As they grew up Eddie and Jamie continued growing closer. They remained in the same class until middle school, both going to a nearby prep school.

Jamie started downstairs yawning as he ran a hand through his bed ridden hair. Joe looked up smiling at his little brother's state. "Morning sunshine, you have a message from Eddie wanting to know if you can hang out?"

At the sound of her name Jamie felt his heart speed up while sweat radiated from his armpits. "Yea thanks let me call her back." Joe smirked listening close as the two made plans. After hanging up Jamie went to take a shower .

Back in his room Jamie sorted through his closet looking at what he had with a frown. Nothing seemed right to wear for hanging out with Eddie. "Hey Joe, you upstairs? Can you come help me with something?"

Joe appeared smiling at his little brother, joining Jamie by the closet. "I don't know what to wear to hang out with Eddie. It has to be something nice."

Laughing under his breath foreseeing the talk coming very soon Joe peered inside taking out a casual dress shirt and plain black pants. "These are good since your not going anywhere fancy and you'll be comfortable. Oh come in my room when your done I'll let you use some cologne."

Jamie changed going into his brother's room as asked. Smiling from his spot on the bed reading a book Joe stood up and retrieved the cologne he'd picked for his brother. "Looking good kid, so where you going on this date?"

"It's not a date Joe, we're just hanging out. Thanks for letting use the cologne. I uh can I ask you something?" Jamie fidgeted with his shirt nervous to bring up the subject.

Smiling Joe led him to the bed sitting cross-legged facing the younger man. "You can ask me anything kid you know that right? I give you a hard time sometimes but you're my best friend and brother so what's up?"

First before starting Jamie took a deep breath in embarrassed. "I uh Eddie and I have known each other for a long time, she's my best friend. Lately whenever we're going to hang out my heart skips, I get sweaty and nervous, and worry about what I'm going to wear or how to act around her."

Jamie's blue eyes tore up to meet his brother's eyes. "You want to know why," Joe read his mind.

"Look kid, you're getting older and these things are normal. You're going to start seeing a lot of changes. "

Jamie thought about that all the way to Eddie's house. When he got there she was by herself on the porch and it was pretty clear she was not in a good mood.

"Hey," Jamie said sitting down on the porch swing next to her. "My mom made a peace lemonade and I brought some and look..." Jamie reached into his bag. "Erin was going to get rid of Mr. Cuddles but you always liked him." Jamie held out the bear.

Eddie hugged it. "My parents had a big fight. I hate it here, Jamie, I want to runaway."

"I'm sorry Eddie, let's get away from here go to the park for a bit. " Jamie held out his hand helping her up smiling. The conversation with Joe swirled through his hand as they found a quiet spot to talk.

"What was the fight about," Jamie whispered softly, watching her hug the teddy bear against her chest.

Eddie met his eyes, her own frustrated and sad. "I didn't hear all of it but something about money and a lot of yelling. I couldn't take it so I walked out."

"I'm sure it'll be okay, we'll stay here as long as you need to okay?" Hearing Joe's voice in his head Jamie wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him, smiling when Eddie rested her head on him.

"Thank you Jamie, you're such a great friend," Eddie told him quietly.

Jamie didn't answer only hugged her tightly, holding her until she was ready to go. He lay his head against her soft blond haired. She washed it earlier with strawberry conditioner that still remained.

Keeping her head on Jamie's shoulder, Eddie moved her hand until it fell over his. They remained cuddling against each other for a minute until Eddie worked up enough courage to intertwine her fingers with his.

Picking up her head to meet his eyes she smiled, quickly pecking him on the lips making Jamie's heart speed up. Keeping an arm around her Jamie leaned in kissing her back quickly looking into her eyes.

They both made a face at the feeling laughing at the same time. "I kind of just like this," Eddie admitted moving back against him. Jamie accepted her wrapping his arms protectively.

Around five Jamie helped Eddie up hesitating awkwardly whether or not he should walk beside her or take her hand. He opted for wiping his hand along his pants to get the sweat off before allowing their hands to brush. Sometime between leaving the park and making it back to Eddie's the two held hands again.

They stopped in front of Eddie's house turning to face each other still holding hands. "So uh guess I'll see you in school Monday unless your free tomorrow. We can hang out by my place or the park," Jamie stammered through the invitation.

"I'll let you know tomorrow, but thanks a lot for today." Without hesitation Eddie leaned up hugging him. Her hair bounced as she spun around to head inside smiling.

Jamie headed home himself eager to tell Joe everything and ask him a few more questions.