Hello all. I am back after two years to continue writing my stories (if anyone still reads them). I had this story published before but I recently took it down. I have changed the story a little bit and the direction it will go in. So, for those of you who might think I've stolen someone's story, I have not. It was mine and under a different title (Young and Beautiful). Feel free to review, pm me, follow, or favorite this story. I will try to update often. This is also a Lin/Bumi story.

Present Day

"So you're saying you wouldn't have changed a thing?"

"No. I love how my life turned out."

"But you were alone half of your marriage and your alone right now."

Lin looked up from her paper and looked at her son. He was all of seventeen and thought he needed to know everything. Lin knew he got his curiosity from his father and she couldn't help but to smile.

"He's just like him in every way. Whoever he marries will be happy."

"Um...Mom? You never answered my question."

Lin dropped her paper on the table and got up from her chair. She walked past her son who was sitting on the couch and walked over to the window. She stared out at the docks as if she was watching for something.

"You didn't ask a question. You made a statement son. But it's incorrect. Just because someone is not physically with you at every moment doesn't mean you're alone. That person is always in your heart, in your mind. And you're always in theirs. The bond is very strong that you feel like they are with you even when they are not. Sometimes that bond is stronger and better than the bond between a couple that live together every day..."

Forty Years Ago

"Okay stand there Tenzin don't move."

"Lin I don't see why you have to use me as your test subject."

"Because no one else is around."

Lin and Tenzin were on the Island playing around to kill time. Aang, Sokka, and Toph were attending Yukone's trial leaving Katara alone with the children. Since she was busy teaching Kya to be a master healer she told Lin and Tenzin to go outside. Lin and Tenzin were playing in the yard by the bison stables. Lin was practicing her metal bending while Tenzin was practicing being a worry wart.

"But Lin what if you hit me."

"I'm not."

"How could you be so sure? I mean the apple on my head could fall at any moment due to the wind and-"

"Relax. I'm a natural."

"Okay. But count before you-"

"Okay fine I will."

"Thank you Lin"

"One..."

"No wait I'm not ready!"

Lin stomped her foot and rolled her emerald eyes. To be only twelve she had a temper, an even bigger one than her mother had at that age. She never negotiated anything. It was always her way.

"Come on big baby! I could have been finished with you already!"

Tenzin had a temper much like Lin's except it took longer to for him to become upset. He was more laid back and calm. When you put Lin and him together they always argue. At the end of the argument Lin stands tall and Tenzin is always walking away. It was better that way. But today Tenzin fought back.

"You know what? I'm sick and tired of you bossing me around!"

"You need a little bossing wimp!"

"And I'm tired of you calling me names. You never say anything nice to me, you never treat me right, and your always-"

"Can't even finish your sentence. Just shut it. I'll go find Bumi."

"Yea run to your best friend!"

"At least I have a best friend!"

"At least I have a father!"

That struck Lin. She turned around and bended boulders at Tenzin. He dodged them with his air bending moves. Lin had tears streaming down her face. Her vision was blurred and she was very upset. Her anger took over and she bent her metal knives at Tenzin. She had ten. Nine of them barely missed him. But the tenth struck him in the side. Tenzin let out a scream and Katara and Kya came running. Bumi also came running out. Katara and Kya ran over to Tenzin and braced him up.

"Kya take your brother inside. I'll be right there."

Kya nodded her head and led her brother inside. Katara walked over to Lin who was on her knees with her head down. Katara saw the tears streaming from Lin's eyes. But she couldn't help but to act motherly and scold her.

"Lin you need to play nice. You could have seriously hurt Tenzin. You're lucky it only went into his side. This can be healed. But next time it might not be."

"Well tell him to never ever tell me what I don't have."

Lin stood up and walked away from Katara. She walked to the docks and sat alone. She knew what she did was wrong but she didn't care. What he said hurt her and nothing had ever hurt her like that. Lin sat with her knees to her chest and her head down. After a few moments Lin heard footsteps. She didn't even look up. She knew who it was.

"Hey...do you mind if I-?"

"Go ahead."

Bumi sat down by Lin. Lin looked up from her knees and looked out at the beautiful water. She then turned towards Bumi. He was good looking for his age. He was fifteen and already planned his life.

Lin looked up to him, she admired him, even kind of liked him but she never understood why he was so curious to know everything about everyone. She never cared for others or their sob stories.

"Lin...I know what Tenzin said hurt you, so I won't ask what he said. But I just want to let you know I'm here for you."

Lin half smiled. Bumi stood up and reached out his hand for Lin. Lin gladly took his hand and pulled herself up. Once she was up Lin dusted off her black trousers and followed Bumi back to the Island. As they walked Lin thought long and hard about what happened.

"I hope tomorrow is a better day than today."

And so, it was.

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