''Hey, sexy.''

Devin Greene turns around to find Jeffery Atkins sitting at the bar of Rosie's Diner one evening. He was dressed casual with a pair of sweats and a tee shirt, covering his bed head with a simple black and white Adidas hat.

She leans over the counter, whispering, ''Hey.'' Their lips meet for a quick kiss. ''I didn't know you were coming out tonight?''

''Eh,'' He cocks his head to the side. ''I thought I'd come out and see you.''

''How sweet.''

''When's your shift over?'' He asks her.

''In about another hour,'' She estimates. ''Why?''

He shrugs his shoulders. ''Let's go for a late night drive. It's been a while since jammed to Drake in the car.''

She bows her head and snickers. ''We can't just do a late night drive without some snacks.''

He snaps his fingers at her, swirling in the spinning tool as he cheers, ''Blue Spot Liquor.''

She laughs.

That had to be his favorite sound. Being with Devin Greene, something about her allowed him to be a better person, not only to others but for himself. She has this hold on him that she doesn't even realize she has and to be quite frank, it was terrifying.

She has the capacity to hurt him, to break him to pieces. But instead, she shows him nothing but compassion and care.

He didn't just love Devin Greene. He knew he was in love with her.

Their break up in the summer; all that time spent apart and blocked off from any communications from one another was enough to open Jeff's eyes.

They always said that absence can make the heart grow fonder. He never really felt the meaning of the poetic line, but that entire summer was this consistent streak of pain. A pain that was avoidable with a simple text, a simple conversation.

But nothing was never really that simple.

And even after the storm they went through, they still managed to be with one another. And on that note, stronger than ever. Even when there was a second disaster coming their way called Fiona Denver, they out smarted her tactics and fought against the lies and psychological manipulations.

He felt fortunate enough to be able to be at such good place with Devin Greene. They were in a healthy and honest relationship. It felt good to be an open book with one another, knowing and trusting completely that there won't be an outburst of what they confide in one another around the school.

They were supportive, they were involved. Whether it was with sports activities, or family relations, they were there.

They even had an occurring sex life. A major plus in Jeff's book. If he were to be honest, he wished he'd done it with her a while ago. He knew every time they had intercourse, it wasn't meaningless. There was passion beside the lust. There was love in the mix of all the moans.

Their Junior year at Liberty High was coming to end in just one week.

Senior year was right around the corner, not to mention college that follows right afterwards. Life was moving too fast for him to just wing it. He needed to make decisions now so he can sort out what to expect in his future.

And of those he expects in his future, is Devin Greene.

''You know,'' He licks his lips. ''Jessica Davis is having a party this weekend. We going?''

She shrugs her shoulders. ''First end of the year party? I don't know.''

''Come on,'' He eggs on. He slides his hand against the surface of the counter top until his hand reached hers. He used the pad of his thumb to rub the back of her hand. ''It'll be fun, and you know it will. She guaranteed a beer pong tournament.''

She rolls her eyes. ''Fine.''

''Yes!''

She giggles. ''Don't get too happy. I'm only going so we can have that rematch we were suppose to have, like a year ago.''

''Oh, yeah,'' He smiles. ''The night I took you out to your first high school party.''

Devin props an elbow on the island and rests her chin in her hand so she was eye to eye level with her boyfriend. Her smile was just as goofy as his. ''The night that started it all.''

''How so?''

She takes a deep breath, her smile only growing if possible. ''Because that night was the night that brought us one step closer to where we are now.''

author's note; literally my shortest chapter ever. i got y'all in the next chapter, trust. p.s, i know Jessica Davis party was back to school but these time jumps would be wild crazy if i was in the middle of the year and i decided to start a whole new year.