I know that it's been forever since I've updated. I am so sorry. Things got crazy, and I've hit a bit of a writer's block. It might be a little while before I post more. Again, I'm so so sorry. I do plan to finish this fanfic, I promise. Thank you for being so patient with me. I will tell you all now that I plan to go to fifty-five chapters. Unless I get new ideas. But again, it might be a little while before I put up a new chapter. I haven't abandoned you guys. I just got crazy busy. Sorry again.

JULY 24

I closed up the box with all of my DVDs. Willow and I were moving into our new home the next day, and I was just about finished with all of my packing.

There was a knock at my door. I turned to see my mother walking into my room. "Hey, Mom," I said.

She gave me a slightly sad smile. "Hey, little man. How's it going?"

"Good. I'm just about done. I've just got a few more things to pack up, mostly stuff that I'll need tonight."

"I can't believe that you're moving out and going to college. You're not my little baby anymore."

"Sorry?" I said, not sure what exactly I was apologizing for. Growing up? It wasn't like I could change that.

She came forward and gave me a quick but tight hug. My mom never really gave long hugs. "I don't really like seeing you all grown up. Don't get me wrong. I'm incredibly proud of you and the man that you've grown into. You're making some really good choices in your life."

"Even though I'm moving in with my girlfriend."

She rolled her eyes, flapping her hand at me. "Please. You two are in a very committed relationship. It's not like you're just rushing into this without any idea of what you're doing. Besides, I had a baby in high school. You're already off to a better start than I was. You know what you're doing." She ruffled my hair. "I sure am going to miss you, though."

I grinned. "You're just upset because you're losing your free babysitter," I teased. I knew that wasn't why she'd miss me, but I couldn't resist teasing her.

Mom flicked my ear. "You little brat. No. Bex is old enough to babysit now, so it's not a big deal, the babysitting. I'm going to miss you." She sat down on my couch with a sigh. "You know, I knew this day was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier. You've been such big part of my life for so long. It's going to be really weird to not see you around here every day."

I plopped down beside her. "It will be weird," I agreed. "And I am going to miss everybody. Bex, Jax, Cay, Kenny. You and Dad. Jon, Charlie, and Roman. Mamie and Pappy. Pretty much our whole family is here in Camelot. And we've always been so close."

"Yeah. Our family is kind of crazy like that, staying so close together and actually hanging out a lot. But you will be closer to Dad's sisters and parents. Ealdor is about three hours from here. But I think it's only an hour from Albion, isn't it?"

I nodded. "It's on the way to Albion, which is nice. We'll probably stop by for a bit to visit with Grandma and Grandpa tomorrow. I think Dad's looking forward to it." Dad had offered to come with us, which was good because it might have been a little difficult to get all of our stuff there otherwise. Willow and I were going to drive the rental truck, towing Willow's car. Dad was going to drive my car. "Willow's excited, too. She hasn't really had a chance to get to know Dad's side of the family well."

"That will be nice. I know your grandparents will love to have you closer. I want you to Skype with me every weekend. You got that?"

I grinned. "Yeah, Mom. I'll do that. And I'll even call you every single night."

"Stryker. Don't be sarcastic."

"Sorry. I will try to call you every few nights, though. I promise. And I'll definitely call after my first day of classes, to let you know how they go."

She ruffled my hair again, grinning slightly. "Thanks, little man. And make sure you come visit us as much as you can. And bring Willow with you. Your siblings aren't going to know what to do with themselves without you and your girlfriend around every day."

"They'll get used to it."

"Yes, but it'll take some time. And please make sure that you test –"

"My bloodsugar before every meal," I interrupted, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Barely. "And before I go to sleep every night. I know, Mom. I've had diabetes for a year and a half now. I think I know what I'm doing."

Mom sighed, shaking her head. She grinned ruefully at me. "I know. I'm sorry, Stryker. I never thought I would be such a worrier. But I can't seem to help it. I know you can take care of yourself. You've been doing a great job, keeping your bloodsugars under control. I still worry. And I hate that."

"I know. But trust me, I'll be fine. Willow is never going to let me forget the important stuff or slack off. She'd totally kick my butt. I'll be in good hands. I've already got all my prescriptions moved to a pharmacy in Albion. And my records switched to a new doctor there. I just have to schedule a new patient visit with him. I'm good. I've got everything set up."

Mom didn't answer. She just pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

I narrowed my eyes at her, a thought occurring to me. "But that doesn't mean you get to call Willow to check up on me!" I added. I wasn't sure if she would do that or not…

Mom widened her blue eyes, attempting to look innocent. Yeah, right. I was pretty sure that my mother didn't know the meaning of the word innocent. "Who, me?"

Oh, and by the way, this is probably the last fanfic I'll do in this series. If I do another one, it wouldn't really have Merthur. Like, at all. So I don't think I'll do anymore. I haven't had any ideas so far. However, if my readers are supportive of it, I could try to think of something for a sequel to Stryker's story. I'm on the fence about it. Just let me know what your thoughts are about it. Please review.