Three Months Later.

"Summer, sweetie, do you know where my red blazer is?" My mom sticks her head into my room, smiling ruefully.

I painstakingly lift my head off of Aleena's lap to think for a moment. "Try looking in the white container in your closet."

"Oh, I completely forgot to check there." She holds her hand to her head. "Alright, I'm heading off to work soon. Don't forget your father's coming to take you all to dinner tonight, don't spoil your appetite before then."

"We won't." Aleena and I both promise before she shuts the door back up and leaves.

We shift our attention to the TV to continue watching our High School Musical marathon and I lay my head back on her lap, savoring her company after three months apart.

Though we talked frequently about reuniting some time before school started back up, neither of us made any definitive plans, so when Aleena and Darren surprised me a few days ago and promised to stay until my birthday, I was more than elated.

The days have flown by with Aleena, Darren, Theo, and I spending our time going to movies, parks, museums, and doing all the fun touristy things that can be done in Philadelphia. Today though, August 24th, on the morning of my 21st birthday, we've decided to slow down and have a lazy day. Theo and Darren are at the gym so Darren can give him some workout pointers, and Aleena and I have yet to leave my bed.

My birthdays have never been a big deal and I don't expect this one to be either. Just a day spending time with the people I love and having a small dinner at a steakhouse at night. Simple enough, just how I like it.

"How weird has it been not having both parents living at home anymore?" Aleena asks, stroking the tendrils of my curly hair.

I speak honestly with no lingering emotion. "Better. Obviously my internship ended two weeks ago so I haven't been back for long but it's been more peaceful than ever. Splitting up was the right move. Selling the restaurant and pursuing other career options was what they needed to do ages ago."

I don't miss Kingston way, and now that they no longer have a flopping business draining their money and the small confines of our house to share, my parents are actually cordial and somewhat friendly to one another.

"That's good to hear. People think divorce is the worst thing ever, but a lot of people were only meant to be in each other's lives for a short period of time, not forever," Aleena says.

For some reason, that thought sticks with me in a depressing way. She's not wrong, I know first hand.

"How are your parents though?" I ask. "Please tell me they showed some enthusiasm for you booking a national commercial your first week of auditioning."

"They congratulated me, but it's still back to Pennwood next week to finish my degree. They're not budging about that and in all honestly it's probably a smart move. Only one more year and I'll have a safe backup if god forbid this acting thing doesn't work out. Plus I started this college journey with you and I'm not letting no other girl share your bed and eat your ramen." She pokes my stomach.

My door suddenly swings open and Darren and Theo walk in like they own the place. They're in t-shirts and basketball shorts but look freshly showered.

Aleena begins excitedly clapping her hands together and before I can ponder her sudden spark in energy, Theo covers my eyes with his hands.

"Surprise number one for the birthday girl," he says.

They lead me, albeit clumsily, down the stairs and Theo only removes his hands from my eyes when we get to the dining room.

"I present to you, the breakfast of your dreams." Darren lifts his hands to present the dining table that's been covered inch by inch with food.

Waffles, fruit salad, orange juice, eggs, toast, sausage links, hash browns, and French toast. It really is the breakfast of my dreams. In the middle of the table sits a big vase filled with roses. I can quickly tell they're real upon close inspection. It's weird. Only one person has previously given me these roses.

I check to see if it came with a card, but I don't find one. It brings a sense of disappointment, I won't lie.

"You guys didn't have to get me this giant bouquet too, it must've cost you a fortune." I still admire the beauty of the flowers.

None of them catch my eye suddenly, and they instead focus on filling up their plates, so I do the same.

***

After breakfast my second surprise is a trip to the roller skating rink. Theo stops on the way to pick up his girlfriend, Kayla, so what was once a fun and balanced group has turned into me being the third wheel.

I don't mind it. I let the couples speed in front of me hand in hand, leaning into each other to give small kisses, playfully shoving each other to make one fall then scurrying to help them back on their feet. It's cute.

I've been working on myself this summer, just like I said I would. Along with my internship and two summer classes, I've been seeing a virtual therapist twice a week.

It was great to have someone to vent to while I was going through my breakup. A non judgmental stranger I could let my guard down around. As I got through the heartbreak, I really started to find my sense of worth. To understand when to put my all into something and when to take a step back and realize a situation isn't beneficial for me physically and emotionally.

I'm learning to become a more confident self-sufficient version of myself and it's been an eye-opening journey, but there's just one thing that's tugging at me, I'm lonely. I miss the good parts of being in a relationship. Not just any relationship really, just one.

I haven't seen or spoken to him since the day at the lake. I don't even like to think about his name because if I don't then that takes away some of his realness. Not really, but it helps in a way, especially when I'm reminiscing about our past. I hope he's growing too, I hope he's having a great summer with his family. That's all the time I'll give him today, so now I'll move on.

We skate for a while, the others making more of an effort to not let me lag behind the whole time and it's a lot of fun either way.

When we get back home, Theo drops Kayla off, and my third and final surprise turns out to be a makeshift scavenger hunt to find the gifts they've hidden for me. Theo hands me the clue to his first, then Aleena hands me hers, but before Darren hands me his, Aleena pulls him aside and they have a quiet conversation about its content apparently.

I don't know what could cause this semi-heated discussion. Does she think it's too hard to find? Too easy? Either way, they eventually decide it's fine enough to pass over, and with three new assignments now handed to me, I would be lying if I didn't admit I'm not all that psyched to have to find my own birthday gifts.

Still, I don't let that show and eagerly read Theo's clue to his gift. It's simple enough, thank god. A good start.

To find your gift in shining red, search the place where you most often wet the bed.

"You're such a dick, you know. I had severe bladder issues, okay." I feel the need to defend my toddler self.

The others laugh and follow behind me as I run up to my room. As I pull back the covers and pillow on my mattress, a gift is nowhere in sight.

"I said the place where you Most often wet the bed." Theo reiterates, leaning against my door.

I huff out a breath and playfully shove him as I walk out of my room and head to my parent's. Low and behold, a gift box wrapped in glittery red paper sits on top of my moms bed.

Inside is a pair of lavender scrubs, non-slip sport shoes, and a gift certificate for three trips to the spa near campus. The card at the bottom reads, "to the world's greatest nurse and sister, happy birthday, I love you."

I attack Theo with a hug and plant a kiss on his cheek, leaving him to back away in disgust and attempt to wipe the kiss away with a grinning face.

Aleena insists her gift should be next so I open her card and start reading.

As best friends we've shared many secrets, so think of the place where we promised to keep it. What's similar, what's sour? By your home that blossoms with the flowers.

I think it through. The place where we promise to keep our secrets? We didn't meet as preteens touting diaries and sharing secrets. No, we met during orientation right before freshman year started. In the auditorium at the performing arts center. There's nothing sour in the performing arts center, but there was a lemon tree right outside of it. We were both admiring it when it ended up sparking our first conversation. There's also a small lemon tree growing in my neighbors backyard. My grouchy neighbors who frequently lie about us attempting to steal said lemons from their tree.

I make my way to the backyard, staring at the withered and high brown fence that separates the tiny space of our backyard to my neighbors, the Johnson's. Their lemon tree is just big enough to surpass the height of the fence and ever since it's reached that height, we've been getting accusations thrown at us left and right for supposed theft.

"Please don't tell me you actually put my gift right under their tree." I whine.

"I won't tell you, but the note might." Aleena smiles mischievously.

"How did you even get it over there, I know the Johnson's didn't welcome you with open arms to plant the gift of a girl they hate on their property."

"No, I waited till they went to work and had Darren help me jump the fence," she says like it doesn't sound psychotic.

"Well you guys are gonna have to help me jump the fence now too," I say.

Darren and Theo help boost me up and next thing I know, I'm jumping over onto the Johnson's side of the backyard.

"If I get arrested on my birthday for trespassing, you're all getting your asses kicked by the way." I warn, spotting the blue gift bag by the tree and quickly scooping it up.

I end up having to throw the bag over the fence then climb it and hold on long enough for Aleena, who gets onto Darren's shoulder to help pull me back over. I try not to be too irritated though, Aleena means well with her shenanigans.

In the bag is a deep blue dress. It's strapless and form fitting, with a modest slit on the side. There's also a popular makeup pallet she's raved about and a set of new brushes.

"Aleena, the dress is beautiful. Thank you for everything."

"So you forgive me for this little fence incident?" She asks wearily.

I give her a hug and kiss on the cheek as well. "There's nothing to forgive."

She smiles and kisses me back.

I turn my attention to the last note, hoping Darren's gift isn't as physically taxing to retrieve. His clue only consists of three words.

Ball is life.

"Really? What's this supposed to mean?" I laugh.

"It means what it says, ball is life."

"Sooo.." I ponder.

"Sooo," Darren mimics me.

"A basketball court?" That's honestly all I can think of and forgive me, but Darren isn't much of the imaginative type. I guess I'm not either.

"A basketball court!" He confirms. "And where's the nearest court?"

"At the park down the block." I nod.

"Bingo." He cheers as we now start walking to the park.

It's a beautiful day today. All sun and a nice breeze so we're not sweating our tits off. It feels good to be 21.

We get to the park and as I get closer to the basketball court, I notice a group of kids are in the middle of a heated game and a gift is nowhere to be seen.

"Where did you put it," I ask, genuinely curious. "I don't think the park was a good idea, someone could've easily taken it."

"I know," Darren says. "That's why I enlisted a trusted bodyguard to keep his eyes on it."

Darren is cheesing and Aleena is smiling nervously. Theo crosses his arms, rolling his eyes. They know something I don't. My heart beats faster.

Darren points to a picnic table a few feet behind the basketball court and my eyes instantly in laser on a head of dark curls that are all too familiar.

"Is this okay?" Aleena asks. "We've been debating if you'd be cool with it for the past few days."

"Just say the word and I'll ship him back to Chester myself," Theo says.

"It's fine." I breathe, because I'm shaking with slight nerves and can barely get oxygen in my lungs. "I'll go get my gift now."

They don't follow me, and each step I take closer to Carter leads to varying emotions hitting me all at once. The one thing that is certain is I want to see him right now, I want to see him more than anything.

He turns his head, looking more glorious than ever. He stands up and our eyes lock, causing him to sport a grin that lights up his whole face.

This guy is insanely good looking.

"Summer." He says my name like it's his oxygen.

"Carter, what are you doing here?" I'm smiling back at him, smiling like an idiot. Something feels different with this time apart. It's like a different spark almost, none of the awkward misery of our lake breakup lingers. This is a new Carter, and I'm a new me.

"I'm sorry for this little stunt. I wasn't sure if you'd want to see me, but it's your birthday and of course I had to try," he says.

"I do want to see you." I take a step closer. "How have you been?"

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a surprise hug. The surprise washes away instantly and I melt into him like I always used to.

We break apart and he ushers me to sit on the picnic table next to him.

"I've been good. Working through things with my family, training with the 76rs," he says. "How about you?"

I heard the news as soon as it happened. Darren texted me immediately after the drafts to let me know Carter was the sixth pick and was staying in Philly to his relief. I'll admit a part of me was relieved too.

"Good. The internship went well, I Aced both of my summer classes and my parents are finally divorcing," I say.

"I'm sorry," Carter frowns.

"You know how my situation was, please don't be. Everyone is so much better because of it. My dad used the money he made from selling the business to buy a food truck he's gonna run by himself. My mom got her old finance job back. We're all happy, I promise."

"That's good, I'm glad to hear that. I'm always worrying about you. I just want you to be happy," he says.

"I am." I try to hold back whatever is rising in my throat "How's Sam doing? Mila and your dad?"

"Sam is great. She's three months sober. Sharing joint custody with John and trying to get her life back on track. Mila is Mila." He laughs. "Not a single thing has changed, except for the fact that she can in fact say Carter but chooses to keep calling me Cathy cause she likes how it sounds better. And my dad, well, we've made a lot of improvements in therapy. Honest and healthy communication is key, that's what Dr. Mitchell has taught us."

"Dr. Nichols taught me the same so there must be validity in that statement."

"There definitely is." He agrees, pushing a gift bag toward me. "Mine and Darren's gifts."

"I thought you were the gift." I tease, reaching into the bag. There's a wellness kit from Darren with a diffuser, essential oils, and candles that are meant to calm you down. A small box is beneath it and it holds a beautiful silver necklace with my birthstone in the middle. Identical to the necklace I gave to Carter on his birthday, the one he wears right now.

"No, especially since I thought there was a good chance you were gonna start screaming and running when you saw me. Didn't think that would amount to a good gift," he says.

I nudge his shoulders, stifling my chuckle. "I wouldn't start screaming and running from the sight of you. I'd cover my face and walk briskly away. I don't want to draw attention to myself."

"Afraid you'll blind everyone with your beauty?"

"Yeah, almost as much as you would with yours."

"You think I'm beautiful?" He holds his hand to his chest.

"I think you're gorgeous." I whisper.

"I think you're gorgeous." He whispers back.

I have to break eye contact this time. Look away or I'm afraid I'll physically explode.

"Thank you for the necklace, I love it." I try to change the subject.

"Let me put it on you." He insists, grabbing the chain and positioning himself behind me.

His hands briefly touch my skin, so lightly one should barely feel it, but with me, each light touch is like fire and I find myself burning at the mercy of his electric fingers. I can smell his cologne, feel his breath land on my shoulders. Every one of my senses is heightened with him so close, every one of my needs.

I look down at the gem, twirling it in my fingers just to have something to do.

"Happy birthday," he says, sitting back down.

"Thank you, again." My hand doesn't leave the gem as I sit down too.

I notice the kids by the court have finished their game and Theo, Aleena, and Darren take advantage of that fact to start up their own.

"How's Cory?" Carter asks, snapping me out of my mind.

"Um, I don't know. Fine, I guess. I don't really talk to him much. He's got the NFL thing going on and everything. Why?"

"Well, I figured after everything that you got back together," he says.

"Carter," I sigh, not out of frustration but with the need to communicate clearly and effectively for once. "I broke things off with Cory a few days after we met, do you want to know why?"

"Sure." He's trying to act nonchalant but I can see his riled nerves.

"Because after only one encounter, I felt more chemistry with you than I'd felt with Cory our entire relationship, even when we were official back in high school. I never wanted him half as much as I've wanted you, I've never truly loved anyone romantically but you. It's always you, Carter, and it always will be you whether we're together or not."

I almost want to throw up after this admission, until Carter leans forward, grabs my face and kisses me.

I have to let the shock wear off, just like it did with the hug and once again, I melt into it, give into him further. Everything else blurs, every worry fades and his lips know just what to do to bring me back to life.

We pull apart and sit back down, both dizzy with hormones and general excitement.

"So what are we gonna do?" He asks. "You said if we're meant to be, fate will bring us back together. Well, I decided to bring fate into my own hands today. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for blowing up at you after my birthday party. I'm sorry for putting my problems with Sam over you and our relationship. I'm sorry for shutting you out, while seeking your help and comfort. I'm sorry for causing you to be late to your exam. I'm sorry for not being there to pick up the pieces when your world was falling apart. I made so many mistakes, I know you'll say we both did but this is the time for me to take accountability because I was worse. I know I'm a good person and I know I was mostly a good boyfriend, but I was also battling my demons and I was far from perfect. Yet after everything, I still want to be with you, Summer. I feel like I have to earn you back, earn your trust, and I will if you'll let me. It's  always been you or nothing. So what do you say?" 

I look back over to the basketball court and watch Darren, Theo, and Aleena passing the basketball back and forth amongst each other. Aleena catches the ball, takes a  few steps back, and flings it towards the net. I watch it circle around and around the hoop, neither going in nor falling off, and turn back to Carter.

"Let's give this one final shot."

***

And Cut!

That's a wrap guys!! Thank you so much for getting this far and so diligently following Summer and Carter's story.

I'm so proud to call this my first fully completed story. I endured a lot of self doubt throughout the writing process, but I'm so glad I stuck through.

Be sure to follow me if you're interested in more stories in the future!

Ongoing and Coming soon:

Shotgun

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On The End Zone

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Leah Stokes is determined to get a spot in one of the most prestigious internships programs in the country. The problem is she's been applying each year, yet hasn't gotten far enough in the process to even garner an interview. It's her Junior year and time is running out if she wants to kickstart the career of her dreams.

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Hooked On Clover

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Clover James has spent every summer she could remember in Clover Bay, a small beach town she just so happens to share a name with. For the first time, Clover isn't searching for adventure, love, and relaxation this summer, she has only one goal: scrounge every last penny she can to pay off the remainder of her college tuition.

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