"You can go back to how it was, but it might never be the same again."

❥

About two weeks later, Jeff was finally stable enough to awake from coma. He had to go through a lot of check-ups before having to go to rehab. After such a serious accident, he needs a few weeks to focus on getting back to the physical condition which he was in before. Luckily, the rehab center is close enough so his parents as well as Liz and Scott can visit him anytime. The team would visit Jeff, too, but he didn't want them to see him like that. Jeff was still unhappy with his situation as he would love to be back on the field again but everyone's happy already to know that he survived.

Will also paid him a visit a few times. Him and Jeff always got along very well and the teenagers see Will more like a big brother or friend than Liz's uncle. In the meantime, Liz and her family has decided to sit down together and talk about it so after that, she moved back in with Will and got to know Harvey more.

Another serious conversation was the one between Liz, Scott and Jeff's parents. They've told them what happened without mentioning Sheri's name. Monica and Harris were crying but they were also thankful to find out the truth and to know that Jeff's not been drunk. That's everything they needed to know.

"Do you want to stop by Rosie's when we get back?", Scott asks Liz as they stand closely by her locker and plan the rest of their day. They usually visit Jeff whenever Monica and Harris are working so each day, he's got company. Liz smiles at the idea of a burger for dinner and nods. Scott's lips form to a smile as he pulls her into a warm hug. Yes, they've learned to hug each other in front of others. 

Soon after Jeff's accident they realized that they couldn't keep being close behind closed doors. They're close but not too close. They're good friends now. They haven't even called each other ‚Reed' or ‚Lennox' anymore. Sometimes the teenager wonder what would have happened if the accident didn't happen or if they had spent the night like they've planned, but none of them said a word.

Monty and Bryce stand on the other side of the hallway watching the two of them with worries. They know what is going on between them and wish that they could help them but whatever they've said, they wouldn't listen. Monty has talked to both of them stating how they worry too much about others and that they should finally give it a try. Well, Scott pretended to not care about the girl that much and Liz snapped at him that he doesn't know anything about relationships. Bryce gave it a try as well but he didn't succeed. They might have to watch and wait.

The sooner Jeff is back from rehab, the more often Liz comes back to cheer training. She also began attending the boys' game as well. And whenever Scott plays, which he always does, she enjoys watching the game. "Hello my good luck charm", Scott grins as he sees her coming closer. "Hey", she chuckles and smiles as he lays his arms around her, "Ready for the game?" 

"Now that you're here, of course. It's not a coincidence that lost every game when you weren't around", Scott jokes. "I'm sorry. The accident was-" "Els, no. I was just joking. I didn't mean to mention the accident", Scott quickly cuts her off and grabs her face to make sure she believes him, "I.. We just missed you being here, okay? I'm glad you're here." "I'm glad to be back here", she smiles shyly not knowing how to deal with him being so lovely in that moment.

"Reed, your drinks are on me, my man", Bryce shouts on the field as soon as the game is over, "You're the man of the game!" "Shut up, Walker", Scott laughs not wanting to be the center of attention. "Come on, Scotty, you need to get laid for how you played", Monty adds laughing and claps his friend on the shoulder speaking more quietly now, "Go over, she's waiting for you." 

Scott just laughs nervously not knowing what to say about it. He wishes that she would be waiting for him. But regarding all of these moments in which they've been friends during the past week, he made himself believe that they've never been this close. He's trying to not be hurt anymore whenever they hug each other but don't kiss one another. 

"You won once again", Liz states smiling as Scott walks over to her, "Congrats, man of the match." "What? Shouldn't I at least get a hug for that?", Scott jokes. "You're sweaty and I already got my dress for the party on. I'll hug you later", she chuckles. "You look beautiful in it", Scott suddenly says softly just watching her without thinking about where they are right now. 

He remembers that dress. She wore it on valentine's day when he met her in the cinema. He loved it back then already. "Thank you." Scott doesn't even ask her anymore, he just grabs her by her waist and hugs her noticing her wearing her favorite perfume. "I hope you've got a pair of jeans with you. I'll give you my shirt when I come back from showering." "That's the least you should do after hugging me with your sweaty jersey."

As soon as Scott's done with the program after the game and before the party, he meets the girl at the parking lot handing her his shirt that he wore before the game. "It smells like you." "Is that bad or-" "No, not at all", Liz quickly tells him, "The others might just talk about it." "Let them talk. They can see it anyways. I liked your dress but you look better in my clothes anyways." Liz bites her lip not knowing what to answer so she just tells him that she would change her outfit in the car before they drive to the party together.

"Are you okay?", Monty asks his best friend when they stand next to the others who play beer pong at the party, "It's your first party ever since the-" "The accident. I know. I'm fine." "You're wearing Scott's shirt." "He ruined my dress with his sweaty hug." "He'd be good for you, you know." 

"Monty", Liz sighs, "We've talked about it already." "What did you talk about? The man of the game?", Scott joins their conversation laughing so Liz knows that he's drunk. She's never seen him this drunk before and doesn't know what to think about it. Why would he get himself this drunk? "Looks like you've got someone you need to drive home", Monty chuckles before letting them talk alone, "Get home safely guys." 

"Can you drive me home?", Scott asks her pouting like a child. She would have loved to say no as she couldn't deal with a drunk Scott. She hasn't had a drink ever since the accident and she doesn't understand why Scott did. Though, she would always drive him home. They take care of each other.

"Can we go to your place? Your uncle's not there, right? My mom will freak out when she sees me like this." "Maybe you shouldn't have gotten yourself as drunk as this." "Are you angry?", Scott asks sadly trying to figure out a way to calm her down. 

"No, I just wish I never went to this party", she sighs not wanting to ruin his fun. It's not his fault that he can enjoy the party and she can't. But Scott always knows what she feels like and how to react. "I thought about the last party, too. I couldn't have gone through this without some help."