A/N: Guess who's back! It's been nearly two years and I greatly apologize. I had an awful case of block for months, and then I completely forgot that this story even existed. Buuuuut I am back and ready for more chapters! Please don't hate me.

Chapter 14

"Isn't there any way you could stay the night?" I begged my parents. The wonderful party the boys had thrown me was coming to an end, and my family was due to board their plane in an hour.

My mother tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before pulling me close. "I'm so sorry honey. I really wish we could stay, but the only way we could afford this trip in the first place was because Dan paid for our tickets." Dan did that for me? I knew we had become great friends, but plane tickets are expensive.

"I understand," I gave in finally, and my mother kissed my cheek.

"You stay safe okay honey? We are all so proud of you."

"Of course, mom." I smiled weakly, fighting the tears that were threatening to spill. Dad squeezed my shoulders reassuringly.

"Please remember to call. We all love to hear how you're doing. And make sure that Lester boy doesn't try to kiss you anymore, or else I'll make his lips stay that way," dad joked, punching the air in what he thought was a menacing manner. I laughed, hugging him tightly. He always had to make light of serious situations.

"Alright. No more kissing. Got it."

Then there was Drew. He reluctantly shuffled up to me with his hands behind his back. "Hey sis. Um, happy birthday and stuff." He then pulled out from behind his back a medium-sized box. I went to open it but he stopped me. "Save it for later."

"You didn't have to get me anything, Drew."

"I know. I wanted to." He smiled proudly at me. I beamed right back at him, pulling him close.

"I love you so much, Drew."

"I love you too, Luce."

I pulled away. "First stop, England. Next stop, Scotland."

"Once I get the all clear, you better not back out on that offer." He stuck his tongue out at me.

I feigned disbelief and faked my best British accent, "Oh, I would never dream of such a thing as that, you silly muffin!" Drew doubled over in laughter. Surprisingly, he didn't end his fit in coughing. Maybe he really was getting better.

My mom checked her watch, "We'd better get going if we want to catch our flight. We love you very much sweetie." Again, I was engulfed in hugs. As I watched my family walk away, my dad turned to say, "Peace out, homes!" My mother giggled as both Drew and I facepalmed.

"See what you've done?" I shouted at my mother. "You've rubbed off on him!"

"What can I say? He's picked up what I've been puttin' down, fo real!" And with that, my family piled into a taxi and drove off.

I stood silently for a moment, staring in the direction of the taxi, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to find Dan standing there.

"Are you gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just missed them a lot." I puffed out my cheeks, trying to fight back tears.

"Have you had fun tonight?"

I nodded. "Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me. This was all Phil's idea."

" My mom told me what you did. Plane tickets are insane, especially when accommodations have to be made for a sick little boy."

"Ah it's not a big deal," he said awkwardly.

"Are you kidding? This was a huge deal! You deserve to be thanked."

Dan blushed slightly under the moonlight. "I just...I saw how concerned you were about your brother the night Phil and I first had a chat with him and I knew how much it would mean to you if your family was here. When I told Phil, he agreed it was be a great idea. So it's my present to you." He grinned softly. I hugged him tightly.

"This has been the best birthday ever," I mumbled in his chest.

"And it's not even over yet."

"What?" I asked, puzzled.

Dan only grinned widely. "You can come out now," Dan shouted. From behind a bush just to my right, Phil appeared, basket in hand.

"It's midnight picnic time."

A/N: Ahh I missed this story so much. So this chapter was pretty much filler, but I just love writing for Lucy's family, and I thought it would be cool if Dan were the one who paid for the flight. How sweet is he? Anyways, more soon to come!