Part 3: Chapter 3

December 19

Lily and Karen were sitting out on the porch steps of the rented cabin in New Hampshire.

"This is a really nice place Mom," Lily said.

"It really is," Karen said. "So how have you been?"

"I'm doing a lot better," Lily said. "I should've known Chuck would go back to Beth."

"Well I'm sorry that happened to you," Karen said.

"It's okay," Lily said. "I've made peace with it."

"So how's school been going?" Karen asked.

"I'm making straight A's," Lily replied.

"I'm so proud of you," Karen said. "So how's Jamie?"

"He's good," Lily said. "But he and Chuck are no longer best friends."

"That's sad," Karen said.

"Yeah," Lily said. "How's Chris Keller? Lucas told me he's watching after Chuck."

"Chris is doing well," Lily said. "He's surprisingly a wonderful guardian to Chuck. But he's still the same Chris Keller. The other day he called Haley a naughty, naughty girl and she poured soda on him."

Karen began to laugh.

"Never make Haley mad," Karen said. "So anything else going on in school?"

"A new guy started school on Friday," Lily said. "His name is Aaron, and he likes me."

"Oh really?" Karen asked.

"Yes," Lily said. "However, he's one of those bad boys that rides a motorcycle."

"Oh," Karen said. "That's still a thing?"

"Yeah," Lily said. "He even tried to get me to ride his motorcycle."

"Maybe he really does like you Lily," Karen said.

At that moment, a motorcyclist rode up the driveway and parked his motorcycle. The rider stood up and took off his helmet, and was revealed to be Aaron.

"Oh my god," Lily said. "He followed me! I'm scared Mommy!"

"Lily," Aaron said. "Tell me this. Would the stereotypical bad boy track you down in New Hampshire?"

"No," Lily said. "But a stalker would!"

"Hello," Karen said. "I'm Karen, Lily's mother. It's nice to meet you."

"Mom!" Lily shouted. "He's a stalker! Don't be nice to a stalker!"

"Look," Aaron said. "I'm actually in New Hampshire to see my aunt and uncle and I saw you at the grocery store earlier."

"Oh," Lily said. "But you still tracked me down like a stalker."

"I'm sorry," Aaron said. "Once again I ask, would you like to go for a ride?"

"If I say yes will you leave alone afterward?" Lily asked.

"Yes," Aaron said.

"Okay then," Lily said. "Yes Aaron. I will go for a ride on your motorcycle with you."

"Be careful Lily," Karen said. "Wear a helmet."

"Don't worry," Aaron said taking an extra helmet out of his backpack. "I always carry an extra."

Lily put on the helmet and got on the motorcycle with Aaron.

"Okay Lily," Aaron said starting his motorcycle. "Hold on tight."

As they rode off, Karen watched and smiled.