be happy (A Lachlan Power Fanfiction)

by KaliDiaz

Lachlan moved to Orlando, Florida from Australia, and no one is too sure why. He is a happy, career driven Youtuber, but there is a secret darkness that he keeps to himself. That is, until he meets Kali. Kali watches Lachlan on a regular basis. In fact, Lachlan saved her life and he doesn't even know it. Read as two unlikely strangers join together on their quest for happiness.

5. Chapter Five: My Normal

Lachlan

I woke up around two in the afternoon when I got a phone call from Mitch telling me to get on the Skype call with everyone else. Apparently I was late...again. I rubbed my eyes and stretched, dreading getting out of the safe haven that is my bed. I begrudgingly walked out of my bedroom and through the living room, the afternoon sun beaming through the balcony window. I walked into my office and settled into my chair, turning on the computer and the monitor directly in front of me. I quickly clicked around my screen and entered the Skype call with my Youtube group, The Pack.

"He has finally graced us with his presence!" Rob announced as my face populated onto the screen along with my five other friends.

"Lachlan, it is my pleasure to officially welcome you to the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the happiest place on earth," Jerome sang into his microphone. "How was day one as an official resident of the Sunshine State, man?"

"Better than I anticipated. My therapist and support group aren't as cringey as I thought they'd be," I said, butterflies returning to my stomach as the previous night with Kali crossed my mind.

"I'm glad you're taking it well, man. I hate to say it but you know we worry about you and if you ever need anything, we're only a couple of hours away," Mitch said, concern evident in his voice.

My friends knew I had tried to kill myself last year. I reached out to them after I was able to leave the hospital and go into a temporary institution. They knew I had cut every now and then, but I never let on to how serious it was until it was almost too late. They have been extremely supportive in all of this and have done all they can to learn about the reasons why people decide to self harm or commit suicide and how to support people that have depression. They've helped me more than they know honestly. They are my second family and I will always be grateful for the love and compassion they have given me, even though I was physically distant from them. When I was able to go home, I came back to find all five of them waiting for me. I really couldn't ask for better people to surround myself with.

"Well, I mean, there is something that made it a little bit more bearable," I let my voice trail off and looked away from the camera, knowing good and well I would pique their interest.

"Oh do tell," Rob said, tapping his fingers cynically in front of his face.

"Dude, you really haven't been in Florida for a literal day and already found a girl, have you?" Preston said, a mixture of disbelief and happiness evident on his face.

"You got yourself a girlfriend, Lachlan?" Vikk exclaimed from the corner of my screen.

I laughed and ran my hands through my hair. I could feel my face beginning to blush.

"Wait, what the fuck is that?" Vikk said, pointing at the screen. I looked at him, confused as I watched everyone's eyes shift across their screen, presumably wondering what Vikk was talking about. "Your arm, Lachlan! When the hell did you get that?"

I lifted my left arm and looked at the fluid letters inked on my skin and smiled. "I gave myself a 'Welcome to America' present," I said as I extended it for everyone to see. The reactions on my friends' faces were priceless. You could see the disbelief, awe, intrigue, and concern on each of their faces. "It's just a positive reminder as to why I'm here."

"Great message and all but you know that's permanent, right?" Preston asked, his face showing the most disbelief and concern of the group.

"Obviously he knows that, Preston. It looks sick man," Jerome said supportively.

"I'm digging the location, dude. Whatever you need to remind yourself to be happy, I support," Rob said shooting me a thumbs up. "Anyway, onto more important things. So this girl Vikk diverted our attention from, Lachlan."

I nodded at them nervously, wondering if I should tell them I was motivated by her to get it. "Well, her name is Kali and she's a member of the support group that I'm part of. She's actually like my mentor in the group, like a peer counselor or something of the sort, but she's amazing."

"Yea, yea, but what does this Kali look like? Sounds like a hot girl name," Mitch said, a mischievous smile spread across his face. I felt my face redden. "Ahh she is! Give us the details, paint us a picture!"

"Shit, ok. Well, she's like a foot shorter than me and has this nice, soft olive skin. She has like the most perfect lips I've ever seen, and before you judge me, no, I didn't look at the rest of her like some sort of pervert." They all rolled their eyes at me, not believing me for a second but knowing I felt uncomfortable trying to describe her many physical attributes to them. "I don't know, guys. She's something I've never experienced before. She's like, this short little thing with so much energy and life in her. Like I really want to get to know everything about her and I've never felt that way about a girl and it's tripping me out." I felt myself daze out for a second, just imagining the feel of her in my arms and the unintentionally seductive way she bites her lip. I heard one of them clear their voice, bringing me back to earth. They all stared at me in silence, an expectant look on each of their faces waiting for me to not hold back. "Fine, she has like a really great ass and nice tits, not that I could really see them through her sweater, but solid Cs for sure. You pervs happy now?"

They all laughed, obviously taking some cruel pleasure in my discomfort. "We just wanted you to realize that deep down, you're a perv like the rest of us," Mitch said through his huge smile.

"Yea, but she obviously has some spell on you," Jerome cut in. "If you don't fuck it up, you should bring her with when you come for holidays. We get to meet this creature that has captured our little Lachlan's heart."

I felt the blush creep across my face again. "Kali hasn't captured my heart. She's great and everything, but we are just friends. She's my only friend here so far and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't know if introducing her to you guys is really that smart."

"Ouch, I feel hurt for them," Vikk said, placing his hand over his heart. "But guys, enough with the bull shitting, we need to get to work. I have like two videos to edit before going to sleep today."

"Fine, but don't think we're done talking about this new girl, Lachlan!" Rob exclaimed as we all started getting ready to play a huge game of Cards Against Humanity.

We recorded for a couple of hours, mainly just making fun of each other and indulging in the fucked up nature of the game. I went to scratch my arm and cringed at the slight pain. I looked at my arm and stared at the tattoo still fresh on my arm. The flush of regret washed over me again. I am here for a new start, is it really not too late to go back to school? I grabbed my phone as the guys were making fun of Preston for one of the cards he chose as the winner. I found Kali's number and opened up a new message and froze. I didn't know what to say and the thought of texting her made me incredibly nervous. I kept writing messages asking about her day and deleting them out of fear that I was coming on too strong. I didn't know what kind of vibe I wanted to give off to her. I eventually decided to text her the safest thing I could fathom:

LACHLAN: Hey Kal

Was it imaginative? No, but I wanted to talk to her and not overwhelm her with questions right off the bat. I tried to shift my attention back to the game when my phone buzzed on my desk.

KALI: Hey Power, what's up?

The butterflies in my stomach fluttered as I read her words, hearing her say them in her silky voice. I smiled as I pictured her in front of me, her awkwardly folding her arms across her chest as she bit her lip. She probably doesn't realize how adorable she really is.

LACHLAN: Nothing much, just catching up with some friends. How's work? You're not too tired are you?

I bit my lip nervously, knowing good and well it was my fault she was up so late. She knew I needed her and is too nice of a person to have left me alone. A pang of guilt ran through me.

KALI: I'm currently dying a slow and painful death due to exhaustion, but it was worth it. You needed someone there for you yesterday and I'm glad I was able to help.

I felt a smile creep onto my face. I really am glad she was there for me, and I'm sure she knows how much I appreciated it. Who knows how yesterday would have gone if I was left alone?

LACHLAN: I really do appreciate it, Kal. It meant more than you know. You actually had me thinking about something last night and I wanted to ask you something

KALI: Shoot

I gulped and nervously typed my message out. I hadn't told my friends about my regrets of not going to college or even how I wanted to be a teacher and a writer one day. I knew they would support me, but I didn't know if I had enough faith in myself to do it. I feared failure, and I always have. That's one of the main reasons I usually quit everything and can't quite commit to much. Youtube is the first thing I can remember putting my everything into, and even then it's not really me, it's just a semi false persona that oozes happiness and positivity. I let out a deep sigh and sent her a message regarding what had been running through my mind.

LACHLAN: I've been thinking about what you said, about our regrets and stuff. I don't want to wonder about what ifs and why nots anymore. Do you mind if we hang out again tonight? There's something I wanted to talk to you about.

I nervously awaited her reply. I knew she was working at the university near by as well as taking classes there so I know she's knowledgable enough. I tried to focus back on the game, realizing I had said little to nothing in the past couple of minutes. I tuned back in as Vikk was telling us a story about how Simon, one of his other Youtube friends from back home, pranked him while he was sleeping.

"So I woke up to find my hand in this bucket of wet stringy stuff and immediately flipped my shit because I thought it was worms. I screamed like a little bitch, kicked the bucket over, rolled out of bed to get out of my room and ended up busting my ass because I slipped on the pile by my bed. Just as I was about throw up from being covered in worms, I realized it was pasta. I looked by my window and saw a light from the corner of my room to see that ass hole recording me and laughing hysterically. So yea that was my exciting weekend," Vikk said with an exasperated sigh.

My friends and I all laughed. As traumatized as I'm sure Vikk is right now, we all know we would pay to see him freak out like that. "Well at least you didn't have to travel very far to get dinner," Preston gasped in between his heaves of laughter.

"I need to see this, when is he posting it," I asked, wiping a tear that had fallen from my eye from laughing so hard.

Vikk grumbled in despair. "Tomorrow. You know, as great as it is to live with your friends, I'm not quite sure it outweighs the emotional distress you go through wondering if your safe from embarrassment or not."

Jerome let out a hearty laugh. "It doesn't, but the memories are still pretty great."

I thought back to the times I would spend a month or so with each of them. We always had such a great time and those really are memories I would cherish forever. I sometimes wish it was a little more permanent, like Vikk living with the Sidemen or Jerome and Mitch being housemates. It seems like it would never get lonely.

I felt my phone vibrate on my desk, bringing me back from some potentially depressing thoughts.

KALI: Of course. I'll pick you up after work around 6:30? I could make us some dinner since based on your fridge you're not having a home cooked meal anytime soon :P

I laughed and quickly messaged her back saying ok.

"Earth to Lachlan!" I heard Mitch scream. I snapped my head up to look at their faces on my screen. The game had finished and I didn't even notice. "Were you even listening?"

I shook my head. "Not even a little bit to be honest."

Mitch rolled his eyes at me. "I asked if you were coming to St. Pete this weekend? We could also go to Orlando if you'd like."

"I, uh, actually already have plans this weekend," I said, my voice trailing off. I tried my best to sound nonchalant, but I already knew my face was getting pink.

"Oh it's that girl isn't it! You guys going on a date or something?" Jerome asked, interest clear in his eyes.

"It's nothing too serious. She called it a date but I knew she didn't mean like a date date. We're just going to Downtown Disney to play Pokemon. It's not a big deal, I swear."

"You know you're a terrible liar, right?" Rob cut in.

"There's nothing to even lie about! I barely know her!" I plead.

"Yea but you've already tried to picture her naked at least three times since you've met her, right?" Mitch jabbed.

"Guys come on. We all know I'm not the relationship type anyway. And trying to balance a romance while I'm here to recover would be a mistake. Can we just drop it and forget that I ever mentioned her, ok? I don't know why I even brought her up to you guys. It really is nothing." I said, my heart dropping as the words escaped my mouth.

"Bro, who are you trying to convince? Us or you?" Preston asked. I didn't know the answer.

Kali

Thursdays at work are usually the worst. I'm not sure why, but that's when shit hits

the fan almost like clockwork and me and Campbell have to basically figure out everyone's problems on our own. Believe me, I love my job. They're paying my tuition and give me super flexible hours, but that doesn't mean I really enjoy dealing with their bull shit, especially when I got like four hours of sleep the night before.

I walked into the department, praying that it was going to be a calm day, though I knew it wasn't. I looked at the schedule the night before and knew we had the really difficult students scheduled to come in today. I took a deep breath before pushing the door open and seeing a fresh pile of paperwork waiting for me sitting on my desk. I sat down and started sorting through the different folders based on what I had to do for each student's profile. I sat back in my chair, already feeling the sleep-deprived migraine settling in. I let out an exasperated sigh, but couldn't help but feel a smile come across my face. Last night really was amazing and I hadn't realized how much I needed a night to just unwind and start over. The fact that I was starting over with Lachlan freakin Power definitely helps as well. I was starstruck, I can't lie. I had decided to keep the interaction to myself for a few reasons.

One is because I didn't want my friends getting worried about me for spending time with someone new. I had gotten pretty bad after Reese and I had broken up, so as valid as their fears were, I have been doing so much better these last few months and don't plan on turning back.

The second is my desire to just keep it to myself. I don't mind leaving this as a personal interaction for just me and him, especially because the entire reason we met was because of something very personal for both of us. If I were asked how did we meet, I wouldn't even know what to say. I'm a bad liar so it's not like it wouldn't be a dead give away.

The last reason is because none of my friends know who the fuck he is. Everyone makes fun of me for watching gaming videos, especially Minecraft videos, because I literally lack the coordination to play video games. Actually, the only person who could probably recognize him by face or voice was…

How could I not recognize it? I only had to listen to his voice every night of our relationship. To think I'm the one that convinced you that you had a crush on him. I guess that really worked out in my favor, huh?

I shook the sound of Reese's voice ringing in my ears just as Campbell walked in, the smile quickly fading from his face. "Are you ok?"

"Yea, I'm doing great. Just a bit of a migraine. I didn't sleep all that great last night so obviously today is going to be super!" I said with faux enthusiasm.

Campbell dimmed the lights in my office and sat across from me at my desk. "Hey, I was just gonna let you know that I was leaving early today but if you need me to grab any of this and get it done, I don't mind."

"It's ok, I'm here until six so I'll be able to get it done." I gave him a weak smile and he reluctantly nodded, knowing good and well I wasn't going to let him help.

He let out a deep sigh and got up from the chair, "well, I'm going to bring you tea at the very least and I'm not taking no for an answer." He gave me a wink and closed the door behind him. He returned a few minutes later with a hot cup of cinnamon apple tea, a small bottle of water, and a fresh glazed doughnut. "I brought the water in case you were going to take your pills. Plus I know you never factor in enough time for breakfast, so tada!" I gave him a grateful smile. He left once again and left me to the mountain of work before me.

I was able to get most of my work done fairly quickly. A lot of it wasn't difficulty, mainly just data entry and revision. I was focused until I felt my phone vibrate in my bag. I pulled it out and my heart skipped a beat.

LACHLAN: Hey Kal

I quickly typed something back.

KALI: Hey Power, what's up?

I tried not to think too much into the fact that he's messaging and tried to keep my focus.

LACHLAN: Nothing much, just catching up with some friends. How's work? You're not too tired are you?

I felt a slight blush creep across my face, a reaction to Lachlan's mild concern for me.

KALI: I'm currently dying a slow and painful death due to exhaustion, but it was worth it. You needed someone there for you yesterday and I'm glad I was able to help.

LACHLAN: I really do appreciate it, Kal. It meant more than you know. You actually had me thinking about something last night and I wanted to ask you something

I felt my nerves rile up. I have no idea what he was thinking or what he could possibly want to ask, but I knew that my brain wouldn't stop thinking about the possibilities until he told me.

KALI: Shoot

I couldn't even focus on my work at this point. I stared mindlessly at my phone, waiting for the message to pop up on my screen. It felt like an eternity until I saw his name show up.

LACHLAN: I've been thinking about what you said, about our regrets and stuff. I don't want to wonder about what ifs and why nots anymore. Do you mind if we hang out again tonight? There's something I wanted to talk to you about.

I read the message and the butterflies in my stomach erupted. He wanted to see me again, and so soon. The thought made me feel a little light headed, the starstruck feeling returning at full blast. As I was in the midst of responding, I heard someone come in the office.

"Hey, Kali, did you finish updating those student profiles for me?" asked Ms. Meyers, the director of the office.

"Um, yes I did," I said, passing her a thick stack of folders. "Actually I wanted to bring something up to you as well. I noticed some inconsistencies in the administrative forms you wanted me to look over yesterday and I was thinking of possibly creating a more condensed form for office expenses? Kind of streamlining the process so it isn't such a hassle to compare everything later on?" I looked at her hopefully. One thing I had learned while working in the university is that people are really stuck in their ways so if something is going to change, it better be a quick and easy fix.

She looked at me in silence, her expression hard to read. "You know," she said, sifting through the folders in her hands, "we've used this process for almost three years now." She looked me dead in the eye and I dropped my head, feeling as though my idea was already put to rest. "Create a draft as soon as possible. We'll review it during the staff meeting next week," she said as she quickly turned around left my office.

I couldn't help but smile. A lot of the coordinators have acknowledged the work that I've been putting into my job, but it felt different having had a chance to present something directly to the director. Getting in her good graces could be monumental for me, especially as a reference after graduating in a couple of years. I was so caught up in my little moment, I had almost forgotten to write back to Lachlan. Almost.

KALI: Of course. I'll pick you up after work around 6:30? I could make us some dinner since based on your fridge you're not having a home cooked meal anytime soon :P

Almost immediately I got a text back.

LACHLAN: Ok, it's a date :)

And there goes the butterflies.

I was running a little bit late. I hadn't left work at six like I was supposed to, not that I ever actually leave work on time. I rushed to my car and waited until it warmed up, checking myself in the mirror and making sure I looked human enough to see Lachlan. My curls began to get a little unruly throughout the day, probably because of my stress induced fidgeting. I quickly did some french braids, taming my locks just enough. I nervously played with the hoop pierced through my tragus as I waited for the car to finish warming up. I was getting antsy. I watched as another minute ticked by on the clock and decided my car was warm enough to not break down on me.

I drove as fast as legally possible until I got to Lachlan's complex. As I was getting ready to text him and ask for his gate code, I saw him walking towards the front gate and slowly approach my car.

"I was just about to text you," I said, opening the car door for him. I took in the vision in front of me. He had on this really nice cream sweater, dark denim jeans, and brown desert boots, but my attention immediately shifted to how red his nose was from walking in the cold.

"Oh I know it. My Kali senses were tingling so I decided to meet you here," he said as he slid into my passenger seat. "One of the perks of being a great cult leader." He gave me a playful wink and all I could do was hope my face wasn't as red as it felt.

"Welcome to casa de Kali," leading him into my apartment. "My roommates actually left this afternoon for a wedding so fortunately they will not be making an appearance." I took off my jacket and slid it on the back of one of out dining room chairs.

"Don't you mean unfortunately?" he asked, his eyebrow cocked in amusement.

"No, no. I mean fortunately. I love them to death but they make it a point to embarrassment in front of any guest I bring home, extra points if it's a guy," I said rolling my eyes.

"Well don't they sound lovely," he said with a grin, entering our small kitchen. "This is a really charming place. It has a really good homey feeling."

I followed him inside. "You can thank my roommates for that. They decorated this whole place. If it was left up to me, it would still be plain. I'm too indecisive for extensive decorating in such an open area." I went to the fridge and grabbed out some chicken breasts. "Are you ok with some chicken and potatoes? I'm not exactly a master chef but I can kill some classics."

I heard his stomach grumble, almost as a response to my question. "Literally anything would be just perfect," he said with a smile, running his fingers through his hair. I began to prep the chicken, deciding to make it a lemon garlic bake with some asparagus and sliced baked potatoes. "Need any help?" he asked, rolling up his sleeves a tad bit showing he was ready to work.

I gave him a smile and nodded. "Do you mind putting the oven to 350 and getting the baking pan out of there? And wrapping that with aluminum foil as well. It in the drawer right next to it."

He moved quickly, completing my orders just as I asked. Together, we placed everything on the pan and slid it into the oven. We washed our hands quickly and I felt him staring at me. "Can I help you with something?" I asked with a smile.

"Well? Aren't you gonna show me around?" he asked, his arms placed on his hips as he waited for my reply.

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're so dramatic!" I linked his arm in mine and pulled him. "Come on, I only really have my room to show you since you literally walked into the living, dining, and kitchen areas already." I guided him to the last door on the left of the short hall way. "Welcome to my cave," I said, motioning toward my room. It wasn't very large, but I definitely made the best out of the space. I had a really big closet so I opted to not get a dresser and instead get a shelf set to display the prized trinkets I had collected over the years as well as stacks of books and my ridiculous nail polish collection. On either side of my bed, I had hanging shelves with even more books, as well as picture frames and ceramic pieces. I had a desk that housed both my laptop and a small television I had had for awhile but very rarely used. It was a tight fit, but it was perfectly me and I loved it.

"That's fuckin beautiful," Lachlan breathed, his eyes transfixed on the mural that spanned behind my bed. Against a white wall were dark brown, painted trees, creating the feel of bare trees during a cold and white winter. They were beautifully intertwined, much like a real forest and it made me feel protected. "It's winter. You created winter." I felt his arm unwrap from mine and he took in my room, really getting to see a part of me that is honestly rarely seen. He slid his hand into mine and looked at me. "You intrigued me beyond belief, and it scares the hell out of me."

I felt a blush spread across my cheeks and I quickly looked away, making sure, however, that my hand didn't leave his. He walked around my bed, examining the books elevated on my walls. He ran his fingers over the random assortment of titles: A Child Called It, Running With Scissors, Story Time, Perfect Chemistry, A Journey into the Deaf-World. He stopped on the last title and lifted it from the shelf. "That was a textbook from one of my classes. Honestly, one of the most eye opening books I've read of all time and literally the only textbook I read cover to cover."

"You took a class about Deaf people?" He asked, confusion evident on his face as he skimmed through the book.

I shook my head, I could feel a smile coming onto my face. "It's so much more than that. I learned about a whole new culture I would have never really known existed. I took it as an elective and I literally fell in love. They are such a strong and widespread community with such a rich history that really is never told unless you look for it. Like, did you know it was banned to teach signed language to students worldwide and children were therefore forced to learn to speak? Can you imagine how difficult that is?" He shook his head. "Exactly, no one can unless you went through it. And they had their language taken away from them for convenience to people who had the ability to hear. That happened over a century ago and schools are just now teaching Deaf students ASL, and even then they're fucking that up for them, but that's another story for another time." I waved my hand in the air, motioning that my rant was over. I looked back at Lachlan and he was just watching me. "What?"

"I wish I was as passionate about one thing as you seem to be about everything." He let out a soft chuckle and placed the book back on the shelf. "Do you know how to sign?" I nodded slowly. "Can you teach me something?"

I pulled him back in the living room and sat him on the couch, facing me. I lifted my right hand up and faced it towards him and he did the same. "Ok, so I'm going to show you the alpha- wait, why do you even want to learn?" I asked him.

"Why did you want to learn?" He looked me dead in my eyes, as if he were peering into my soul.

Well, remember how I said I couldn't really communicate with my grandma and how I regretted it?" He nodded attentively. "Well, I was given the luxury of being surrounded by people who could speak for me if I needed them to, like my cousins and parents. Well, one day at work, I had to do a check in for a student, a new girl that I had never seen before. I was going over a long list of information and I wasn't really looking at her most of the time. I kept looking away, blocking my face, mumbling, all these little things that people aren't usually aware of. About five minutes in, I had realized she had this really sad look on her face. She pointed to her ears and shook her head. She was Deaf. We didn't have anyone who knew how to sign in the office, so I basically just had her read a page of information and answered any questions she had via a notepad and pen. I felt so guilty in that moment. I was so stuck in my own world that the thought of having someone physically not understand me hurt me. I felt like everything I had learned from that textbook literally meant nothing because I overlooked her just like she was used to. That same afternoon, I searched for local classes and enrolled. I'm not exactly fluent yet, but I'm conversational and still learning more everyday. My hope and goal is to act as a voice for those who don't have one and step in if I'm needed. If I could make it easier for a group of people, why wouldn't I, you know?"

"Exactly. And that's why I want to learn. If I'm going to be a teacher one day, shouldn't I be able to communicate with all my potential students?"

I looked at him in slight disbelief. "You're serious about this aren't you? Becoming a teacher?" Just then it all clicked. "Is this what you wanted to talk about? The what ifs and why nots?"

He nodded. "Yea, it is. I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I know you work at the university, and I think I'm ready to look into starting classes."

I looked at him hard, trying to gauge how determined he really was about this. I couldn't sense any traces of doubt. He was serious about this. "Well, what would you like to know?"

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair again. "What do I need to do really? What are my options?"

"How soon were you looking to start?"

"January, if possible." He looked at me intently, his gaze not wavering.

"Jesus, look at you being impulsive," I said with a grin.

He smiled back. "I learned it from you, oh great mentor."

"Please, call me sensei," I said, waving him off before we both laughed. "But seriously, there is no way you'll be able to get into a program in less than a month." His smile dropped. "However," I said, lifting a figure, indicating that there was still hope, "you can enroll at the state college here and take classes for your personal interest like basic English or social science classes you'll need to get a degree anyway and start you application for the fall. What were your grades like in high school?"

He looked at me and grimaced. "Like I told you, school wasn't really my thing as I got older."

I nodded reassuringly. "It's ok. You'll be able to take courses at the state college until you eventually get your Associate's degree and then you can transfer to a university if that's what you'd like. The state college here and the university have a direct connect program that basically guarantees you admission. That may be your best bet."

He looked at me for a moment and then pulled me into a hug. "Thank you," he whispered.

I felt too awkward in the moment to hug him back. "For what?" I mumbled.

He let me go and looked and me with a huge smile. "For believing in my dreams."

"You've got what it takes to make your dreams come true. I'd be an idiot not to bet on you."

"Jesus Christ, you're corny. I feel like you just spat up a Hallmark card." He busted out laughing, falling back on the couch and clutching his stomach.

"Dammit, Lachlan! I was trying to be supportive," I said shoving him off the couch. I laughed as I saw him roll off. "Fuck you, man."

"Ouch!" he yelped, crawling back on the sofa. "That is friendship abuse. I think that makes you the worse kind of person now," he said, sticking out his tongue at me.

"Oh grow up!"

"Absolutely not. My happiness lies in a childlike state of mind."

I sighed. "And with that logic, I cannot argue."

"Exactly. Now teach me how to speak with my hands, sensei," he said, lifting his right hand and facing it towards me.

I laughed and obliged. We went through the manual alphabet which he picked up pretty fast. I showed him how to introduce himself and how to spell out his first and last name. 'HELLO - MY - NAME - L-A-C-H-L-A-N P-O-W-E-R. YOUR - NAME - WHAT?'

Once he felt comfortable with that, I showed him some other basic signs, like how to count from one to ten, how to say home, yes and no, like and don't like, want and don't want, and some basic etiquette when signing. Just as I was about to call the lesson to an end, he grabbed my hand and motioned for me to look at him. He held his hand in my line of vision and I looked him in his beautiful, ice blue eyes as he signed something I had never expected. 'I - LIKE - YOU - K-A-L-I' His finger lingered in my direction before I saw him pull it away and quickly turn a pale pink color.

I felt my face redden as I lifted my hand and placed it between us. I bit my lip nervously as I began to repeat the signs he had just done. 'I - LIKE - YOU - L-A-C-H-L-A-N'

I heard him exhale a breath he had apparently been holding in, and I unconsciously did the same. We looked into each other's eyes for what felt like an eternity until he inched a little closer. I did the same. I could feel his breath on my lips. I was about to kiss Lachlan, the literal man of my dreams.

Ding!

"Dinner," I whispered softly.

"Yea," he said in a breathy voice. We both pulled away simultaneously and got up to head to the kitchen.

Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.