "You."

My heart pounded wildly against my chest, and I could swear that he could feel my heartbeat. I should be shy and embarrassed. But I was just too freaking happy that he was here. And he was hugging me!

Weird. Why did it feel like all was right again in the world?

"You're an adventure, Meadow," he said quietly. "And I can't get enough."

A tear escaped, and I quickly wiped it away. Too many emotions running inside of me that it surprised me when I was able to say, "I thought I'd never see you again."

Anders pulled away and looked at me with an expression I couldn't read. "Sorry, I had to take care of something at home."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, a friend needed my help. It's settled now."

"So... are you just visiting?"

A small smile appeared on his face, looking amused. "No, I'll spend the rest of the summer here. I'm not alone, actually. Gavin decided to come with—said he had nothing to do in the city, anyway."

I nodded in understanding.

"I'll introduce you—properly."

I smiled. "I'd like that."

He stared at me for a long time, as if he was memorizing my face. He reached out a hand and placed a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips brushing the side of my ear before they settled on the nook of my neck.

The hair at the back of my neck stood. And I just realized that moment how close our faces were. I caught Anders' eyes flickering to my lips. Was he going to kiss me? Oh, my God. I had never felt more self-conscious in my whole life.

But it was as if something slapped Anders to reality because he suddenly blinked and cleared his throat. Then, he glanced at the nearby table and stepped towards it.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, gesturing to the pizza box.

I stared at the pizza in disbelief. "Is this... mac and cheese pizza?"

He grinned. "The best in Jersey."

"Aw, Anders," I cooed, gazing giddily at the pizza.

"It's your favorite, isn't it?"

"Yes." I beamed. "Thank you."

"Pleasure's all mine," he said, with a little bow.

"Ever so polite."

"Chivalry is a rare trait nowadays."

"Uh-huh," I replied distractedly, getting a slice of the yummiest pizza in the whole wide world. Where did he find out to get this?

"I ordered some roasted potatoes as well."

Since my mouth was very full, I was only able to smile and do a little goofy dance which made him grin.

"How have you been?" he asked.

I swallowed and shrugged. "I've been hanging out with Kobe and his friends."

Anders raised his eyebrows, clearly not expecting that. "Impressive."

"I wouldn't have been able to do it without you," I admitted sheepishly, grabbing a tissue and cleaning my greasy fingers.

He shook his head. "You give me too much credit."

"No, seriously. You helped me open up somehow and..." I trailed off, trying to find the right words. "I don't know, nothing's the same anymore."

He chuckled and looked down. "You had that effect on me as well, you know."

"I did?"

He nodded, gazing at me. "Weeks ago, you told me to change my perspective. I did, and I haven't been the same since. My friends noticed the change, actually. We had an argument about it."

"I'm sorry," I told him sincerely.

"I'm not," he deadpanned. "Meadow, you inspire me to become a better person. Never apologize for helping me see what matters most in life."

I was quiet, shocked to find out that I caused that kind of change in him. Because he had such an effect on me, I thought it was only one-sided.

"Thank you," I murmured.

He chuckled. "I should be thanking you."

I shook my head, and said, "You say these nice things about how I helped you, but you don't know how much of an impact your words were to me. You made me feel good enough. You made me realize that I shouldn't seek validation from other people, only from myself. You helped me."

He gazed at me for the longest time, a soft smile forming on his lips. "It looks like we helped each other," he said.

"We make a good team," I replied.

He smiled. "We do."

I stared at him, again noticing the freckles on his face. Giving into the temptation, I reached up a hand and gently touched them with my fingertips. He closed his eyes as I traced the constellations scattered on his cheeks.

"I'm happy you came back," I whispered.

"I couldn't bear the thought of not seeing you again," he whispered back.

My fingers stopped in their tracks and I looked into his eyelids, watching as they opened and revealed those golden brown eyes of his.

I had no idea how to respond.

I had no idea how to admit that I felt the same way.

Before I could say anything, though, he continued in his low voice, "Saying 'I can't live without you' is a lie. The fact is, I can. But the thing is, I don't want to."

What...

What...?

What...?!

The corner of his lips lifted up, as if he shared an inside joke with himself. "Come on, the food's getting cold." He picked up a fork and poked a potato.

I blinked and snapped myself out of it. "Did you get Kobe in on this?"

"Perhaps," he admitted, before sliding the roasted baby potato in this mouth.

"He should be an actor," I muttered.

All of a sudden, Anders started choking and pounding his chest.

I blinked. "Anders."

He gasped for breath, gripping his throat. He was seriously choking!

"Anders!"

I quickly ran behind him, before putting my arms around his waist and doing the Heimlich maneuver. A small piece of potato jumped out and rolled on the concrete floor not too far from us.

We breathed heavily.

"Thank you," he said, his voice raspy.

"Don't worry about it," I panted, eyeing the half-eaten potato.

When I met his eyes, we burst out laughing.

We made such an odd pair. Him, who was all about speed and doing as much as he could in as little time as possible. While me, I'd rather savor the moment and prolong it if I could. Yet here we were, finding solace in each other.

I guessed it helped that our differences complemented one another, which made us learn and consider things from each other's point of view.

Who would've thought that we would end up as friends?

Nobody expected it, least of all me.

"Is it alright if we leave the potato there?" Anders said, trying to hide that he was terrified from almost dying. "I'd rather not go anywhere near it."

I snorted. "Don't be a brat. It's just a potato."

"Then, you clean it up."

"I wasn't the one who choked on it."

"Exactly, I almost died."

"And I saved you."

"Is Kobe still here? Let him deal with it."

"Oh, my God." I laughed in disbelief. "I'll do it."

He smirked. "I'll make it up to you."

"You better," I muttered, grabbing a tissue from the table. "Or else I'll make you wear bright-colored aerobics clothes from the eighties."

He straightened up. "On second thought, I'll get rid of it."

I laughed out loud. "You're so predictable."

Anders took the tissue from me and winked, before replying, "Only because you know me pretty well now."

That, I did.

And I was sure...

Our adventures were far from over.

_______________

THE END

Ah, another book done this year!

I hope you laughed along with them and their misadventures. I hope you had a light fluttering feeling when you were reading this. I hope you it let you escape from reality for a while.

THANK YOU for reading Anders and Meadow's story! I had SO MUCH FUN writing this – especially with 2020 going on and all. (Btw, this story is set in the summer of 2021 in case you didn't know. Haha) THANK YOU for loving the character development as much as I did! I swear, I love how I was able to emphasize their complexities and how it improved their outlook on life. THANK YOU for going along this coming-of-age journey with Anders and Meadow!

Here's to fun and fluffy stories! :)

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!