Humphrey's POV

I awoke with a slight pain in my neck. Sleeping on my couch for the past few days had really been doing a number on it. I sat up, rubbing it before tilting my head to give it a good crack. It felt good to do. I rolled over on my back and sighed as I looked at the other couch to where Shaky was sleeping. He hadn't been doing well for the past few days. Apparently it wasn't as bad as what Rick was going through, we managed to get Shaky to eat but that didn't mean that he was going through it. He would often start to sob or go on tangents that I simply couldn't argue with. I felt as though I really wanted to be there for the others but we all had to do our part and Shaky was mine, not that I didn't want to be there for him, but I wanted to know how the others were doing. I reached behind me for my phone and pulled it out of my pocket. I read the time which was eleven o'clock and that my phone had thirty percent of battery. I decided to send Kate a quick text.

"Hey. It's been awhile since we last spoke. How is Rick? Everything okay?" I typed. I hit send and then placed my phone back down on the couch. Why I didn't text the group chat was because I didn't want anyone else to see it. Kate must have still been sleeping however because she didn't message me back. Either that or she was busy. My eyes looked back up over at Shaky who was still asleep. I had asked him just yesterday why he preferred to stay with me and he said that his dad would often be at work, leaving him alone in his house which he really didn't want to be which was understandable. At least he wasn't shutting himself out from the world like Rick would do.

I stood up and stretched, deciding that I would make us some breakfast before anyone woke up. I took my phone with me to watch some YouTube as I cooked and decided that I would be making some bacon and eggs, along with some English muffins if anyone other than me wanted to make a sandwich out of it. It was only about halfway through my cooking that Shaky had walked in and sat down at the kitchen island, rubbing his head and leaning on it.

"Hey man" he said as he sat down. I turned around to see him sitting.

"Hey, how you feelin dude?" I asked. Shaky winced at the question.

"Not good," he said. I turned around avoiding eye contact. I flipped the bacon again and prepared to make my first sandwich as the eggs were about done.

"Hey, do you want a sandwich or just the bacon and eggs?" I asked.

"Sandwich," Shaky answered. Immediately I put an English muffin in the toaster and began to fix Shaky a plate.

"Sorry if the smell woke you up" I apologized.

"It's alright, I was gonna wake up sooner or later" Shaky said. I sighed and put the bacon that was finished on a plate and then added more that was uncooked to the pan. I flipped the bacon and made more eggs until I had to split to grab the now toasted English muffin and make a sandwich out of it. I Put it together quickly, making sure not to be stingy with the bacon and then slid the plate in front of Shaky. He grabbed the sandwich.

"Thanks" he said before taking a bite. I put another muffin in, but this one still wasn't for me. I didn't know if he would still be hungry after the first sandwich but I wanted to be safe.

"No problem, want something to drink?' I asked. I turned after not getting an answer to see Shaky shrug. I sighed and went to pour him a glass of orange juice. After sliding that over to him I put the jug carton back and then grabbed the gallon of milk which was right next to it, along with some chocolate milk mix for myself. "I'm making another sandwich for you. Just in case" I said. again Shaky didn't reply. The video on my phone stopped as it began ringing, playing my ringtone. I looked at the caller to see that it was Kate and picked it up, holding the phone to my ear to continue cooking, now with one hand. "Hey Kate, what's up?" I asked.

"Nothing, just woke up and saw your text. What are you doing?" Kate asked.

"Cooking some breakfast" I answered.

"Oh yeah? What are ya makin?" Kate asked. I chuckled.

"Bacon and eggs. You know, typical breakfast stuff" I answered.

"Ohh, I didn't know you could cook," Kate replied.

"Come on Kate, I cook all the time.,, actually that's a lie, I mostly cook when I feel like it. Bacon and eggs isn't to hard to make though" I explained.

"Yeah, I guess… how's Shaky? Is he still with you?" Kate asked. I turned around to see tha Shaky was still eating, half of the sandwich was now gone so it was a good thing that he liked it. He noticed me staring and turned to look at me which made me look away and get back to cooking. I heard the toaster pop, letting me know that the English muffins were done and went over to grab them.

"Yeah. I can't really talk about that right now though, maybe later if you're up for it" I offered.

"Oh, I see," Kate replied.

"Yeah" I said. "How's Rick?"

"Honestly Humphrey so much has happened that I don't even know where to start" Kate said.

"Oh yeah? What about Lilly?" I asked. I finished making the sandwich and put it on Shaky's plate. Again he looked up at me but said nothing. Another muffin went in the toaster as I now prepared my own food.

"I don't want to say completely, but I think she's doing a lot better," Kate answered.

"Oh yeah? What makes ya say that?" I asked. I heard Kate sigh before explaining.

"Well… let me tell you about Rick first I guess because it kinda leans into that" Kate said.

"I'm here" I said.

"Okay so after the whole school incident, me and Rick went through some things that I don't want to get into right now, but we got through it and after the funeral my mom asked him to come over. He listened and we went to my place and he stayed there for a bit until we went and got clothes for him at his house. When we were leaving though we ran into one of your old friends. Stephanie" Kate explained, making me confused.

"Stephanie? She showed up at the house? What did she want?" I questioned.

"Well she told us that she felt bad after basically blowing you and Lilly off, so she wanted to come and make up. She didn't stay long though, once she heard about Angel she got pretty upset and left. Why didn't you tell us that you guys ran into her?" Kate asked.

"Because Lilly didn't want to throw anything out there if she wasn't gonna stick around. I guess it was about not hurting people's feelings" I explained. Kate sighed.

"Anyway, we checked the mail and Rick found out that he was losing the house so we've been cleaning it out, it's been hard but-"

"Wait, Rick's losing the house?" I asked in a panic, cutting Kate off.

"Yeah, we thought that he would have more time but he doesn't" Kate answered.

"Well… where's he staying?" I asked worriedly.

"With us, mom wanted to welcome him in since she considers him family anyway. That and she really feels bad for him. So that gave us a plan, he's gonna live here until we graduate, and then we'll probably find our own place after" Kate explained.

"Well I'm glad he has somewhere to go. Where is he now?" I asked.

"Well we were supposed to go back to the house and clear things out some more but he wasn't here when I woke up. He left a note saying that he went to go catch up with Stephanie" Kate explained.

"Really?" I asked. The toaster popped again, making me excited as it was finally my turn to make a sandwich. I grabbed it. Placed another in and then began to construct it. By now all the bacon in the package was made, and there were enough eggs for three sandwiches. If my mom wanted more I would make it but for now I was starving.

"Yeah, they exchanged phone numbers when she was here and I guess she wanted to catch up. Something just feels off though, she had a huge crush on him, and now she's back like a year later trying to catch up with just him? Doesn't make me feel right. I trust him, I just don't trust her" Kate explained.

"In your shoes I understand, but Stephanie isn't like that. She really was a good friend with us. We were so upset when she didn't come back. Maybe she misses us or something" I theorized, turning back to Shaky with my now readied breakfast.

"Maybe, I just can't help but worry," Kate said. I put the plate on the kitchen island and then swung a seat around tso that I was facing Shaky. I then went to pour myself some milk.

"Yeah, I get it. But there's so many things that counter that Kate. did they say what they were doing?" I asked.

"No, just that they went to go catch up" Kate answered. I began stirring the chocolate milk mix after pouring it into the cup.

"Well I wouldn't worry about a thing Kate. I'm sure you'll hear from him soon" I said.

"Yeah, me and mom are probably gonna head over to the house anyway and meet him there. I'll ask and message him if he's up for it" Kate said. I grabbed the glass and placed it down again next to my plate.

"Alright. I'm gonna go Kate, talk to ya later alright?" I said as I sat down.

"Sounds good. Tell Shaky I said hi" Kate replied.

"Will do" I answered. I hung up the phone and dug in, only feeling the urge to talk again once the first sandwich was halfway eaten. Shaky had spoken first however.

"Kate huh? How has she been doing?" he asked.

"Uh… she's fine, when we went to the school she was in really rough shape. But she's getting better, it looks like" I answered. Shaky nodded and took another bite of his sandwich.

"So… what about Rick? I haven't spoken to him since everything happened… is he alright?" Shaky asked.

"I don't know, I haven't seen him since the funeral," I explained. Shaky sighed.

"I… I'm really tired of feeling like this. I just want my girlfriend back… I keep trying to cope with it and… I can't even explain it, it just hurts" Shaky explained. I put the sandwich down and sighed.

"I know, I've been feeling the same way. I just… I haven't had time to grieve" I explained. Maybe it sounded harsh but I felt as though I had been taking care of everybody but myself. I've had my moments sure but nothing that actually helped me out. I felt like I had a lot building up inside me.

"Sorry Humphrey, you know this could go both ways. If you want to talk to me you can" Shaky offered.

"I know it's just… I want you to have your space" I said.

"I get it. Thanks again for letting me stay here by the way. I think I'm gonna go home though" Shaky said, catching me off guard.

"What do you mean? Aren't you…" I began but didn't finish as I didn't know how to word the question. Shaky knew what I meant though.

"Yeah, but I don't want to get in the way. I don't want to be a burden to you anymore I just…" Shaky began as tears had started flowing. Before he continued though he stood up and walked back over to the living room. I sighed, taking another bite of my sandwich before putting it down and going after him. It didn't take long to find him as I heard his sobs coming from the living room. I walked in and saw him sitting on the couch he was sleeping on the night before. I sat next to him and leaned forward, resting my arms on my legs as I tried to think of something to say. I couldn't come up with anything but eventually Shaky started to speak. "I just… I have nobody… I have no one to love anymore… no one to hold…" he cried.

"Shaky buddy… you're still part of our family" I said, trying to calm him down. Shaky continued to cry though as he shook his head.

"No, Angel was what was keeping me in, with her she was related to Rick, and then he was with Kate, and Lilly was her sister, and you had her everything was matched beautifully… but now… again I'm a nobody" Shaky ranted.

"Is that really how you feel?" I asked. Shaky continued to cry hysterically, trying to get himself together but failing miserably.

"D-don't get me w-wrong. I loved her, she was my everything. But with everyone else as well, for the first time in a long time I had an actual family… Now who do I have… my d-dad? He's never even fucking home. All my blood relatives look at me like broke outcasts and you guys were the only thing I considered family. So yes… I'm extremely upset about losing the love of my life, I'm disturbed, crushed… and I want her back… I have no one to be with, to keep me warm at night… but… now I'm not a part of the family I loved anymore either. I mean what am I now, the family friend that's gonna get forgotten about eventually? And when I do get forgotten am I just gonna live on my own, haunted by those I've lost until I cant fucking take it anymore? I'm upset about Angel, yes, but I'm also scared Humphrey… I'm so… fucking scared of being alone, and I don't want to be alone anymore… I can't…" Shaky explained, making even myself feel crushed.

I reached my arms out, repositioning myself on the couch, and then wrapped my arms around Shaky to hug him. He hugged me back tightly and bawled his eyes out onto my shirt, drenching it as he cried.

"We won't forget you Shaky… you'll never be alone" I promised. Shaky kept at it though, holding onto me and crying.

"Angel… Why did she have t-to l-leave?" he sobbed. I rubbed his back.

"I don't know… but as far as I'm concerned, you're still family. You would have married her someday I know you would have, and then you would have always been family… you still are… you and Rick… you're my brothers… I would ever forget you guys" I told him. Shaky's crying seemed to calm down a bit as he relaxed.

"I just… I'll have to go home eventually" Shaky said. I nodded.

"Maybe… or maybe when we graduate you can move in with me and Lilly when we get a place" I offered. Shaky shook his head and broke the hug.

"Thanks for the offer but… I won't intrude on your home and be an awkward third wheel that just sits around the house" he explained.

"Then… what's your plan?" I asked. Shaky shrugged.

"Maybe I'll… I don't know, but I still have time to figure all that out. Before Angel passed we had everything planned. We were gonna move in together and start our careers, now though… I don't know… I feel like I would be much happier if I had just went with her" Shaky said.

"Hey man… don't say that. We already lost one of our family, we can't lose another. That would break everyone… I definitely wouldn't be able to handle another one…" I explained. Shaky sighed.

"What do I have to look forward to though?" Shaky asked. I bit my lip, honestly I didn't have an answer. If it was Lilly I think I would be facing the same problem, the same… issues. I really had no idea what to say to him.

"Are you guys okay?" I heard. Shaky turned around and I looked up to see my mom standing in the living room doorway. She looked concerned as she stood there watching the scene. Over the past few days she had been helping me with Shaky while trying to balance out her own grief. It seemed that she was trying her absolute best but could only handle so much.

"Yeah mom, we're fine. I made some breakfast for you, it's in the kitchen" I said. Mom nodded but instead walked in front of Shaky to talk with him, getting to his level by kneeling down in front of him and placing her hands on his legs.

"Are you okay sweetie?" she asked. Shaky shook his head.

"No…" he said. Mom tried to calm him down by brushing his arm as he kept his face covered.

"Wanna talk about it?" she asked. Shaky shook his head as he had already got done venting to me. Mom looked over to me as if she wanted me to explain but I simply shook my head as well. She sighed and then stood up. 'I'll leave the two of you alone" she said, walking out of the room.

"Shaky, why don't we go outside?" I suggested. Shaky looked at me and so I gestured to the patio door in the living room. Although really we could have used any of them. The one in the living room, dining room, and kitchen. They all led to the same backyard.

"Why not?" Shaky said, getting up. I stood up with him and slid the door open, stepping out after him and closing it. Instantly we were hit with that early spring air and had walked over to the right when the dining room entrance was. We took a seat on one of the benches we had out there and I decided to give him a minute to recover. He did so pretty quickly. "When you were on the phone call with Kate… you mentioned Stephanie… is she…" Shaky began.

"Uh… I don't know. Apparently she messaged Rick and they're catching up now" I told him.

"Why though? Why did she leave us and then come back?" Shaky asked. I shrugged.

"I don't know, but I'm sure that Rick is getting the full run down right now. He'll have to catch us up… why do you still miss her?" I asked.

"Of course, she was such a huge part of our group… and then Kate…" Shaky began and then stood up and began marching off. I stood up and walked after him, trying to stop him.

"Shaky, where are you going?" I asked. Shaky turned around furious.

"No Humphrey. That can't happen. No one is just gonna show up and replace Angel. When Stephanie left Kate took her spot, no one and I mean NO ONE is going to dare try and replace Angel" Shaky yelled.

"Huh? What do you mean? Stephanie hasn't even come around yet" I said. Shaky growled and then stormed off, tears flooding his eyes again.

"It can't just be that easy… we can't just forget her like that… I'm going home. I appreciate everything but I'm going home… I need some time to myself" Shaky said as he walked through the fence door. Unlatching it and then walking to his car.

"I thought you didn't want to be left alone" I said as I followed him. He took his key from his pocket and unlocked his car, stepping in and then starting it. "Shaky wait, you're not thinking straight man" I said. It was too late though. The door was already shut and before I knew it Shaky sped off down the street. I sighed and pulled my phone out dialing Kate again. I put the phone to my ear as I took a stroll back to the backyard and closed the gate, I then walked back to the bench where I took my seat again. Finally Kate picked up.

"Hey, what's up?" Kate greeted.

"Hey, what are you doing? You got a minute?" I asked with a hint of sadness in my voice.

"Yeah. why what happened? Is everything alright?" Kate asked.

"I don't know, Shaky just got really angry with me because I brought up Stephanie and he thinks that we're trying to replace Angel with her," I explained.

"Huh? What gave him that idea?" Kate asked.

"Well… I guess it's because once she left you kinda… took her spot" I explained. The other end of the call went silent for a moment before Kate spoke again.

"Well… I don't think that would ever happen. If she wanted to hang out with us that's fine but no one is replacing anyone. Do you want me to call him or something?" she asked.

"No, no… no I think he just needs some time to calm down… he'll realize what we're saying sooner or later. No one's replacing Angel but… God I miss her" I said, wiping a tear from my eye.

"Miss Stephanie?" Kate asked.

"Well yeah I miss her but… Angel… I miss her around the group… I miss her snarky comments, and her presence as a whole… it hurts without her" I Said as I let a few tears flow.

"I know… she deserved the life that she wanted… she would have made a great detective" Kate said, making me laugh lightly.

"Oh yeah… she wanted to be a detective… I forgot…" I said, wiping tears. More silence.

"Do you need someone right now Humphrey? I know you and me have been trying our best but I don't know how much more I can take this" Kate said.

"Take what?" I asked.

"Just the feelings. The feeling of heartache, I keep reminding myself that Angel is gone to try and cope with it but… it hurts the same every single time. And not less and less it just… you're the only other person that knows what I'm talking about, it's hard to hold everything in but I know that Rick would do the same for me. He would stay strong and help, but this was just so close to him that…" Kate explained.

"I know… if you want to come over you can. I made breakfast" I joked. Kate giggled.

"Well breakfast sounds good," she said.

"It will be cold by the time you get here" I replied.

"Yeah… I figured. I can come over for a bit and talk but then I gotta get back to the house" Kate explained.

"Are you there now?" I asked.

"No," Kate answered.

"Then why don't you just take the day off of that?" I questioned. Kate sighed.

"Because we don't have much time and I want to do this while Rick is still willing and mentally prepared. So I can come over for about an hour or two. Is that alright?" Kate asked.

"Yeah… I'll be here" I said.

"Okay… see ya soon" Kate replied before hanging up. I slid the phone in my pocket and sighed again. I wasn't even hungry anymore. I felt bad… I felt really bad.