Chapter 23 – Lovers

Gabi's POV

It had been three weeks since I had left the hospital and had received my last chemo a week ago. It had been the best dose of chemo yet. I only got sick a couple of days and after keeping a close eye on my counts, everything worked smoothly.

I was already feeling better and ready to tackle the world. I only had one more round of chemo left and I could not be more excited. I smiled as I folded laundry, as the kids were all in the full swing of school and Lo was enjoying pre-school but I was not enjoying her absence at home. Troy was doing a lot more with the Lakers and scouting, our life coming completely back to normal.

Troy's and I anniversary was tomorrow, sadly, we were not able to go to Peru. Troy shook his head when I even suggested the idea. He was very nervous over everything now that we did, "How are you feeling?" I turned to see Troy as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm feeling good,"

"Even just a couple of days post chemo," he asked, his voice had a hint of nervousness in them, "It will be a week tomorrow, I'm fine,"

"Then pack a bag," I stopped folding the towel as I looked at him, "What?"

"It's a surprise. Pack a bag. We leave after the kids get home from school," Troy walked away without further explanation as I watched him walk away, "What should I pack for?" I yelled after him, he turned around as he pressed his lips together. "Our weather," he spoke, he backed away and then left. A smirk rising on his face, I shook my head as I finished what I was doing and I began to grab things. I didn't even know how long we were going to be gone for.

I left our room and I went downstairs to find Troy eating a sandwich, "How long should I pack for?"

"Four nights," Troy said looking at me, I squinted my eyes as I looked at him, "Alright," Troy smiled as he came over, "Just trust me,"

"Fine," He kissed my forehead and I went back to my room, which the hell knew what Troy had up his sleeve. I was not expecting this. I had no idea where we were going to go for our anniversary, I wish I knew because it would help ease what I could come in contact with. Troy came into the room as I looked at him, "Car or plane?"

"Car," Troy said, I knew he wasn't going to drag me through airport security. I sighed as I began to pack even more, "I'm going to go and pick up Lo,"

"She doesn't get out for another hour," I said, he pursed his lips, "I have to go get some stuff," he said, "Stuff?" I asked, "Stuff, just trust me okay?" I sighed and nodded as he walked out of the room. What in the world was that man up too?

Liam's POV

I laughed as I kissed Alexa; she wrapped her arms around my neck as she smirked. "Stop," she said as I kissed her again, "What if Emma sees us?" I groaned as I buried my head into her shoulder, "When are we going to tell your dad?" she cringed, "It can wait," she announced, I sighed, "Lex, we have been at this for over a month," she shrugged, "My dad will shit bricks,"

"Can I tell my parents?"

"No," she said, "Because your mom will not be able to not tell my mom and no," I sighed as I kissed her cheek, "Fine,"

The bell rang releasing us to our last class, "My parents are out of town this week, they will be back Saturday,"

"Where are they going?"

"I don't know, my dad told me last night, my mom probably just found out."

"Anniversary," Alexa said as it all clicked in her head, I nodded, "Yea, it should be nice to get a break from them,"

"Been pretty hard?" I shrugged, "It hasn't been fun, my dad has been a nervous nelly, my mom wants space, I don't know, I can not wait for this cancer shit to be over." We walked to our next classes that were right next to each other. She leaned into me with a smile, "It will be gone as fast as you know,"

"Hopefully,"

She squeezed my arm as I kissed her cheek, "I'll see you after class,"

"Yup,"

Nobody knew about our relationship, it was very secret and I knew some of the kids in the high school did but not many knew who my sister was. Emma was flying under the radar at school, just how I liked it. Alexa and I didn't do much PDA as we normally found somewhere safe to talk or make out. I cleared my throat as I looked at the bell work on the board and I began to write it down.

Alexa and I would meet up with groups of friends, movies, football games; it was those when we saw each other outside of school without parents around. I really wanted to take her on a formal date but she didn't want to tell her dad.

"Liam," I turned around, "Were you kissing that freshman in the hallway earlier?" I nodded at Hudson, "Yea, why?"

"Just wondering, you don't seem to be the one to take advantage," he said, I shook my head, "We have been dating for a while," I told him, I looked at the board as I wrote down my notes, "You are a junior, how long is this relationship going to last?"

"I don't know, however long it lasts. It's fun," I said with a shrug, "I have known her for a long time,"

"Does Emma know about it?"

"No,"

"But you have been dating for a while?"

"Can you please stop? It's none of your business,"

"Emma is cool,"

"I know, she is my sister,"

He finally shut up after a while as we continued in class, when the class was over, I stuffed my books into my bags as I walked into the hallway, I looked for Alexa but I found Emma first. I smiled, "Hey,"

"Hey," she said with a smile, "What's up?"

"Nothing,"

"Liar," I spoke, Alexa walked out and she frowned as she saw Emma by my side. I shrugged as she sighed and walked the opposite way, Emma frowned as she watched Alexa walk away, "She has been acting funny," Emma, said fidgeting with her backpack. "I haven't talked to her much since school started," I said, I pulled my keys out of my pocket as Emma sighed, "I ask her to hang out and she makes up some stupid excuse. I don't know, I think she has new friends."

"I'm sorry," I bit my tongue and I got into my truck, "Yea," I started my truck and Emma smiled, "I am so happy for mom and dad getting away. They deserve it."

"Uh huh,"

I pulled up to the middle school as Wes came out, he climbed into the truck and he began to talk about his day.

Gabi's POV

I hugged each of the kids as I smiled, "Have fun mom!" Liam said with a wave from the couch, texting on his phone, I smiled and I waved back. I hugged Emma and Troy talked to his mom. I kissed Lo on the head as she giggled, Alli hugged my legs as they didn't want me to leave but I promised I would be back home before they know it. I smiled as I let go and walked down into the garage.

"So are you going to tell me where we are going?" I asked him as he backed out of the driveway, "Nope, you'll figure it out eventually,"

"What if I don't?"

"Then you aren't my wife," Troy said with a smirk, "Well…I am a bit whacked with chemo brain lately," Troy smiled as he grabbed my hand, "You'll know where we are when we get close enough, trust me, you'll know." I smiled, "How long are we in the car for?" I asked, "For a while, I would have rather flown but we will be there by tomorrow morning. Just in time for our anniversary."

I smiled softly, "I love that you surprised me,"

"Why do you think I waited?"

"How long have you been preparing this?" I asked him, "Since you woke up," he said looking at me, his eyes soft, "You told me in the hospital when you were receiving chemo when we were fighting about where we should go and what we should do, you said, what if there isn't a next year? And then about a week later look where I was. I facing this horrible truth and I had, I had to make sure we celebrated this anniversary as well."

I felt my stomach twist, "I love you Troy,"

"Those words hit home and you were right, what if there isn't a next year…so it's no Peru but it's a trip for us." I smiled as he took a deep breath, we drove in silence for a little bit as Troy picked up my hand, and his fingers rubbed mine as he drove into Arizona, switching highways, "Do you remember our wedding day?"

A slow smile rose over Troy's face, "I do, God, that was a fantastic day."

"It was," I said softly, "I think that whole day was the most perfect day for us as a couple. We have had five other perfect days meeting each of our kids but I think between us is the best thing was our wedding."

"I would have to agree," I smiled as I thought about my dress that probably wouldn't fit me very well today, I wasn't nearly as small as I used to be but I was still small. I sneezed as Troy laughed, "I love when you sneeze,"

"Do you?"

"I think it's adorable,"

"I think it's gross," I said, he laughed, "Can we do this more often?"

"We have been in the car for two hours, this is what you want to do?"

"If it means time with you…yes."

I smiled and Troy leaned over as he kissed my temple, the drive easy and quiet.

Emma's POV

I tried to do my homework as I sat in the library. I had my free period and I was trying to complete my homework, I sighed as I ran my fingers through my hair. Alexa was supposed to meet me to do homework together but obviously she ditched which made me angry.

I stuffed my stuff into my bags as I let out a long breath; I zipped it up as I went in search for Alexa. I roamed around the school, my eyes searching everywhere. I pressed my lips together as I stopped at my locker to switch my books out and I checked my cell phone to see if Alexa had sent me a text.

She hadn't.

I shut the locker door and let out a long sigh. I then heard Liam's laugh. I peeked up as I turned around following his voice. He had English this hour, I don't know what he would be doing out in the hallway. Was he skipping class?

Rounding the corner, he laughed again as I stopped short. He was with a girl. I felt my lips make an O as I took a step backwards. His hands were on both sides of her head so I couldn't see her face; he leaned closer and kissed her, a smile on his face. He looked happy. Why hadn't he told me about the girl he was kissing? I couldn't say dating because he hadn't taken her out to my knowledge.

I turned around leaving them behind. I accidentally dropped something; I was glad I was around the corner as I picked it up and returned to a secluded part of the school where nobody could find me.

Liam's POV

I laughed as I kissed her again; she smiled as I had both hands on either side of her head. "I should go back to English before they send my grandfather out to get me." Alexa laughed as we heard something drop in the hallway, we both turned our attention to the corner as nothing was there.

"I have to get back to class," I told her, she nodded with a sigh, "I'll see you later?"

"Yea," I smiled as I kissed her again and walked back towards my English class when I ran into Emma, I smiled, "What are you doing?" I asked, "I was looking for Alexa, have you seen her?" I turned away as I felt my cheeks rise as I shook my head, "No, I was just coming back from the bathroom." She frowned and nodded, "Oh, well, have you heard mom and dad?"

"Yea, they arrived earlier,"

"Good, I'll see you after school," she avoided my eyes and she walked away, she brushed my arm as I turned around to face her, "Em, hey," she looked up, "Are you okay?" I asked her, she nodded, "I'm perfect,"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing Liam, I am fine," she tried to walk away again when I picked up her hand, "Emma,"

"Liam," she snapped, "I am going to get work done,"

I sighed as I let go of her and she left, something was wrong.

Gabi's POV

I figured out where we were going when we were halfway there, I laughed, and I laughed again as I looked at Troy and he knew I knew.

I looked over my spot as Troy came over, "So how do you want to celebrate our 16th anniversary?" Troy's arms wrapped around my waist as I sighed leaning back into him, "I don't know, I figured you had some miraculous plans."

Troy laughed, "I do but I was making sure you didn't have any plans,"

Troy linked our hands together as I took in a deep breath of the Lake Tahoe air. Troy had taken me back to where we had gotten married, it was a great choice as we were going to spend more time isolated and it was better for me. I understood that.

"So I was thinking about actually going to the Lake,"

"Oh?"

"Yes, we can get a boat and make our way out somewhere, lay out, just spend a day on the water. You probably shouldn't get in," I scrunched my nose, "Why would I get in?" Troy laughed, "My wife at her finest,"

He kissed me as he wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me close. His lips hovered over mine, "You are beautiful," I blushed as Troy smiled, "I think my favorite part about you being bald is that when you blush it goes over your whole head and it's adorable."

I blushed a deeper red as it only raised a chuckle out of Troy, his lips pressed to the top of my head. "So are you ready to go out or what?" I nodded with a smile as he gripped my hand and we went back into the bedroom where he wrapped his arms around me in a deep kiss. My hands massaged the back of his neck, "So maybe our plans can wait twenty minutes?"

I agreed pressing my lips against his, cancer took a lot away from me recently but it didn't take my sex drive like they had all claimed it would and I so, so, enjoyed that.

Emma's POV

I tapped my pencil against my homework as I sat in my room, Liam wasn't telling me things and it made me feel extremely sad because Liam and I told each other everything. I told him when I got my period for the first time, he told me when he liked girls, he hadn't told me anything. I pressed my hands to my eyes as my Grandma peeked her head into my room.

"Tough question?" she asked me, I just nodded my head into my hands because I didn't want to cry and have her tell my parents. They were supposed to be enjoying their time together wherever they are. She came over and smoothed her hand over my shoulder rubbing my shoulder gently. "It's alright, do you need help," I shook my head as I lifted my hands and ran my fingers through my hair.

"No, I'm fine. I just have a lot to do."

"Alright, dinner will be done soon," I looked up at her, "I'm not hungry," I told her, "Can I pass on dinner?" she surveyed me closely as it was easy to get past my parents than it was to get passed Grandma Lucille. "That's fine, do you mind coming to the dinner table?"

"Do I have too? I would rather work on my homework, I'll just make myself a sandwich later," I told her with a small smile, "Alright," she walked out of the room as I tucked my knees up to my chest I pushed my homework away from me. I was so done with high school, boys, brothers, I was so tired.

Lying on my side I closed my eyes, I hated high school.

Liam's POV

I looked at Emma's empty chair throughout the entire dinner with my grandparents but every time I tried to ask about Emma, grandma shut me down. I ran my fingers through my hair as I tapped my foot against the ground.

Did she suspect us? Was she on to something with Alexa and I? I felt my stomach twist as I pushed my empty plate away from me, "May I be excused?" I asked, my grandma nodded her head and I stood up and headed for the stairs.

Going up the flight of them, I knocked on Emma's door. When she didn't answer, I opened the door quietly as she was sleeping, her sweatshirt riding up and her homework splayed on the floor. I walked further into the room as I sat on her bed, she shifted and she looked up at me with a groan. "Em, what is wrong?" she turned away and buried her face into the pillow.

"I'm fine,"

"You skipped dinner,"

"My brother is hiding things from me," she bite back, I sucked in a breath as she looked at me, her brown eyes were hard as she sat up, her hair flying in every single direction. "I saw you in the hallway earlier, you didn't go to the bathroom, you were kissing some random girl! You always tell me when you like girls Liam and now that I am in high school with you, you haven't told me anything!"

She had tears in her eyes, "Ever since mom was diagnosed with cancer you have changed and I want my old Liam back. I want my brother who tells me everything, I want my old brother back,"

"Em,"

"No, I just want to be alone okay?"

"Emma, I'm sorry,"

"You found a new girl to talk too, it's whatever," she shoved me away and she lay back down. I pressed my lips together as I took a big breath, "Em,"

"No!" she yelled, "Stop! You obviously don't want to talk to me about your life anymore," she shoved me off the bed as I stood up, she pushed me further out of the room and I stood outside of her room as she slammed the door. I braced my hands on both sides of the door as my grandpa walked up the stairs, "You made somebody angry," I sighed, "Who is the girl?"

"It's nobody," I responded as I brushed past him, he let me go as I went downstairs and I called Alexa. It rang four times before she answered, "Hey," my voice was urgent, "What's wrong?"

"Em say me kissing you today,"

She went quiet, "Does she know it was me?"

"I don't think so, but she is mad because I haven't told her. You know Emma tells me everything,"

"No," she said, "Lex, please, I have to tell Emma."

"It's going to ruin our friendship!"

"You are already not being the same friend,"

"I know! I have been trying to fix it,"

"Lex, we could all hang out together,"

"No, Liam, it can wait,"

"Lex, we have got to tell Emma,"

"No,"

"If she finds out without me telling her she will be so upset with me,"

"She will be fine,"

"She is my sister,"

"And my best friend," Alexa argued, I shook my head, "Lex,"

"Liam,"

"Whatever, don't look at me when this turns bad," I hung up the phone as I dropped it on the bed. Collapsing down onto my bed, I ran my fingers over my face as I took a long breath. "Hey, Liam, can you help me with my homework?"

I looked at Wes as I nodded my head as I sat him down and I began to help him with basic math.

Troy's POV

I smiled as Gabi was reading a book, a big hat covering her baldhead as she was coated in sunscreen. She flipped her page as I watched her, the water around here swaying to the motions. I stretched out as I crawled a little closer to her. She looked over her sunglasses as I smiled, she was happy.

She was very happy and it was so refreshing to see her smile. After the past eight weeks had been a rough go around and over the past two weeks she seemed lighter, happier, the last chemo round was good. She was happy the entire time and I think it made a difference in how the chemo affected her.

She propped her head up on her hand, her elbow planted into the boat side as she let out a long sigh. "What are you thinking?" I asked her, "The last couple of weeks," she said looking at me, I smiled, and "They have been good right?"

"They have been a lot better than half of the other weeks." She said I rolled closer as I kissed her forehead. "How is your book?"

"I can barely focus, I can't tell you the last time I finished a book." She said, I laughed, "Those kids keep me on my toes," I nodded as I ran my hand down her side, "Have we ever had sex in the middle of a lake on a boat?" she asked against my lips, I laughed, "Actually, we have had sex on a boat,"

"South Carolina," she spoke with a soft look in her eyes, "But that was the ocean, this is a lake," I laughed as I kissed her softly, her arms wrapping around my neck, "I loved how everybody said your sex drive was going to decrease but I swear to God, it has gotten better," she laughed against my lips and she kissed me harder. Her lips pressed firmly against mine.

I moved us away from the edge as I kissed her again. I untied her bikini as it fell off and my fingers slipped through her bikini bottoms. I positioned myself between her legs as she whined as I moved away from her. She wrapped her arms around me tightly as I kissed her forehead, my lips tracing every edge of the side of her face as she let out a long breath of air.

The sun shined off her face as she squinted into the sun, I kissed her softly on her lips as I tucked her closer to my body. "You are so beautiful," I murmured into her ear, she smiled as she kissed my lower neck and I sucked in a breath. Her touch still affected me to this day and I never wanted that to end.

Gabi's POV

I rolled closer to Troy as he wrapped me in his arms. He kissed the top of my head and he laughed, "You never seem to fail to surprise me," he said, his fingers trailing down the side of my naked body. We had moved to the only shady spot of the boat as he laughed, he propped himself up, "I'm so glad you pushed me to take this trip. I couldn't have imagined our 16th anniversary any other way."

I smiled as I tucked myself underneath of him, his big arms protecting me. He rolled me onto my back gently and he took another sweet kiss to my lips. "So tonight, I have a reservation for dinner at the place that catered our wedding and then some dessert at a local ice cream shop before coming back and sleeping for the night."

"Mmm…that sounds perfect."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Are your ready to head back and get ready?"

"Yes, please,"

I sat up and grabbed my tank top as Troy went to the start the boat. "Can you believe you are going to be forty in March?" Troy whipped around as I smirked at him, he turned is head, "You'll be forty in July!"

"That's a whole year away," I said with a wave of my hand, an amused grin placed on his lips, "Let me hold on to my thirties as long as I can okay?" he said, I shook my head, "You already act like you are 50, my knee hurts," I teased, Troy laughed as he shook his head, "You are something else," I got up as I sprang over to him, I wrapped my arms around his waist, "I feel like we are still in high school though,"

"Do I still look like that?" Troy asked, "Yes, besides your face, yes, your more built now too."

"Thank the Lakers for that,"

I smiled as I kissed the back of his neck, "But man, I am going to have to divorce you when you hit forty. I like my men young," Troy snorted, as I couldn't stop the grin pressing over my lips, "No way, we have 34 years until we hit 50 years, my goal,"

"Oh? Alright, in 33 years I'll divorce you." Troy drove the boat back as he couldn't stop laughing. "God, you are a piece of work," I smiled as I sat down next to him. He looked down at me, his Ray Bans perched on his face as he looked towards the docks. I smiled as I pulled my legs up to my chest. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked me, his eyes flickered down to my face as to see if I was going to lie to him or not.

"I'm great," I answered, he began to say something but I shook my head, "I feel great, I am loving the time I am getting to spend with you, I am with you. I have a little headache and my chest hurts but I'm great," I answered him, a smile coming across my face. "I don't think I have been happier in the past 6 months,"

He smiled as he pulled the boat into the dock, I began to collect our things and Troy grabbed the backpack with our waters in it as he slung it over his back. He picked up his shirt as we exited the boat, we returned the keys, and headed back to the house. He kissed the top of my head as he placed his hand on the small of my back. When we made it inside, we threw out stuff into the right places.

I picked up my cell phone as Troy headed towards the bathroom, "I'm going to call and check on the kids while you shower," Troy turned around, "No joining me?" he asked with a smirk, I shook my head, "Not today,"

"Tomorrow?" he asked with a bigger smirk, "Sure," he laughed as he went into the bathroom, the water started up as I called the house phone. It rang twice before being answered, "Mommy!" I smiled, "Hi Alli,"

"Are you and Daddy having fun?" she asked, I smiled as I rubbed on my thigh, "We are having a lot of fun," I told her with a smile, "Yay! When will you be home?" she asked me, I smiled as we were driving back Friday. "Saturday morning baby,"

"That's too far away!"

"I know, I'm sorry baby girl,"

"I want to talk to mommy!" Lo's voice was screeching as I laughed, "Alli, give the phone to your sister," Alli huffed, "I love you mommy,"

"I love you too,"

"Mommy!"

"Hi Lo baby,"

"Hi mommy! Wanna hear about all of my school days?" I felt my eyes go wide, "Please," I answered, she giggled and began to tell me all about how she went outside, did different papers, how she helped her teacher and everything else she packed into a day or pre-school. I smiled as she continued to talk and talk, I smiled and listened to her little voice as she talked a hundred miles an hour.

"Lauren, let mommy talk to Wes," Lucille's voice interrupted Lo as I smiled, Wes came on next and he was very short and Wes like. I sighed softly as he gave the phone to Lucille. "My older kids not around?" I asked, "Emma locked herself in her room and so did Liam," Lucille said with a sigh, "Bad day at school?"

"I don't know neither of them will talk about it."

"Okay, I guess I'll call Liam and talk to him or Emma,"

"Emma is asleep, I just checked on her,"

"Well it probably has to do with the both of them then because if one is upset the other is."

"Are you and Troy having a good time?" The shower shut off as I nodded, "Yea, we are getting ready to go out and get dinner,"

"Well have fun! I'll talk to you later,"

"Thank you Lucille,"

"No problem, have fun!"

I hung up the phone as I debated about calling Liam but it could wait. I got up as I gathered my clothes; the thing about having no hair is that I never have to get my hair ready. I was ready to go so much quicker. Troy kissed the top of my head as he walked out of the bathroom; the towel was wrapped around his waist. I ran my hand over his arm as he smiled.

I got into the shower and was in and out quickly. I put on my underwear and bra as I slipped my dress over my body. I pair it with a jean jacket and tied a scarf around my head as I adjusted it. I let out a long sigh as I did a little bit of make up.

Exiting the bathroom, I stretched out and looked around for Troy. Moving into the kitchen, he was talking on the phone. "Liam,"

I peeked up as he turned around, his lips formed a smile as he took another glance over his shoulders, "Just don't give your grandmother too much trouble okay? Please,"

Troy sighed as I went up and massaged his lower back, "I'll talk to you later,"

He hung up the phone and he let out a long sigh, "What is wrong with our children?"

I said into hIs back, "But I am starved, is it time to eat yet?"

"Yea, let's go,"

Gabi's POV

I laughed as Troy finished his drink, "Are you ready to go get ice cream?" I nodded my head as we stood up grabbing our jackets, Troy walked outsides, as we were in the downtown area, walking around, Troy stopped as he pulled me into his hands. "So, I have something for you," Troy said, "I do too," I spoke with a smile, Troy shook his head, "Oh, I knew that was coming,"

I laughed, our dinner was very good and I wanted to stay there more. We had a couple glasses of wine and we were now off to finish with ice cream and hopefully bed soon.

"Troy, I hate to be a complete boring wife but I am getting really tired," I said, I tried to resist the urge to rub my eyes, "Do you still want ice cream?" he asked, his eyes watching me as I nodded my head, "Yea, that's fine, I just don't think I have much more in me after that."

He nodded as he kissed the top of my head, his thumb stroking my skin as I held on to him. We got ice cream cones from a nice shop as Troy guided me to a place to overlook the lake. We sat down, as the lake was sparkling and bright with a full moon. I smiled as I ate my ice cream slowly.

I picked up my purse as I rummaged through and I found Troy's present. It wasn't anything awesome but I knew he would enjoy it. I slid it across to him as he smiled; he took a long lick of his ice cream cone as he reached to open it. He slipped the tickets out as he read over them and he laughed, Snow Patrol tickets. He looked up with a grin, "Since when did they get back together?" he asked me, "The farewell tour, a promised Run and Chasing Cars to be performed."

He nodded with a smile, "It's awesome, thanks Brie," he leaned against and kissed my lips. He pressed his lips together and he looked at me, "So, I have something for you," he said and it's not going to look like much as I am handing it to you but I pray you love you," I looked at him with curious eyes as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He pulled out a strip of paper as he slid it over to me.

I took a bite of my ice cream cone as I picked up the piece of paper. My fingers slipped between the paper and I flipped it open gently.

My eyes flickered over the words on the sheet as I felt a rush of air escape my body as I looked up at him; he smiled, as I looked down at the paper again.

The day you are cancer free we are taking out trip to Peru. You and I, celebrations, I love you Brie and keep kicking ass. – T

"Troy,"

"As soon as I know when we will be done with this fucking bullshit, I am booking our flight. Ten days." Troy said with a smile, "And I'll let you pick out next years trip," I smiled, "No, I want you to keep picking them."

"Alright but Peru,"

"Thank you Troy,"

"I know how bummed you were and I was bummed myself."

I stood up as I went over and I reached to throw my ice cream cone away. Troy watched me as I then came over and sat down next to him. I rested my head on his shoulder as I curled up next to him. He tossed his cone into the trashcan as it sank into the bag. I laughed as he smirked, "I still have the shot."

"You'll forever have the shot," I said as I ran my hand down his arm, he smiled as he kissed the top of my head. "I really want to cuddle right now," I whispered into his ear, he smiled, "Are you ready to go back?"

"Please,"

We stood up as I wrapped my arms around Troy's torso, "Thank you Troy, I'm so happy I got to spend 16 wonderful years being married to you." Troy squeezed me, "I love you too baby girl," he kissed the top of my head and squeezed me closer to him. I let go as we hooked arms and walked back to the car.

We drove the short distance back to the house we were staying in as we entered. I plugged my phone in, took my make-up off and changed my clothes. Troy was lying in bed when I came over; I crawled in next to him as I rested my head into his lap. He ran his hand down my back as chills ran over my body. "Do you want me to shut the lights off?"

Troy's POV

"Do you want me to shut the lights off?" I asked the question as I ran my hands over her back. She didn't say anything as I examined her. Her eyelids were shut and she was curled up, I gently eased her up and I softly laid her down onto the bed.

She opened her eyes as I kissed her forehead, "One second," I whispered into her ear. I shut the door to the room, shut off the lights, and each of the lamps. I then crawled into the bed shutting the TV off; I pulled her up and under as she rested her head on my chest. I breathed in her scent as I hugged on her; she rested her hand on my chest as I took in a deep breath.

I couldn't have asked for a better day, each day since she had woken up, I had thanked God about keeping her with me. Thanking him for letting her be here with me for another day, to have another day married to me, to celebrate 16 years of being married. 20 years of being together. Nothing was going to separate us, not yet.

I slid further down as her head pressed into my neck; I twisted my head to kiss her forehead. I closed my eyes trying to keep flashbacks from that night coming but they did, my heart raced underneath my chest as I tried to control my breathing.

"Troy, you okay?"

"I'm fine," I told her, "Your heart is racing," she responded, I kissed her forehead again, "I'm fine baby girl, get some sleep,"

She didn't argue it again as she rested her head against my shoulder. I closed my eyes and tried to let the memory pass because she was here. That's all that mattered.

Liam's POV

I glanced over at Emma who was turned away from me. "Em, please,"

"I do not want to talk to you," she snapped, I glanced over at her, "Emma, it's been two days, our parents are heading home tonight. Will you please just talk to me," she shook her head and I sighed. "Emma, please," I begged, "Go cry your damn story to your girlfriend," she yelled, I closed my mouth and my jaw twitched in anger. "Emma,"

"I do not," she said turning towards me, tears in her eyes, "Want to talk to you. You are nothing to me,"

I slammed my car into park as she got out; she was halfway into the school before I even got out of my car. I slammed the door shut as Jace, Mark, and Hudson caught up with me. I shook my head as they were talking about something and I let out a long breath. I was ready for this week to be over. "Liam," I looked up at Hudson, "Heard about your girlfriend,"

"It's nobody," I said waving my hand, I stepped into the school as my eyes scanned for Emma. I caught her brown hair weaving in and out of the crowd, Alexa's dark complexion right next to her as Emma looked to be crying. I felt my shoulders shrink as I let out a deep breath, "Do you guys want to play basketball later?" I asked them, "Hell yea, when?"

"Free period?" I suggested, "We can go to the gym and play a game," I spoke, "Awesome, Two v two!" Hudson said, I nodded as Bentley walked across with his group of friends, "Bent!" I yelled, he turned around, "Hey Liam!"

"Hey," I broke free from my group as I caught up with him. "Did I hear our parents are gathering Sunday,"

"You heard right my friend, BBQ at my household,"

"Awesome, I haven't seen you in a while,"

"I know, what have you been up too?" he asked, we walked through the school as we each stopped at our lockers to grab the things we need. "I haven't been up to much really, I mean seeing my mom and dad. It's just been crazy."

"Yea, how is your mom?"

"Good,"

"That's good," I smiled softly and I stretched my arms out in front of me. I stopped in front of my class, "Bentley, if you want, during our free period we are playing some basketball,"

"5th?"

"Yea, 5th,"

"Thanks Liam,"

"Yea," I went into the room as I sat my books down as I began to take notes.

I walked to the gym when a hand wrapped around my bicep and pulled me away. I stumbled as I was pulled into the empty closet; I looked up as Alexa was standing in front of me. "Am I nothing to you?" she demanded, I looked around, as she was very mad.

"What?" I asked her, "You keep calling me nothing!" she yelled at me "People ask you about us and you tell them we are nothing!"

"What do you want me to say?" I asked, "I don't know! You make me sound like I don't exist!"

"Since you want it your way you apparently don't want to exist because Alexa, I can't tell Emma and if I can't tell Emma I can't start telling the fucking school and then my grandpa will find out so really what do you want me to say?"

She took a step backwards in the small closet, "We can't tell them,"

"I know you are new to this high school drama but once one person knows, the whole school knows so pick your poison Alexa, please," she took a deep breath as I saw tears in her eyes, I sighed as I reached forward and I picked up her hand. "Hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell,"

She nodded her head as I reached forward and wrapped her in my arms. She pressed her head into my chest as I took a deep breath. "I know, this sucks but Lex, tell me what you want me to say because I want to tell them how beautiful my girlfriend, Alexa, is. I want to hold your hand in the hallway and tell everybody how important you are to me. It's been a month since we started dating and I just want everybody to know."

She pressed her hand against my chest as she looked up at me, "Are you serious Liam?" I laughed with a nod of my head, "I'm dead serious Lex," she sighed as I kissed her forehead. "Emma is really upset with you," she said, "She feels like she is losing her big brother," I sighed, "I wish I knew what to do, I keep trying to talk to her."

"I'm just not ready to tell her yet," Alexa, said, "I want too, I want to tell my best friend but I just can't do it yet."

"Okay,"

"But thanks Liam,"

I smiled, "You're welcome, now, shouldn't you be in Bio?" I asked her, she smiled, "Yea," I tilted her head backwards as I kissed her softly, "It will be okay, I promise,"

"Thanks Liam,"

"No problem Lex,"

Gabi's POV

I dragged my body into the house as I heard the bustling of news. Troy climbed out of the car as he stretched; I opened the door to the basement and the force of tension rushed around me.

"Holy shit, what the hell happened in this house,"

"Damn, I felt it too," Troy said, we were both extremely relaxed after massages, spa visits, pedicures, manicures, shopping, and just time with Troy, a lot has helped to make me completely relaxed.

We made it upstairs where Wes was lying on the couch doing homework, Lo was playing with blocks, and Alli was coloring. I looked around for my two oldest but none of them were around. Alli caught me and I smiled as she bounced up, I grabbed her in a hug and as Lo attacked Troy. I laughed as I hugged them tightly.

"I missed my babies,"

I kissed Alli's forehead and I then had Lo wrapped around me, I put Lo on my hip as I went to Wes, he smiled up at me, "How was the week?"

"Weird," he said, "Emma and Liam were fighting all week,"

"About what?"

"I don't know, apparently Liam has a girlfriend that Emma doesn't know about," Troy raised an eyebrow, "We don't know about her either,"

"Well Emma does and she is upset over it, I don't know, she didn't eat much this week," Troy nodded as he ran his fingers through his hair, "Did you have a good week?" Troy asked him, "Yea, I had baseball practice and my game this morning,"

"Did you win?" I asked him, "Yea,"

"Sorry we couldn't be there,"

"It's okay, we have another one tomorrow morning,"

"Good, I can't wait to see my baseball stud,"

He smiled as I got up, "I'll go hit up Em, you take Liam?" Troy nodded his head as we said hi to Lucille as we split up. I went upstairs and I knocked on Emma's door, "Go away," she said back, I opened the door gently as I stood in the doorway, "I kind of missed my Em," I said, she looked up from her curled position on her bed, her eyes grew wide and she hopped off the bed as she wrapped her arms around my body in a hug as she began to cry.

"Hey, alright, alright," I wrapped her in my arms as I moved her towards the bed as we sat down, "What's wrong?"

"Liam has a girlfriend and he didn't tell me about her, I don't even know who she is or what she looks like and he doesn't tell me anything anymore and it's because I go to school with him and I hate it. I just want Liam back, I really want my big brother back." Her words came in a fast rush and she cried harder as I wrapped her in my arms as I lay down on the bed.

Her tears pressed into my shirt as I rubbed her back, "It's okay," I told her quietly, "It's okay," I whispered into her ear, I moved her hair away from her face as she held onto me so tight I didn't think I was ever going to leave. Her sobs slowly began to subside as her breathing began to regulate, I looked down to see she was asleep but she still had an extreme death grip.

I rubbed her back and I looked up to see Troy in the doorway, "Tell me you got something," I said, "That would be a no," Troy said as he leaned in the doorway, "She is a complete mess, she saw me and just started sobbing," Troy took a deep breath as he pushed off the door and came in. He bent over and kissed her forehead, she opened her eyes and she smiled, "Hi daddy,"

"Get some rest Em," he said, he then kissed my forehead, "Welcome home," he whispered into my ear, I tried not to laugh as he smiled, he left the room as Emma went back to asleep but not releasing me from her grasp.

I wouldn't trade this for anything.

Happy Sunday! Late update but an update! I hope you guys enjoyed it!

No update next week! I will be on my way to Sunny San Diego via car from Arizona so no update! I'm sorry! I hope you guys have a great two weeks and are enjoying your Spring Breaks!

Thanks for all of the love! Keep it coming!

Please Review!