Hey guys... I would've posted this last night, but the server said it was down. :( But that's ok... Here's the next update! And don't worry, thinks will look up. Enjoy!

Part II- Chapter 3.

Vaughn's POV

Surprisingly enough, Jack came over on that Saturday afternoon to bring over some flowers for my mom and to have lunch with me. It was actually nice having him visit and seeing a familiar face. Much sympathy was in his eyes as he talked to my mom a bit.

Going out to the patio, we both took a seat opposite from each other while Jack pulled out a few cartons of Chinese food.

"Sydney told me that Chef Wang's was your favorite place to order from down here so I picked up a few dishes that you like." He told me with a small hint of a smile on his face.

I was astonished by Jack's kind gesture. It must have taken a lot for him to call up Sydney to ask what my favorite foods were and bring it over to my house.

"Thanks Jack. I'm really glad to see you. I've been pretty lonely down here by myself. I'm glad I'm taking care of my mom, it's just sometimes it's nice to have someone to talk to." I said, grabbing for the carton of fried rice.

"Listen Michael, I wanted to tell you that… if your mother or you need anything, please give me a phone call. I know how much you mean to Sydney and I'd really like it if I could do anything to help."
"That's very kind of you and I will keep that in mind. For the most part, we are doing ok. She has a couple more sessions and then we have to get her strength up for the big surgery. But, she's doing terrific right now. My mother… she's a fighter." I explained.

"I know she is a strong woman." He admired while he scooped some chicken on his plate. "So tell me about this Eric Weiss and how good a roommate he is for my daughter."

And just like that, the tone had changed. I was expecting this to come up sooner or later. I had to get it over with sometime. I didn't know what situation would be better. Explaining how living with Weiss would be, or living with Sydney and explaining to Jack how that is.

"Eric is a great guy. He's my best friend and one of the best people on earth. I promise you that he'll take care of Sydney. If anyone is the safest and best to live with up in San Francisco, then it is definitely Weiss." I told him, hoping that it would convince him that Sydney was doing ok up there.

"I have every reason to trust your word since you would allow Sydney to room with another guy."

"Well, Eric is a fantastic friend and I trust him with my life."

Although I knew Jack was somewhat convinced, I was pretty sure he wasn't all certain about Weiss. I also was unsure on whether or not Jack would actually like it better if I were living with Sydney since he didn't know Weiss.

He had the most priceless face the day Syd and I told him we were moving in together. I'm sure he was trying to hide his disapproval. But, he did it well under his usual poker face.

FLASHBACK

We waited for two weeks to finally build up our confidence to tell Jack about our living plans for the fall. We didn't want to spit it out right away when we got home, considering the last time we had a confession to him, it didn't go too well.

That night, Sydney planned to cook dinner for the three of us and made sure her dad's wine glass was never empty. We wanted to get enough wine in him as possible so he wouldn't at least try and kill me on his first attempt.

At the end of the meal, Jack was sitting back comfortably in his wooden chair looking quite content.

"Dad… we have something to tell you." Syd said hesitantly.

"What is it?"

"I have decided to move in with Vaughn in the fall. We thought it was best us since it will cut down on rent and make it easier for the both of us."

And there it was. I was waiting for chairs to be thrown or the earth to cave in and swallow me up. I was waiting for maybe a kick in the face or Jack yelling at me to get out of his house. Instead, all I got was silence.

Oh no, the awkward silence, I thought. This is exactly what happened last time. Jack just sat there silent, as I'm sure he was boiling with anger last time.

Beads of sweat started dropping from my forehead as the anticipation of his reaction was just about killing me.

"Well, if that's what you want to do and you guys have agreed on it, then that's fine. You are both grown adults and almost 20 years old. I know you are far capable of making appropriate decisions." Jack stated with a serious tone.

My mouth nearly dropped to the floor after he told us that we were capable of making our own decisions. And there I was thinking he was going to shoot me or something. I came to respect Jack for telling us the truth because it looked like he had come a long way since his fight with Syd.

"Thanks for being so supportive Dad. We didn't think you would agree with it." Syd explained.

"I have come to realize that you and Michael wouldn't really listen to what I would have to say anyways. It is better we have it this way where we don't have to argue. I can't say that I am at all excited about it. But, if this is what you truly want to do, then I will support you. As long as you Mr. Vaughn, take care of my daughter."

"Oh, yes sir. Of course, I fully intend on taking care of Sydney." I responded.

"Very well then. Thank you for being honest with me. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to clean up these dishes."

Picking up all of our empty plates, Jack made his way into the kitchen. My hand was still gripping on to Syd's hand so hard I thought I was going to break it.

"Geez Vaughn, are you a little nervous?" She asked laughing at me.

"Well, your dad isn't exactly the easiest person to talk to. I thought he was going to scold the both of us for our decision."

"I know, me too. But, he didn't. He's changed, hasn't he?"

"Yes, he has. I have to say I was pretty shocked at how accepting he was." I answered.

"The hard part is now over. All we have to do now is enjoy our summer, roomie."

END FLASHBACK

Thinking back at Syd's last statement made me laugh. The whole irony of it slapped me in the face. The entire time at dinner, I sat there thinking that telling Jack that Syd and I were moving in together would be the hardest thing I would have to do during that summer.

Boy, was I wrong. That was a piece of cake considering what I was going through now. Seeing my mom in that much pain alone made my heart ache. Being so helpless and knowing that I couldn't fight the battle for her killed me inside.

Jack awoke me from my thoughts by standing up from the patio chair.

"Well, this was nice. I have to get back to work, but it was really good to see you Michael." He said as he came around the table and shook my hand.

"Thank you Jack, for everything. For coming over here to see my mom and I and bringing lunch, I really appreciate it."

"Like I said before Michael, if you need anything, please call me."
"I will." I answered.

"Keep the leftovers in the fridge for later when you get hungry. Maybe your mom will want the rest of that soup."

I walked Jack to the front door and thanked him once again. While on my way back to put the leftovers in the fridge, I could see that my mom had fallen asleep on the couch again. I stood there for a couple of minutes and saw how her sickness made her look older and frailer.

Taking my Kings blanket that hung over the back of the couch, I draped it over her small body and made sure that she wouldn't wake up cold.

Syd's POV

Weiss managed to drag me out of the apartment and brought me to the basketball park where him and Vaughn played all the time. I wasn't up to playing much basketball, but Weiss insisted that it would be fun and he would teach me how to shoot a free throw.

"Ok, so place your feet apart a bit and bend your knees." Weiss told me, bending down to put my feet in the right position. "As for your hands, you see these lines? Always have your fingertips lined up with these lines."

"Weiss, I'm telling you, I'm really going to suck at this." I warned him.

"Syd, you're one of the most athletic people I know. There's no way you can suck that bad at this."

"Ok, so what do I do next?" I asked.

"Put your left hand on the side of the ball to support it. Use your legs when you jump and follow through with your wrist, ok?"

"I think I got it."

Jumping slightly in the air, I threw the ball at the basket and missed by two feet.

"Wow." Weiss said, as he stood there astonished.

"C'mon! I told you I was going to be bad."

"I'm just kidding Syd. This is your first time. Jump up higher next time and try to follow through with your hand. Act like you're trying to drop your hand in the basket."

With more of Weiss' advance and encouragement, I was finally able to make a couple baskets. I hopped around the court happily and pleased that I was able to learn how to shoot a basketball.

For the rest of the time we were there, we played HORSE where Weiss let me win and told me that if he didn't let me win, Vaughn would beat him up.

"Nice job Bristow. You're almost as good as your boyfriend now." Weiss chuckled, starting up the car and heading home.

"Thanks for teaching me."

"No problem… speaking of Mike, I was talking to him last night and he wants you to go home next weekend. Are you going to fly down there?" He asked.

"I'm planning to. But, I'm going to surprise him."

"Ohhh, I love surprises! Can I come so I can see your surprise him?"

I glared at Weiss sideways to let him know that he wasn't invited to come home with me. In other circumstances I would love to bring him home so he could see Vaughn. But, since I hadn't seen Vaughn in a month and wanted some privacy, I was sure Weiss would understand.

"Never mind. You and Mike want some alone time. It's cool." He added. "So, how are you going to surprise him?"

"I'm going to tell him I can't make it down there because I have a project due the next week and have to work on it that weekend." I explained.

"Nice… that's a good excuse. Not too much detail."

"But, I need your help with something. I know the hockey season is opening this week and the Kings are in town that Friday I get home. I want to get tickets for Vaughn and I, but I don't know where to look."

"You have come to the right person Syd. We can order them online when we get home."

After a couple of hours of searching different online sites for Kings tickets, we finally found third row tickets for face value. I was so excited as I typed in my credit card number and printed out the confirmation sheet.

Going to a hockey game was going to be perfect for Vaughn since it would give him a chance to get out of the house and relax. It was also going to be the first time in a month and a half where we'd have a real date to go on

FLASHBACK

It was two weeks before I had to go back to school on a warm August night. Vaughn's mom had recovered from her previous treatment and assured us that it would be fine for her to be on her own for the night.

We walked down to the pier hand in hand, enjoying each other's company and savoring our last days together. Stopping for a moment, the both of us stood at the railing and watched the water softly hit the pillars.

"I'm going to miss this." Vaughn whispered into my ear as he wrapped his arms around my waist and laid his chin on my shoulder.

"I know. But you know what? Whenever I come back home or you come visit me in San Francisco, our moments together will be that much sweeter."

"That's true." He answered. "You know what they always say, absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"I don't think my heart can grow any fonder, pal." I said, turning around in his arms so my back was pushed up against the railing and I could face him.

Bringing my hand up to his face, I ran my fingers gently around his jaw and felt his two-day stubble tickle my fingertips.

"Can we just stand here forever and forget everything that is going on?" He asked me while we leaned our foreheads together.

"I wish we could. I wish I didn't have to leave in a couple of weeks. I want to be down here with you. I need to be down here with you."

Our lips pressed together slowly in a sweet kiss. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pushed forward, wanting to taste him even more. When we finally pulled away, the both of us smiled and gasped for air.

"C'mon. Let's go into the fair." Vaughn said as he took my hand and pulled me towards the couple dozens of tents.

For the rest of the night, I watched Vaughn kick ass in every carnival game possible and was convinced there weren't that many things he couldn't do. He even managed to win the one where you have to knock down all of the milk bottles with one throw.

While walking out the fair, I gave my armful of stuffed animals to the little kids walking by on the pier. I knew the children would enjoy them much more than I would and I couldn't resist their adorable smiles when I handed them the little teddy bears.

"Thanks for taking me out Syd. This has been one of our best dates ever." Vaughn told me as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"You're welcome, sweetie."

Silence once again consumed us while we slowly walked home and stole sideways glances at each other. A hint of a smile was apparent on Vaughn's face and for the first time in a few weeks, I knew he was truly happy.

END FLASHBACK

Flopping down on my bed, I picked up my cell phone and dialed Vaughn's number. I needed to hear his voice and set up my plan for next weekend.

"Hey Syd." He answered on the second ring.

"Hey Vaughn. What's going on?"

"Nothing. Just sitting on the couch and reading my new ESPN magazine. Trent Klatt is on the cover." He informed me.

"Hmm, I take it someone is pumped for the new hockey season this week?"
"I'm so excited Syd. This is the best time of the year. The Kings open up against the Sharks on Thursday night. I'm going to sit back, have a couple beers, and order a pizza."

"Sounds good." I responded.

"Your dad came over and had lunch with me today. It was really nice. I take it he told you about it?"

"Yep. He really wanted to do something nice for you and called to ask me what kinda food you would like." I explained.

"Yeah, it was really nice having him here and talking to him. He put me at a sense of ease…so what are you up to?"

"Oh, nothing. Just getting some schoolwork done. I called to tell you something though."

"What's up?"

"I know you wanted me to come down to LA next weekend since it's a 3 day weekend, but I don't think I'll be able to make it. I have a project due on that Tuesday and have to meet with my group the whole weekend."

It was silent on the other end of the line for a good minute and my heart almost broke. I knew Vaughn would be disappointed, but I didn't think he'd be crushed over it. I was ready to blurt out that I was just kidding when he finally answered me.

"Oh… ok. Well, that's ok Syd. Your school work comes first." I could hear the distress in his voice even though he was trying hard to hide it.

"I'm so sorry sweetie. I promise I'll make it up to you. Maybe I'll come home the weekend after so we can spend some time together."

I felt terrible for lying to Vaughn. Even though I was lying for a good cause and was looking forward to the joy on his face when I showed up on his doorstep, I still couldn't help but feel guilty.

"Hey Syd, I have to run. I need to warm some food up for my mom." I could hear him shuffling around in the kitchen from the banging of plates and pans.

"Alright. Call me later?"

"Yeah, of course. Bye Syd."

Hanging up my phone, the feeling inside me was bittersweet. I knew I disappointed Vaughn. The last thing I wanted to do was bum him out like that. He had enough going on in his life that he had to worry about. Shaking my head from the thoughts, I figured that it was too late to turn back now.

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