"Maya do you need help setting up?" I ask, leaving Luna and Parker to mix drinks.

"Nope, I have everything ready," she smiles at me while gesturing to the wall where the 8 pictures are hung up. It was impossible to make a proper triangle so instead the bottom row has 3 pictures, the next row has 2, the one above that also has 2, and then there is one picture at the top.

"I can't believe this is our last pyramid of junior year," Parker pouts as he hands us each a glass of whatever in god's name he and Luna made. They saw it on tik tok so that means it is either really good or will have us all throwing up soon.

Luna walks into the room and hugs me. "I hate summer without you guys, it is so boring."

"But the alone time with Tristian will be nice," I offer. Luna is the bitchy mean roommate but she is also the one that cries hysterically when we all leave. She is full of really strong feelings, which few people would expect. I think Luna prefers it that way; she was used a few times as a kid because her and Tristian were so talented, now she is more guarded with who she lets in.

"Speaking of alone time, how did Ryder's doctor appointment go today? Alex mentioned something about it this morning when we were getting coffee."

"Is coffee code for fucking in the bathroom of the Starbucks?" Parker wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

"No!" Maya yells defensively. "He went down on me, that is different."

I flip off the whole room and throw myself dramatically onto the couch. "Keep rubbing it in assholes." Everyone laughs even as I chuck a random pillow at them.

"To be fair he could do that, you are just choosing not to do anything because... well actually I still don't get it. I get not having sex like 4 broken ribs and not allowed to do physical activity really, but why nothing else?"

"Because Luna, I am weak!" I yell dramatically. "He has no regard for his own well being as we all very much know and I already get all gooey and soft when we kiss. If we do anything else I will be helpless. I will cave to all his wants."

"I mean I get that, have you seen him? I'd have a hard time getting off my knees for him," Maya adds.

"You literally have a boyfriend Maya?"

"Listen Chen, you saw the bruises I am not discriminating," she warns. Last night Maya came skipping out of the bathroom showing us her bruised knees. Honestly, I always thought the bruised knees thing was a joke but Maya has proven me wrong in just a week of dating Alex. At least he is living up to his reputation and I must admit Maya is quite literally glowing. But is it so wrong to also want the glow? I mean my boyfriend is so hot I should be getting my back broken like a glow stick at least twice a week.

"Besides, Fran was the one who said when she first saw Bray she wanted to get with him not Ryder and tried to hook me up with Ryder"

"Which is bull!" Parker yells getting heated again about my drunken confession from last week. "The first time you met him he called me desperate!"

"That was the appeal! Someone had to wake you up!"

"Agh, now I don't feel bad for trying to flirt with Ryder to see if he was straight!"

"I liked it better when all three of you weren't dating the enemy," Luna mumbles, downing her entire drink in one gulp. The drink is good but I am kind of still waiting for it to kill me.

"Dramatic," Parker groans as he cuddles up next to me.

"Ok door stealer, I'm dramatic?"

"Hello, I was literally asking about Ryders doctors appointment. Can we get back on topic?"

"Why are you so concerned with Frans boyfriend," Luna questions teasingly. Most people would take our dynamic the wrong way but I know Maya is completely in love with Alex and would never go after Ryder. We've had conversations like this about Alex and Tristian before, shit we even talked about an alternative universe if Bray liked women too if we'd go for him. For anyone wondering, we collectively all agreed we 100% would.

"He is doing better. He can finally go back to low impact workouts which he is happy about; but then he said he was going to play hockey with the guys, and I realized he is a fucking idiot."

"Told you," Luna sings giving me a look.

"I am glad he is getting better," Maya smiles ignoring Luna.

"Yeah seriously, it's been too long since you've gotten laid and Franny it is starting to show."

"It hasn't been that long," I gasp.

"Fran," Parker levels me with a look that completely sees through my lie.

"October wasn't that long ago," I grumble while crossing my arms like a child.

"Yes it is, besides you literally admitted to faking it with him which makes this even worse Fran."

"Whose side are you on Luna? You want me sleeping with the enemy?"

Luna pauses for a moment to think about the ramifications of her words. "Well, I mean... yeah no I would rather you sleep with the enemy, girl you need to let loose more. You're 20, hot and in college stop acting like some 50 year old hag."

All three of my roommates raise their glasses up in agreement with Luna's statement.

"Listen, I want it worse than anyone but I need to put his health and career first."

"True, think about that fat check he is going to get when he's in the NHL," Parker muses. "The only person making more bank than him is Mayas CEO Ken Doll, Stan."

"It's his dad's company," she blushes as if we don't all know the plan for Alex to take over the East Coast division of the company, conveniently the same coast his two best friends will happen to be on. One day his dad's company will be all his and that is something he takes very seriously. As much as he loves hockey Alex gets insanely high grades and has had summer internships at Google and Amazon all while using his mom's maiden name so his connection to his dad wouldn't give him an unfair advantage.

We are all about to rag on her some more but the front door opens and the 4 guys walk in together. They used Tristians key but soon they will all have keys just like he does. We all smile at the new little group they've formed. Luna won't admit she's happy her boyfriend is friends with the hockey players but secretly she's been really loving watching him come out of his shell more.

"Welcome to pyramid," Maya greets as she jumps up from her seat to go over to Alex. They are still a little shy kissing in front of all of us but she gives him a quick peck causing his cheeks to heat up a little.

"I still don't get it," Ryder complains before he leans down to kiss me.

"Pea brain," Luna insults after disconnecting from her kiss with Tristian.

"Where did PB go?" Alex asks looking around the room for the last couple.

"No," I yell running to Parker's now closed bedroom door.

They both emerge again laughing. "We are joking Beck, relax," Bray laughs while kissing my forehead.

"I don't like your jokes Bray Bray," I pout as he picks me up and carries me back to where everyone has gotten settled. He drops me gently into Ryder's lap before sitting on the floor in front of Parker.

Maya stands in front of all of us all with her phone ready to read the comments from the poll. Like Abby did on the show we don't just reveal the picture and move on, we explain why that person is there.

"Wait, snacks," Luna interrupts as she jumps up and runs to the kitchen. She comes back a minute later with the pitcher and some snacks including a large bowl of Goldfish. She settles back into her spot on the end of the couch and places the bowl between her and Ryder. He tips his beer toward her as Maya taps her foot impatiently.

"May I begin?" she asks impatiently after we all settle down again with snacks and refilled drinks. The guys brought beer for themselves not trusting Luna or Parkers bartending skills, especially since it is a Monday and tomorrow is our last day of class.

We all give her a thumbs up as she clears her throat to begin.

"Welcome everyone to the final 509 pyramid of the year. I would like to welcome our newest additions, we are excited to have you all here today."

"Ok, Maya this is pyramid not the fucking Oscars," Luna groans knowing her intro speech is just beginning. I feel bad because I know Maya is so excited but I also agree we need to move this along. It is already 7:30 at night and a few of us planned to watch a movie after this.

"Fine," she bites back leveling Luna with one of the nastiest looks she can muster which causes Alex to grin because she still looks so sweet. "Bottom of the pyramid where she deserves is Luna," she says while ripping the paper off the first picture and revealing Luna's headshot.

"What!" Luna screams, throwing what I think is a fork at the pictures tapped to the wall. "This is rigged!"

Maya gives her an evil smirk before reading off the comments. "Three people who voted you last simply wrote 'chickens', another three wrote 'threatened to skin my boyfriend, again', and the only person who didn't vote you last just said 'she kissed my paper cut'."

"Thank you," Luna grumbles to Tristian who holds her closely and whispers sweet words in her ear as a couple tears begin to well up in her eyes. Ryder looks shocked and quickly offers a handful of Goldfish to her which she gently takes with a little smile. I think their banter and fighting is hysterical but their little sweet moments actually melt my heart.

"Next," Maya continues, "is Bray."

"Assholes!" he erupts, giving all of us the finger. "Why! What did these fakes say about me!"

"Well five people wrote 'water, enough said'." Parker looks away innocently, not making eye contact while Bray gives him a bewildered look. "Another person wrote 'beck's phone'." Ryder flips Bray off with a happy smile, totally owning up to his comment. "And the last person who actually put you in the middle of the pyramid said 'lent me a condom, thanks bud'."

"Anytime Stan," Bray nods while they first bump.

"Next is, sorry babe, but it is Alex."

Alex in his sweet nature just shrugs and blows Maya a little kiss as she looks sadly at his picture rounding out the bottom row.

"Four people wrote 'water accomplice', another person wrote 'woke me up for a 7am workout'."

"Ryder you told me to wake you up," Alex defends, looking at Ryder like he is crazy.

"Yeah, well I hated it."

"Another person wrote 'ate the last choco taco'." Alex doesn't even try to defend that one just sheepishly smiles at Bray. "And the final person who actually put you second on the pyramid said 'he is the best boyfriend in the entire world and he is great'."

"Thank you beautiful," he smiles as she skips over to kiss him before running back to her spot.

"Ok, on the next row we have based on unanimous decision, Parker." Parker doesn't even look shocked as his picture is revealed. "Parker six people said basically the same thing which came down to one word, door. The only other person said 'I saw him put me low, so karma boo boo'."

Parker punches Bray in the shoulder and Bray in response pulls him off the couch. Their tiny tiff lasts for 4 seconds until Parker curls himself into Bray's lap and kisses his throat with a look that makes the entire room turn away not wanting to intrude.

"Next, placing the lowest they've ever placed in pyramid, is Tristian."

Luna's gasp is so loud the rest of the room laughs. Tristian just nods totally unfazed as always which is the exact opposite of his girlfriend, who is pinning us all with murderous looks.

"No one actually said anything bad; it was just the other three people had a stand out week. Most of the comments were along the lines of he is quiet but a cool dude or they enjoyed hanging out with you. One person who I think you can guess wrote 'he put up with me nearly getting him killed again, this man is a saint'."

Tristian looks down at Luna like the sun rises and sets with her, because in his world it does. We are all aware that if not for Luna, Tristian would have quit figure skating years ago. "I love you too," he whispers softly to her.

"Next in third is, Ryder," Maya reveals and he looks at the picture in shock but pleasantly surprised. "Ryder, two people wrote 'that's my best friend', another wrote 'invited me to hang, was super cool', three more wrote something along the lines of always takes care of Fran and makes her smile." Maya pauses, getting a little emotional. Luna untucks herself from Tristan's side and pats Ryder's arm in what is supposed to be an affectionate gesture, while Parker mouths a thank you. "And the last person who actually put you on top of the pyramid wrote 'he brings out the best parts of me, I love him endlessly'."

"Right back at you Beck," Ryder whispers against my ear. I wrap my arms tightly around his neck as he runs his fingers up and down my spine. We will have a cuter moment later when we won't be holding up pyramid.

"Next is, well me," Maya giggles. We all clap loudly as she lights up like a Christmas tree, thrilled so many people voted her so high. "Most of you wrote you were thankful for my baking lately and that it has helped with the finals week stress and Alex I know you're the one that wrote 'she has changed my life forever'."

"You have," he says getting up from his seat and standing with his arms wrapped around her.

She looks up at him for a minute before looking back to all of us. "And no surprise to anyone the top of the pyramid is Francesca Beckett voted unanimously by all 7 of us." I look around at the room of people I love and my heart swells. "This week we are doing something different, instead of me reading all our comments everyone is going to read theirs about you instead."

I reach over and grab the tissues, already knowing, based on Maya's quivering bottom lip, I am going to need them.

Maya wipes at her eyes and clears her throat. "I will go first. Fran you are truly one of the most amazing, most loyal friends in the world. You hold me while I cry, you make late night runs to the store to get me baking supplies and you introduced me to Alex when I was too scared to approach him myself. I am so beyond lucky to be able to call you one of my best friends. I love you."

By the time she ends the tears are falling for both of us. "I love you My."

"I will go next," Alex says as he holds his girlfriend and takes a deep breath. "You make Ryder happy and you introduced me to Maya and of course I am grateful for that but Fran I don't think you realized how much it meant that day when you complimented how I played. I understand why Ryder fell so hard for you, you truly have a heart of gold and I speak for everyone in this room when I saw we are so lucky to know you."

"Thank you Alex," I smile while wiping some tears.

Tears are streaming steadily down my face as Parker takes a deep breath preparing to go next. "Franny you work harder than anyone I know and despite that all still make time for others. I don't know if I would have survived the last few years without your love and support. I also would not have met the love of my life if not for you. I am so glad you decided to be stubborn and share the ice and I love you so much sweetie."

"Love you P," I choke, struggling to get a full breath.

"Beck," Bray starts but then stops to take a deep breath. "All I have to say is thank you. Thank you firstly for bringing Parker into my life even if sometimes I want to wring his neck. But more importantly thank you for giving me the assurance that my best friend will always be loved the way he deserves. Watching your best friend fall in love is a magical experience, especially someone who deserves it as much as Ryder does. Thank you for not giving up on him, for being exactly what he needed, for loving him so fiercely and unconditionally."

I am a blubbering mess by the time he finishes so much so I can't even get words out. Tristian gives me a minute to try to settle down before going. "Fran, I can't explain how much I admire you. You have touched so many lives, more than I think you even realize. It isn't just the 7 of us here today who think that, there are so many people from our team, the hockey team, even your students from the class you TAed for. You always sacrifice yourself to help others and never expect anything in return. I have learned how to be a better man just from being around you."

I am beyond consoling, knowing the two worst ones are about to come, so I just wave Luna on to go. "Fran," she starts but her voice breaks and she covers her mouth.

She takes a couple deep breaths while grabbing my hand. "I don't think I can even begin to put into words what you mean to me. Calling you my best friend doesn't even begin to convey what you mean to me. I love you so much and I wish I could shake every person in the world until they saw how incredible you are not just on the ice but off. You are the most selfless person who always was so kind even when I didn't deserve it. I know when we first met I didn't deserve you, shit sometimes even now I don't think I deserve you. You do so much for me and I feel like nothing I ever do will be enough to show how much I appreciate that. And while I know I am a raging bitch and I tease a lot I can't tell you enough how amazing it is to see you so happy. I love you beyond words Fran and thank you for loving me back."

"Lu," I cry as she climbs over to me and hugs me tightly. I cling to her as she rubs me back until my loud sobs have subsided some.

"Well," Ryder coughs, blinking rapidly to stop tears from falling. "I don't have a lot to say that everyone here hasn't already said," he continues awkwardly.

I recognize how hard being vulnerable in front of everyone is for him so I try to signal that it is ok he doesn't need to continue but he just kisses my nose. "But I do want to say that loving you is the best thing I will ever do. You took some guarded broken kid who was determined to protect himself, who thought he was unlovable and unworthy of love and changed his entire life. I don't know what I did in my life to deserve your love but I will work the rest of my life to be forever worthy of it. I can't promise every day will be perfect but I promise to always love you with everything I have to give."

Everyone begins to clap while I sob into Ryder's shirt, soaking it with my tears. "I got you babe," he whispers while rocking me gently as my friends all pile onto us covering me physically in their love.

When pyramid began I never, ever would have imagined it would end like this. But then again I never imagined my junior year of college would turn out like this. So much has happened in the last few months and I feel like I should be writing it all down to remember forever. The good, the bad and the ugly; it has all led to this moment and one day I want to be able to remember everything that got us all here, together. We are more than 4 roommates and their boyfriends, more than a group of best friends, we are family. 8 people that play hard and love even harder.