𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛

Walking into my house for the first time in what feels like years is an odd feeling. Since Grayson and I are finally released from the hospital after spending three extra days there for "observation," the doctors realized that there really isn't anything medically wrong with us.

No matter how many ct scans they run on our brains, or how much blood they draw from us, there is no trace of any problem to our bodies. Just a few bruises and scars, but no internal or lifelong damage.

I know that's not possible, but it's real. Hunter gave us a miracle, and now that I'm home, the loss of him being gone is starting to hit me. I won't see him for another eighty years, if I live a long enough life.

"Let me make you some lunch while you stay put at the table." My mother insists while walking me over to the kitchen. She wants me to rest as much as possible.

"Mom, I'm fine. You saw all of the results, I'm as good as new." I say with a light chuckle.

"You had a near death experience, sweetheart. I want to make sure you're safe and secure." She says while opening up the refrigerator.

"Going upstairs won't put me at risk." I roll my eyes at her.

"I know, but I don't want you going far from here. You're still in recovery." She says while taking out some jelly. Opening the cabinets, she pulls out a jar of peanut butter along with bread.

"I'm probably going next door later." I tell her.

"What? No, you need to rest. Besides, you and Grayson should have some time apart."

"No way. I'm an adult, mother. You wanted me to make friends, well I did." I go back at her.

"You only hung out with him once." She nags while spreading the peanut butter across the bread.

"Corynn, take it easy on her. She wouldn't do anything to put her in danger." My father enters the kitchen, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Okay, but do not get in the car with him. I mean it, Hope." She lets out a sigh.

"Whatever." I mumble, looking at the family picture hanging on the wall below the clock.

It's from Hunter's high school graduation. I have a big smile on my face, pointing at Hunter's diploma. He's sticking his tongue out.

Before my accident, the picture was replaced with some sappy quote my mother bought at Target. I'm glad it's back on the wall.

"Here you go." She places the pb&j sandwich in front of me along with a water bottle.

"Thanks, I'm starving." I say while picking up the food, already shoving it into my mouth.

Since I basically lived in my own personal heaven for four weeks, I didn't eat one thing. My stomach didn't crave food and half of the time I forgot I even needed to be eating.

Now that I'm back to normal, my appetite came back with a vengeance. The smooth texture of the peanut butter hitting my taste buds is sending a rush of dopamine throughout my body.

"Mhm, that's so good." I laugh while taking another bite.

"You seem to be in a decent mood, despite everything that's happened." My mother's voice lowers.

"I feel different, happier." And it's all because of Grayson.

"That's exactly how we want you to feel." My father says with a faint smile.

"How about we go work in the garden after you're done eating? It isn't raining today." My mother's eyes flash with hope.

My orbs latch onto my father behind her, and he's nodding his head to encourage the idea.

"Sure, but only if we can plant sunflowers instead of roses." I state my proposition.

"Sunflowers? But it's a rose garden." My mother lets out a foolish laugh.

"And I think it's time to ditch the roses and plant sunflowers. After all, they are my favorite."

"They are?" Her face falls.

"Right, I forgot Hunter was the only one who knew that." And now Grayson.

"I think planting sunflowers is a great idea, Hope." My father says with a wide smile.

"I have to pick up sunflower seeds. How about I run to the store and then after you can help me plant them? We're supposed to get rain this weekend so maybe they can grow."

"Yeah, sure." I say, knowing it's a good opportunity to sneak next door and see how Grayson is doing.

Walking over to the counter, my mother picks up her bag and grabs her car keys that are hanging on the hook near the stove. "I'll be right back."

I nod my head and finish eating my sandwich before cleaning up in the kitchen. My father watches me like a hawk, and suddenly I feel like I'm trapped in a prison cell.

"I'm going to head next door to check on Grayson." I say, pointing my thumb behind me toward the door.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" He raises an eyebrow up.

"Yes, it's fine." I nod before heading for the front door.

The weather is weird today. It isn't raining, but it isn't sunny either. Just overcast. I make my way across the street, walking up Linda's driveway. It's odd to not see the Sedan anymore.

Nerves fill my stomach once I ring the doorbell, and patiently wait for one of Grayson's relatives to answer.

I'm met with Ethan, who has a surprising smile on his face. "Hope, hey."

"Hi, is Grayson home? I just wanted to see how he's doing." I politely ask.

"Yeah, he's upstairs in his room. Come on in." Ethan steps to the side and I enter the small house. It's weird to be inside of it after living across the street for all these years.

"So, you're the infamous Hope Myers we heard so much about?" A voice calls from the kitchen.

My head turns, spotting Grayson's mother standing in the doorway. A sweet smile is on her face.

"It's nice to finally meet you Mrs. Dolan." I send her a friendly wave.

"Please, call me Lisa. My mother talks so highly of you, says you're a sweet girl."

Ah, so Linda is Lisa's mother. It makes sense now, I knew the elderly woman's last name wasn't Dolan.

"Your mother is the sweet one." I say with a wide grin.

"How are you feeling? I know we only talked once, but I was extremely worried about you, too." Ethan says from beside me.

"I'm feeling a lot better." I honestly admit.

"I can't believe you and Grayson have a clean bill of health. It's incredible. I prayed to my father every night that you guys would wake up." Lisa takes my hand and gives it a light squeeze.

"It's truly a miracle." I say with a sly smile.

"Do you want anything to eat or drink?" She offers.

"I'm actually helping my mother in the garden in a little bit, I just stopped by to see Grayson. Thank you, though."

"Anytime, dear. He's upstairs, probably taking a nap. That's all he seems to do." She playfully shakes her head.

"Trust me, I know." I bite down on my lower lip before heading for the staircase.

"Second door on your left" Ethan yells after me.

Nodding my head in response, I head for the door Ethan directed me to. It's creaked open, and I can see Grayson cuddled up beneath the covers. He's sleeping peacefully, slightly snoring as he inhales deep breaths.

A wide smile appears on my face as I slowly open the door and step into his room. It's a plain looking set up, with beige walls and a matching carpet.

The bed pretty much takes up the entire space, besides a dresser across from it. I wonder what his bedroom looks like back in New Jersey. I'm sure it's decorated the way he likes.

My feet push me toward the window, and I stare out of it. It has the perfect view of my bay window. My blinds are open, so I can see inside of it.

"When did you sneak in here?" His raspy voice sends chills down my body.

I turn around and look at him. Of course he has to torture me by being shirtless. His hair is sticking up in a messy fashion.

"I wanted to see what it was like to watch me from across the street." A low smirk stays on my lips.

"Wow, H. You're being witty in the real world? Alert the media." He says while looking up at me as I lie down next to him.

"The old me would probably say something even funnier. Baby steps." I say while gazing at him.

"What do I owe the honor of having a surprise visit from you?" He wraps his muscular arm around the small of my back.

"I wanted to check up on you."

"I'm the one who should be doing that." He lets out a sigh.

"You can do it tomorrow." I say with a smile.

"So, now that we're alive and well, can I finally take you out on a proper first date?" His cheeks flush with each word he speaks.

"Sure, although a carnival in heaven is going to be hard to top. What do you want to do?"

"You can pick, it doesn't matter to me." He shrugs.

I scrunch up my nose and really think about his words. "There's so many things I want to do."

"Then create a list and we'll accomplish all of it before summer ends."

His words cause my stomach to turn. It's now the end of July, we were in a coma for the first half of the month.

"When do you go back to Jersey?" I whisper.

"Next month, but we can cross that bridge when we get to it."

"I don't want you to leave." I selfishly say.

"Who says you can't come with me?" He cocks his eyebrow up.

"What? You want me to come with you to New Jersey?" I widen my eyes.

"Yup, it's a one way ticket out of Renton and into a new environment. You can enroll in classes at the college I attend and we can be with each other all the time."

"But I have no idea what I want to do."

"So? Take the basic courses and figure it all out." He presses the idea.

I stay silent as I soak his words in. I would love to go to Jersey with his family, but what would I do there? I can't burden them by moving in. They barely know me.

"Just think about it, okay?" He says while tightening his grip on me.

A car door slams in the distance, and I sit up in Grayson's bed. From the window I can see my mother walking up our driveway with bags in her hand.

"I have to go now, I'm helping my mother in the garden. We're planting sunflowers instead of roses." I explain while rising to my feet.

"Do you still have the flower I gave you?" He asks with his adorable smile.

"Yes, it's in my diary. Figured I would keep it in a safe place." I smile while pushing a piece of my hair behind my ear. "See you tomorrow?"

"Of course, and make that list of summer activities. We're making the most of our time together."

"I will." I smile before exiting his bedroom, shutting the door on my way out.