What do I even do? How do I move past this? What lie could possibly make this situation any better? I let out a breath as I glance towards Casey. Her eyes remained on the table. I could tell she also didn't know what to do. I bite on my lip as I look at Rai. He held a wicked smirk as he eyed us. At this point, it was his victory.

"C'mon Casey" I mutter through my teeth. Rai eyes me, furrowing his brows. "Let's go eat" I sigh, pulling her back to reality. She eyes me, her brown eyes filled with worry and guilt and regret. But what did she have to regret? I know I didn't regret anything. If I were to get caught, then so be it.

"Kathryn we can't just--" I cut her off when my lips meet hers. I could feel the eyes of several family members and Rai. But I didn't care. I pull away from the girl with a soft smile. "Let's go eat, I'm starving" I whisper before pecking her lips again. We grab our plates and head outside. We pass by Josh who was smiling proudly at me.

Once Casey and I got outside and sat at the patio table, she spoke. "Are you just going to let him get away with that?" I shrug my shoulders as I stuff my mouth with mashed potatoes. Casey however, was stuck at that moment. "Kathryn, he could ruin your career. I helped ruin your career."

I glance at my lover and swallow my food. I wipe the corner of my mouth before speaking. "Casey, I just. I don't care. I got to meet an incredible girl who I like a lot. If the truth comes out, then it does. Now stop worrying and eat, I know you're hungry too," I laugh as I stuff my face. I could tell Casey was trying to move past it as she ate.

I could tell it by her face. She was pained. And though I was hiding it, I was scared. I was really scared. She was right, I could lose my job. My career could end here. But at the same time, I was so happy. In the months that I'd come to known Casey has been the most eventful. Our relationship was never great until now but I didn't regret any of it.

I didn't regret meeting her. I didn't regret having feelings for her. I didn't regret initiating our relationship. And I didn't regret loving her. Brown eyes meet mine, soaking in the rays of the sun. Covered by angst and fear but nevertheless any stunning. Her eyes doused me in warmth and love. I smile at the girl forcing her eyes to move to my lips.

Casey was barely any good at masking her emotions. Even when we were in school, I could always know what she was feeling. She never wore her heart on her sleeve, but she was an open book.

"Casey I love you" I spit. Brown eyes slowly glide past my lips and to my eyes. I smile as I watch the nervousness on her face. "I--"

"I'm not forcing you to say it. I just want you to know that I love you. I really do" I mutter. I move my chair closer to her and place my lips against her cheek. "No matter what happens, I need you to know that I love you."

The brown-skinned girl blushes, "The more you say it the harder my heart beats for you."

I place my hand against her chest, feeling her heart hammer against her chest. My smile widens, "I love you Casey Kings" I mutter once more before bringing her lips to my own.

"Whoa, you love birds are doing more kissing than eating" I hear. Casey and I pull away spotting my brother and Sarah. They take a seat across from us with a wide smile. My eyes land on Sarah. I knew Rai was her brother, but how was she so comfortable to be around us after everything that's happened?

Sarah pulls her brown curls into a messy bun before glancing at her husband. "I've never really liked Rai, if I'm being honest." My brows raise at her sudden revelation.

"When we were younger he always hung out around me and when I didn't do something he liked he always hurt me and threatened me not to tell our parents."

My heart sighs in sadness. So he's always been so aggressive? "We got older and I tried to be away from the house as much as possible. Our parents passed away by the time I become a sophomore in college where I met Josh. I felt bad for Rai because we'd just lost our parents. But when he graduated high school he left."

"We rarely ever kept in touch. I'd invite him to spend Christmas and New Years' with us in case he didn't have anyone to spend it with. This is actually his first year coming."

I furrow my brows. His first year? Did he already know I was coming here? Did he know I was Josh's sister. I could feel a chill run throughout my body. How would he have known? Why was this his first year?

"Wait... that... that means he came because he knew Kathryn was here," Casey says the only obvious answer. I swallow the lump in my throat. I felt violated. How much was I going to suffer until Rai would leave me alone? How long had he been watching me? Was he watching me before he even got the job?

I feel Casey's hand resting on my back, calming me down a few notches. I glance at Josh and Sarah. "I'm scared," I say honestly, "I am so scared. Not only for myself but Casey too. It's like he won't stop, like no matter where I turn, he's always going to be there to traumatize me."

Casey pulls me into her arms. "I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do."

"Hey, I'm your big brother. Sarah and I were planning to move out of Utah, get a feel of the world. Maybe, if you're not opposed to the idea, we could move to Texas. That way if anything happens we can come quick."

I nod my head. The idea was a great one. The closer I had family, the safer I felt.

Before we could get further into our conversation, Josh and Sarah were being called back into the house. Soon after they disappeared, out came my mother. She set a plate down. My eyes immediately sparkled at the sight of Apple pie. I watch Casey's hand glide over as she takes a piece and pushes it past her lips.

Her eyes light up in delight. "Mrs. Howard this is the best pie I have ever tasted in my life!"

My mom smiles as she eyes us. "You two must be deeply in love. Usually, when someone eats Kathryn's apple pie she goes crazy. She didn't even hurt you."

I smirk mischievously, "I was thinking about hurting her in other ways" I wink at my lover. Casey blushes as she pinches my shoulder. It takes me a few seconds to realize who I'm talking to. I turn to spot my mother smiling warmly at the both of us. I clear my throat. "Uh mom, this is Casey. She's my girlfriend, Casey this is my mom April Howard."

Casey sticks out her hand but my mother stands. She moves around the table and engulfs the woman into a hug. "It's nice to meet you, Casey. I hope we get to see more of you."

I frown in shock. Why was my mother being so nice? The older woman takes her seat. "So, you're a lesbian now?"

Casey snorts beside me. "No, mom, I'm not a lesbian. I'm Bisexual. I like women and men." The woman nods her head, "Well, I can't say how would you know but it looks like you know what you're doing. As long as you're happy, sweetie, I support you."

I raise my brows. I didn't know if I was more surprised than I was happy. "You don't care about what Rai said?" I question. Had she ignored what he said? Did she not care? Her hazel eyes meet mine and she lets out a breath. "As I've said Kathryn, as long as you're happy, I support you. I don't think you should be dating your student but sometimes we can't help who we fall in love with. Just try to keep it under the radar, I don't want to be bailing you out of jail."

I hug my mom tight. "Thank you so much."

She nods her head. "And I don't want you to be here while Rai is here. Will you be staying with your girlfriend?" I nod my head. "We'll be leaving soon."

"That's good. I could feel a very ominous tension between you three. I've only met him once before during the summer. Just please be careful you two."

"Yes ma'am" Casey nods her head. My mom tells us a few more things before heading back into the house. I turn to face Casey with a wide smile. "It looks like everything went really well, minus the whole Rai fiasco."

The girl nods her head. "Tell me when you want to leave. Oh, and we need to bring some more apple pie with us. Can I request your mom bake me a pie for me and me only?"

I laugh at my girlfriend and peck her cheek.

- - - - -

Casey and I were finally back at the cabin. The moment we arrived everyone was relieved. They had been waiting for us so we could all eat together. "No matter how I look at this, it's going to always be weird" I whisper to Casey.

Don't get me wrong, I loved hanging out with Casey and her friends but that didn't mean it was weird. They were all students. And Edwin was my student so it was awkward. "I figured you say that so I got you a present" Casey smiled. I raise my brows in confusion. A present? To make this less awkward? There's a knock at the door which grabs my attention.

Cassandra walks towards the door, opening it. She smiles widely and pulls someone in for a hug. I immediately notice that it's Sophia. I glance at Casey. She smiles at me and kisses my cheek, "I thought that this Christmas would be a bit more jolly if you had your friends here too."

My heart pounds against my chest the more I stare at the girl. "How did you get them here?" I question.

"I asked my dad if he could buy them some plane tickets. I now owe him about 2 grand which I will have to pay back eventually. I guess when your father used to be in the military, you have many advantages. I wanted you to be happy and plus your birthday is tomorrow, there is no way I'd let them miss that."

My heart clenches. I pull Casey into me, pressing my lips lovingly against her lips. "I love you so much, you are literally perfect" I kiss her again. She laughs against my lips. "It smells amazing in here" I hear. I kiss Casey again before getting out of my chair and pulling Emily in for a hug. "God I missed you so much."

"Help yourselves!" Cassandra and Diana smile. Emily smiles. Soon enough the living room is filled with laughter and happiness.

I pull Casey into her bedroom and press my lips against hers. "What was that for?" she questions once I pull away. "Because you are literally perfection. Casey, you went out of your way to get them here, seriously Thank you. How did you even get Emily's number?"

"I had her number from the time I told her about Mr. Rossen. I keep her updated sometimes."

I shake my head with a smile. "You make me so happy." Her smile widens, "I'm glad. I want you to happy. Your happiness is important to me." She grabs me by the waist and presses her lips to my forehead. There's a knock pulling us apart. The door opens, revealing my blonde best friend. She smiles at the two of us. "Did you guys try to sneak off and get a few minutes in?"

I blush at her question, "No" I scoff. I had actually wanted to. But now I knew that would probably be impossible. Emily raises a brow, not believing my answer at all. I roll my eyes. "I need to speak with Casey anyways. Give us a moment?"

I glance between my girlfriend and best friend. "We won't be long Kathryn," Emily promises. I sigh and exit the room. Emily winks at me and closes the door. I press my ear against the door to hear but it was just silence. I'm startled when the door is pulled open. Emily stands there with her arms folded across her chest. "Kathryn, I'm not going to steal your girlfriend."

I nod my head and walk away, hearing Emily and Casey laughing. I rejoin our other friends in the living room.

I glance at everyone. Duke and Jasmine were teasing each other while Diana and Cane flirted. Sophia was speaking with Cassandra while Edwin laughed at his friends. Somehow they all felt like a family to me. A second family. I clench my jaw as I continue to take in the sight of pure happiness.

Cassandra glances at me quickly before returning to her conversation. She does a double-take, her eyes landing on me again. "Kathryn, why are you crying?" she questions. I'm startled by her question. I raise my hand and feel tears on my face. I wipe my eyes but the tears don't stop.

"Are you okay? Don't tell me Casey broke up with you!" Edwin stands and meets my side. I shake my head and laugh as I wipe my eyes. "No, I'm, I'm just happy."

The boy eyes me before smiling. He pulls me into a hug which feels awkward at first but I could tell he meant good by it. When he pulls away a warm hand is felt on my waist. I glance up, spotting Casey with a worried expression. I shake my head at her, "I'm fine babe, these are tears of Joy. I felt like you all were my second family."

"Ooh, I call being the fun Aunt!" Cane laughs out. We all laugh at her. This is what I've always wanted. The family I thought I wanted to build with Thomas, was all here. I'm happy.

- - - - -

"I'm sure she's gone now" Emily laughs. She eyes me for a few seconds before speaking. "Thank you, Casey." I frown in confusion. What was she thanking me for? I hadn't really done much.

"You're probably thinking you haven't done anything but you have. Kathryn's always been kinda self reserved. I could always tell that with all her partners she was never really happy. And ever since she's been your next-door neighbor, it seems she can barely stop smiling. I'm really happy you're the person dating my best friend."

I blush at her compliment. "I'm happy you let me" I admit. She smiles warmly, "But you two need to stop using my class period as a time to make out. I know you're gonna pass every test with flying colors but you have graduation coming up" she attacks.

I can't help but laugh as I nod my head. Emily places her hand on my shoulder, "My favorite student is about to leave me" she pouts.

"Am I your favorite because I'm making Kathryn happy?" I question.

She shakes her head, pulling me out of the room. "You've always been my favorite. The fact that you're dating my friend just makes me show it more."

I shake my head and laugh. I glance up noticing Edwin's arm around Kathryn. I furrow my brows as I approach my girlfriend. I grab her waist and pull me into her. "I'm fine babe, these are tears of Joy. I felt like you all were my second family."

"Ooh, I call being the fun Aunt!" Cane laughs out. We all laugh at her. Though I disliked Cane at first, she seemed a lot cooler than her first impression. Duke and Diana suggest for us to have a movie night which we all agree to. Cane and I volunteer to get everyone snacks. "Popcorn" Diana yells out with a wink.

"Just some water is fine for me" Kathryn smiles warmly towards me. I nod my head and glance at Emily. She smiles at me, "I'm fine, I've got all the sweets I need right here." She kisses her wife's cheek who laughs and agrees. Once we get everyone's order we head into the kitchen. I had Cane the popcorn as I go to retrieve the water and juices.

"I didn't like you at first" Cane says just low enough for us to hear. I eye her with a smile, "I can say the same." She smiles and squints her eyes at me. "I had a huge crush on Kathryn since we were younger. And everyone she was interested in, I immediately took a disliking to them. Which would of course include you."

I nod my head, wondering if she tolerated me now. "I even wanted a sex change because I didn't think Kathryn could ever be gay until she met you. I could see it in her eyes how much she really liked you and it bothered me."

"Sorry" I apologize feeling slightly guilty. Cane chuckles and shakes her head. "I'm happy Kathryn is finally happy. She's one of my best friends. When Emily told me that you bought us plane tickets to come here, I was shocked."

I smile, I didn't really buy them but I get what she meant. "At first I thought she meant you bought tickets for her and Sophia since you disliked me but you bought tickets for all of us, Why?"

My eyes land on Kathryn. She was smiling at something Edwin said before she turned her head to eye me. "I know that Kathryn treasures you guys more than anything. I just want her to be happy for the holidays with everything that's been happening. That includes you, whether I liked you or not. That's what being in a relationship does to you, you do things for your partner because you..." I stop.

Cane eyes me in confusion. I swallow the lump in my throat. The cane would be the first person I would be admitting this to. "When you love them" I admit. Her blue eyes sparkle in acceptance. "Good. If you hurt my best friend we're going to fight."

She grabs the popcorn from the microwave with a teasing smile. "You can try but I'm going to win" I joke. She slaps my back harshly as she passes by me, "That's what you think, kid. Let's go the movie's starting."

I wince and rub my back the best that I can. I nod my head and grab the beverages. I follow behind her back into the living room. We hand everyone their orders and begin the movie. I snuggle on the couch with Kathryn. "Why do my friends keep talking to you without me?" she questions.

I chuckle and shrug my shoulders kissing her temple.

- - - - -

Rai paced in the guest room. Anger was boiling in his blood. He bit on his nails as he pondered what just happened hours ago. He had her in the perfect spot. All she would have to do was be scared, break up with Casey and date him. He had it all planned out. So why did it go wrong? Why had Kathryn chosen Casey over her job?

Rai stopped pacing as he pulled his hand over his face. He was angry. He came here because he knew she would come home. Yet somehow she was with Casey and not him. His eyes searched the room for something. Anything. He was going insane. He needed to find Kathryn. He needed to be with her. They were destined to be together. He was in love with Kathryn.

And now he was mad. He didn't have her. She did. Rai smiled, if he couldn't have Kathryn, no one could.

There was a knock on his door. He frowned as he approached the door and opened it, revealing Josh and Sarah. He already knew Josh knew about his situation with Kathryn. He was wondering if his sister was told the news as well.

"You've got to go" Josh hissed. Rai eyed his sister instead, waiting for her to defend him like she used to. But she didn't. He grits his teeth in annoyance. "Why?" he spat glaring at the man who had too many similar facial features with his crush.

Josh glared at the man in disgust. "Do I need to explain myself? We're nice enough to drop you off at the nearest hotel. We don't care how you plan to get back home nor do we care about if you have enough money to get a room."

Rai smirks, "Your sister's got really nice breasts, I wonder how great they will feel in my mouth."

Josh clenches his jaw as he tries to calm his nerves. He'd already promised his wife and mother he would behave. But the man standing in front of him needed to be punched into his place. "Just get your shit" he hisses. He turns on his heel to leave until he hears the younger man speak again.

"I wonder how she'll like my dick. When I fuck her tomorrow."

That was it, Josh had had it. He quickly turned towards Rai and brought his fist up. He stopped as he felt soft delicate hands on his arms. He let out a slow breath as he eyes his wife. "Don't lose your temper" she reminds him. He was thankful she was there, otherwise, he'd be going to jail for attempted murder.

He proceeded out the door and towards the living room where the rest of his family members were. April eyed him before speaking. "Are you sure you should be the one to take him? You look angry."