Samantha isn't actually having a party. I just wanted to do something special for Leah. I got Brooks and Ellie in on the idea and they helped me out with it. It worked perfectly.

We are currently on our way to the jewelry store. I want to pick something out for Leah. Something to remind her that I'm always here.

The windows are down, California's brisk, 4pm air flowing through the car.

I lean my head back, hoping that Leah isn't in any pain. I wish I could take it from her. She doesn't deserve this.

"Mas, man. We are here" Brooks says, snapping in my face. "Sorry" I mumble getting out of his Jeep.

We walk in, greeting the workers. Immediately Brooks makes his way over to the rings. "This is what I had in mind to get for Ellie" He says pointing to a ring. It is silver with a small heart diamond on the center. A couple diamonds are lining half the band. It's beautiful.

"A promise ring?" I mumble, scanning through the many engagement rings.

"Yeah, it caught my attention the first time I came" He nods. "I think she would love it" I say, happily. I'm so glad that my sister is dating a good guy. I've known Brooks for longer than I can remember and he's a genuinely good guy. Both him and my sister deserve each other.

Now, I know I don't deserve Leah. She's too good for me. But I can't help but be selfish. One ring catches my eye. It's similar to the one Brooks picked out. It is a white gold ring with a medium sized diamond in the center. A bunch of smaller diamonds are surrounding it and cover half the ring. It's gorgeous.

"I'll take this one please" I say pointing to it. The lady nods handing it to me. I take out my phone, texting Ellie, asking for her ring size.

Originally I was planning on a necklace but the idea of a promise ring seems more special.

She quickly answers, allowing me to inform the lady. She put it in a box and rings it up for me. Brooks got his for Ellie. He's going to give it to her another day.

We jump back into the car, driving to Target. I need to get some candy, snacks, Leah's favorite ice cream and a giant teddy bear. Clique, I know.

We grab everything and I pick out the brown bear. It wont get as dirty as the white one. "I just need to run into the florists" I say to Brooks as we scan the items.

"Okay" He nods, handing me the money for his things. "I'll go grab the car" He says, jogging to the car.

"Hey, do you need help?" A blonde walks up to me, twirling her hair. "No, my friend just went to get the car. Thank you though" I say picking up my bags and walking away.

She grabs my arm with her claw like nails. They dig into my bicep, making me shiver. "Listen, I have a girlfriend. I'm not interested" I say coldly. Her mouth gapes open, shock apparent on her face. I guess she's not used to being turned down.

"She doesn't have to know" She says seductively, pushing her boobs up. "Again, not interested" I scoff, breaking out of her grip.

"Woah man. What was that?" Brooks says when I sit in the car, slamming the door. "Just some girl throwing herself at anyone with a dįck" I buckle my seatbelt, rolling my eyes.

I quickly send a text to Leah. 'I miss you'

I close my phone as Brooks speeds off, turning the radios volume up. I cant help but think about Leah and if she's okay. I trust Ellie with my whole life but I can't imagine if something happened to Leah.

Again.

We pull up to the florist and I run in, grabbing a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Pinks, purples, yellows, oranges and greens fill up your sight when you look at it. I also grab a couple packs of flower petals, quickly paying for them.

I send a quick text to Ellie. Telling her that we are on out way home. She is going to take Leah for some coffee. Right away I get a text from Leah telling me about their plans.

I smile down at my lock screen. I had taken the photo not long after Leah and I became friends. She is wearing some black jeans, a black tank top and a sweatshirt. She's looking at me over her cup of coffee. I'm planning on changing it soon. The picture brings back so many memories. Good because I finally met the girl I love. She changed my life completely and I've never been happier. Bad memories because she was going through so much alone. I was completely blind to all the signs.

I quickly answer as we drive back home.

When we get there I rush inside to my room. I throw flower petals on the newly made bed and scattered on the floor. Placing the big bear on the floor with the flowers, snacks and a bucket of ice with the ice cream and spoons. I quickly text Ellie telling her its safe to come back.

Ellie quickly answers telling me that they are on their way home. Brooks gives me the thumbs up, patting me on the back. Nerves wrack my body. This is really different for me. Usually girls are falling at my feet. I never take advantage of that but it feels different.

The front door opens and I hear laughing. "Here, let me help" Ellie says. I assume she's helping Leah get up the stairs. "Thanks Elle" She says.

My stairs are pretty annoying. Not only is there a lot but its curved. "Le, can you grab me a hair tie from your bag? I ran out" Ellie says causing Leah to laugh. "Sure, make the crippled do it" She responds, walking into my room.

The lights flick on and a gasp comes from her perfect lips. A huge smile erupts on her face and she limps her way to me. "Mason, what is this about?" She says hugging me tightly. "Just a reminder of how much I love you. Ellie and Brooks were in on this" I say pointing to them. Leah smiles softly, still in shock.

"This is so sweet and cute" She says looking at everything. I move my hand to feel the box in my pocket. "But gosh Mason, you nearly scared me half to death" She says slapping my arm causing me to laugh. "Sorry love" I kiss her cheek.

Ellie and Brooks run off. I pull the ring out, opening the box. "Leah, I promise I will do everything I can to protect you from now until the day we die. I hope you know you can always come to me and trust me. I will be here with open arms. I'm so happy that you bumped into me that day. I promise to be the best boyfriend. Please accept this promise ring" I say, tears immediately springing to her eyes.

She nods, a couple tears falling. "Yes, of course" She hugs me.

I know, this sounds like a proposal but I don't care. She deserves to know that I'm always going to be there.

She attempts to pick up the flowers causing me to chuckle. I pick them up for her, her eyes fluttering shut.

Even with her black eye and gashes she still looks beautiful. She looks up at me through her eyelashes, her cheeks burning up. "What?" She croaks out. "You're just so beautiful" I whisper, leaving a kiss on her even warmer cheeks.

"I-I don't know what to say" She says sheepishly, putting a piece of hair behind her ear.

"You don't have to say anything at all. Here, lets sit down" I say helping Leah to the bed. Once she is situated, I grab the snacks and put the bear next to her.

"Mason? What-Well what is all this?" My moms gushes when she lays her eyes on everything.

"I wanted to do a little something for Leah" I say shrugging.

Tears spring to her eyes causing Leah and I to look at each other, confusion covering our faces.

Soon, Leah shoots up, as fast as she can with broken ribs. She makes her way over to my mom and embraces her in a hug. The sight of this makes my insides turn to goo. Two out of three of the most important ladies of my life. How did I get so lucky?

"Are you okay?" Leah asks, rushing to get my mom tissues.

"Leah. Hun, I'm fine. Really. Stop hurting yourself" She says, wiping her tears.

"I thought it was the least I could do. I got worried" She blushes.

"You're too sweet. Have a good night kids. Love you" Mom says, closing the door.

"Hows you back? And ribs? And everything else" I say, turning to Leah.

"I'm okay" She smiles a terribly fake smile.

"Come on Le. You can tell me how you actually feel" I frown, leading her back over to the bed.

"Okay, fine. Honestly, I feel really crappy. I'm not sure why. I just sorta do. But enough of that, lets watch some movies" She claps, smiling.

"Leah, I'm worried about you. You act like you're fine" I say, sitting next to her.

"I've had a lot of practice at it" She looks down, her hair falling down. I slowly reach over, gently putting it behind her shoulder.

"You don't have to hide it from me. Please don't" I say, staring into her eyes.

"Okay" She whispers, nodding.

"Let's watch movies now. Yeah?" I say and she smiles, leaning against my headboard.

We get comfortable, putting a movie on and opening the snacks and ice cream.

Thank you a million! I couldn't have gotten to 16k reads without you guys. Wow, its so crazy to me! I'm so glad you guys enjoy reading my book. Seeing the comments make me so happy. I think this is such a cute chapter, so maybe lets add comments? I'm not in the best mood/mindset right now so the comments will also bring a smile to my face and mean a lot! Thank you guys so much.

4/19

Word count: 1800

~Leah