Adam has been staring at his computer screen for two hours. So long in fact that his eyes are starting to blur the words on the page in front of. Come on focus. This is important. Just answer the question: Why do you want to attend Boston University?

He starts to type out an answer, "Boston University offers all the ideal qualities that I am looking for-" No, no that's all wrong, he backspaces his entry away. "I want to attend Boston University because of its wonderful-" Forget it, he thinks, as he backspaces his most recent attempt.

Inwardly sighing, Adam speaks to himself, "I am never going to finish this."

Navigating the common app page, he makes his way back to the Toronto University application. It's practically finished, all he has to do is send it in. His mouse hovering over the submit button.

There's a light tap at his door, "Hey honey, how goes the applications?" his mother asks.

"They're impossible," he says exasperated, "Will you still love me if I live at home for the rest of my life?" He jokingly asks.

"Not you too," she jokes, referring to Drew and his predicament of having to repeat his senior year instead of moving on to university. She moves into the room, hovering over Adam as she reads over his applications. "Oh honey you're practically finished with this one," she says, referring to the Toronto app, "why not submit it?"

"Uh," Adam says, moving the mouse away from the submit button, "I still have some kinks I need to work out on one of the short answers." That's just an excuse, Adam can't find the will to submit the application. He isn't sure it's such a good idea.

"And why are you applying to Boston University?" Audra asks, "I didn't even know you were thinking of moving to the states."

"Just keeping my options open," He replies. Adam knows that's not necessarily the true answer, but it's not lying either.

"It doesn't have to do with your girlfriend, does it?" She asks.

"No, I promised you I wouldn't base my future on my relationship," He replies.

"I know, just checking," she says. Audra seems pleased with Adam's progress so she stands up straight, "Honey, you've been working hard, take a break, okay?" She says earnestly.

"Good idea mom," Adam says, closing his laptop.

Audra moves to leave the room, "Dinner in a few," she says, closing the door behind her.

Adam audibly sighs. For some reason he thought applying to colleges would be more exciting than this. Planning his future. Becoming an independent adult. Finally leaving Degrassi. Yet applying to colleges has been nothing like that. It's been stressful, boring, and a little disheartening. Adam doesn't quite feel ready to move on from the life he has here. The next four years are so unknown, they've yet to be written, but what he has here feels safe.

He hears his phone buzz, breaking him out his little trance, "I'm back! Can't wait to see you!" Seeing that it's from his girlfriend puts a little bit of a smile on his face. She's just the thing he needs to shake him out of this mood.

He types out a reply, "My mom is cooking your favorite meal for dinner."

She replies, "YUM! Be over soon."

Adam tucks away his phone and heads to his closet to pick out an outfit for dinner tonight, nothing fancy but something a little more impressive than his usual look. As he's rummaging through his hangers, the thought of Bianca appears. He suddenly wishes she was here to dress him instead. The image of her disappears as quickly as it showed up.

"This will have to do," he says, settling on a blue button up and khaki colored pants.

Adam quickly gets dressed and brushes his teeth before heading downstairs.

"You look nice," his mother remarks.

"Thanks," Adam replies.

"Set the table for me please," she politely orders.

Adam grabs the place mats and the silverware, placing them in their appropriate spots with spoon and knife on the right and fork on the left. Next he grabs four glasses out of the cupboard and puts them on the table.

Right about the time he finishes setting the table, the doorbell goes off.

"I'll get it," he says to his mother, who is finishing draining the pasta.

"Hey you," he greets to the beautiful girl in front of him, "I missed you," he says sincerely, taking her in his arms for a long awaited hug.

"I missed you too," Becky replies, hugging him tightly. Just having Becky back in his life immediately makes the stress Adam was feeling dissipate. A few seconds pass before the two finally break apart. "Something smells delicious," Becky notes.

"That would be dinner," Adam says, moving his arm to her back and guiding her toward the dining room table.

He pulls out her chair, "Always the gentleman," Becky says smiling.

"I'll be right back," Adam says, heading back into the kitchen. He grabs the pasta and the bread, bringing it back to the dining room and placing them on the table. He returns to the kitchen for the water pitcher, filling it with ice and then water, and placing it on the table.

Adam then takes his place next to Becky with Audra and Omar across the table.

Although Adam, Omar, and Audra do not partake in prayer with Becky, they all sit patiently as she silently prays. After a minute Becky says, "Okay, let's dig in."

"Everything looks wonderful," Becky says as she serves herself a helping of pasta.

"It was nothing," Audra says modestly.

It's quiet as people pass plates and get their servings, but once the food has found its way onto the plates the conversation starts.

"So Becky, how was Florida?" Audra asks.

"So great, it was wonderful to see my grandparents for a bit," she replies, "But it's also nice to be back," Becky says, smiling at Adam. Becky reaches under the table and Adam gladly takes her hand. She can't help but feel perfectly content in this scenario. Her boyfriend and his family welcoming her into their home for a dinner. It's so simple yet perfect. Becky couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

"Well Florida sounds like more fun than hanging around here, isn't that right Adam?" Omar asks.

"Yeah, my break was relatively boring," Adam says breaking into the conversation. Adam has been a little beside himself now that Eli's gone off to college and he has no one to hang out with. Literally all his friends left, Fiona, Eli, and even Bianca. He can't help but feel nostalgic when he thinks about them.

"You didn't do anything fun?" Becky asks.

"Well Drew, Dallas, and I went camping for a week, that was pretty fun," Adam answers. He has a quick flashback to Dallas pitching a tent and Drew building a fire. Adam was most excited about fishing, but sadly there's little fish to catch in the winter. In fact, most of the camping trip was spent huddled in front of the fire because it got so cold at night.

"Speaking of the boys, where are they tonight?" Becky asks.

"I told them if they couldn't behave at a sit down dinner then they'd better get lost," Adam says. Everyone laughs. "Actually Dallas and Drew are playing a pick-up game of basketball at the park," Adam answers.

"That sounds like fun, did you want to go?" Becky asks.

"No I'd much rather be here with you," Adam says, squeezing Becky's hand which causes her to smile widely at him. Although Adam can't help but think he'd be having a lot of fun with the guys right now if he tagged along.

"You two are so cute," Audra pipes in.

"Mom," Adam whines because she's embarrassing him.

"What?" Audra says putting her hands up in defense, "I'm just pointing out the obvious." Adam shakes his head and sighs.

"So," Omar says, changing the subject, "Becky where are you applying for university?"

"Right now I really have my heart set on Boston University, they have such a great journalism program and it feels like such a good fit for me," She replies eagerly.

Adam looks to his mom for her reaction and sees that she's looking at him, her eyes scolding him for lying to her earlier, "Good for you Becky," Audra says.

"I've yet to send in any applications," Adam confesses to Becky.

"What? Not even the one to Boston?" She asks. Becky knows Adam has the tendency to procrastinate, but she could never fathom pushing off such an important life event.

"I'll get around to it," Adam says reassuringly.

"Okay but the deadline is soon," Becky reminds him.

"Do you think you know where you want to go?" Omar asks Adam. Adam feels as if he gets asked this question every day, especially at home. His mom and dad are constantly trying to figure out where their son is going. It has definitely gotten on Adam's nerves.

"Not really," Adam replies. He instantly notices Becky's confused face. Becky has been assuming for months now that they'd both go to Boston University. Adam however does not have his heart set on Boston. "I mean, I have narrowed it down to Boston or TU," He says.

"TU?" Becky asks, "Why there?"

"In case I want to stay close to home or something," Adam says.

"Well that'd be wonderful," Audra says, "I would be able to see you on weekends and holidays." Audra is liking the idea of TU a lot better than Boston. Becky however is pouting, a little hurt that Adam didn't mention this earlier. She thought they'd be together in college and now she has to plan for a long distance relationship.

The atmosphere at dinner shifts as Becky becomes less talkative. The rest of dinner is spent on small talk between Audra and Omar about work.

"I'll clear the plates," Adam offers.

"I hope you saved room for dessert Becky," Audra says.

Becky half smiles back without saying anything. She has hardly spoken really since Adam's revelation.

Once everyone at the table is excused, Becky and Adam head off to the basement together.

Adam, completely aware of Becky's concerned face, is ready to hash things out. Ready for Becky to ask a million questions, he takes a seat on the couch patting the spot next to him for her to join.

To his surprise, Becky is remaining quiet. "What are you thinking about?" Adam asks, trying to pull her out of her thoughts.

"Do you not want to be with me next year?" She asks, her voice cracking toward the end of the question.

"What, why would you think that?" Adam asks, scooting closer to her and putting his arm around her. Becky looks on the verge of tears.

"You don't want to go to the same college," Becky states.

"I never said that, I just said I haven't decided yet," Adam says, trying to calm her. He moves his hand up and down her shoulder, trying to soothe her.

"We can try long distance if you want," She says in response, as if she didn't even hear his earlier statement.

"We haven't even gotten to that point yet," Adam says. Adam knows that if he wanted to be honest with Becky, he would tell her he doesn't want to go to Boston. But he can't bring himself to say it.

Becky looks so sad in his arms, burying her face in his chest. Adam doesn't understand why this situation is escalating rather than dissipating. Isn't he saying the right things? Why the sudden tears?

"Becky, don't cry, everything is okay," he says trying to reverse her mood.

It's too late though. Becky's mind has gone to the darkest of places, places where she's hid all her insecurities and concerns when it comes to Adam. The place where she questions his love and loyalty. The place where she imagines all her nightmares coming true. Adam with other girls. Adam breaking up with her. Adam leaving and never looking back. And she knows why she feels like this, she knows what he can do to fix it, but she doesn't know how to broach the topic.

Flashback

"Happy two month anniversary," Adam says, raising his glass of water to Becky. She picks up her glass and clinks hers against his.

"This is perfect," She says, admiring the scenery around her. Adam took her to her favorite restaurant that overlooks her favorite lake. Although it's dark, out the window she can see boats on the water, fishermen fishing off the docks, and the moonlight perfectly reflecting against the water.

"Anything for you," Adam says.

After dinner Adam takes her down by the water where they walk along a path by the lake. He grabs a picnic basket that he stashed in some bushes, completely taking Becky by surprise. In it is a blanket for them to lay on and dessert for them to share.

"Wow you are full of surprises," Becky says, laying down on the blanket.

She's not sure how long they've been laying there together, enjoying their peaceful surroundings and each other's company. She was too caught up with her boyfriend to keep track of time.

Adam just finished an adorable story about fishing at this lake with Drew when they were kids when I change the subject.

"You are amazing, you know that?" Becky compliments.

"Oh really, amazing huh?" Adam says. Adam looks over at Becky and finds her staring at him.

For a second Becky hesitates to say what she wants to say, but when she meets Adam's eyes she feels the courage to let her heart speak, "Adam I think I love you."

His expression doesn't change, he's still looking at her with his warm, caring eyes, but instead of replying he leans in and softly kisses her. When he pulls away he turns his attention back to the stars, not saying a thing. Becky decides to take the kiss as a good sign and decides against pressing him on the matter. He'll say it back when he's ready.

Ends Flashback

That was a couple weeks ago and he still hasn't told her he loves her. She can feel it when he's around her, Adam always makes her feel loved, but he just hasn't told her. It's exactly what Becky needs to hear right now, with their future in limbo, in order to feel confident about their relationship.

Gathering her courage, she moves her head to meet Adam's eyes, "Adam I need to ask you something." She can feel the nerves in her stomach, but she feels confident Adam will reassure her and reciprocate her feelings.

"Ask me anything," He says, his eyes still filled with concern.

Becky stutters out the question, "Do uh, d-do you love me?" Becky finally asks the question, leaving herself completely vulnerable.

The question completely takes Adam by surprise. "What?" He asks, making sure he heard her right.

"Do you love me?" Becky asks more clearly this time.

Adam's heart starts racing out of pure nervousness. He can feel his palms starting to sweat. The panicky feeling rising in his throat. He wonders what the hell he is going to say back to Becky. When it comes to love, Adam doesn't want to lie to her. Becky deserves the truth. The truth is that his heart already belongs to someone else. The truth is that no matter what Becky did for him, Adam would never love her the way he loved Bianca. Adam gave his heart away a year ago, and even though it got broken, he still loves the woman who broke it. Adam will always love Bianca.

"Becky I-" Adam pauses, not knowing how to continue.

Becky takes his hesitancy as her answer, "I get it," she says, folding her arms across her chest. Becky can accept that Adam doesn't love her, yet. If he needs more time that's okay. But can he at least provide her with some reassurance.

Becky asks the next question on her mind, "Do you even see a future with me?" The question comes out with a little anger, a little hurt, and a little sass.

Adam, taken aback by this sudden conversation, opens his mouth to speak with no words coming out. He shuts his mouth, realizing that whatever he has to say is not what Becky wants to hear.

Becky's frustration turns to sadness, a tear falling from her eyes, "Oh," she says in response to Adam's lack of response. She quickly wipes the tear away. The realization that Becky has been completely wrong about Adam hits her hard. She feels her heart slowly cracking in two.

"I have to go," Becky says, getting up from the couch.

"Wait," Adam says, reaching out for her hand, silently willing her to stay.

When Adam doesn't say anything else Becky gently tugs her hand away and turns to face him, "I think we should break up." The idea is out of the blue to Becky, but it's what she's feeling in the moment.

Becky half expects Adam to object to the idea, instead he just nods his head slowly in agreement.

That's all Becky needed to see. She turns to exit the Torres house for good, leaving Adam behind her.

Adam leans back against the couch, suddenly exhausted.

Shortly after, Audra comes downstairs, "Did Becky just leave?" She asks.

"Yeah," Adam says somberly. He realizes he has no right to be the sad one, especially since he was practically forcing Becky to break up with him, but he's still upset that she's gone. Becky wasn't the one, and he knows that, but she was a good one.

"What happened?" Audra asks, concerned for her son.

"We broke up," Adam informs, getting up from the couch. "I don't want to talk about it," he says, brushing past his mother and heading for his room. Audra thinks about pursing her son, but decides it's best to just let him be for a bit.

Adam gets to his room and shuts the door behind him. He lets out a sigh, feeling completely defeated and yet oddly relieved. He moves over to his desk and opens his laptop screen where the common app webpage is waiting. He navigates to the Toronto University application and without even thinking clicks the submit button.

"Done," he says, shutting his laptop. College is taken care of. "T-U here I come," he says to himself. His mind wanders back to Bianca.

Adam hasn't seen or spoken to her since they broke up. He doesn't blame or resent her, or at least, not anymore. It hurt being apart from her while she was at university, it killed him when she ended things between them, and it obliterated him when she eventually moved on. But now, now he just misses her.

TU holds a lot of possibilities and Adam knows he has to pursue them.

A/N: I guess I am not making you wait long for a sequel. This prologue kind of wrote itself. Crazy how inspiration strikes. Please review!