((A/N: Hello! It's me again! This chapter is a bit shorter than usual, but not by much! We are getting to the meat of the story, I promise! Please enjoy, and thank you so much for following along, it's been such a pleasure writing this tale! R&R, thanks again!))

Chapter 4

-Lysander's POV-

Lysander was in a deep sleep. He shifted to get more comfortable, that is when he felt something in his arms. His eyes flicked open to see a sleeping Candy wrapped up in his arms. We must have fallen asleep. Oh, she looks so serene; I can't possibly wake her. What is that? Smells like sweet clementines? Wow, it's intoxicating, must be her hair.

Lysander wiggled a little trying his best not to disturb Candy, he turned off the t.v. He was trying to release her from his arms, feeling that it was inappropriate to be holding her without her consent. In the end, he decided his efforts were futile because she looked so comfortable. The reality was he enjoyed having her so close; he loved seeing her snug and cozy right next to him. I should take her to her room; we can't stay her all night no matter how much I want to. I should wake her, or may-be… I could just carry her to her bed? His decision was made. He shifted in order to carry Candy to her room then froze as soon as Candy moved a bit sleepily tugging Lysander's shirt.

-Candy's POV-

Candy's eye fluttered momentarily before opening and seeing Lysander's face. She smiled and closed her eyes for a second before realizing she was not dreaming. Her eyes shot open.

"OH! S-s-sorry!" she uttered moving away too quickly and ultimately…

BAM!

She fell off the couch.

"Candy!" Lysander said shuffling to his feet to help her up. Candy wasn't hurt but her ego sure was. Lysander extended an arm to help her she tried standing up in order to save face. Again, moving too quickly…

BANG!

She hit her head in the edge of the coffee table.

"Oh goodness, Candy; are you okay?!" Lysander said scooping her up in his arms and placing her on the couch, "I will be right back, I am getting you some ice" he stated, he was gone for a brief moment and back with some ice.

What the hell! That was super graceful. You really know how to be seductive don't cha! Candy reprimanded herself in her head.

"Lysander, I'm really okay. I promise." Candy said, not wanting him to fret. Lysander sat next to her gently pressed the ice pack on Candy's head; his other hand cupped her face.

"Does it hurt? Are you feeling alright?!"

"No. No pain. Really," Candy grabbed his wrist and reached for the ice pack, "No need to make a fuss." She laughed nervously. Oh my god! This is humiliating, she thought to herself. Lysander gave her a skeptical look.

"I think I'm just going to go up to bed, thanks for everything Lysander." Candy stood up, Lysander did the same.

"Wait, are you sure?" he asked.

"Yeah! You know what they say; sleep is the best thing for a concussion." she said sheepishly laughing at her own lame joke.

"Candy, that is absolutely not true." Lysander said in a serious tone.

"I know it was a bad joke. But I, really- I-I'm okay." Candy stated sheepishly.

"Oh, a joke… clever," he stated in a monotone voice, "I'll walk you up to your room," announced Lysander as he placed one arm on the small of Candy's back to lead the way.

Candy let out a breathy sigh, "Thanks." The pair walked up the stairs and made it to the end of the hall. Candy turned to Lysander and looked him in the eyes.

"Well, good night. Thanks for keeping me company." Candy whispered.

"No thanks needed. Are you sure you feel well?" he asked grabbing her hand, genuinely concerned. Candy pulled him into a hug. Lysander instantly coiled his arms around her as well.

"Yes, I'm good. Thanks for caring. Good night!" she whispered into his ear. She felt Lysander let out a deep breath in her arms.

They parted after a few seconds; Lysander held Candy's hand and brought it to his lips to place a soft kiss on it. "Good night, sweet Candy."

Candy entered her room quietly. Rosa was quietly snoring on the top bed. She laid down in the bottom bed at mulled over the events that had just taken place. She looked at the back of her hand in the dark, staring in the exact spot where Lysander kissed her.

All in all, that was pretty great. I managed to look at like a fool, but still… he was super sweet. May-be Rosa is right.

Candy slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Candy heard her phone buzzing. She reached for it looking at the screen.

New Text Message

Mom

She swiped her phone to go to the home screen. It read 6:55 AM.

Jeez mom! Too early! She thought to herself as she opened the message.

Hi sweetie! How are you doing?

Send me a text or call!

Love you, have fun!

Candy typed out a response.

Hey mom, I'm good. Sorry I

didn't call earlier. Say hi to

dad for me. Love u!

She waited for another response but none came. Rosa was still fast asleep; Candy quietly got up and grabbed some clothes. She snuck out to the bathroom with her toothbrush and a towel. Should I shower? I don't want to wake anyone. She contemplated.

At that moment Josiane came out of her room. "Candy! Good morning! I see you're an early riser just like me!"

"Hi! Good morning! Yeah, my phone went off, so that woke me." She explained.

"Ah those pesky phones" Jo laughed, "Well, I see you are going to shower, go ahead dear, there are plenty of towels in the bathroom. Come downstairs when you're ready!"

Candy thanked her and proceeded with her routine. Her shower was speedy; she put on a violet Jabot top and some black skinny jeans and made her way back to her room to see if Rosa was up and to put away her pajamas.

Hmph. Still sound asleep. Candy said to herself as she entered the room. I'll go see if Jo needs any help with anything.

The kitchen was bustling. Jo was cooking all types of things; pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast was toasting, and scones were baking.

"Hey Candy, can I get you anything?" Jo said in her usual optimistic tone.

"No, I'm okay Jo; thank you very much. Can I help with anything?" she asked.

"Aww, you're too sweet. How about you serve the juice? Leigh and Lysander like OJ, George and I will have coffee so don't you worry about that. And I don't know what you and Rosa would like." She finished. Candy just smiled and nodded. She went to the cabinet pulled out four glasses, and filled them with the tangy liquid. Candy set the drinks on the table and decided to set the plates and utensils as well.

"Oh, honey, thank you so much!" Jo expressed in an appreciative voice.

"No problem, can I do anything else?"

"Morning!" said George coming in from the back door with a bag full of groceries. He smiled at the two women and then stated, "Lovey, I brought the carrots you wanted." He planted a kiss on Jo's cheek.

"Thank you hubby!" Jo smiled.

They are so cute. They really love each other, thought Candy.

"Good morning!" Leigh and Rosa said in unison entering the kitchen in the same moment.

"Hello there!" George said, "where's your brother, sleeping?"

"He's coming, he'll be right down."

"I'm here!" Lysander exclaimed walking in. "Good morning everyone, hi Candy."

"Hi" Candy smiled.

"Ooooohoo, 'hi Candy.' Hello specifically to Candy!" George teased.

"Georgie! Stop that!" Josiane said lightheartedly swatting at his arm. Leigh and Rosa laughed as they took their seats. Candy laughed nervously, she looked at Lysander. He was avoiding making eye contact. They all sat down as per Jo's request and were about to dig in when the doorbell rang.

"Are you expecting someone love?" George asked his wife.

"No darling, I wonder who that can be." Jo started to get up.

"I'll get it." Lysander sated standing up and headed to the front door. He grasped the doorknob and turned it opening the door.

"Lysander? Is that you?" said the young woman on the doorstep.

"Yes." Lysander said a bit hesitant.

"It's me! Olive!" the girl said throwing her arms around Lysander in one swift motion.