◦ ◦ Cayden's POV ◦ ◦

It was the day I left cloudy and cold New York for hot and sunny Miami! I couldn't wait, it wasn't a long plane ride but I knew it would feel like the longest ride of my life. I was in the airport with about 10 minutes left to spare with my closest friends. They were all there, and they had the gloomiest looks. I bought them a dozen donuts and some coffees, which would normally work on me, make me forget anything bad but I guess my friends aren't me and don't love the deliciously sweet jelly centered in the sugar powdered pastry of common goodness. Oh well. But, I knew what could cheer them up and that was a great big bear hug. We might be in our twenties and you might all assume that we are matured and grown up but, actually, that's the last thing we have become. Were a bunch of five foot four to six foot four, toddlers. Our favourite things were huggs and those little teddy bears you win at the fair. Were a bunch of grown ups with the hearts of children, of course with some exceptions, as ususal.

"I can't believe your leaving me!" That was Tristan, the guy always trying to charm himself into my pants. He was a very close friend just won't ever get his hand near my zipper.

"I know, I am going to miss your terrible one liners and your hot dimples!" I hugged him as long as I could before he would start grabing my ass.

He had amazing dimples that just made all girls melt, he had sparkling blue eyes and sandly blonde hair just long enough for some chick to tangle her fingers in. He was very good looking, very good looking. I bet he was one of those kids who've looked very stunning since he was little.

"Email me like everyday and at least call me once a week. You can't forget about me! I am going to miss you so much! I don't know what's going to happen with out you here, were all going to be lost!" Linda was crying at this point. She wasn't the most emotional person but when something really matters, she can cry like a baby if she wanted, sort of like now.

She was crying earlier and I offered one of those glazed donuts dipped in warm chocolate, nothing. So, I ate it and I think I might have added half a pound, no worries, I will walk through my airport trip, instead of taking those rolling carpets.

"Linda, I would never forget any of you. I promis to email you, maybe not everyday, I do have a life but I will do my best to keep up. As long as you guys, everyone, will at least email me or call me as well."

I gave her the tighest hug I could but had to let go, there was practically a line up of people waiting.

"You can't leave! I have just gotten the part of my life, Linda has finally gotten into that Green Party thing, James is a cop, or will be. Tristan won't be Tristan if he stops drooling because your not there and were just all going to miss you and your just evil!"

I had a tear slip and hugged Aurora. Out of everyone, she was probably the most proud of me and I am so sure she is the one who doesn't want me to leave because of that. I am going to miss them all but my life is about to begin and the longer I wait to leave, the harder it's going to be.

So, I gave everyone a last hug, and I also gave a group hug then waved. I had major tears flowing down my cheeks as I borded the plane. People that would pass by, flight attendents that would direct me, would all ask me if I was okay. Of course, I would answer them that I was fine, I was just a little homesick, even though I haven't even left home yet.

Lucky me, I had a window seat. Other then my passion for solving crimes and putting the terrible people in jail, I loved traveling. I would always get the window seats growing up, so that I could observe all the things I am traveling through and just admire it.

You know on planes, they have all those rules, well before the plane left, I broke one: the cell phone rule. I dialed a business number and recived the answer I was hoping for, a voicemail machine.

"Hi Eric, it's Cayden. I am just boardin the plane now, I should be in Miami soon. I don't know if the truck with all my stuff is there yet, hopefully not but if you could keep them there for another three hours or so. Text me cause I don't think I can make any calls, so if anything comes up, like I said, text me. Alright, bye!"

That was my five minute message, funny thing is, I studdered through the whole thing. I never felt so nervous around someone, I haven't even ever met him, it's weird. But, I took my mind off of everything and so I turned on my iPod and just relaxed.

Three hours went my slowly. I felt a wave of pain go through me everyonce and a while, I was leaving all the friends I had for somewhere I have never lived and still had to adapt to. The plane had landed and everyone was out and grabbing there baggages when my phone vibrated.

I checked my text messages and there it was, a little something from my futur house's soon to be not owner, the guys who made me tremble from my feet to my voice, Eric.

Hey, I'm guessing your in Miami by now. Anyway, the movers are waiting, let me know when you're on your way. –Eric

I shakily dialed his number and waited for him to answer, the third ring was the charm, or his charm.

"Good afternoon to the Miami sunshine."

"Hi, I just want to make sure the movers are still there. I can't move all my stuff myself."

"Well, they keep telling me their day is over and they can't leave the truck. All my stuff is out, so we can start now till you get here, then you can help out."

"What if it's not all out by the time the movers leave? What, are we going to leave my stuff in the lobby?"

"I will stay as long as I have to, alright? Now please hurry up, they are getting upset."

"Can't you feed them beer or something?"

"I only have like half a case left."

"Please?" I gave this really high pitched, minni-mouse voice that I guess he fell for.

"Alright, but there won't be any left for you…"

"Save some of yours for me?"

"Good luck."

I laughed, not loud enough to hear.

"I'll see you soon, could you give me that address one more time?"

He gave me the address and I thanked him then hailed a taxi to that address. It was the prettiest building. It was really big, and windows everywhere. It was just like in the pictures, just as I expected. I was in awe, before the taxi driver interrupted my moment asking for twenty bucks. I rolled two suit cases behind me, a purse on my left shoulder and a big bag on my right. I strolled into the lobby and saw a man with what looked to be cuban elements. He was tall, very muscular, at least that's what is light blue button down shirt showed off. He had these pronouncing lips and these attractive brown eyes that just resembled the hot fudge you find on those really good homeade sundays. He walked right up to me, I was guessing this was Eric.

"Cayden, I presume?"

"You solved it."

I swear to god, I didn't mean to but this stupid giggled just escaped from my lips. I wasn't sure if he heard it though cause it was very low but I from the look on his face, that dazzling smile didn't convince me what so ever! I smiled then looked at my bags.

"Let me help you with those."

"No, it's alright, I can handle it."

"Please, just let me take at least one off your shoulder. It's not good for your back, and I am sure a pretty girl like you needs to keep it aligned…"

I bit my lip, he was either flirting or was a fan of chiropractor's handy work.

"Alright, if you say it like that. By the way, I'm Cayden, officially." I shook his hand.

"Eric, officially."

"We'll bring these things upstairs and we can finish what is left."

I followed him into the elevator.

"We, meaning the movers are still here?"

"Nope, just you ane me."

Funny, when he said that, he smiled but he wasn't looking at me, he was watcing the doors shut. He was thinking, I don't know what so don't bother questioning me. If only I did know though.

The ride up the elevator was quite silent, I didn't know what to say, he obviously didn't know what to say, there was something in the air. I was sure it was tention. I think the only reason I felt so deprived from talking and getting to know the hot guy that was beside was because I didn't have a Canoli in my hand. If I did, and if I had eaten it, things would have gone down a little better. But, I did just leave my whole past life in New York so I had every right to act which ever way I pleased.

For the next hour and a half, we were moving boxes and boxes full of stuff. Lucky for us, the movers moved all the bigger stuff like the bed, and sofas, chairs, tables, etc. We had easy stuff but it still took a while. Because it was fairly late when I arrived in Miami, it was fairly late when we finished, must have been quarter after nine. I was tired and glad everything was done, well, the unloading anyway. The moving part too.

"Well, Eric, thanks for the help. Thanks for the appartment. It was really great meeting you."

"I you. I hope you enjoy the place. Um, if you need anything, you have my number."

"Of course."

I followed him to MY appartment door and shook his big, warm, soft mocha colored hand and said goodbye once more.

I shut the door behind him and suddenly, I was all alone. I had never felt so lonely, so friendless, no body to depend on but my own and the puppy the boys bought me on my good bye party.

Oh my, I have forgotten to tell you about the puppy Tristan and James and Linda and a whole bunch of friends had pitched in for. It was a Gordon Setter mix with an Australian Sheperd. It was just a puppy, only a few months old so he was chewing everything. I named him Duke after my brother, my brother chewed everything.

So, after Eric left, the loneliness flowed through me, as I said, so I found a corner and just sat on the floor. That loneliness brought me to my lowest point. I was on the borderline of a complete breakdown. I had my puppy on my lap, and my head against the wall, looking up at the ceiling. But then I just gave up, let my emotions flow, I let the tears spill. I didn't expect what happened next thought. Eric opened the door with out a knock, because apparently I didn't fully shut the door and he saw me crying. He cam eup to me and sat beside me. I was so emberresed. I immediately stopped and wiped all thar I could off my wet face and put on a smile.

"I forgot my wallet, you want to talk."

"I want a donut, actually, I want four."

He smiled, I laughed, but it was a painful laugh and went straight to a sad face.

"Well, I know a great coffee shop around here. They don' t have donuts but they do have some sweets there… You wanna' go for a ride?"

"If I weren't homesick and I knew you a lot better, I would concider that extremely horny."

He laughed and stood up then offered me a hand. I took it and stood up, making Duke stumble onto the floor. Eric took the leash from on the counter and hooked it to his collar and walked the dog for me.

As we got in the elevator, it was hard not to star at Eric bent down petting Duke's soft and fuzy head. It was the cutest and most unmeanliest thing I have ever seen but because he dared an attempt at his reputation, or supposed reputation, it made him look like the manliest man I have ever met. On the plus side, Duke really seemed to like him, and at this point in my life Duke is the closest thing to home I have and is the most important to me. So, Duke's opinion really matters to me right now and Duke is making some very favorable takes on Eric.

"Wouldn't this coffee shop be closed? I mean, it's almost ten o'clock and I would think all those little coffee shops are closed."

I slightly hinted that, I didn't want to sound stupid cause I was starting to think the city of Miami didn't wake up till 3 in the afternoon and partied all night till 3 in the morning. So, as I said, I just hinted that. By then, Eric and I were on the street headed east.

"You're from New York, you should know. In the city, nothing sleeps."

"How did I miss that." I said it sarcastically which in the end meant I'm just stupid.

Our walk was quiet, the only time he talked was when we passed a memorable building or an awsome club. I think it was because he didn't want to dance around the subject of me crying in my new appartment because he didn't want me to feel awkward. I was glad he didn't, I didn't feel like talking. So, quietly and slowly, we found the right coffee shop and ordered some special cafinated drinks then found a table outside and sat there.

I watched my dog, but I paid closer attention to Eric. I could tell he wanted to say something but what biting his tongue. At this point, I gave up. He really wanted to know what was wrong, either because he was actually a good guy and cared or he just wanted to laught at me but all that we've been through that was the last thing I expected.

"Go ahead."

He let out this huge sigh, what a goof!

"Wanna talk about it?"

"I miss home."

"Then why did you leave?"

"Because I am supposed to start this new life, this change is supposed to be the rest of my life. But it's hard to do that with out knowing anyone, without having anyone to depend on… It's hard."

I was on the verg of just balling my eyes out but I felt an arm around my shoulders. I had my not so new blond hair up so all the little hairs at the back of my neck stood up so quickly. He pulled me in a little and he said something.

"Why don't I bring you back to the appartment."

"That's it?"

I know he's a guy but I thought he was going to cheer me up, I honestly did. I know I am not the prettiest girl in town and I know I am not the thinest, I am not fat though, but I would at least expect well maybe a 'That's terrible' or 'I'll be here when you need me'. Ok, so the last on was a big push but, at least make it look like he felt a little bad. But no, he said what he said.

"Well, I'm a twenty three year old guy, I have no idea how to deal with a girl that I saw cry earlier. I mean, the arm was simple and easy to figure out…"

"Of course, that's what all guys have done."

What he said really pissed me off. I was tired of stupid guys thinking they can solve everything so sismply, they can solve the most complicated problems with an attempt at getting the girl in bed. Eric honestly didn't seem at all like that kind of guy but what he had just made me upset.

So, I stood up and grabbed my puppies leash and walked away from the table Eric was still sitting at, trying to comprehend what had just happened. I odn't blame him, he's a guy, like he said. I reached the nearby lights when Eric finally caught up and stopped me from crossing.

"I'm sorry, what do you want me to say? I barely know you, I'm a guy, I hope your not expecting much from me."

"Well, I mean, you're the first person I met here, I was hoping we could stay friends… I need someone. No one will like me at work, no one will know me till I get drunk and dance dirty with girls at clubs, which will not happen. I just need someone I can trust and frankly, I thought you would be a friendly choice then you don't even know what to tell me when I in a most desp-"

"Cayden. Stop. Look, I'm sorry. I should have asked if there was anything I could do."

I glared at him, that was one of my powers. I had the most stern glare then most people have dared try, I was proud that I mastered it when I was younger and it came in great use over the years

"Is there anything I could do to make you feel a little more at home?"

I could tell he sort of that about that question and I was slightly antsy but I decided I would cut him some slack.

"You think, if your not to busy and you don't mind wasting your Saturday but I need to get a car, not to mention I have to start unpacking…"

"I guess I could help. I do know the best place to get groceries, fresh delicious foods. Maybe we can pick up some food and I could make you this amazing cuban dish my mom makes all the time."

"As long as I find the perfect car."

He laughed then took Duke's leash from me.

"Why do you always do that? Not that I mind…"

"I'm a gentleman, what can I say."

He put on this die for smile and just made me blush all over.

He walked me to the appartment and rode the elevator with me to my floor. Duke followed Eric, not me. I felt deserted because Eric was leaving and I think Duke would do anything to leave with his new love. I unlocked the door and let Eric bring Duke in. He set my dog free from the limited rope and the dog settled on his bed in the master bedroom I had set up earlier. Eric sort of sashayed towards the door before I stopped him.

"Thanks Eric. Again. I'm sorry for freaking on you, just some guys really piss me off and I guess what you said just made me think of t-"

"It's ok, I don't care. Look, I'll call you tomorrow and we'll do your vehicle shopping."

"Can I tell you something?"

"Of course."

"The reason I moved down here was because of this job I got. Well, it was a guy on the internet I met, he recommended this place and I got accepted after I applied. All my friends think it's stupid to meet people on the internet because you could never really know who they are. But this guy wasn't lying, or I guess it was just a hunch but I went with it and look where it got me…"

"Homesick? Broken hearted? Falling for me?"

"Ouch and not yet. No, the job I've been dreaming of. And I got it, I'm succesful. I just miss all the people to depend on. "

"Well, I'm your friend for now. I'm sure you'll meet people at work to depend on, especially with your career path. Don't worry about it, give this place time. I have to go, I have an expected phone call early tomorrow morning, but I will see you soon."

"It's nice meeting you."

"Have a nice night, enjoy yourself, don't petty yourself."

"I'll do my best."

"I hope so, for your sake."

Those were the last 'Goodnight' words he said to me. After what happened, I think we just grew closer, maybe I was wrong. Maybe he was just the twenty three year old guy who's new to all that just like he said, maybe he wasn't the typical guy I though him to be.

I thought about him all night long but I did fall asleep, eventually, and I didn't exactly dream about him but that didn't bother me at all.