This is my second published Mcrollins fanfic! Please let me know how I can improve it and if you like it! FYI: I started writing this before the finale. REMEMBER I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS!

Sorry I haven't been posting as much for this story. I am not as motivated to write this story as I am for my other one. Please bear with me, I promise I will continue writing this story until I feel it is complete (not anytime soon lol). Reading your comments is always a great motivation for me! Suggestions are welcomed! Stay safe everyone :)

Chapter 5

After dinner was done, they headed downstairs to walk along the beach. Steve and Catherine's hands were interlocked and Catherine was leaning on Steve's shoulder.

"This place is wonderful, but I do miss your beach."

"I miss watching the sunset on our beach."

"I missed you sailor."

"I missed you Cath."

John and Caroline were walking on the edge of the water trying to avoid talking to each other.

"The stars are beautiful aren't they?"

"Yea, you're right, I haven't seen stars this clearly in a while."

"Why not?"

"It's just where I live, there are too many buildings and street lights."

"I can relate to that."

"Really?"

"Yea, my mom's house on the mainland was in the city so when I was homesick, I would go outside and look up to the stars, but all the city lights blocked a clear view of the night sky."

"Are you glad you came back home?"

"Completely, my mom's house never felt like home you know?"

"You followed your heart John. You knew that you had to be there for your dad and you did. I mean I don't agree with you running away, but I'm glad you're happy."

"Are you happy Caroline? I mean you haven't seen your dad in so long, but your mom really takes care of you."

"I am happy, even without my dad being in my life. Sometimes I forget I even have one… alive and all. I'm glad you're someone I can talk to… about family stuff."

"Me too."

It was getting late so they headed back upstairs to get ready for bed.

"Hey you two, don't stay up super late."

"We won't mom."

Steve and Catherine headed to their bedroom and closed the door. John turned the couch into a bed so he could sleep in the living room. Caroline was in the bedroom and decided to check on John since his stuff wasn't in the room.

"What are you doing John?"

"Getting my bed set up."

"Why? You have a perfectly made bed in the room."

"I just wanted to give you some space… after what I did today."

Caroline walked to a chair and sat down.

"It's okay John, you didn't know and I didn't stop you. Don't let that stop you from sleeping on an actual bed."

"I'm fine sleeping here Caroline. Have the room to yourself, I have everything I need out here."

"Are you sure John?"

"I'm okay, goodnight Caroline."

"Goodnight John."

Caroline got up from the chair and hugged John before heading back into the room. She closed the door behind her and sat on the bed.

*ring ring ring*

"Hey babe. How's your birthday trip?"

"It's amazing."

"That's great to hear. I can't wait to have you back in my arms so we can celebrate your birthday together."

"Me too. How have you been?"

"You know, busy with studying and baseball practice."

"Glad to hear you're not having too much fun without me."

"Hey! I miss my girl and I'm willing to have a boring weekend so I can have all the fun I want with my beautiful princess."

"Mmhmm…"

"It's true babe."

"You're the best Mas."

"And you're amazing Caroline. I gotta go… love you."

Caroline hung up the phone and put it against her chest.

"I can't believe I just lied to him."

The next morning…

Steve got up extra early to make everyone breakfast. When he opened the bedroom door, he was surprised to see his son sleeping on the couch. Soon Catherine joined him in the kitchen and breakfast was ready. Everyone ate breakfast around the table together and soon everyone changed into swim attire.

"Wow John."

"What?"

"It's nothing."

Caroline walked away and went to the balcony to look at the view. John stood in the living room confused.

"Why did I just say that? I mean those abs are pretty fine, but I have a boyfriend… snap out of it Caroline!"

Steve and Catherine walked into the living room.

"Is everyone ready?"

"Yea dad, Caroline and I are."

"You boys go ahead and save us chairs, I'll get Caroline."

Steve and John headed downstairs while Catherine went outside to the balcony.

"Everything okay sweetie?"

"Yea… no…"

"What's wrong?"

"Mason called yesterday."

"Did you tell him?"

"No… that's the problem."

Catherine hugged Caroline, Caroline started to cry.

"I don't know what to do mom."

"It's okay sweetie."

"Mas is a good guy, but I let John kiss me and I didn't push him back."

"I know."

"Well do you like John?"

Caroline stayed silent for a while.

"Uh no."

"Caroline, we both know you're lying."

"I don't know mom, I don't know John that well, but I can talk to him easily and he's so kind to me."

"I know you will do the right thing Caroline."

"Thank you for believing in me."

"Let's head downstairs and relax."

Catherine and Caroline met up with the boys. Caroline went to the lazy river with John while Catherine and Steve stayed at the chairs.

"Stay."

"What?"

"Stay here with me."

"You know I can't."

"But Caroline and you both enjoy it here… John and I are better when you and Caroline are around. I haven't seen my son like this in a long time."

"I have to tell you something."

"Okay… what is it?"

"John kissed Caroline."

"And?"

"Caroline has a boyfriend."

"Oh, yeah that's not good. Is that why John slept on the couch and locked himself in our bedroom yesterday."

"I guess, but Caroline is starting to like him."

"What are we going to do about the both of them?"

"I really don't know Steve."

"I guess we have to just let them figure things out themselves. But stay… a little longer."

"Steve… we have to leave tomorrow morning."

"Extend your stay a little longer… please."

"Two more days… max."

"Deal. Tomorrow we will go back to my house."

"I don't want to burden you and John."

"You're not, I promise you that."

"Fine… let's go to the bar and get ourselves a drink."

They walked to the bar and got two Longboards.

"Cheers to coming home."

"And new beginnings."

What will happen between John and Caroline?