I wiped the tears from my face as they kept streaming down. Mike was holding his stomach, his mouth open as he released a bellowing laugh. We sat on our bed in our old house, watching one of our favorite movies, 21 Jump Street. Mike recited every word, and I laughed as if I hadn't seen this film before. Ludo was awake for once, playing with a toy that Mike had bought him while he was on tour. "This is the best of the best for dog toys, Lucy." I remembered as he told me as if he was in fact the most knowledgeable person on canines.

I looked around our room that was slowly becoming not ours anymore. Boxes filled with our belongings and some empty sat at the edges of the room, waiting to be brought on the moving truck and unloaded in our new home. We were almost done packing here in this townhouse that I had for years, and unpacking into our new home in the Hollywood Hills. I smiled as I glanced around the room, than back at Mike, whose eyes were glued onto the t.v. screen, completely and utterly entertained at his comedic film. He was so excited to move into the new place. He already had his practice space all set up and ready to be used. I was just as excited as he was. My office space was ready, as well. Some of my plaques hung already; a cherry wood desk yearning to be used and typed upon.

As the movie finished, Mike sighed happily. "I fucking love that movie." He held onto his stomach that was most likely still hurting from all the laughing he did in the last couple of hours. "It never gets old." He added, taking Ludo's toy and throwing it in the air so he could jump for it. I sat there silently and peacefully watching them as they roughed around with one another. I couldn't believe how incredibly well things were going and continuing to go between Mike and I. It'd been a week or so since our families had intertwined and meshed together; it went so perfect, beyond what I could ever imagine. "Don't forget I have to got to San Diego tomorrow, baby." He mentioned, instantly reminding me.

I frowned, "Oh yeah, I forgot. On my day off, too." I leaned against him, remembering that he had to speak with Dave, his booking manager, about the upcoming Of Mice and Men / Pierce the Veil tour.

"I know, baby. Didn't Shannon want you to see the baby, though?"

"Yeah, but I wanted you to come with me. You're literally gonna be there all day." I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked up at him, earning a small yet perfect smile from him.

He wrapped his arm around me, bringing my head into his chest. "You'll survive."

I scoffed, "I need friends. Maybe Brandon will go with me?" I hadn't seen him a about a week, that was too long for us.

"Did you forget he was doing that wedding planning shit with Steph tomorrow?" He interjected, making me roll my eyes. I guess I forgot everyone has a life except me.

"Why is it that the first time I'm actually caught up on my deadlines and shit at work, I have zero friends to hang out with me?"

"Can't answer that."

"What's Vic doing tomorrow?" I asked stupidly.

"He'll be with me...because he's in the same band as I am..." Mike said slowly, making sure I heard him.

I looked up at him and we both laughed. "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Let me call Shan and see if she's down with hanging tomorrow." I said, leaning over the nightstand to grab my phone. Once I typed in Shannon's name, I sent her a text, taking up her offer on hanging out tomorrow. We discussed the time, and she said that she had some errands to run, so I agreed to it. Afterall, what else would I be doing? "I guess I'll meet you there? My happy ass is sleeping in tomorrow." I grinned, making him roll his eyes.

"Whatever. I want to sleep in too, but no." He frowned, which in turn made me smile bigger.

"You're too cute sometimes, you know?" I pinched his cheek.

"Sometimes? More like all the time, babe." He shot me a playful wink and kissed my nose. My nose scrunched up as if on cue meaning I was about to let out a big smile. But, what's new? I always am so incredibly happy around Mike. (And Ludo, of course.)

---

I felt Mike's lips crash on my forehead as he softly told me that he was leaving. I could barely make out what he was saying because my dream was far too intriguing to just ignore. I mumbled something along the lines of "Okay, love you too. Bye." I heard our bedroom door close quietly, then footsteps leaving. I slept in for a good three more hours than got ready into something cute. I felt like looking cute today, so I did my best with the unpacked clothes that I had. I examined my outfit and smoothed it out with my hands, making sure it looked perfect. I grabbed my charger, phone, bag, keys, and sunglasses all before kissing Ludo on his head, then leaving to San Diego.

I called Shannon on my way, and once I was ten minutes from her place, I got us some coffees from Starbucks. She was bringing baby Jessica today, so I was sure to bring some Advil, ya know, in case of headaches on my part. I got to her house and honked twice, letting her know I had arrived. I got out of my car and made sure that there was enough space for a car seat and whatever things that Shannon had. I wasn't sure how much baggage she was bringing with her but I've heard that mom's carry lots of bags and things for their babies; so I was being cautious and prepared.

She walked out, the baby being carried on the arm of Eric in her car seat, as she carried two bags and the stroller. Holy fuck, motherhood looks heavy. I thought to myself, making a mental note to probably not say that out loud. I smiled as I opened the back door so Eric could do his dad-thing and buckle her in safely. I gave Shannon a tight hug as he did so. "Dude, you look so cute, today!" She smiled, admiring my outfit choice.

"Oh, thanks darling." I winked, then complimented her attire of the day which included a back lace type dress that she paired with black tights that had some designs on it. She was wearing black boots and her blonde hair was in it's usual naturally straight state.

"It's still maternity," she frowned. "But, I've been working out when I can, so it's been helping."

"I think she looks great." Eric said smiling genuinely, joining the conversation when he was done strapping his daughter in. Shannon looked up at him and smiled softly. I knew hearing that from her boyfriend or whatever he is, made her feel good. Shannon has always been a body-freak. Even though I felt she never had too because she was naturally skinny, but everyone's mindset is different.

She gave him a kiss and I waved awkwardly at him then got in the driver's seat. Shannon got in the backseat, which I felt was strange, but she explained that new mother's do that and sit with their babies in the back, just to keep an eye on them. "Oh." I nodded, taking in this motherhood knowledge. Hey, you learn something knew everyday, right?

Shannon told me directions of where she wanted to go first, and that lead us straight to the place I haven't been to since I left it seven years ago; Target. I parked near the front, which I was happy to find a spot in the front; it was usually so packed. I grabbed my bag, and Shannon grabbed her luggage and child, setting it all up in a snap. I grabbed a basket and placed our bags in there as she pushed baby Jessica Rose in the stroller.

I don't know why I felt weird as we walked up to the store, but it brought back a flood of memories. My first interview, my first day, the day that I met Brandon and Shannon, and so on. We walked through the automatic sliding doors and I looked around at how much has changed. Almost instantly, I looked at the cafe and studied all the differences. There was a girl there, her hair in a ponytail and topped off with a black hat. She looked tired and bored. I wish I could tell her that I've been there.

We walked further inside, me glancing at the Starbucks where I met Brandon and where we became friends, where countless times were spent their talking. I looked at deli where Shannon used to work, then focused on driving the cart and not looking at my surroundings. We went straight for the diaper aisle and I watched as she studied all the types of diapers. Shannon was such a mom now, it was cute yet weird. I looked at my phone then began to snap a few pictures of the baby and send them to Mike. He responded minutes later with the heart-eyed emoji. He was dying to meet her. I mentioned that we were at Target but he didn't respond. I guess the meeting had continued.

Once she finally picked the perfect diapers, we began to just walk around the store and reminisce about all the time spent in here. We were here more than we were at home, and that's what made this place to important to us because we had met here, we met our lifelong friends here. After a good 45 minutes of walking around and putting items in the basket that we didn't need, including my purchase of a shelf for the new house, we paid and I looked at a man whom was fast-walking over to the food area. He had gray hair all over, a gray mustache and a slight gray beard. His skin was a caramel color, and they matched his eyes, worn out and exhausted. I guess he saw me staring and his eyes grew, "Lucy Garcia? Is that you?" As soon as he spoke, I knew it was Frank.

Holy fuck, he still fucking works here. Was the first thought to form in my brain as I faked a smile. I had heard he was really upset once I left. Brandon said he was really mad and was being rude to Lynda and the new team. "Oh my goodess, hi Frank." I waved as he approached Shannon and I.

He looked down at the baby stroller in front of me, "Is this your baby?"

I shook my head, "Oh no, no! It's Shannon's baby." I said, the awkwardness making me want to bust out laughing at the moment. Shannon had finished paying and looked over to Frank and I, and smiled. He asked her questions about the baby and she answered.

"So Lucy, are you still in LA?" He questioned curiously.

I nodded, "Of course. Actually, my boyfriend and I just bought a new house there."

"Oh, really?"

Shannon added, "Remember Mike Fuentes? That's her boyfriend."

I looked at her giving her an evil glare, making her giggle softly. "No way! You two are back together? How amazing how love works. Well, it was nice catching up ladies. Good luck with your lives, I need to deal with this bakery team." Then, he scurried off to the bakery side as Shannon and I burst into tears of laughter.

"Why is he so awkward?" She chuckled through her words.

"Dude, he makes me feel awkward. Oh my god. I can't believe he's still here!"

"I'm not. Hey, let's go to cafe and get an Icee or some shit. You know, for old times sake." She nudged my arm and we walked over to the counter that I spent countless times leaning on out of boredom.

"Hi, what can I get you?" The teenage girl that I saw when I walked in asked politely.

"How about two medium Icee's, and I think I want a popcorn." Shannon said, her index finger tapping on her chin as she looked up at the menu. I studied the girl as she opened the popcorn bag and put popcorn in there. I then looked into the bag, where one had an easy view of it, and saw on one of the top shelves was the black binder that Lynda and I had created with how to do everything. My handwriting was still written on the white piece of paper on the side insert of the binder reading, How To Run Cafe Like A Boss. I chuckled to myself as I read it, wondering why the hell it was still. The girl handed us our cups and Shannon her popcorn and Shannon swiped her credit card to pay.

Before we walked into the lobby to get our Ice's, the girl stopped me, her hand softly touching my arm. "This is for you." It was an empty popcorn bag, with something scribbled on the outside of it in black permanent marker. I took it from her hand feeling more bizarre than ever as I read it to myself.

"This is where we first met back in the summer of 2007. It was right in front of this popcorn machine when I shook your hand, and ever since that moment I have never been the same.

- Mike"

My eyebrows furrowed in thought as my heart began to flutter. I can't believe I met this boy when I looked a mess; my wavy hair thrown into a weak ponytail, a black hat with a red Target symbol printed smack in the middle where everyone could see, my khaki pants showing small oil stains from cooking, and my irritated face from the lack of giving a fuck about my job anymore. He met me right then and there and things were never the same. I loved that though.
"Shannon, what's this?" I showed her and she shrugged, taking it from my hand and reading it.

"Oh, look on the back," She flipped it over, revealing more handwriting by Mike.

"P.S. Go to Oak Lane Apartments. Building 7."

"What the fuck is Oak Lane?" I questioned, confused as fuck at this point.

"I know where those are. Let's go." She said, just as eager as I was. We got our Icee's and then got into my car, she told me from the back seat where these Oak Lane apartments were at. When we pulled up to the complex, I searched for numbers on the brick, and that's when I realized that this was my old complex. Renamed and revamped, but the same old brick on the wall. I drove to where I knew building 7 had to be, and right by the building was a mailbox. On that mailbox was a green piece of paper, holding itself on by a piece of tape.

I got out of the car, leaving it on, and grabbed the paper, too eager to read it in the car.

"This building is where we first hung out and smoked weed and laughed together. This is where I spent a lot of my time with you. This is where I made you countless breakfast items and where we made love. This is where our relationship began.

- Mike

P.S. Go to Soma"

My eyes welled up wondering what the hell was happening right now. The smile on my face had appeared as I was reading and I don't recall when it showed up. I had butterflies in my stomach and they would not stop fluttering their wings. This is the most intense feeling I've ever had. I walked to the car and showed Shannon the letter. "Well, let's go to Soma."

I nodded, putting the seatbelt over my body and taking a deep breath. "What the hell is he up to, Shan?"

"Who knows? It's Mike we're talking about." She said easily, but making a valid point.

I switched my gears from Park to Drive and made my way over to Soma, which was a short three blocks away. When I drove up to the venue, the parking lot was empty because it was 3 PM on a Thursday afternoon. There was a bright blue paper, matching the pastelness of the green paper I just found, taped to a billboard pole in the parking lot. I drove to it and got out, grabbing it and reading it once again to myself.

"This is where we first kissed in my old, beat up car. Even if I tried, I couldn't ever forget this spot. It's burned into my brain.

- Mike

P.S. Go to your grandma's house."

I smirked, hoping that would be where I would see him, so I leaped into the car, shoving the paper into Shannon's face, whom was still in the backseat, and made my way to my grandma's house. While in traffic, I thought of just jumping on him for being so cute today. But when I arrived, there was only one car and it was my grandma's. I told Shannon I would be right back and she nodded, smiling. I walked up to the door and rang the doorbell, my grandma answering within seconds. I walked inside of her house and gave her a hug. I turned to look at the door and there was another paper taped to it. I slowly took it off of the burgrundy painted door and read it in front of my grandmother who looked sly and suspicious.

"This is where I told you I loved you on Christmas Eve. Do you remember that day? We were fighting and weren't talking and you thought it was going to be Santa when you opened the door? But no, it was just me confessing my love for you :)

- Mike

P.S. Are you down to drive back to LA right now and continue this treasure hunt? If so, drive to work."

"Drive back to LA?! I just got here!" I exclaimed to the note as if it could answer me back.

"Well, looks like you gotta go back home." My grandma said with a smirk.

I shook my head with a smile, kissing my grandma on the cheek, before skipping out of her door and back to my car. I got in and turned to Shannon, "You down to go to LA?"

She smirked, "Let's go. I've got plenty of baby formula and my breast milk."

I made a face, "Okay dude, enough with that." I backed out carefully, not trying to hit the neighbors cars because frankly, I've done that before and made my way onto the highway. I kept trying to call Mike on the way but he didn't answer. It'd just ring and ring. I even tried calling his bandmates, but no response from them either.

Shannon fell asleep on the drive to Los Angeles; and I couldn't help but smile at how peaceful she looked. She was a mother now, and she was exhausted. This was her nap time, and I was happy that she got to take one. As we approached LA, closer and closer as we drove another mile, I was beginning to feel my stomach churn.

Two hours later, I got to work and there was no note so I went to my office, there was nothing until I got to my desk where a white paper that read Alt. Press Magazine as the header was scribbled on in black pen.

"This is where I finally saw you again for the first time in six years. I wasn't expecting to ever see you again, Lucy Garcia. But, life has strange ways of helping you out. I knew that in that moment where I sat across from this very spot, that I had to get back to you. I had to get you back to me. I was gonna do whatever it took and only hope that you felt the same.

I didn't leave a note at my old house in San Diego because:
1) Someone else lives there now and I just can't leave a note on some stranger's fucking door, and
2) It leads into this note and spot.

The day we broke up, I kind of felt it coming. I mean, I lied to you about going on a six-month long tour and I knew that you were upset. Fuck, I would be too if I were in your shoes. Things had to change and I was going to let them. I went back to Target when I got home from tour and I looked for you. I asked Brandon, Shannon, and Lynda and when they told me that you moved to LA and left to live your dreams, I felt the need to back off. So, I did. I told myself, if this was real, fate would bring us together, until then I'll do what I have to do because I knew that I couldn't hook your boat to mine, because I was liable to sink us both.

I let fate do its thing, and when I least expected it, it brought me back to you. Thus beginning the greatest time of my life; a life with you.

- Mike

P.S. Go home to Ludo. We're almost done treasure hunting."

By this time, tears were streaming down my face as I read this note. I couldn't even believe this. He's telling the story of us. Of Mike and Lucy. Our story.

I walked back to my car, and got in, waking Shannon up from her nap. "Well?" She said, wanting to know. Yet, deep in my heart, I had a feeling that she knew. I handed her the note anyway and proceeded to drive home.

"Holy fuck." She let out a breath. "When the hell did he get romantic?" She questioned causing a small laugh to come from me. I couldn't answer, but I knew it was in him. He always did little things. And that fact that to this moment, he's remembered things from when we fucking met, that was enough for me. I don't know what he's up to, but I was falling in love harder, nonetheless.

I pulled into my driveway, once again expecting Mike, but there were no other cars except mine there. I walked to the driveway and there was the next piece of the puzzle left for me. I adjusted my hat and read on.

"You like treasure hunts, don't you? This is your house. This is the house where I felt like our new relationship came about. It grew here, after two hours of commute to and from San Diego. It was in a strip mall, cold as shit, in a shoe store where you asked me to move in with you into this house. I'll never forget how shy you were asking me that big question, I had never really seen you shy before. I was more than ready to move in with you, no matter how new everything including LA, was to me. Because I had you there by my side, that's all I needed.

This is also where you told me that you turned down a job in New York City with Rolling Stone, and even if I may not have shown it, I was so fucking happy that you were staying. I couldn't lose you a second time.

This is where we raised our son, Ludo, the black pug who barks at Jaime for no fucking reason and loves to eat my chones. This is where I knew.

- Mike

P.S. Go to our new house. Our house. You're almost done, princess."

I smiled, laughing at the note and how Ludo hates Jaime but loves Mike's underwear. I walked back to my car and baby Jessica was awake and making baby noises. Shannon was talking to her in a baby voice and that alone warmed my heart.

"Where to now?" She asked smiling.

I handed her the note, "The new house. Our new house." I said, taking a deep breath and backing out, and going to the new place in the Hollywood Hills. Shannon hadn't seen it yet, nobody had except Mike, Vic, and Brandon. I drove and drove, wondering if this was the last stop or if there was more. I was wondering if I would finally get to see Mike and hear his voice and kiss him and punch him in the dick for making me drive all over Southern California.

I pulled up to my house, shutting the engine off. Mike's car was here, and the nerves were rising. Shannon had unbuckled herself and the baby, slowly getting out with her bags. I took a deep breath, gathering all of my treasure findings and holding a tight grip on them with my hands as I grabbed my bag and walked to the front door.

"Holy fuck this house is giant!" Shannon's eyes grew, making me smile.

I flipped through my keys, finding the one that Mike had made me. It was simple and had flowers on it, but it was to distinguish all of my keys from one another. I found it and stuck it into the keyhole, unlocking the door. Once I heard a click, I opened the door, letting Shannon go in first since she had a fuckton of things with her.

Once I stepped in and closed the front door, the crystallized chandelier dimmed brighter, revealing another note on a plain box in the middle of the house. I walked up to it and grabbed it, reading it as Shannon stayed silent somewhere.

"This is where we're going to have a life together. This is our future with friends and families and each other. This is our new beginning.

- Mike

P.S. Look up from this paper."

I did as I was told and there was Mike on one knee, smiling at me. Tears instantly filled my eyes as I walked two steps closer to him, my heart beating out of my chest. I swear he could hear it. I felt my hands shaking by the noise that the other notes he left me were making in my grip.

"Lucy, will you marry me?" He had a black box opened, revealing a ring that I never even imagined that I could get from a man. I looked at Mike, smiling as tears came down. He looked nervous. I grinned, nodding, answering his question.

"Yes!" I said as he shot up from his knee and wrapped me into a tight hug. He kissed my nose, then my lips before slipping the ring onto my left ring finger.

As soon as he did that, the lights came on and his family, mine, our mutual friends, Brandon, Lynda, Justin, Cristian, Tal, Taav, Benji, Joel, and Josh Madden, everyone. Each and every person had smiles on their faces, and were applauding since I did accept, after all. I was so surprised to see everyone in our lives there for that moment. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he held me, knowing the tears were streaming down.

"I love you, baby. I love you so much." He said into my ear as he kept on hugging me.

"I love you too, Mikey. I can't believe all of this." I said, looking at him. He kissed me passionately, then showed me the ring on my finger; my engagement ring signifying our engagement.

"Celina helped me pick it out. I saw it first, though. She was like, 'Lucy would die over this,' And, you did." He said proudly.

I chuckled softly, kissing him again and again. That's all I wanted to do wad kiss him, hug him, and cry my eyes out because I was so happy. Eventually, we went up to everyone and they all congratulated us. Brandon told me that this was all Mike's idea. He called everyone and told them the plan. Mama and Papa Fuentes even cooked for the occasion. My brother and Brittany were even here.

"Congrats, baby sis. I see you've found the one." Matt said, smiling as he nudged me to looked over at Mike was who talking to our grandma beside us.

I nodded, happily, looking at Mike. "I did. I found the one. We found each other."

Notes

So... what do you think? :)

THIS IS NOT THE FINAL CHAPTER THERE IS MORE TO COME.

I love you all and thanks for reading ♥

xoxo,
Amber