Hollyn couldn't believe it. She got grounded for the first time in her life, and it sucked. She was given a whole list of chores to do while her parents were gone to celebrate the opening of 'The Lark After Dark' at the 'Lark Cafe' and she was stuck home alone. Will and Hayley were the ones who had came up with the idea and she couldn't go to celebrate with them. Cole was in the same boat as her. Grounded for the weekend with a lot of chores, and not being allowed to go celebrate either. Something else that worried her was the fact there was supposed to be another big storm coming. Her mother told her if the power goes out, the generator is in the garage and she knows how to use it. She was a smart girl and could handle things herself. She's 17 and can handle it...Even though she's scared of thunderstorms and hates the dark.

"Well, I'm screwed." She muttered to herself as she did her laundry. As Hollyn continued with her chores, her mind kept drifting back to the events of the previous night. She couldn't shake the image of Cole leaning in to kiss her, nor could she ignore the fluttering feeling it had stirred in her chest. She replayed their conversation in the car, feeling grateful for his presence and understanding, even amidst the awkwardness of the situation.

When she finished with all the laundry, her phone buzzed with a text from Erin. She glanced at the screen, seeing Erin's name and feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Erin had been there for her last night, but there was still tension between them, lingering remnants of past hurts.

rainbow sherbert🤩
hey, how are you holding up? feeling better after last night?

strawberry shortcake☺️
i'm okay. i was super hung over this morning, not fun at all. remind me to not drink that much. but thanks for checking on me, though. how are you?

rainbow sherbert🤩
well, honestly, not that great. i need someone to talk to...can i facetime you?

strawberry shortcake☺️
sure just give me a sec to finish this chore.

She finished vacuuming the down stairs and put away the vacuum just as her phone started ringing. The familiar sound of ringing filled the room and she went to grab her phone that was laying on the kitchen counter, seeing Erin requesting a facetime call.

She accepted the call and soon Erin's tired face appeared. Hollyn saw she was in her room, sitting on her bed. Concern deepened the furrows on her brow as she took in Erin's glassy eyes and tired demeanor. "Erin, are you okay?" She asked, her voice laced with worry.

Erin let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly as she met Hollyn's gaze through the screen. "Not really. A lot has just been going on...I don't think I wanna do track anymore." She confessed.

Hollyn was surprised to hear this from Erin. She had always known Erin to be passionate about track, often spending extra hours training and pushing herself to excel. Concern furrowed her brow as she listened, trying to grasp the weight of Erin's words.

"Why? What happened?" Hollyn asked gently, her heart aching for her friend.

Erin shifts uncomfortably on her bed, her gaze flickering away from the screen for a moment before returning. "It's just...I don't know. Lately, it feels like it's all too much. The pressure, the expectations... I'm not sure if I can keep up anymore," She admits, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "And I don't want to either, but my mom..." Her voice trails off while she chewed on her lower lip. "I feel like my mom loves it more than I do. She keeps pushing me to do better and I'm sick of it." Erin explains. "I'm sick of the pressure."

"Have you told her that?" Hollyn encouraged gently, knowing how difficult it could be to confront a parent about something as significant as quitting a sport.

"No, and I'm afraid to." Erin responds, her voice breaking. "She'll be so disappointed, Hollyn. Disappointed in me."

"Erin, you're her daughter, she could never be disappointed in you." Hollyn told her firmly, hoping she was able to convince her.Erin gives her a look. "My mom is very competitive. And high strung. You've met her. She won't accept me just wanting to stop." She pauses, taking a shaky breath. "I just don't know what to do."

Hollyn looks at her with sympathy, her heart aching for her friend. "Listen, Erin, you have to do what's best for you. Your happiness matters, too. And if track isn't making you happy anymore, then maybe it's time to explore other things. And if your mom truly loves you, she would understand."

Erin looks down, her lip quivering. "I hope so." She sniffles, her eyes watering. "Thanks for listening, Hollyn. It means a lot."

"Of course, Erin. I wish I could give you a hug." Hollyn frowns. She didn't like seeing her friend upset, especially since there was nothing she could do. "I'm here for you, Erin. Whatever you need."

"Thanks, Hollyn. That means a lot." Erin smiled softly, wiping her eyes. Hollyn's gaze went to the window when she saw a flash of lightening and she flinches when loud thunder followed. "Guess the storm is arriving soon." She mumbled, biting her lip.

"How are you doing with all of that?" Erin asks, sensing her uneasiness. "You still scared of thunderstorms?"

"Yeah." Hollyn sighs, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "And the dark. And I know it's silly and I shouldn't be, but-"

"It's not silly, Shortcake. It's understandable." Erin cuts her off, smiling softly. "We're all afraid of something."

Hollyn blinks, surprised by her friend's response. "Oh, uh...Thank you. For saying that. That means a lot." She glanced at the window again, the storm seeming to loom closer with each passing moment.

Erin's expression softens, her gaze filled with understanding. "You're welcome."

They talked for a while longer, about everything and nothing. It was nice to catch up with her friend, and to be able to talk to her like they used to. Eventually they ended the call when Hollyn had heard a knock at the front door which confused her because her parents were out. The three dogs the family had were in Hollyn's room, laying down, but they perked up at the knocking. Kiwi was curled up on Hollyn's bed and didn't bother with moving when she heard the noise.

Hollyn made her way to the door, opening it and her eyes widen. Cole was standing on the front porch, his hands shoved in his pockets.

"Cole?" She asked with surprise.

"Hey, Holls." He greets her with a grin. "You look surprised to see me."

"Yeah, didn't expect to see you." She admits. She flinches at seeing another flash of lightening and hearing a clap of thunder. It had started to rain and Cole was relieved he had gotten here in time. "Why are you here, though?"

"Came to check on you." Cole tells her, his gaze softening. "You know, because of the storm and everything." He explained, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Oh." Hollyn felt her cheeks flush and her heart skip a beat. "Well, uh, thanks. That's nice of you." She sent him a smile and steps aside. "You can come in. Don't want you getting soaked."Cole grins, walking inside. "Thanks." He greets the dogs, who all eagerly approached him. He knelt down and pet them. "Hey, guys. Good to see you." He chuckled, ruffling their fur.Hollyn couldn't help but smile fondly. She had always loved how Cole was so good with the dogs and even with Kiwi. Cole was always so sweet and gentle with her and her pets which made her fall for him even more.

"So, you wanna hang out?" Cole asks, looking up at her with hopeful eyes. "I'm done with my chores and it's so boring without you around."

Hollyn couldn't resist his pleading puppy dog eyes. She nods, smiling. "Sure." She agrees. "What do you wanna do?"

"I dunno. Watch a movie or something?" Cole suggested. "Since it's raining, we can't really do anything else."

"That sounds good." Hollyn nods, leading him into the living room. They sat down on the couch and Kiwi finally decides to make an appearance, jumping onto the couch and curling up next to Hollyn. "Kiwi, you're being a bad hostess." Hollyn chided her cat, earning a small meow in return. Kiwi didn't seem to care as she rested her head in Hollyn's lap and purred when Cole reached over to pet her.

"She's just glad to see me." Cole grins. "Isn't that right, Kiwi?" Kiwi meowed, getting off of Hollyn's lap to walk onto Cole's. His grin widens, and he gently lifted the cat to cradle her in his arms.

"Traitor." Hollyn teased the cat, who just meowed in response and curled up in Cole's arms.

"She just has a thing for blondes." Cole joked.

Hollyn laughs and shakes her head, amused. "So, what movie do you wanna watch?"

"Whatever you wanna watch." Cole tells her, still playing with Kiwi. "Your pick." He set Kiwi on his lap and she was content to stay there.

"You're giving me too much power, Cole." Hollyn warned, her eyes narrowing.

"I trust your judgement." Cole told her, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

Hollyn giggles and stands up to walk over to the shelf below the TV that's full of movies. She scans the titles, searching for one they could both agree on. "You're so gonna regret saying that." She tells him, her eyes landing on one of her favorite movies. "Ah ha!" She grabs the case and holds it up. "This one."

"Grease?" Cole reads the title, his brow raised.

"What?" Hollyn asks defensively, her cheeks turning pink. "It's one of my favorites. You should know this by now! You've known me forever!"

"Yeah, and we've watched Grease, like, a hundred times." Cole reminds her. "I'm pretty sure I can quote the entire movie by now."

"Hey, you said I could pick the movie so we're watching Grease!" Hollyn sassily placed her hands on her hips, her gaze daring him to protest.

Cole put his hands up in surrender, grinning. "Alright, alright, we'll watch Grease. Don't get your panties in a twist."

Hollyn huffs, glaring at him. "You're such a pain." She turns and put the DVD into the player, grabbing the remote and sitting down next to Cole. She leans against him, sighing contentedly. "Just shut up and watch the movie."

Cole chuckles and wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. "Yes, ma'am."

With the help of Cole and the movie, Hollyn was distracted from the raging storm outside. She didn't feel afraid with Cole there. He was always her safe place and made her feel calm and happy. The two were quiet for the most part, just enjoying each other's company. Hollyn even sang to all the songs, doing some choreography she remembered as well, and Cole couldn't help but laugh and join in, dancing along with her. He was always amused by how passionate she was when it came to her favorite movies. He loved that side of her, and found her adorableness to be irresistible. He always had. As the movie continued, the storm outside grew worse. The wind picked up, rain hitting the windows and roof harder, and the occasional thunder and lightning. Hollyn was able to ignore it, not as afraid since she had Cole there.

It wasn't until the power suddenly went out that her fear began to grow. Her eyes widened, glancing around the now dark room. She wasn't expecting the lights to go out. The storm was already bad enough. She could handle a storm with Cole, but now that the power was out, her fears were coming back. "You guys have a generator, right?" Cole asked, his brows furrowed.

"Yeah, in the garage." Hollyn answered, her voice shaking slightly.

"I'll go set it up." Cole told her, gently removing his arm from her shoulder and standing up.

"No, don't leave me here." She complains, her voice coming out more frantic than she intended. "Please." She added quietly. She felt her heart racing, panic beginning to set in at the thought of being alone in the dark during a storm. She also felt pathetic though, she

Cole pauses, his heart clenching at her tone. He knew she was scared, and he didn't want to leave her. Not when she was like this."Holls, it'll only take a minute."

"Please, don't go." Hollyn repeated, her eyes pleading with him. She hated how pathetic and childish she sounded, but she couldn't help it. She didn't want to be alone in the dark, especially during a storm. She also felt pathetic, she was 17 and should be able to handle this on her own.

Cole hesitates, seeing the genuine fear in Hollyn's eyes. He didn't want to leave her alone either, especially knowing how scared she was of storms and the dark. "Okay, then we'll do it together." He decides, extending his hand to her. "Come on, short stuff."

Hollyn feels a wave of relief wash over her as she takes Cole's hand, grateful for his understanding and support. She followed him to the garage, clinging to his hand tightly as they navigate through the darkness. Once they reach the garage, Cole turned the flashlight on his phone on, illuminating the space with a dim glow. Hollyn took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she watched Cole locate the generator. She helped him find it and explained how to start it up, feeling a bit more confident now that Cole was there with her. Together, they managed to get the generator running, the comforting hum of the machine providing a sense of security amidst the darkness and the storm raging outside.

Hollyn flinched when a particularly loud clap of thunder echoed through the garage. She instinctively moves closer to Cole as they got back inside the house. Feeling Hollyn's grip tighten on his hand, Cole wraps his arm around her shoulders, offering her comfort and reassurance. "It's okay, Holls. We got the generator running now, so we'll have power. And I'm not going anywhere, alright? I'll stay with you until the storm passes."

Hollyn nodded, her heart rate gradually slowing down as she leaned into Cole's comforting embrace. She felt grateful to have him by her side, his presence providing her with a sense of safety and security that she desperately needed in that moment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts as she focused on the warmth of Cole's arm around her and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Despite the storm raging outside and the darkness enveloping the house, she felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that she wasn't alone.

As they settled back onto the couch, Cole pulls her close, wrapping her in a warm embrace. "You wanna watch the rest of the movie, Holly Berry? Maybe that will help distract you from the storm?" Cole suggested, his voice gentle and soothing.

Hollyn nods, feeling grateful for Cole's presence and his comforting words. "Yeah, that sounds good." She replied softly, snuggling closer to him as they resumed watching the movie. With Cole by her side, she felt safe and at ease, her fears gradually fading away as they lost themselves in the world of Grease.

As the movie played on and the storm raged outside, Hollyn found herself feeling grateful for this unexpected moment of closeness with Cole. Despite the chaos surrounding them, she felt a sense of peace and contentment in his arms, knowing that she wasn't alone. And as they laughed and sang along to the familiar songs, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of something more - a warmth blossoming in her chest as she realized just how much she cared for him.

As the credits rolled and the storm began to subside, Hollyn glances up at Cole, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thanks for being here, Cole. I don't know what I would've done without you."

Cole smiles back at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Anytime, Holls. I'll always be here for you, no matter what." He leans in closer to kiss her forehead, his breath warm against her skin. "And hey, if you ever need someone to watch Grease with you a hundred more times, you know where to find me."

Hollyn giggles a little, her cheeks flushing at the sudden closeness between them. She couldn't deny the fluttering feeling in her chest as Cole's words sank in, warming her from the inside out. "I'll keep that in mind." She murmured, unable to tear her gaze away from his.

They stay quiet for a few moments before Cole breaks the silence. "Truth or dare."

Hollyn rolls her eyes, looking at him with amusement. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, dead serious." Cole chuckles. "Truth or dare." He pressed.

"Truth." Hollyn sighed, knowing she couldn't resist his persistence.

Cole grins mischievously, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Alright, truth. Hmm... Tell me, Holly Berry, what's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"

Hollyn groans, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment at the thought of revealing her most embarrassing moment to Cole. "You already know everything, Coley." She mutters. "We grew up together."

"Nuh-uh, you're hiding something, I know it." Cole grins. "Tell me. I'm curious." He insists. "Or I'm gonna tickle you." He threatened, his fingers brushing against her side. Hollyn couldn't help but giggle, squirming away from his touch. She hated how ticklish she was.

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you!" She gave in, knowing she couldn't resist his teasing.

Cole grins triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he awaits her answer. "I'm waiting, Holly Berry." He taunts, his fingers brushing against her side once again. Hollyn laughs, squirming away from his touch once again. "Tell me, and I'll stop." Cole grinned, his fingers hovering dangerously close to her sensitive sides.

"Okay, okay! The most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to me..." Hollyn began, taking a deep breath as she tried to gather her courage. "Well, there was this one time in middle school, when I had to give a presentation in class..." She trails off, feeling her cheeks burn with shame as she recalled the memory. "And well, I had really bad anxiety back then, and I was so nervous about my presentation that I... I kinda... threw up on the teacher." She confesses, her face turning bright red. "In front of the whole class." She mumbles. She had been so relieved she didn't have Cole in that class with her, she wouldn't have survived. She hid her face in her hands, unable to look him in the eye. "And, that's it. That's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to me." She whispered, her voice muffled.

Cole's mouth had dropped open in surprise, his eyes shining with a mixture of amusement and sympathy. He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, earning a glare from Hollyn. "It's not funny, Cole!" She hissed, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, Holly Berry. It's kinda funny." Cole admits, trying to hold back his laughter. He saw the look on Hollyn's face and instantly felt guilty. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry." He apologized, reaching out to grab her hand. "That's pretty embarrassing." He agrees, his tone softening. "But hey, it's not like anyone's perfect. Everyone's got a story like that." He reassures her. "And besides, it's in the past now. You can move on from it and look back on it and laugh someday." He adds. "Right?"

Hollyn looks at him, her gaze softening as she took in his words. "Yeah, you're right." She smiled, feeling a bit better. "Thanks, Cole." She squeezed his hand, grateful for his support.

"Anytime, Holly Berry." Cole grinned, glad to see her smile again. He couldn't resist the urge to tickle her sides, causing her to giggle and squirm. He laughed, enjoying the way she tried to wiggle away from his tickling fingers.

"Cole!" Hollyn gasps, giggling as she attempted to escape his tickling assault. "Stop it! I already told you!" She pleaded, her voice laced with laughter.

Cole grins and stops his tickling, chuckling softly. "Sorry, Holly Berry. I couldn't resist." He pulls her close, hugging her tight. "I just love seeing you laugh, you know that?" He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. Hollyn's cheeks turn pink at the gesture, her heart skipping a beat as she leaned into his embrace.

"I love seeing you laugh too, Coley." She whispers, resting her head against his shoulder. "Okay, truth or dare." She mumbled. She couldn't believe she was actually playing this stupid game.

Cole pretends to think for a moment, tapping his chin. "Hmm, let's go with dare this time." He grinned.

"Really?" Hollyn asks, surprised by his response. "You sure about that?"

Cole grins as he nods. "Lay it on me, Holly Berry." He challenged.

Hollyn grins, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she thinks of a suitable dare for Cole. "I dare you..." She pauses, dramatically building up the suspense. "To kiss me." She blurted out, her cheeks flushing pink at the sudden boldness of her words.

Cole's eyebrows rose, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well, well, Holly Berry. Look who's suddenly feeling brave." He teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Wait, forget I said that." She quickly said, her face turning more red. "You're still with Erin, and-" She began to ramble, her nerves getting the best of her.

"Who said I was still with Erin?" Cole cut her off, a small grin on his lips.

Hollyn looks up at him, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about, Cole?"

"We broke up a couple days ago, Holly Berry." Cole tells her, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You didn't know?"

Hollyn feels a mixture of shock and excitement coursing through her. "What? Why didn't you tell me?" She asked, her eyes searching his for answers.

"I was planning on telling you today, but with the chores and the storm, I guess I forgot." Cole admitted sheepishly.

Hollyn couldn't believe what she was hearing. "So, you're really not dating her anymore?" She asked, still trying to process the news.

Cole shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nope, we're done." He confirms. "So, about that dare..." He grinned, his eyes locking with hers.

Hollyn's heart was beating wildly in her chest, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink as she met Cole's gaze. "I-I guess you should get started on it, then." She whispered, her breath hitching in her throat.

Cole's grin widened as he leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "I guess I should." He murmured, his voice sending a shiver down Hollyn's spine. He gently cupped her face, his thumb tracing her bottom lip. His gaze was intense and full of desire, causing Hollyn's heart to skip a beat. Before he could lean in completely, they jump apart at the sound of a car door closing. Hollyn's parents were home from the party. Which meant his were probably home too. He should get back to his house, especially since the storm was letting up. But he really wanted to stay and kiss Hollyn, especially now that they were both single. Though he knew he should get home.

"I should probably head back." He murmured.

Hollyn couldn't help but feel disappointed, but she nods, smiling a little. "Text me when you're home, okay?" She added, her gaze softening.

Cole nods, kissing her cheek instead before pulling away. "I will, Holly Berry." He grinned, flashing her a wink before getting up and walking to the front door to leave. He greeted Hollyn's parents while he started walking to his house.

James and Carolyn exchanges a glance as they make their way to the front door. "You surprised at all that he was here?" James asked his wife.

"Not at all." Carolyn chuckles, shaking her head. "You know those two are inseparable. They've always had a special bond."

James nods, a fond smile playing on his lips. "True." He agrees. "You think they'll ever get together? Or do you think it'll be another ten years of them pining after each other?"

Carolyn laughs, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, they'll figure it out eventually." She assured him.

Inside the house, Hollyn had got ready for bed. Her mind was racing with thoughts about Cole. About how he broke up with Erin. How they were both single now. About how she finally worked up the courage to ask him to kiss her. She couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if her parents hadn't gotten home when they did. Would he have kissed her? And if he had, where would it have led to? Her cheeks flushed pink as she imagined the possibilities.

As she snuggled under the covers, her phone buzzed with a text message from Cole.

coley💛
Made it home, safe and sound. Sweet dreams, Holly Berry. See you tomorrow.

She couldn't help but smile as she read his message, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly typed out a reply, a warmth blossoming in her chest as she thought of him.

holls💚
Goodnight, Coley. I'll
see you tomorrow. <3

Before she had tried to fall asleep, her phone buzzed again and she was curious as to what that notification was. She picked her phone up, her heart fluttering at suddenly seeing a text from Julien. She didn't expect to get one from him this late.

jules🎨
hey, sorry I'm just now texting you. Got caught up with the family and didn't have my phone on me. Are you okay? I know you hate storms.

Hollyn's heart fluttered and she couldn't help but smile. He was so sweet, and she appreciated his concern.

holly🖌
its okay, i understand! yeah, im all good now, cole came & kept me company during the storm. did you have fun with your family?

jules🎨
of course, I always do. thats good, I'm glad you weren't alone during the storms. when you told me you were the only one home i was worried about you. but anyway, I was thinking maybe we could hang out tomorrow? just us

Hollyn's heart skipped a beat at that and she couldn't help but smile at the suggestion. She liked Julien, a lot. And she always enjoyed spending time with him. But then her thoughts drifted to Cole and how she had just spent the evening with him, and how they almost kissed. How she wanted to kiss him and still does. She knew she shouldn't be thinking of Cole while talking to Julien, but she couldn't help it. She felt conflicted. She cared about Julien and enjoyed his company, but her feelings for Cole were undeniable. She wasn't sure what to do. She bit her lip as she hesitated over her reply. Though there was nothing wrong with hanging out with Julien. They were close friends. So she finally replied, deciding that she could worry about her complicated feelings later.

holly🖌
I would love to hang out with you tomorrow!

jules🎨
great! and I was thinking maybe I could pick you up before school and get coffee together before we went? then after we were done hanging out after school I can take you home

holly🖌
sounds great!! just lmk in the morning when you're coming to pick me up!

jules🎨
got it! have a good night, holly

holly🖌
good night, jules!

Hollyn couldn't stop smiling as she set her phone down and plugged it into her phone charger. She was looking forward to tomorrow and spending extra time with Julien. But her thoughts drifted off to Cole, how they almost kissed tonight. And how much she wanted him to kiss her. As she lay in bed, thoughts of Cole and Julien continued to swirl in her mind, keeping her awake long into the night. She knew she had to figure out her feelings and sort out her situation before it became even more confusing and complicated. She could only hope that her feelings would become clearer with time.

A/N cole & hollyn have my heart, i love them so much