“I owe you so much,” I sighed.

“Really, you don’t. It’s a good distraction for me. I like it,” Tony reassured.

“You’d tell me if you had a problem with this, would you?” I checked.

“Yeah, I would, I promise. Besides, I volunteered,” Tony reminded me.

“That’s true,” I said. Tony and I were on our way to Los Angeles. I told him about Bree’s suggestion, and he seemed really cool with it. He even offered to take me to Bree’s house, himself. Mrs. Perry was completely fine with it, too. I wasn’t surprised; she seemed to be the kind of parent that let her kids do whatever they wanted. She treated Tony, Alyssa, and, now, me like adults. She wasn’t around a lot—working, running errands, going out—and I began to notice that this was probably one of the reasons why Tony had some problems. There was no doubt that she loved her children, but she was absent most of the time, almost giving her kids too much freedom. I was glad I was there for Tony, because he seemed to be always so lonely. That was why I was also guilty for leaving for half of the weekend.

“Stop worrying. I’ll be fine,” Tony said, yet again excelling at reading my thoughts that I seemed to wear on my facial features obviously. I weakly smiled at him. “I’m excited for you, really. It’s been, what, an entire week since you’ve seen her?”

“Yeah, exactly a week,” I nodded. “I’m in withdrawal,” I joked.

Tony laughed. “Well, you used to see her all of the time,” he allowed, and I nodded in agreement. It definitely was a change, but I didn’t mind it. If anything, it made me like her and treasure her even more, knowing that I couldn’t be around her constantly.

“Are you just going back home—er, back to your house after this?” I asked.

“Yeah, I think so,” Tony said.

“Will you be okay driving that long of a distance yourself? I’m sure Bree wouldn’t mind if—”

“No, Vic, I’m not intruding on your time with her and her brother. I want you to have fun. I’ll be fine, I promise,” Tony said.

“Okay,” I said. I was going to say something else, but my thoughts completely dissolved and I couldn’t remember what I was going to say when I saw that we had arrived at her house. The smile on my face widened.

“Get outta here,” Tony grinned.

“Thanks so much, Tone,” I said.

“Anytime. See you tomorrow,” he said.

“Bye, Tony,” I waved bye, grabbed my overnight bag, and got out of the car. It was Friday, and Bree was driving me back to Tony’s tomorrow afternoon. I really needed to start saving up money so I could get myself a cheap car, considering my parents had so kindly sold mine. I rolled my eyes at the thought, but then I waved bye to Tony as he pulled out of the driveway, and I walked up to Bree’s house. The door opened before I even knocked.

“Vic!” she squealed in excitement, throwing her arms around me immediately into a tight hug. I chuckled, hugging her back.

“Hi, Bree,” I gave her a toothy grin.

“Ah, you’re here!” she exclaimed, planting a sweet kiss on my lips.

“I’m here!” I laughed.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in a year,” she said.

“It’s been a week,” I told her.

“I know,” she said. “A week too long,” she poked my side. “Come on in,” she grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze, leading me inside.

“Nice place,” I commented.

“Thanks,” she smiled. “Our asshole parents left us a lot of money, I guess that makes them half-decent,” she shrugged her shoulders. I could hear the bitterness in her tone, and her face blushed lightly, as if she was ashamed for admitting that. I dismissed the comment, though, and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Bree took my backpack and placed it at the bottom of the stairs. “We can take that up later,” she said, leading me further inside of the house. “Logan!” she called. “He’s here!”

The smile on my mouth remained prominent. I felt a hundred percent more alive with Bree, as if she was the spark that lit my soul.

“Well, well, well,” Logan came into view, his voice smug but his eyes bright and happy and his mouth curved into a grin. He was taller than both Bree and me. He had short, dirty blond hair, tousled like mine but not as long. He had soft, almost innocent, brown eyes. “So this is the famous—”

“Don’t even, Lo!” Bree shoved her brother playfully.

“Hey, man, I’m Logan,” he said, sticking his hand out for a shake that I gladly accepted.

“Hey, I’m Vic. It’s nice to meet you,” I said, releasing his hand.

“Nice to finally meet you, too. This little one here talks about you all of the—”

“Logan!” Bree whined, but her face, like Logan’s, remained happy and playful.

“Sorry, sis,” he grinned, not really looking sorry at all.

“Alright, we have to get one thing straight, first,” Logan began.

“Logan…” Bree groaned, face palming.

“This is necessary, Bree,” he said. “I just need to tell you, Vic. You seem like a cool guy, from what I hear, but if you hurt my sister, I will hurt you. I have a shotgun, and I’m not afraid to pull the crazy father act on you,” he said.

I laughed slightly. “I promise I won’t,” I said seriously, and I think he believed me, because he patted my shoulder with his hand, smiling.

“Good. It appears that we are going to get along quite well, then,” he grinned, and I smiled.

“Come on,” Bree released my hand and swung an arm around my shoulder. I brought my left hand up and gently held her hand that was dangling over my shoulder. “I’m making Taco salad for dinner,” she said.

“Fuck yes!” Logan cheered. “You make the best taco salad,” Logan fist pumped.

“I know,” she grinned, flipping her hair. I laughed—seeing Bree like this was so different, but so good. She wasn’t in a professional or serious setting. This was her in her most comfortable surroundings. This was her in her rawest form, and I loved it.

“How does that sound?” she asked me.

“It sounds great,” I said. “I’m half-Mexican, so anything taco related appeals to me,” I said with a chuckle.

“I knew there was something ethnic about you!” Logan pointed at me almost accusingly, causing us all to laugh. “Do you know Spanish?” he asked curiously.

“Sí, pero no mucho,” I winked.

“Oh, shit,” Bree said.

“What?”

“That was hot,” she giggled.

“Ew, no, Bree!” Logan gasped.

“What did you say?” Bree asked.

“’Yes, but not much,’” I told her.

“Say something else,” she tugged on my arm.

“No, don’t!” Logan pleaded. “I can’t see my little sister like this!” he said dramatically.

“Relax, Francis,” Bree rolled her eyes playfully.

I nudged her. “Tal vez más tarde,” I said, winking again.

“I think you’re trying to kill me,” she gasped. “Logan, he’s trying to kill me!”

“Hey, hey, buddy, you know the rules!” Logan said.

I laughed and raised my arms in surrender. “Lo siento,” I said. “Shit, I mean I’m sorry,” I said, and they laughed.

“Alright, where were we?” Bree asked.

“Taco salad, muchacha,” Logan smiled broadly.

“Hey, that was good,” I approved.

“I try,” Logan said.

“Hey, you boys go and, I don’t know, become acquainted and shit while I make dinner,” she said.

“Don’t you want any help?” I asked.

“Nah, that’s okay,” she said.

“Are you sure?” I pressed.

“Yes, thank you,” she said, surprising me with a light kiss. I chuckled when I heard Logan groan. She stuck her tongue out at him before turning away towards the kitchen.

“You guys are cute,” I commented, and I couldn’t stop my face from falling when I thought about Mike, and how we used to get along.

“I love her,” he shrugged his shoulders, like it was an obvious fact. Me too, I thought to myself, but I wouldn’t dare say it out loud. Not yet, at least.

Instead, I smiled, but, for some reason, the smile felt a little forced. He noticed, too. “Come on, let’s talk,” Logan said kindly, leading me into the living room. I bit my lip nervously, knowing what he was going to bring up—it was obvious. It was the elephant in the room, necessary to acknowledge at some point.

“What’s up?” Logan asked, sitting down on the edge of the love seat. He motioned me to sit down on the neighboring sofa, and I sat on the edge of it, too.

I didn’t really know how to answer his question. A lot was up. “Nothing, really,” I lied instead.

“It’s okay,” Logan said. “Bree will kill me if she knows I told you this, but I’m telling you anyway. She told me about you, about what you have, what you’ve been through… I’m really sorry to bring it up, but I just want to tell you that I think you’re pretty damn awesome,” he said. Surprisingly, I wasn’t angry with Bree for telling Logan my story. I imagined that she and her brother were close, and, given the nature of his condition, I didn’t mind. I didn’t have to be fake around them.

“Oh, that’s okay, thank you, Logan,” I said genuinely. He patted my arm.

“I think you’re really good for my sister,” he said, and I smiled.

“It means a lot to have your blessing. I thought that you would be against it because of what I have,” I said lowly.

“Well, at first, when she told me, I was a little mad. I want her to live a normal life, y’know? But then I realized how much she liked you, and you obviously made her happy, and I wasn’t about to take that away. And, besides, what is normal anyway? She knows what she is doing, and, honestly, I don’t feel like your condition threatens her at all. She feels safe around you, and, shit, even I feel safe right now,” he said, a certain spark in his eyes that warmed my heart.

I smiled softly.

“She makes me feel like there are no problems, y’know? I just hope that goes both ways. I don’t want to cause her any trouble,” I said.

“I know exactly what you mean. Bree radiates positivity. She’s the best. And it does, I promise. She talks about how happy you make her a lot,” he said.

“Really?”

He chuckled softly. “Yes, really. Thanks for making her happy, dude. I owe you a lot,” he said.

“You make her happy, too,” I pointed out.

“Yes, but I’m her brother. It’s different,” he smiled, and I nodded.

“And, just, y’know, stay strong, okay? She needs you,” he said.

“You too,” I said. We both nodded.

“One more thing,” he said. I waited. “I don’t want you to think for one second, that you are anything like me, that you are bad for her because of what you know about me. I swear, you’re nothing like me. Not all schizophrenics are like me, and you are definitely not like me at all. Don’t generalize yourself, and just be you, okay? You have to promise me that you won’t mirror yourself based off of what I have done, okay?” he said, referring to the fact that he has violent episodes.

I took a few moments to let his words settle in my mind. He stared at me intently. “Yes, I promise,” I nodded affirmatively.

“Take care of her, okay?” he said, his eyes flickering in a way I didn’t understand.

“I promise,” I repeated, nodding again.

“Good,” he smiled softly. “Thank you,” he said. “I know you won’t ever hurt her,” he said quietly. I nodded slightly.

“Okay, enough with the heavy,” he said, flashing me a toothy grin. He leaned back into the chair he was in.

“What do you like to do, Vic?” he asked.

“Oh, Bree hasn’t told you?” I joked, and he laughed. “Uh, I like to draw and play slash listen to music,” I said.

“That’s cool! Do you write lyrics or anything?” he asked.

“Yeah, I do,” I said.

“You should form a band,” he suggested.

“I never said I was any good,” I laughed.

“I bet you are,” he said. I shrugged my shoulders.

“My brother wanted to play in a band. He was into the drums,” I said nostalgically. I bet his drum set was still in his room, layered with dust.

“Oh,” he said lowly. “What do you play?”

“Guitar, mostly,” I said.

“You sing?”

“Yeah, but that I’m not very good at,” I emphasized.

“Nonsense,” he dismissed my comment with his hand. “You’re too modest for your own good.”

“I suppose,” I said softly. “What do you like?” I asked.

“I actually like to draw, too,” he said. “I sketch a lot when I feel, y’know. It helps a lot,” he said.

“That’s good,” I said, glad to see that we had some things in common.

“Yeah,” he said, his features thoughtful.

“Hey, boys,” Bree appeared, smiling at us both. “Dinner’s ready,” she said.

“Yay,” Logan cheered, standing up. I smiled.

I put an arm around her waist, pulling her in for a side-ways hug.

“Congratulations, Bree. I like your boyfriend,” Logan said, smiling devilishly at us.

“Thanks, Lo,” she stuck her tongue out at him before she leaned over and kissed my cheek.

“That’s me giving you permission to stop acting cute,” he scrunched his nose up, causing us both to laugh.

“Come on, let’s eat,” Bree said.

~~

“What did I say? Didn't I say Bree makes the best taco salad?” Logan asked.

“Yes, you did say that. And you were right,” I agreed. “This is the best taco salad I’ve ever had.”

“Oh, guys, stop it! It’s nothing,” she said.

“Look! She’s blushing!” Logan laughed.

“Am not!”

“Yes you are!”

“I am not!” Bree covered her cheeks.

I poked her in the side. “You kind of were, babe,” I said, the pet name slipping. I didn’t think she minded, though.

She shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t ever compliment me, even if it’s over my incredible cooking skills. I don’t take them well,” she admitted, keeping her cheeks covered.

“Aw,” I laughed softly. “Thanks for dinner,” I said.

“You’re so very welcome,” she said. “Thanks for doing the dishes,” she winked.

“Anything for you, darling,” I said, standing up and taking all of our plates.

“Aw, Vic, I was kidding!” she said.

“Sh, I’ll do it,” I said. She smiled in my direction, and I turned around and headed towards her sink to do the dishes. There were only like three things to do, so it didn’t take long, and I was happy to help her. I turned back around, only to be greeted by both Bree and Logan staring at me with huge smiles on their faces.

“What the fuck?” I laughed. “You guys are creepy.”

Bree only smiled wider. “I just adore you too much! Shit!” she waved her arms in surrender. I laughed and patted her head.

“I adore you, too,” I said. Yet again, I thought about how cool it was to see Bree in her “natural habitat”. She was still the Bree I knew, but she was also different. She was more relaxed, free, and she just seemed so happy. I was really falling for her, that was for sure. I could finally admit it in my head, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to admit it out loud.

“Hey, I’m going to my room,” Logan said.

“Why?”

“I’ll let you guys hang out by yourselves. I get to see this wacko everyday,” he said, flicking Bree in the arm gently.

“Hey! You love me!”

“Yes, I do. But it’s already nine-thirty, and your brother is tired,” he said, yawning.

“How did it get so late already?” she asked, dumbfounded.

“Time flies when you’re having fun,” he said.

He was right; time really did fly. We had sat around the table together talking about an endless amount of things, simply enjoying each other’s company and appreciating the good in this moment. We were truly happy and having a good time. It was too bad that those good moments went by in a flash.

“Did you take your pills?” she asked him.

He rolled his eyes. “Yes, mom,” he said.

“Did you?” she looked at me.

“Yes, I did,” I gave her a thumbs up.

“Good. Just looking out for my two boys,” she grinned.

“Night, sis, love you,” Logan said, bending down to kiss her forehead. She closed her eyes and smiled as he did that.

“Night, Lo,” she said.

“Goodnight, Vic. Nice hangin’ with ya, and see you guys in the morning,” he said.

“Night, Logan,” I smiled.

“No funny business, kids,” he said.

“Logan!” Bree hissed, her face turning bright red. I patted her leg gently as I laughed at his comment. He just shook his head and retreated upstairs.

The second he disappeared, Bree’s lips were on mine. “Hey,” I laughed against her mouth. “He said no funny business,” I reminded her.

“We’re not being funny,” she giggled, pecking my lips several times in a row. Then, her face grew slightly serious. “I don’t want that, tonight, though, just in case you were wondering,” she said. I liked how she was straight up about it.

“Okay,” I said softly, tucking some of her hair behind her ears. “Neither do I,” I admitted truthfully. I wanted to wait until I was ready to tell her I loved her. I was fully confident in the way I felt about her, but I wasn’t fully confident that I would be able to say it. And I definitely wanted to wait until she was ready—I didn’t want her to think that I was taking advantage of her or anything.

She smiled shyly at me, and I took that as my opportunity to cup her face and kiss her passionately on the lips. Sparks flew, and our tongues eventually danced together. We didn’t hold back because we didn’t have to worry about things escalating—we knew our limits.

The rest of the night flew by in a flash. We spent most of it holding each other, talking about things, and sitting quietly, enjoying each other and the short time we had together before I had to go back to San Diego the next day.

“I’m glad you came over,” she said softly, burying her face into my chest. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, loving being with her in this way. I smiled, kissing her hair. It seemed like just yesterday I was shaking in a mental hospital, not knowing when I would ever get out, but now I was falling hopelessly in love.

“Me too,” I said.

“I don’t want to fall asleep with you here,” she said.

“It’s late, Bree. You can sleep. I won’t leave you,” I promised, giving her a squeeze. She sighed into my shirt, wrapping her arms around my neck and tangling her fingers into my long hair.

She sighed again, getting comfortable as she curled into me. “Goodnight, Bree,” I kissed her head again.

“Goodnight,” she murmured quietly, and I could tell by her breathing and stillness that she had fallen asleep. I smiled softly at her, closing my eyes myself, finally feeling at peace.

Notes

Here's a happy and cute and fluffy and sort of long chapter for you guys. :)

Because you deserve it.

And also because you're going to hate me for the next chapter. :)

Love,
Claire