Chapter dedicated to ! Go give her a follow, along with me! :)

•••••••••••

I woke up, made Leah some breakfast and drove her to work, telling her, I'll call later.

I speed off to Brooks house, finding his driveway empty, regarding his car.

A nauseous feeling courses through my body. Theres always a car in the driveway, if not more.

I jump out of the car, knocking on the door.

Brooks opens the door, his eyes bloodshot and droopy, his hair is sticking in many directions and his clothes are wrinkled and stained.

"Dude, whats going on?" I stutter, taking in his appearance.

"Man, I'm a mess" He ushers me in, closing the door behind me.

"What happened? Does Ellie know?" I sit on the couch.

"Yeah, yeah. She knows. I'm having some family stuff" He rubs his eyes, almost hoping that will give him some energy.

"Like what?" I question, not wanting to pry.

"My moms not doing well. She's been admitted to the hospital. The doctors think her cancer is back" He says.

My heart drops. Ms. Price, my second mother is sick again.

"What?" I gasp.

"Then, my rotten aunt is trying to get her name in the dãmn will, not even caring that her sister could die" He whispers.

I stand up, pulling him into a hug.

Brooks crumbles under my grip. "I'm scared bro" He hiccups. "She's my only family left" He whispers.

"I know, she's strong though. You and I both know that. She fought it once, she'll do it again. She's going to kick cancers äss" I comfort him, myself too.

"I can't believe all this is happening" He sighs, pulling away, wiping his eyes.

The only time I've seen Brooks like this is when his father left.

"Want one?" Brooks asks, holding up a beer.

"No man, thanks" I reply.

He sits down on the couch, throwing his legs up. "I'm going over there in an hour. You should come" He takes a swig out of the beer.

"Yeah, of course" I pat his shoulder, turning my attention back to the television.

I know Brooks better than he knows himself. When he wants to talk, I'll talk. When he doesn't, I'm cool with pretending everything is fine. I know when Brooks needs someone to lean on, and even then, he doesn't want anyone prying.

Soon we drive to the hospital. I made sure to drive, not knowing how much Brooks had to drink.

"Listen man, if you could just keep this on the down-low that would be great. I really just want you and Elle to know" He rests his head back.

"Yeah, of course" I swallow, hoping Leah won't realize something is off with me.

We sign in, making our way to her room.

"Brooks, hi hun. Mason, what a lovely surprise" A smile spreads on her face.

Ms. Price is more old fashioned. She believes in respecting older people, by calling them Ms., Mrs. and Mr. She is also into health food, always monitoring Brooks food intake. It was hard for him to manage, especially during football season. Once her husband left, she almost lost herself.

"Hey Ms. Price. How are you doing?" I hug her, gently.

"I'm doing okay. Nothing I haven't overcome before. How is everything? I saw your sister yesterday" She smiles. It doesn't quite reach her eyes.

"Oh yeah, everyones good. I finally got a girlfriend that I actually really like" I laugh.

"Oh yes, I've heard terrific things about her. Whats her name again?" She asks, deep in thought.

"Leah, thats it. Such a beautiful name. Do you have a picture of her?" She smiles.

"Yeah, of course" I unlock my phone, showing her my lock screen.

"She's beautiful. I can't wait to meet her one day" She holds my phone.

"Yeah, yeah she is" I agree, staring at the screen.

"Hello Ms. Price, how are you feeling today?" The doctor walks in, checking the charts.

"I'll step out for a little. Does anyone want coffee?" I ask.

Brooks nods, thanking me.

I walk to the cafeteria, grabbing two large cups of coffee and paying.

All of this came such a shock. I wonder how long she's been in.

I wait a little before I go back to the room.

I wait outside, hearing bits and pieces of the conversation inside.

Soon the doctors come out and I'm welcomed back in.

Brooks runs his hand through his hair, sitting down on the chair next to the hospital bed. I sit down in the one on the opposite side of the room.

Running and hand over my face, I let my mind drift back to when I was here earlier this year.

"Mason? My moms talking to you" Brooks snaps me out of my trance.

"Whats on your mind, dear?" A sad smile crosses her face.

I stand up, walking towards her. "No, nothing. I'm sorry, I was just thinking" I shake my head.

"Hun, I know that look, whats going on?" She urges.

"Thinking back to Leah?" Brooks asks, knowingly.

Of course he knows, the guys my best friend.

"Yeah, but thats beside the point. I just let my mind go a little crazy for a bit. Do you need anything?" I dismiss it.

"Whats going on with Leah?" She asks, intrigued.

"I don't want to bother or bore you with details. You have more than enough on your plate" I laugh, uncomfortably.

"Oh come on Mason, I need a little distraction. Come on, let me in on the secret. Maybe I can help" She urges me.

"Its not much, honestly. All is okay. Leah just constantly found herself here a few months ago" I try and be as vague as possible.

"Hm, can you be anymore vague, hunny? But okay, that's all you want to tell me right now. I'll give you time" She smiles.

We spend two more hours with her before I drive Brooks home and head off to the grocery store to buy food and necessities for Brooks. He seems to be a little better. Today must have been a good day.

I pick up some supplies and bee-line back to Brooks, planning lunch.

"I'm making you lunch and you're going to eat it. Go shower and change into fresh clothes man, you need it" I walk into the house to see him already showered and changed into some new sweatpants and a t-shirt.

"Hey man, thanks. That really meant a lot to me and my mom was genuinely happy. I showered while you were out. Something changed today. I think she's going to be okay, she has to" He explains, pulling me into a hug.

"Good, I'm happy to hear that" I pat his back.

"Now, lunch. I have burgers, Texas toast and broccoli" I run it by him.

"Sounds really good. Thanks" He nods, sitting at the island.

I start my magic, hoping that Brooks and Ms. Pierce is going to be alright.

That was hands down the best sleep I had ever gotten. I even woke up to my clothes laid out and breakfast on the table.

My boyfriend is absolutely perfect.

Work flew by, I guess that happens when you start your day off good.

When I get home I shoot Mason a quick text, feed Bella and take a nice, hot shower.

After, I make myself some boxed mac-and-cheese. Can't go wrong with it, and watch a movie.

Mason finally texts me back, it seems a little short a cold. Almost like he just wanted to check the box.

I hope he isn't losing feelings. He can't be. I'm just imagining it. Its one text. No, I definitely did something. He must be mad at me? Or he's losing feelings. He's definitely losing feelings. I knew he would get tired of me eventually.

"Cody" I run into his room, my chest heaving up and down.

"Hey, hey, hey. Whats wrong?" He rushes up, moving me to sit down.

"Masons losing feelings" I somehow get out in between breaths.

"Okay, slow down. Take some deep breaths, you're having an anxiety attack. Just close your eyes and focus on your breathing" He rubs my back.

I try and do as told, not being able to think of anything besides how my life will be without Mason.

"Let me see your phone. What'd he say?" He holds out his hand, typing my password in when I hand it to him.

He scans over it, confusion on his face.

"What?" I ask, my breathing a little more controlled.

"You're over-analyzing this way too much Le. All he said was, 'Good, I'm glad it helped. Love you and talk to you tomorrow'. In what way does that make you think he's losing interest?" Cody puts my phone down.

"He usually texts me more. It seems like he was trying to blow me off" I explain.

"Le, look. I guarantee you that he's busy right now. I have no clue what with, but the only message I get from the text is that he's busy but wants you to know he's still here and cares. You can ask him tomorrow, but it seems like everything is fine. Okay?" He says.

"Yeah, okay. You're probably right. Thanks Cody. Goodnight" I let out a breath, hugging him.

I go back into my room and get comfortable again, trying to not think about the situation.

A couple minutes later, my phone starts ringing.

I sigh, not wanting to get out of my comfy bed.

The seconds tick by, the call soon ending.

As I drift off to sleep, it rings again.

"Fuck" I mumble, throwing my sheets off and answering the call.

"Yeah?" I answer, getting back into bed.

"Hey babe, are you okay?" Mason says, concern in his voice.

"Hey, sorry. I didn't look at the caller and I was almost asleep" I smile.

"Oh alright, I'll let you get back to sleep in a minute. I'm sorry about the short text earlier. I was busy with something and wanted to answer you so you didn't think I was ignoring you or anything" He explains.

"Oh, no. Thats okay. Thank you for clarifying though" I fidget my hands, getting nervous.

"Whats wrong?" He asks, the sound of his car in the background.

"No, nothing" I take a deep breath.

"Please tell me Le. If you don't I'm coming over" He says.

I check the time, 11:30.

"Don't do that. Nothings wrong, honestly. I'm relieved" I sigh.

"Le" He warns. "I will come over"

"I know you will. Don't, its late. I'll see you tomorrow. Last day" I smile.

"Okay, fine. We'll talk tomorrow then. Come over after work, yeah?" He says, the sound of a door unlocking.

"Yeah, of course. See you then" I end the call.

Checking my alarm, I fall back asleep.

•••••••••••

"What are you doing?" I laugh as Mason twirls, showing off the dress Ellie had in her closet.

"You're going to stretch it out" I shriek as he flex's.

"I'm hurt. I can't believe you would call me fat like that" He pretend, wipes a tear.

"Oh shush" I shake my head as he does a leap back into the bathroom to change.

"Next outfit" He comes out a minute later in a very tight skirt that looks like is about to burst open. He's wearing a neon green tube top that was definitely for a festival.

"That is quite the outfit" I nod, containing my laughter.

"Mason-" Ellie walks in, horror across her face when she sees Mason.

"Mason Rielly White, what in the hęll are you doing?" She screams, staring at the button thats about to pop on her skirt.

"Putting on a fashion show" He pretends to brush his hair behind his shoulder.

"Get that skirt off right now, it was two-hundred dollars" She seethes, causing Masons eyes to bulge.

He hurries and takes it off, careful not to stretch it more and possibly break it.

"I swear to God, you're going to be the death of me" She snatches the clothes out of his hands and storms out.

"Someones on her lady day" Mason chuckles.

"Or sh'es pregnant" I joke, causing Mason to stop in his tracks.

"Did you-" Mason turns around, slowly. "Is she?" He panics.

"Woah, I don't think so Mas. I haven't heard anything from her. Chill, hun" I laugh, patting his chest.

"You scared me" He takes a deep breath, tackling me onto the bed.

A genuine laughter erupts as he starts tickling me.

I squirm, attempting to get away, "Stop" I hit his hands, laughing.

He stops, a smile on his face. "I love that sound" He fixes his hair.

"What sound?" I sit up, fixing the hoodie.

"Your laugh" He smiles.

"Stop, you know I hate it" I push him, putting the hood up.

"Oh stop it. Its lovely" He kisses my cheek. "Now, I think you owe me an explanation" He says, my nerves picking up.

"What?" I ask, confused.

"Why were you acting weird over the phone last night? Is something going on?" He asks, sitting in front of me.

"No, I told you Mas. Nothing is wrong" I play with my necklace.

"See, you're lying. You aren't very good at it. Spill" He crosses his arms.

"Fine. I was just nervous yesterday when I got your text that you were losing feelings. You know how I am" I sigh, avoiding eye contact.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. I had no intention of it coming across like that, at all. I am in no way losing feelings, if anything I keep gaining them. I didn't even know it was possible to be this in love with someone" He hugs me, kissing the top of my head.

My heart swells. Thank goodness I wasn't standing because I would be on the floor.

"Wow" I search for words.

"You don't have to say anything" He blushes a little, planting a quick kiss on my lips.

"Can we do something?" I ask.

"Of course. What are you thinking?" He says.

"Just something. Want to go on a drive?" I suggest.

"Sounds perfect" He nods, throwing a hoodie on.

I smile and we get into his car.

"I'll always love this thing" I sigh.

"I'll always-oh, you meant the car. Right" He jokes.

"You know I love you. But this car is something else Mas" I laugh, kissing his cheek.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah" He smiles, checking his pockets.

"Where are we going to?" I ask.

"I was thinking, McFlurrys?" A grin appears on his face.

"Works for me" I laugh.

~~~~~~~~~

Hey angels. We're getting to the good stuff! Buckle up because its about to get crazy. Don't say I didn't warn you. I'm sorry it took so long, school is kicking my butt! I'm going to make this short but thank y'all so much for everything. I owe it to you. Don't forget to vote, comment and share!

Opinion on tattoos? Do you want any? If so, what are they of? Let's discuss in the comments!

16 votes and 175 comments

Word count: 2602

~Leah