When the morning came, Cole was the first one to wake up. The sun was starting to rise and he could see the rays of light shining through the window. He glanced down, smiling when he saw Hollyn was still asleep in his arms. She looked peaceful and content, and he didn't have the heart to wake her. She looked adorable, and he was content to stay here with her and hold her close. He gently ran his fingers through her hair, his touch gentle and soft. Her hair had gotten a bit tangled during the night, and he was trying to fix it. He slowly started to untangle the knots in her hair, running his fingers through the dark brown locks.

As he ran his fingers through her hair, his eyes wandered, landing on the different polaroid pictures that were hanging on the wall. Some were of the two of them and some were of other people or things. One in particular caught his eye. It was of the two of them and their horses. Well, the back of them. Alex had taken the picture. They were side by side and Cole had leaned over to whisper something to her and she had laughed about it, he knew she did by her reaction in the photo. His hand was on the back of her saddle as he leaned over to her. He remembered that day. It had been a good day.

It wasn't long until his eyes wandered and landed on the painting that was next to the polaroid picture. It was one that Hollyn had done a few months ago. She had done the painting of the view from the tree house and it looked amazing. He had to admit, Hollyn had talent. She was very good at what she did. He could sit there and watch her paint for hours. It was interesting to him. To see her put the paint onto the canvas and use different techniques to create such beautiful art. She could easily create something amazing out of nothing and he was impressed by her.

"How long have you been awake?" A sleepy voice spoke up, drawing his attention back to her. Cole saw she had opened her eyes and was looking up at him. Her eyes were tired and full of sleep. Her hair was messy and was everywhere. She looked adorable.

"Not too long. I didn't have the heart to wake you." Cole admitted, running his fingers through her hair, gently tucking it behind her ear.

"You should've." Hollyn mumbles, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "But it's okay, I'm happy you didn't. I didn't realize how tired I was."

"I could tell. You were out like a light." Cole teased.

"It was comfortable." Hollyn pouts, a small yawn escaping her. "Wait, what time is it? We have school today!" She suddenly shot up, panic written all over her face. He reluctanctly let her go, letting her scramble out of the hammock. He tried not to laugh at her as she stumbled around and got tangled up with the blanket.

"Stupid blanket." She grumbles when she fell on the floor, the blanket wrapped around her legs. Cole couldn't help it and laughs, smiling at her with amusement. She glares at him despite the small smile on her lips. "Shut up, it's not funny."

"Sorry, but it kind of is." Cole chuckled.

"Whatever." Hollyn mumbles, leaning over to grab her phone. She's relieved to see it was only 6:00 in the morning. "Thank goodness, it's still early."

"You know, we could always ditch school today and just stay here." Cole suggested, getting up from the hammock.

"Don't tempt me. That sounds amazing right now." Hollyn sighed, looking up at him. The thought of ditching school sounded nice, but she knew she couldn't do it. "But, as tempting as that sounds, we can't. I can't ditch school on my first day back."

"You're no fun." Cole pouts, walking over to help her up. "Fine, if we can't ditch, then I guess we should get going."

"Agreed." Hollyn nodded, taking his hand and letting him help her up. Then she and Cole cleaned up everything and packed things up before they head out. Hollyn had trouble going down the ladder because of her fear of heights. Cole stayed with her and helped her down which she was grateful for. He always did, and she was glad he was there for her.

Once they were both down, they walked over to their horses, petting them and making sure they were okay. After a few minutes, they finally got ready to leave and mounted their horses, heading back to their homes.

Hollyn was nervous. She hoped her parents wouldn't be mad at her for staying out all night. Her parents and Cole's parents knew of their routine with going to their spot after dinner. They trusted the two of them and knew they wouldn't do anything crazy. She had stayed out a little later last night than usual, and she knew her parents would be worried. But they would have to get used to her staying out late because she was an adult and she was allowed to. 

She brought Apollo to the stables to put him back. She took the saddle off him and placed it on the wall, giving him a brush down before putting some food and water in the trough. After saying goodbye, she went into the house and tried her best to be quiet with closing the door. But a bark filled the air, making her sigh.

"Hollyn!" A voice calls, footsteps running towards her. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick! You usually tell us if you're staying out late." Her mom, Carolyn, explained, checking her daughter for injuries as Hollyn's dog, Lottie - who was a golden retriever, bounced around her legs with her tail wagging.

"Sorry, mom. I was just hanging out with Cole. I didn't think I'd be out late." Hollyn explains, hugging her mom with an apologetic expression. "You know how we usually go to our spot after dinner. We lost track of time. I'm sorry." She apologized.

"Oh, that's alright dear." Carolyn sighs, relieved that her daughter was alright. "I'm glad you had fun. I was worried something had happened. Next time tell me, okay?" Carolyn requested.

"I will, promise." Hollyn reassured her, kissing her cheek as her dad joined them.

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to come home." Her father, James, teased.

"Ha ha." Hollyn rolls her eyes but she smiles a little, giving her father a hug. "I was with Cole at our spot. We were just catching up and lost track of time."

A bark gains her attention and she glances down at her dog, who was complaining about not getting any attention. Her dog was named Lottie, and she was an adorable golden retriever. She was a rescue, and the first time Hollyn had laid her eyes on her, she knew she had to have her. Her parents had agreed, and she and her dog had been together ever since.

"I'm sorry, girl. Come here." Hollyn chuckled, bending down and petting the dog. Lottie was always a welcome presence, and she loved the dog dearly. But sometimes when Lottie felt like she wasn't getting enough attention she would often demand for it. She was a spoiled dog, but Hollyn didn't care. She loved her dog a lot.

"You ready for school?" James asked, handing her a mug of coffee.

"Nope." Hollyn sent him a thankful smile for the coffee as she stood. She smiled as two other dogs run into the room. One was a male black Labrador, named Ace. And the other was a female yellow Labrador, named Goldie.

"Hey, you two. I missed you guys a lot." Hollyn smiles, bending down and petting them. "They've gotten so big. Have they been good?"

"Always. So has Lottie, but they all missed you. Even that grumpy cat." Carolyn chuckled, nodding her head to the side.

"What grumpy- Oh!" Hollyn exclaims, noticing a familiar calico cat in the hallway. "Kiwi!" She grinned at spotting the familiar cat. She had been in the hallway, watching them but hadn't approached. Hollyn held her hand out, beckoning the cat over. She knew Kiwi could be a handful sometimes, and she could be difficult. But she also loved attention despite not always acting like it. She could be grumpy most times but she was a sweetheart, and Hollyn had loved the cat dearly. She had even been the one to name her. Yes, she knows the name is a bit silly but she was little when she named the cat and she didn't care.She loved the name and she wouldn't change it.

Kiwi walks over, rubbing herself against Hollyn's leg as she purred. "Hi, baby. Did you miss me?" Hollyn coos, bending down and picking the cat up. The cat meowed and curled up in her arms, content with being there. "I missed you too, you little grump." She chuckled, kissing the cat's head. Hollyn had grown up with the cat. Her parents had gotten the cat for her when she was 5, and the two had been inseparable since. Sure, the cat could be moody and difficult, but Hollyn wouldn't change her for the world.

"She really missed you." James smiles, scratching the cat's ear, causing Kiwi to purr and lean into his touch. "She was always in your room when you were gone. Sometimes she'd sleep in there." He told her.

"Aw, she was?" Hollyn smiles, petting the cat's head. She had a feeling the cat would do something like that. "Well, I'm happy she has you guys to keep her company. Thank you for taking care of her while I was gone. And thanks for taking care of Lottie and Honeycomb too. I hope they didn't cause you guys any trouble."

"Of course, honey. You don't have to thank us. You know we'd do anything for you." Carolyn reassured her, leaning over to kiss the top of her head. Hollyn smiled at her mom and nodded, knowing she was right. She knew her parents would do anything for her. And she would do the same for them.

"So, are you hungry? Breakfast is ready if you are." Carolyn offered, walking into the kitchen.

"Starving, actually." Hollyn admits, setting Kiwi down. "I'd love some."

"Perfect, because I made your favorite." Carolyn smiled, taking the pan off the stove. Hollyn's eyes lit up as she followed her mom into the kitchen while her dad went to take the dogs outside. Hollyn washed her hands and grabbed a plate, filling it with food and then sitting down at the table.

"Thank you, mom. I missed your cooking." Hollyn grinned, digging into her food. She had missed her mom's cooking. Sure, the school had a great cafeteria with some amazing food and her aunt and uncle were great with cooking, but nothing would ever compare to her mom's cooking.

"You're welcome, honey. I'm glad you enjoyed it. How was France?" Carolyn asked, sitting across from her daughter and drinking her coffee. She wanted to know how her trip was. She had visited her daughter a few times and knew her daughter had a great time, but she hadn't gotten the full details yet.

"It was incredible. I had so much fun and I learned a lot." Hollyn gushes, excited to talk about her trip. She loved talking about her time at the art school. It was an amazing experience, and she was so glad she got to do it. "They have some of the best teachers. And the campus is beautiful. I made a lot of great friends too."

"I'm glad you had such a wonderful time. I can tell you enjoyed it by the way you talk about it." Carolyn chuckled, amused at how her daughter would go on and on about her time there. It was clear she had loved it, and Carolyn was happy her daughter got the experience. "I'm proud of you, Holly Berry. I'm so proud."

"Thanks, mom. It's all thanks to you guys. I couldn't have done it without your support." Hollyn said softly, smiling at her mother. It was true, without her parents she wouldn't have been able to go. They were the reason she got to go and she would always be grateful to them.

"We're happy to support you, sweetheart." Carolyn smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. She and Hollyn continued to talk and Hollyn eagerly told her what she would want to know about France. James had gone back inside when he was done taking the dogs out and he fed the dogs and the cat before joining his family at the table.

After finishing breakfast, Hollyn had gone upstairs and took a shower before she got dressed. She wore a red cardigan, a grey tank top, floral printed black jeans and black combat boots. She grabbed her backpack, phone, and keys before she left her room and went back downstairs. She went into the living room, where her parents were sitting on the couch and watching TV.

"I'm heading out, guys. I'll see you later." Hollyn walking over to them to kiss them both on the head. She even leaned over the couch to pet Ace and Goldie, who sat on the couch by her parents.

"Alright, have fun. And good luck!" Carolyn called, looking away from the TV and giving her daughter a reassuring smile.

"I will, thanks." Hollyn smiled, heading out the front door and walking over to her car. It was a silver Jeep and it was a little old but Hollyn loved it. She opened the door and hopped in. She put her backpack in the passenger seat before buckling her seatbelt and starting the car. After taking a deep breath, she drove out of the driveway and began her drive to the school. She couldn't help the nerves that filled her as she made the familiar drive.

****

She soon arrived at the school and parked in the parking lot, her eyes taking in the building. She was nervous to see everyone again, and she could only hope everything would go well. Taking a deep breath, she unbuckled her seatbelt and grabbed her bag. She paused when she realized the car by her was the Walter's car. She was surprised to see a group of girls near the car. But when she saw them get excited and wave at Cole, her surprise went away and confusion took place. While he still acted like the kind, loving guy she knew, she wondered if he only acted like that to her and his family or if he still acted like that to everyone else.

She shook her head and got out of the car. She grabbed her stuff and locked her car when she got out of it. She then walked over to the boys who were still left by the car. Alex, Isaac, and Lee had already went inside the school. It was just Cole, Danny, and Nathan, and she saw Jackie was still in the car.

"Morning, guys." Hollyn greeted, giving them a small smile.

"Oh, hey, Hollyn." Danny smiles, waving at her. "How was France?" He asked curiously.

"Amazing, thanks. I had a lot of fun. You're still doing theater stuff, right?" Hollyn questioned, tilting her head to the side with a curious look in her eyes.

"Yeah, I am. I'm a little surprised you remember that." Danny chuckles, running a hand through his hair. "I've been having a lot of fun though."

"Of course I still remember. You've always been a fan of theater and acting. I'm glad you're still doing it." Hollyn grins and Danny smiled back at her. She then looks at Nathan with a smile. "Good morning, Nate. How are you doing?"

"Great. How are you?" Nathan asked, giving her a small smile.

"I'm good, thanks. Glad to be back, honestly." Hollyn chuckles, shoving her hands into her pockets. "But yeah, I'm good."

"That's good. I'm gonna check on Jackie, I'll be right back." Nathan replied after seeing Jackie was still in the car. Hollyn nodded, following his gaze to Jackie. Concern filled her gaze and she hoped that Jackie was alright. She understood that this could be overwhelming, she felt the same way right honestly.

"Hey, is Jackie alright?" She asked, looking at Cole and Danny with concern.

"I'm sure she's overwhelmed. I'm gonna go check on her with Nathan." Danny responded, sending her a reassuring smile before he walked over to the car.

Cole closes the back door, slinging his back over his shoulder as he looks at Hollyn with a grin. "Hey, Holls. Good morning." He greeted, giving her a side hug.

"Good morning, Cole." Hollyn smiles, returning the hug. "What's up with the welcoming crew?" She asked, referring to the group of girls that were still watching him.

"They do that every morning before school. You missed a lot while you were gone, by the way..." Cole answered, sounding a bit sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck after they had pulled away.

Hollyn tilts her head to the side, furrowing her eyebrows and wondering what he meant by that. "What do you mean?" She asked, not sure what he was talking about.

"Let's just say Cole has become quite the lady's man." Danny replied as he, Nathan, and Jackie walked over to them.

"What, so you're like the heartthrob of Silver Falls now?" Hollyn chuckled, looking back at Cole.

"Basically, yeah." Cole laughs, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't mind it, really."

"I can see that." Hollyn said, seeing the group of girls giggle and whisper to each other as they watched Cole.

"So, what do you think?" Cole asked Jackie while Jackie had turned to look at the school, a nervous expression on her face.

"It's...Big." Jackie commented, looking up at the building.

"Not like them fancy Manhattan schools, huh?" Cole remarks, getting off the car. "Or like that fancy art school in France?" He added, glancing at Hollyn with a grin. Hollyn rolled her eyes and chuckled, playfully pushing his shoulder.

"No. Definitely not like France." Hollyn agreed, remembering the school she had gone to. It was an amazing experience, but nothing would compare to this place. She wasn't sure if Jackie would say anything to Cole, but before she could have an opportunity, a voice called out to Cole.

"Cole!"

Hollyn sighs heavily at hearing that familiar voice and forces herself not to roll her eyes. Erin ran over to Cole with a bright smile. "Hi." She greeted and he smiled and put his hand on her waist, pulling her closer as his other hand went up to the side of her neck.

Hollyn rolled her eyes as they made out, feeling uncomfortable as she watched. She didn't like Erin at all. She and Erin had a long history. They used to be best friends growing up, but then Erin met Olivia and started hanging out with her less until she was just completely left out. But then, when she did finally get her chance to talk to her, Erin was a completely different person and had no problem being rude and mean. Erin became completely different when she got popular and it bothered Hollyn. And the fact that she was on and off dating her best friend bothered her even more.

"Is it necessary that you have to make out in front of us?" She mumbled.

"Just ignore them." Nathan told her, knowing her jealousy. It was obvious she had feelings for Cole. Obvious to everyone but Cole.

"Easy for you to say." Hollyn grumbles, watching the couple make out. "Seriously, guys, get a room. No one wants to see that." She huffed, walking away. She was irritated and she wasn't going to stand around and watch that.

"Is she okay?" Jackie asked with concern, looking over at Danny and Nathan.

"She'll be fine. She doesn't like Erin very much and Erin doesn't like her either. There's a lot of history there. It's a long story." Nathan replied, knowing how complicated Hollyn and Erin's relationship was.

"Ah. Gotcha." Jackie nodded, turning back to look at the school, noticing Hollyn walking towards the building.

Hollyn didn't see Cole pull away from Erin or the frown that formed on his lips as he watched her walk away. "I should go check on her. See you guys in a bit." He mumbled, not waiting for a response from the group as he quickly followed Hollyn into the school. He knew Hollyn had a history with Erin and it made him feel bad, so he wanted to go check on her and make sure she was okay.

Erin scoffed, watching Cole jog over to Hollyn. "I was really hoping she would stay in France." She grumbled as she walked away.

Hollyn walked into the building and sighed heavily. She knew that wasn't a very mature thing to do and she shouldn't have stormed off. But she didn't want to see her ex-best friend make out with her current best friend. It was just uncomfortable for her and she had gotten jealous, something she hated. She hated getting jealous. It was dumb, but it couldn't be helped. This was definitely not how she thought her first day back would go. 

She was brought out of her thoughts when someone grabs her arm, pulling her to a stop. She turned around and her eyes widen when she sees Cole. She didn't think he had followed her. "Cole? What are you doing here?" She asked, a bit surprised.

"I wanted to check on you. I know you and Erin have a complicated history, I'm sorry we made out in front of you." Cole apologized, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's fine, Cole. It's not your fault, it's just a little uncomfortable, is all." Hollyn mumbles. "Don't worry about it, okay? I just needed to not be there anymore." She added, not wanting him to feel bad.

"I understand, Holls." Cole nods, smiling reassuringly at her. "But I want you to know that if something is bothering you, you can talk to me. Okay? I'm always here for you, no matter what." He reminded her, wanting her to know that he was there for her. He always would be.

"I know. And I'm always here for you too." Hollyn smiles, giving him a hug. "Thank you, Cole." She mumbled, resting her chin on his shoulder as she closed her eyes.

"Anytime." Cole hummed, hugging her back. He held her close and his chin rested on top of her head. He missed her hugs. He missed his best friend. But he was glad she was back, and he was happy to see her again.

After a few seconds, they pulled away and Cole grins at her. "I'll see you later, alright? Let's have lunch together." He suggested, putting his hands in his pockets.

"I'd love that." Hollyn smile, nodding in agreement. "See you then, Cole." She then turned to leave to go to he office. She had to pick up her schedule and the rest of her school stuff. Cole watched her walk away, his smile never fading as he watched his best friend walk away. He had missed her. But she was back now, and things were going to go back to normal. 

A/N i love hollyn & cole so much