Begin Again

Chapter 16: All I Want for Christmas Is You

Scott woke up from a hazy sleep. He was just coming off of his high. He groaned, and felt his forehead. He had a killer headache. He looked around the room. He could barely remember where he was, but he saw that he was at Travis' place, sleeping on his couch.

He blindly reached for his phone, and turned it on. He was surprised to see he had ten voice mails.

He sighed, wondering why it was so important to his family that he eat dinner with them. It wasn't like it was the first time he had passed on eating dinner with them.

He listened to his messages, and his heart sank to his stomach when he heard the news about Rufus having a heart attack. How could he have been so stupid to turn his phone off?

"Scott, I know you don't care, but our father is in room 205 on the second floor of Cornell. Just thought I'd let you know in case you decided to stop acting like a Jackass."

Scott winced at Jenny's latest message. He had to get ready and head to the hospital. He had to go see his father. He looked around for Travis, who was lying on the floor, sleeping.

Scott looked at the clock on the wall. It was three in the morning.

He gently shook Travis. "Dude, wake up! My Dad's in the hospital. He's had a heart attack. I have to go!"

Travis, however, remained sleeping soundly on the floor.

"Dude! Look, get into your bed, and I'll see you at work if I can. If not, you know why I won't be there." Scott shook him again to no avail. "Dude!" He rolled Travis over onto his back, frustrated that Travis wasn't waking.

Once Travis was on his back, Scott saw that Travis' eyes were rolled to the back of his head. He looked dead.

"Travis! Travis, Dude, are you all right?" Scott gently shook him again, and listened for a pulse and breathing. Travis was barely breathing, and his pulse was barely there.

"Oh my gosh, why me? Why now of all times?" Scott cried out. He grabbed his phone and quickly dialed 911. "Yes, I need an ambulance right away. I think my friend has O. …."

~BA~

I was torn between staying with Travis to see how he was, and getting the hell out of there to see my father. I decided to stay with Travis. I was in no state to drive, and a taxi could take forever in the city traffic. I knew I could tell the ambulance driver to take Travis to Cornell, and I could just ride in the ambulance with him.

I watched as the EMTs stabilized Travis and got him onto a stretcher. I was surprised to find that I actually hoped Travis would be all right. After everything that he had done to me−even after he killed my girlfriend−I didn't want him to die. I might have at first, but now, now I didn't seem him as a killer. I just saw him as a mixed up kid trying to fit in and find a way through this crummy life we've been given. I could relate to that.

"It's a good thing you induced vomiting on him. He has a lot of drugs in his system from the looks of it," the first EMT said, nodding toward the massive display of drugs on the coffee table. Travis always did like to mix his drugs.

"I figured it was best to do that," Scott said with a nod. It had been disgusting, sticking his finger down Travis' throat, but I had known it had to be done.

"Which hospital do you want?" the second EMT then asked me.

"Cornell," I said promptly.

We headed out of the apartment and outside to the ambulance.

I got in after they loaded Travis in, then once the EMT had slammed the door, we were off to the hospital.

I knew Travis' father had to be notified. I had grabbed Travis' phone before the ambulance arrived, and found Travis' father's number on his contacts. I had called and left a message. He hadn't answered his phone. I now called again and still got the machine. I left the name of the hospital Travis was going to be at, and then I hung up again.

I watched Travis. He was still unconscious, and had tubes running out of his nose, and an IV. He looked almost peaceful now.

"Is he going to be all right?" I asked out loud.

The EMT shrugged. "He's still alive, so that's a good sign. We won't know for sure until the doctor has seen him."

I kept my eyes on Travis, who was sleeping so peacefully despite that that he had tubes up his nose and a needle in his arm. I wondered what was going through his head. That is, if anything was going through his head.

I was then taken to thoughts of my father. I hadn't been a very good son to him or Lily lately. Heck, I'd even been a horrible brother. What if that had been me lying on the floor, having overdosed? What if it had been Travis to realize I had overdosed? Would he have even bothered to call the ambulance, or would he have left me there to die like he had Veronica?

I would like to believe that he would have called an ambulance. I knew Travis better now. He wasn't the horrible monster I had made him out to be. I knew he was a good person deep down. He was just a little misguided is all.

We arrived at the hospital, and I stayed with Travis until the doctors took over. Then, once they swept him away to do their thing, I headed to the second floor to find my father.

It didn't take long. It was pretty self-explanatory where he was once you got to the second floor.

I headed to the room, and a nurse stopped me.

"Excuse me, Sir, but visiting hours are over. Only his fiancé is allowed in there with him. You may visit him starting at eight AM tomorrow," she informed me.

"I'm his son. Please, I just found out about his heart attack," I pleaded.

She sighed. "All right, but keep it brief!"

"Thank you!" I said, quickly slipping into his room.

Lily looked up at me, tears in her eyes. She then got up from her seat, ran over to me, and hugged me tightly. "Where were you?" she asked, her voice breaking into a whisper.

I was going to tell her about the drugs, but I knew that now was not the time. "I was at a friends' house. Veronica's death has hit me a lot harder than I can take. I just needed to get away from it all for a while. I'm sorry I've been such a bad son lately."

Lily sniffled. "You're not a bad son. You're just going through a really bad time right now. We're going to get through this together as a family. I promise you."

I nodded toward my seeping father. "Is he going to be all right? I just got the message an hour ago."

Lily nodded. "Thank the Lord, yes, he is. He needs to start eating healthier, and he needs to cut out all the fat and grease."

"He's not going to be happy to hear that," I quipped.

"Well, he can complain until his face turns blue. He's not going back to junk food. He had several clogged arteries. He's lucky to be alive," Lily stated as she lovingly watched my father. She walked over to him, and gently stroked his hair. "I don't know what I would have done if I had lost him." Her eyes teared up again, and she looked at me. "I can only imagine the pain you must be going through. I mean, I guessed what you must have felt like, but until I thought I was going to lose your father, I—" She broke off and sniffled. Her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, Scott, I honestly don't know how you're still standing!"

I walked over to her and handed her a tissue off the nightstand. She blew her nose into it, and I wrapped my arms tightly around her. "It's hard. Some days I don't even want to live. But knowing I have a mother like you and a father like Rufus—not to mention siblings who love and care about me—helps me more than you could imagine."

Lily smiled, and laughed weakly. She hugged me back. "I'm so lucky to have a son like you. I'm sorry I gave you up when I did. I was just so young, and I just didn't think I could handle a son at that age. I wanted you to have a good life. Had I known you then like I know you now… I never would have…" She trailed off.

I nodded, and gave her a little squeeze. "I know." And I did. I knew my mother loved me unconditionally, as did my father, and my adoptive parents. I also had siblings who loved me, and I knew that, having all that, I could get through this. I could get through losing Veronica, and one day, maybe not soon, but one day eventually, I would feel back to my old self again, and I would learn to live and love again. And that, gave me hope.

~BA~

Scott didn't end up seeing Rufus awake until the next morning. He had waited to make sure that Travis would be okay, and when he heard that Travis was going to be fine, he went home to sleep. He then took a shower and got dressed, then headed into Lily and Rufus' room to pack a bag for his parents. He found Jenny was already in there, doing just that.

"So, you finally decided to show up," she said dryly.

Scott nodded. "I went and saw Dad last night. He was asleep the whole time."

"Yeah, well, going through a heart attack takes a lot out of you, I'd imagine," Jenny said, her tone still dry and annoyed.

Scott sighed. "I apologized to Lily for being MIA. I didn't get your messages until very early this morning. I headed right over as soon as I got them."

Jenny narrowed her eyes at him. "Maybe if you hadn't ignored my earlier calls and turned off your phone, you would have heard a lot sooner about it. Dad could have died, Scott, and you would have been none the wiser!"

Scott looked down at the floor in shame, and tried not to cry. "I know." He looked up at Jenny. "Look, I'm sorry, all right? Veronica's death has just hit me so hard and I didn't know how to get through it. I needed some time away from people who pitied me. I needed time to myself. I just couldn't face you guys."

Jenny's expression softened a bit. "Yeah, well, those people who pity you only pity you because they love you. We all just want to be there for you. You're family, Scott. When you hurt, we hurt. We love you, and when you shut us out, it hurts us."

Scott looked away; again in shame. "I know. I didn't mean to hurt you guys. I just don't know what to do with my life! I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with Veronica. We had it all planned out. We were going to get married and start a family… Then she was taken from me in such a cruel, cruel way. Now, I not only have to go through the pain of losing her, but also the pain of losing the life that I had planned. Now I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life. I feel like I have no purpose here."

Jenny walked over to him and embraced him. "We all feel like that sometimes, Scott. Trust me, I can outweigh you in the amount of times I felt like the world would be better off without me."

"It wouldn't be. I love you, and it makes me happy having a little sister. You're the coolest, and you design amazing things like that shirt you designed for my birthday last year. That was the best!" Scott said. "You make me laugh, and you cheer me up when I'm down. You're very important to me!"

"And you're very important to me! I have another brother! How cool is that? I know you'd stand up for me at any given time, and you'll love me no matter how many times I act bratty and foolish," Jenny said. "Not to mention you're smart. You can be anything in this world you want to be. I'm proud to have you as my brother. I know that one day you'll make a difference in people's lives—not just mine," Jenny gushed sincerely in return.

"I so you so much!" Scott said, hugging his sister.

Jenny smiled. "I love you too, Brother. And don't you ever forget it!"

They grinned at each other.

"Shall we stop by the grocery store along the way and buy him some tomatoes to snack on while he lies in bed?" Scott joked with a smile.

Jenny laughed. "Yeah!" he can eat them like apples.

They both laughed.

"I was the one who needed a babysitter now, Dad is. Lily's going to have to watch him like a hawk and make sure he doesn't eat any greasy, fatty foods. He'll also have to work out," Scott said.

"We should get him a personal trainer," Jenny said as she grabbed the bag she had made up for Rufus.

"We should!" Scott agreed as he grabbed the bag Jenny had made up for Lily.

They headed down the stairs, making more plans for their father. Scott was glad that he was back on good terms with his mother and sister again. He only hoped that his father would be as forgiving.

~Begin Again~

Rufus slowly fluttered his eyes open. "Where am I?" he asked, even though he could tell from looking where he was.

"You're in the hospital. You had a heart attack after eating all that garbage. I told you it was going to come back to bite you in the butt one day," Lily said.

She then gently stroked the hair out of his eyes. "Don't you ever scare me like that again, you hear me?" She got teary eyed, and her voice broke. "I thought I was going to lose you."

Rufus held out his arms, and she sat on the side of his bed to that he could take her into his arms and hold her. He kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry I scared you, my Love. I promise from now on I'll eat healthier if that is what it takes to make you feel better."

She sniffled, and looked up at him. "It's what is going to take to make you feel better!" She very gently poked him in the chest. "No more eating junk! I also want you to start exercising. I'll go with you to the gym, or better yet, we can hire a personal trainer to get us both into shape."

Rufus winced. "I have to work out too?"

Lily stroked his hair again. "Yes. I know you don't like working out, but it will be good for your heart. Your doctor wants you to not only start eating better, but also to stay fit. It will help you in the long run. I want a husband that is going to be around for a long, long time. Not someone who will keel over in a few years."

Rufus sighed. "Well, if it will make you happy, and keep me around to love you, then yes, I'll eat healthy, and I'll work out with you as much as it will kill me to do so."

Lily shook her head. "No, it will do just the opposite!"

Rufus grinned, as did Lily, and they kissed.

"Knock, knock!" Jenny said, knocking on the door, then walking in with Scott behind her. "We brought you bags of clothes."

"Thank you, Jennifer! That was so thoughtful of you." Lily hugged her.

Jenny hugged her back. "No problem. It was the least I could do."

Rufus smiled. "You two are hugging? Are you sure I didn't die and am in Heaven now?" he joked.

Lily and Jenny broke the hug and smiled at him.

"After Lily saved your life by giving you CPR, I realized what a jerk I'd been to her, and I apologized. She was kind enough to forgive me," Jenny explained to him.

Rufus looked at Lily. "You saved my life?"

Jenny nodded. "She's been taking CPR classes so that she'd be prepared if any of us ever needed it."

Rufus had tears in his eyes as he looked at Lily. He was so touched! "You never cease to amaze me how amazing you are," he said to her.

Lily smiled at him. "Back at you!" She leaned down, and they kissed sweetly on the lips.

Scott cleared his throat, and Rufus broke the kiss to see his prodigal son standing at the end of the bed. "Scott! The prodigal son returns!" Rufus sad with a grin.

Scott blushed. "I'm sorry, Dad. I just needed time to myself for a bit. I came as soon as I heard what happened. I was here earlier this morning, but you were still asleep."

"Well, you're here now. That's all that matters. Come here and give me a hug!" Rufus held out his arms to Scott.

Scott quickly rushed over to his father.

"Just be careful of my heart. I'm still kind of sore from the surgery," Rufus said.

Scott nodded, then very gently hugged his father.

"It feels good to hug you, Son," Rufus said. He knew Scott was going through some tough times of his own. He just hoped that this heart attack of his was enough to snap Scott back to reality, and show him that you have to be with family when you can, for you might not always have the chance.

They hugged for a moment, then Scott broke from the hug. "I have something to tell you guys. I was going to wait for Dan and Serena to get here, but I'll just tell them later. I have to tell Eric later anyway."

Rufus wasn't sure if this was going to be something good or something bad. Scott's tone was hard to read. "What is it, Son?"

"Well, I've left out a major part about where I was last night." Scott sounded nervous now, and Rufus felt his stomach fill with dread. It was something bad. He could tell that now.

Scott took a deep breath, then slowly let it out before responding. "I was at Travis' place," he began.

Jenny raised an eyebrow. "The guy that ran over Veronica?"

Scott nodded. "That would be the one. We got a job at the same bookstore, and somehow, I don't even remember how, we ended up being friends I guess. He told me about this new drug, Morphstacy, and he promised it would make you forget all your problems. At first I told him no way. I am not a person that does drugs. But then I got so depressed over losing Veronica that I was desperate enough to try anything that would take the pain away. So, I tried it, and I didn't realize how addicting it was. Soon, I was hooked. I kept coming back for more, and even tried some other things."

"You're kidding, right?" Jenny asked, her arms crossed over her chest, and an eyebrow raised. "You didn't really do drugs, did you?"

Scott nodded. "I'm afraid I did."

"Well, that would certainly explain your attitude these past couple of weeks," Lily said.

Scott looked at her. "Can you ever forgive me?"

Lily smiled. "I'm your mother. Forgiving you is my job. Lord knows how many times you've forgiven me!"

Scott smiled. "I'm your son. That's my job. I do want to get help. I want to enter into rehab. Last night, Travis O. . I called an ambulance and made him throw up, so he's going to be all right. Still, it made me realize that that could have been me."

"Well, I'm proud of you son for taking responsibility for your actions," Rufus said.

"Thanks. I'm going to look into a rehab program right away," Scott replied.

"At least wait until after Christmas. I want my son home with me for Christmas," Lily pleaded. "Then right after Christmas, we'll take you to rehab ourselves."

Rufus nodded. "Two more days won't make a difference."

Scott nodded. "All right. But after that, I'm going. I can't wait until after the new year."

"Of course not. Christmas is all we ask," Lily said with a smile.

Rufus smiled too. His family was finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as it could get for the Rhodes/Humphrey family. He just hoped it stayed that way.

~Begin Again~

It was Christmas Eve. Rufus was out of the hospital, but he wasn't going to go to the ball. Scott and Jenny were staying home with him and making sure that he was eating right and resting. It was doctor's orders for him to relax over the holidays, and to not do anything too strenuous. So, no working out was allowed until after the New Year, which Rufus certainly wasn't going to complain about.

"Are you sure you don't mind me staying here? I could go with you, you know. Dancing isn't all that strenuous," Rufus said to Lily as she prepared to get ready for the ball.

"The way you dance it is," Jenny joked.

"Hey!" Rufus said with a pout. "I'll have you know I won a dancing contest in high school. I'm actually pretty good!"

Lily smiled. "Well, regardless of whether or not you're a good dancer, you need your rest. You stay home and enjoy your evening with the kids. I'll stay for an hour or so just to make an appearance, then come back and join you." She leaned down and kissed his forehead.

Rufus, who had been sitting down on the couch, pulled her down into his lap, and kissed her lovingly on the lips. "Don't be too long, okay?"

Lily kissed him back. "I won't be. I promise."

Jenny cleared her throat. "Lily, I made you something special to wear to the ball."

Lily looked up at her. "Really? What did you make? I'm sure whatever it is, it's beautiful, and I'll love it!"

Jenny grinned. "I'll be right back." She ran up the stairs, then two minutes later came back down holding a red dress. She stood in front of the couch and held it out for Lily to see.

Lily gasped, and covered her mouth. It was the red dress from the store that Jenny had shredded! Only this one wasn't shredded. It was as perfect as the day Lily had bought it.

"I had to buy some new fabrics and redo a lot of the dress, but I was able to fix it using the base and some new fabrics and beading. Do you like it?" Jenny asked.

Lily stood up, and went over to Jenny. She hugged her tightly. "It's so beautiful, Jennifer, thank you. In fact, I love it even more than the original because you made it."

Jenny hugged her back, and smiled. "I'm so glad to hear you say that. It really means a lot to me."

"Well, it's the truth!" Lily said. "I'm going to go put this on." She kissed Jenny's cheek, then quickly ran upstairs to get ready.

"I'm really proud of you, Jenny. You did a good thing," Rufus said to Jenny once Lily was upstairs.

Jenny smiled. "I did something wrong, and I had to make amends for it. I'm sorry I was so harsh on her, Dad. I just wasn't sure that she was the right woman for you. I mean, you two have gotten together only to break up again so many times before. I was worried it would happen yet again. I just couldn't bear to see you hurt like that again."

Rufus nodded. "I understand. But I'm a grown man, and I can make my own choices. Lily wasn't the only one to blame. In relationships, you both have to work at things."

"I know. I now realize how happy she makes you, and that's all that matters to me," Jenny said with a nod. She then turned serious. "But grown man or not, you need help in matters of what to eat and what not to eat. I'm not going to lose you to a heart attack, Dad. It's just not gonna happen!"

Rufus laughed. "All right, all right. I'll eat healthier. But please can you do me a favor and come back a couple times a month to cook for me?" Rufus leaned in closer so that he could whisper to Jenny. "I could die from Lily's cooking."

Jenny laughed. "Don't worry. I'll save you from the perils of Lily's cooking!"

"Thank you! I owe you one," Rufus said.

Jenny laughed.

"You guys are rotten," Scott said. He was home from work, and they hadn't even heard him come in behind them.

Jenny looked at him. "Do you like Lily's cooking?"

"Hello no!" Scott said.

They all laughed.

"So, what should we do tonight?" Rufus asked.

"Well, I brought home some nice Christmas movies I thought we could watch. I got them at work for half off with my employee discount," Scott said.

"And I will cook us a nice healthy dinner. Grilled chicken, green beans, brown rice, and grape juice or water—your choice," Jenny said.

"I want soda. Soda is only bad for your teeth—not your heart," Rufus stated.

"Fine," Jenny said with an eye roll.

"And for dessert, I'm going to make us a nice chocolate soufflé. Like you said, it's only bad for your teeth—not your heart," Scott told him with a grin.

Rufus grinned too. He loved spending time with his family. Even if it meant eating healthy. At least he didn't have to eat totally healthy. Life was good.

~Begin Again~

That night, Lily had done just as she said she would. She stayed at the ball for an hour or so, then came home, got dressed in her night attire, then cuddled up on the couch with Rufus and the kids as they watched A Christmas Carol and enjoyed some of Scott's chocolate soufflé. Then, they all said goodnight, and Jenny and Scott went up to bed, while Lily stayed downstairs with Rufus for a moment longer.

She rested her head on Rufus' shoulder. "This is nice, isn't it? Cuddled up on the couch by the fire, just enjoying our Christmas Eve night?"

Rufus nodded. "It sure is. I'm glad we got all the presents underneath the tree early, and all the stockings stuffed. He nodded toward the tree that stood by the window, and then the stockings that hung by the fire. "Because I certainly am not up to it tonight!" He yawned and stretched. "I'm exhausted."

Lily snuggled closer to him, and kissed his neck. "Me too."

"So, how was the ball? Did you have fun?" he asked.

"Eh. It was all right. I danced with a few men who could never compare to you, and had a glass or two of way over-priced Champaign. It would have been more fun with you, but it was more important for you to stay here." She held onto his arm, and rested her head on his shoulder. "And frankly, I prefer being here with you and the kids as opposed to a stuffy old ball. Who needs a ball full or rich snobs when I have an apartment full of love and family?" she asked. She looked up at Rufus with love in her eyes.

His eyes were filled with love as well as he looked down at her. They kissed. "I know there's no place I'd rather be than here with you," he told her.

She smiled. "Ditto!"

They kissed some more, then Rufus stood up and put out the fire. He then extended his hand to her. "Ready for bed?"

She smiled as she took his hand and let him help her up. "You know it!"

They kissed, then headed hand-in-hand up the stairs.

~BA~

Christmas morning arrived.

"Mm, good morning, my Darling. Merry Christmas!" I said when Rufus and I woke up. I leaned down and kissed his lips.

He took my face between his hands, and kissed me passionately. "Merry Christmas, Beautiful. I'm so lucky to have a fiancé as beautiful as you."

I kissed him. "Likewise."

We kissed for a while more, then they got up and pulled our robes on before heading downstairs. Scott and Jenny already had breakfast made and on the table.

"Merry Christmas!" they said in unison, smiles on their faces as Rufus and I came down the stairs.

"Merry Christmas!" Rufus and I both called back, smiling in return.

"You made us breakfast! Thank you so much! That's so thoughtful and sweet! I was going to make us all breakfast, but now I don't have to." I kissed Jenny's cheek, and then Scott's cheek.

Jenny and Scott cast a look at Rufus, who mouthed the words, "Thank you," to them. They both smirked.

"Hey! I saw that!" I grumbled.

"I'm sorry, Dear, but there's was no better way to ruin Christmas than your cooking!" Rufus joked.

"Ha, ha…" I said sarcastically.

We sat down and had a nice healthy breakfast of egg whites, oatmeal, strawberry banana yoghurt with granola, and some grape fruit. There was also toast on whole wheat bread with margarine, and grape juice and orange juice to choose from.

"Who would have ever thought we'd be eating this rabbit food and enjoying it, right, Son?" Rufus asked Scott.

Scott laughed. "Right, Dad."

We had a nice breakfast together, then Eric, Dan and Serena came over. Chuck and Blair would be over later with Henry.

We then all sat down to open our stockings and presents.

Everyone loved their gifts. Serena loved her sweater, and Dan was ecstatic about all his gifts. His signed Hemingway book was a huge hit.

When it was my turn to open my gifts, I couldn't help but laugh when I saw that Serena had gotten me the same sweater that I had gotten Serena. "We both have great taste, don't we?" I asked her.

Serena laughed. "You know it!"

There was also a beautiful ruby and diamond necklace that Dan and Serena had gotten me. Eric had gotten me and Rufus a day at the spa and a promise to pay for our plane tickets to wherever we chose to go for our honeymoon.

Dan and Serena had bought Rufus a painting.

Jenny and Scott had bought Rufus a treadmill. Jenny also promised to make him a sweater. "Lily gave me the idea," she said with a smile.

I smiled at her. I then opened the work outfit Jenny had bought for me. "Oh my gosh, Jenny, this is stunning! Thank you so much! You have great taste!" I sincerely gushed.

"Scott helped me pick it out," Jenny said.

"Well, thank you to Scott too," I said, turning to him.

Scott smiled.

Rufus' gift to me was a gorgeous ring in my birthstone, which is topaz. It also had a few diamonds in it. He gave me a diamond and topaz necklace, and some diamond and topaz earrings as well. He also bought me a cashmere scarf.

"I love it all, Daring, thank you!" I said, pulling him close, and kissing him.

I then told him that for his Christmas present, I had paid for a personal trainer for him. I also got him a few sweaters, and a new gold Rolex watch.

"And I love my gifts. I'm not a huge fan of working out, but if it will make me healthy for you, then I'm all for it. Plus, I won't mind looking fit for our wedding night." He flexed his arms, displaying his non-existent muscles.

I giggled. "Don't worry, my Darling. Your muscles won't be the part of you I'm interested in that night."

"Ew, Lily, please!" Jenny complained.

"Can someone pass the barf bag, please?" Scott asked.

"As soon as I'm done with it," Dan quipped.

Serena smiled. "I'm just happy to see you two so in love again. You two are perfect for each other."

"We've always been in love even when we weren't together," Rufus said, placing an arm around me, and giving me a gentle squeeze.

I smiled, and kissed him, for I knew it was true.

~BA~

After Chuck, Blair, and Henry came over, they all enjoyed opening even more gifts. Then, they all sat in the living room and talked while Henry played with his new toys. Everyone left an hour later, but it had been a nice family time while it lasted.

Jenny was upstairs in her room talking to her mom on the phone, and Scott was upstairs in his room talking to his adoptive parents on the phone. This left Lily alone with Rufus to talk about something she had been wanting to talk to him about since his heart attack.

They cuddled together on the couch, and she began what she wanted to say.

"My Darling," she began, "ever since you had that heart attack, it made me think what it would be like to lose you. I never want to lose you. I simply couldn't bear it!"

Rufus took her hand in his and kissed it. "I'm all right though. I promise, I won't let that happen again."

"But we never really know when something like that can happen. Even if we eat healthy, we could still have a heart attack or some other life-threatening ailment," Lily said to him.

"Well, sure, anyone can, but we have to try not to think about that. It doesn't do any good to worry," Rufus said, kissing her hand again.

Lily nodded. "I know, but still, it got me to thinking. I want to marry you, Rufus Humphrey, and I don't want to wait for August to do so. I want to marry you as soon as we possibly can with still having a decent wedding."

Rufus raised an eyebrow. "Okay, so when did you have in mind then?"

"Lily smiled. "Valentine's Day! I know it's kind of clichéd to get married on Valentine's Day, but it will be romantic, and I feel it will be the perfect day for us to get married." She paused, then looked Rufus in the eyes timidly. "So, what do you think about that?"

Rufus grinned at her. "I think that's the perfect day for us to get married!"

Lily squeaked with happiness, and pulled him into a deep and passionate kiss.

Rufus moaned, and hungrily kissed her back. "We're going to work this time, Lil. I just know we will."

Lily's eyes were lowered with love for him as she nodded, and murmured, "I know we will. I have no doubt in my mind."

Rufus' eyes lowered with love for her, and they kissed again, so eager to become husband and wife again; this time for good.

~Begin Again~

"I'm going to miss having you around the house," Lily said, holding back tears as she hugged Scott. She, Rufus, Eric, Jenny, Serena, and Dan were all there to see him off to rehab.

"I'm going to miss being around the house! You can come visit me. You haven't seen the last of me, don't worry," Scott said with a smile as he hugged his mother.

"You just concentrate on getting better, all right?" Rufus asked as he took his turn at hugging Scott.

"I will, Dad. I promise," Scott said, hugging his father back, and patting his back.

Scott then exchanged goodbyes and hugs with his siblings.

"All right!" he said with a sigh, once he had finished with the farewells. "I guess it's off to rehab for me. At least I'll have someone I know here, right?" he joked. He thought back to his visit in the hospital with Travis Christmas evening.

"I'm glad you came to visit me," Travis said as Scott walked into the room.

"I wanted to make sure you were all right," Scott said, taking the chair beside Travis' bed that his father had previously occupied. Travis' father had thanked Scott for calling 911, pat him on the back, and then politely ducked out to give Scott some time alone with Travis.

"You didn't have to. After what I did, to you—killing your girlfriend, then getting you hooked on drugs—I wouldn't have blamed you if you had just let me die." Travis looked away as if ashamed of himself.

Scott shook his head. "I'm not like that."

Travis nodded. "I know. You're a better person than I am. A much better person."

"Well, you've changed. You've become a better person than you were. You were a friend to me when I needed one, even if you didn't really look out for my well-being. In your defense, you didn't really know what well-being was," Scott replied.

Travis nodded. "Well, I will now. My dad is making me go to rehab."

"I'm going tomorrow," Scott revealed.

Travis raised an eyebrow. "Twelve Oaks?"

"That'd be the one. Watch us be roommates," Scott joked.

Travis laughed. "Wouldn't that be something?" He grew serious then. "Really, Scott. Thank you. You're a good friend—better than I deserve. I know there aren't enough apologies in the world to make up for what I did, but I am truly sorry for both killing Veronica, and for getting you hooked on drugs. I'm just a scared kid, who's lonely and wanted a friend."

"I think we can all relate to that," Scott said with a nod.

"And, for the record, I would have called 911 for you as well if the roles were reversed," Travis then added.

Scott smiled. "Thanks!" He gently pat Travis' leg, then got up to go. "See you in rehab."

"See you in rehab," Travis said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Just don't let that boy bring you down the wrong path again," Lily said.

Scott smiled. "Don't worry, Mom, I won't." He then turned and headed into the rehab building. He was immediately greeted by another patient. She was tall with long, light blonde hair and green eyes. She was a pretty girl who looked to be around his age.

"Hi! I'm Amanda. Welcome to rehab! Don't worry. It's not as bad as it sounds. Everyone's really nice here, and they are a great help." The girl extended her hand to him. "You can call me Mandy if you'd like."

Scott smiled at the girl. She was really beautiful. She seemed sweet, and her voice was cute. He extended his hand to her. "Hi, Mandy, I'm Scott. It's a pleasure to meet you." Maybe rehab won't be so bad after all, he thought with a smile at her.