Morning came all too quickly. I peeled my eyes open to find light slipping through her half-closed blinds. The sunlight reflected off of her face, and I smiled, happy to see that I held her all night. I sighed happily and tenderly squeezed my arms around her, burying my face into the warmth of her neck. I was sad that I couldn’t wake up like this every day, but I would take what I could get.

I pulled my head back carefully to study her for a moment. She looked so peaceful, like nothing mattered in the world, but she also looked so vulnerable, like anything could happen. She was so fragile to me, and so precious, and I would protect her with my life.

“’Morning,” she grinned up at me. I didn’t even notice that she was awake, and I smiled at her.

“You’re cute in the morning,” I said. Her eyes were squinted, still not adjusted to the morning light, her hair was disheveled, and her voice was croaky and tainted with sleep.

“Ew, no,” she covered her face with her hands.

“Yes,” I insisted, planting a kiss on one of her knuckles.

“You’re so nice to me,” she said.

“Is that a problem?” I laughed.

“No,” she giggled softly. “I don’t want to get up,” she frowned.

“Neither do I,” I sighed. I never wanted to let her go. “I like you’re brother. He seems pretty cool,” I said after a few moments of silence.

“I think he liked you, too,” she said. “Last night was great. I loved seeing you two get along,” she said.

“He means a lot to you, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah,” she smiled a bittersweet smile. “So do you,” she whispered. “Last night was really good. Logan needed that distraction,” she said.

I nodded, not asking what she meant because I already knew. I brushed Bree’s hair back gently, planting a soft kiss on the skin that was still a little bruised from a few weeks ago, when Logan had an episode and accidentally hit her. It was bad enough that he had to live with his condition (I would know), but seeing his sister walk around with that mark was a constant reminder of his reality, and I imagined that it was a difficult thing to live with. He seemed very happy last night, though, so maybe they were moved on from it. Bree definitely forgave him; it was just a matter if he forgave himself.

Bree sighed lightly. “Shall we go downstairs?”

“Yes, we shall,” I mocked her with a wink.

“Wait!” she said.

“What?”

“Say something in Spanish,” she grinned.

“What do you want me to say?” I laughed.

She scrunched her mouth in thought. “I don’t know! Say anything!”

“Cualquier cosa.”

“I have a feeling you just said ‘anything’ in Spanish,” she pursed her lips.

“That feeling is correct,” I said, kissing her nose before I rolled out of bed.

She sighed dramatically. “It was still hot, though,” she admitted.

I laughed, throwing on a sweatshirt. “I’m going to change,” she yawned, stretching as she got out of bed. I gave her a thumbs up while she grabbed a clean shirt and pants, and then she disappeared into her bathroom. I quickly changed out of my plaid pajama bottoms and put on regular jeans.

“Thank God,” Logan breathed when we walked down the stairs together, all freshened up.

“What?”

“I was afraid that you were going to come down here in Vic’s clothes. That’s when you know,” he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Ugh, Logan, can you not?” Bree face palmed, and I just laughed.

“Hey, I made your favorite. Love me,” Logan pouted.

“Yes! Chocolate chip pancakes?” she squealed.

“Okay, your second favorite, apparently,” Logan laughed, placing three plates with a Belgium waffle on each of them on the kitchen table.

“Sweet!” she grinned, sitting down next to me.

“Thank, Logan,” I said.

“Enjoy, kids,” he said. Logan was still in what appeared to be pajamas—grey sweatpants, a plain black t-shirt, and his hair was a wild mess. He looked like a normal guy, and I smiled to myself, realizing that I probably looked the same. I jumped up, though, realizing I hadn’t taken my pills yet. I darted up the stairs to Bree’s room and dug around my bag for them, and I took the appropriate amount.

“What the heck was that?” Bree asked when I calmly returned.

“Sorry, I just remembered to take my medication. I didn’t want to forget,” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Oh, okay, good,” she said, smiling softly at me.

“So, Bree,” Logan said in between bites of his waffle.

“What’s up?”

“How is school going?”

“Ah! Vic! I forgot to tell you!” she jumped in excitement.

“What? What?”

“It’s official! We are moving to San Diego soon!” she grinned.

“Seriously?” I smiled broadly.

“Yeah! I have a job, now! I graduate soon because I completed my credits early!” she said excitedly.

“Yeah, and she swears that she isn’t doing this just to be close to you!” Logan said, mocking her excitement.

“Hey! Shut your mouth!” Bree laughed.

“I’m just kidding, don’t worry,” Logan rolled his eyes playfully.

“This is awesome!” I said. “I’m so proud of you, Bree!”

“Thanks,” she blushed. “We already found an apartment. I graduate in a month, and we move in two,” she said.

“This is the best news ever!” I gave her a hug.

“Yeah, I can’t wait,” she grinned. “What about you? Have you found a job yet?” she asked curiously.

I nodded—I had completely forgotten to tell her! “Yeah, Tony had a job at a local Vans store, so he was able to get me a job there with him,” I said.

“Oh, nice!” she said.

“Yeah, I start Monday, actually,” I said.

“That’s good. I'm glad you were able to find something,” she said.

“Me too. I was worried…” my voice trailed off.

“Hey, no need to worry, buddy,” Logan chimed in. “As long as you don’t tell your coworkers, you’ll be just fine,” he reassured.

“Why? What will they do if they know?” I tilted my head to the side.

“I can’t say this is true for everyone, but they will most likely judge you,” he said. “Not like there’s anything to be judged about, they just don’t know that,” he added.

“Oh, great,” I said.

“It’s okay, really. Most people are nice, but you will get the few assholes or freaks,” he shrugged his shoulders. “I work as a cashier, and I deal with people all of the time. Most schizophrenics have trouble dealing with people, so the fact that you have a job in retail and I have a job at a grocery store is pretty damn good,” he said.

“Yeah, we’ll see how I do…” I said lowly.

“You’ll be fine,” Bree said supportively.

“Yeah, if I can do it, you can do it,” Logan said.

“You’ve been episode free for so long, now. You’re in control. You’re okay,” she added, rubbing my back. I nodded.

“Speaking of work,” Logan stood up and yawned. “I have to go get changed. I have to go soon,” he said.

“Okay,” Bree nodded. Logan waved and disappeared upstairs.

“I have to drive him to work, and then we’ll go, okay?”

“Aw, okay,” I said, feeling slightly disappointed that I had to leave so soon.

“Tony needs you, don’t forget,” she said softly.

“Logan can’t drive?” I asked. Would I be allowed to drive again? I hadn’t even thought of that.

“Y’know, he isn’t as stable as you are,” she said quietly. “I can’t be separated from him for more than a few hours.”

“Do you… never mind,” I shook my head, deciding I didn’t like my question.

“Do I ever get tired of it?” she read my mind. I bit my lip. “No, I don’t. I’d do anything for him,” she smiled softly.

“Is it okay that you are driving me back to San Diego? Will he be okay?” I asked worriedly.

“Yes, he will be fine. Don’t worry,” she brushed her hand across my cheek.

Bree and I quickly cleaned up breakfast, and I grabbed my bag from her room. Logan reappeared shortly in khakis, a black collared shirt with a pinned nametag, and a black cap with the grocery store logo on it.

“Looking good,” Bree whistled. He flipped her off, adjusting the shirt.

“Let’s just go,” he muttered.

“You okay, bud?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m just not in the mood to work today,” he shrugged.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Come on,” she said, grabbing his hand. I smiled, following them out to Bree’s car, my bag in hand. I noticed her murmuring something to her brother, so I hung back a little, giving them their time to have a private conversation. I assumed it had something to do with Logan’s mood.

“Ready?”

“No,” I smiled, sinking into the back seat. She turned around in the driver’s side and poked me in my side.

The drive to the grocery store Logan worked at was only ten minutes, so we were there in a flash. “Thanks, Bree,” Logan said, leaning over and ruffling her hair.

“Hey, watch it,” she said, patting down her now wild hair.

Logan got out of the car, and so did I to say a proper goodbye. “It was really nice meeting you Logan,” I said, shaking his hand.

“Nice to meet you, too, Vic. I look forward to seeing you again,” he smiled.

“Yeah, me too,” I smiled back. “See you around,” I said, returning back to the car. This time, I sat in the passenger seat. I noticed Bree get out of the car and quickly throw Logan into a hug. She really loved her brother.

Bree returned to the car, and Logan waved at the vehicle as he walked into the store for his shift.

“Is everything okay?” I asked as we pulled away.

“Yes,” she said firmly, looking me directly in my eyes—giving me an opportunity to find any trace of a lie, but I only saw truth.

“Good,” I smiled.

“Will you come back next weekend, maybe?” she asked.

“I’d love to,” I answered, probably a little too quickly because she laughed at my near immediate response. She grabbed my hand, rubbing her thumb across the back of it.

“Hey, two hands on the wheel, missy,” I scolded.

“I only need one hand to drive when you’re with me,” she said. I smiled, giving her hand a squeeze.

~~

The weeks were long and the weekends were too short. For the next few weeks, I spent the week at the Perry’s and most of the weekend with Bree and Logan. Things were running smoothly—I felt amazing, but I knew I couldn’t skip medication no matter how good I felt. That would be a recipe for disaster.

Working at the Vans store with Tony was going well, too. It was nice because we had the same hours, so Tony and I were literally always together. I didn’t mind, either—I wouldn’t have wanted to be alone. The coworkers were nice, I guess, but they kept their distance. I had a feeling that our boss warned them of my condition, and, even though I was completely stable and not dangerous, they were afraid that I would “snap” at them. I guess I could see what Logan had meant, about people being assholes and freaks about it. I didn’t really mind, though, because I had Tony.

The day was slow, and only me and Tony were in. I leaned over the counter next to the cash register and sighed while Tony refolded some shirts nearby.

“What are you sighing about?” Tony asked.

“Work is boring,” I said.

“Yeah, but being poor sucks,” he said.

“That’s true,” I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m just tired today,” I yawned on cue.

“How are things?” Tony asked.

“Good,” I said. “Bree graduates next week,” I said.

“I meant with you,” he laughed.

“Sorry,” I laughed. “She’s my life,” I murmured under my breath. Tony smiled softly at me—I think he heard.

“So?”

“Things are good. I feel good,” I admitted. I visited Mike regularly, keeping him updated on my life, but it was a healthy relationship, not a psychotic one. Visiting his grave surprisingly kept me sane, as if he wasn't really gone.

“Good,” Tony said, patting the pile of clothes he finished folding before turning away to fix another one.

“What about you? Hey, that girl the other day, what was that all about?” I suddenly remembered. The other day, a girl had come into the store, and Tony helped her buy new Vans. The next day, she came in to return the shoes, saying that they ended up not fitting right. I, however, noticed that they had fit her perfectly, and I also caught wind of some flirting on both Tony and the girl’s part. I grinned.

“Who?” he asked.

“Don’t play dumb Tony,” I accused.

“She needed shoes, but then they didn’t fit her, that is all,” he said.

“Aw, c’mon, man,” I pressed.

“She’s pretty,” he allowed.

“Yeah, and she’s definitely your type,” I pointed out.

“And how would you know what my type is?” he laughed.

“I don’t know. She just seems like the kind of girl I see you with,” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Maybe,” he said.

“Maybe she’ll come back,” I suggested.

“I doubt it,” Tony frowned, and it was obvious that half of his mind was stuck in a daydream about this girl. She had maroon colored hair, a lip ring, and shocking green eyes. She definitely was mesmerizing, but not to me—to Tony. Suddenly, I caught myself thinking about Bree, her soft, brown hair, her hazel, peaceful eyes, her pink, soft lips…

I snapped myself out of my thoughts, though. “When she comes back around, you should ask for her number or something,” I said.

“Nah,” Tony said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Why would she like me?” he frowned.

“Tony, have a little confidence, man,” I frowned. “Sure, you’re shy, but once you get out of your shell you’re hilarious and awesome!” I said.

“I’m too fucked up,” he muttered.

“No you are not, Tony. You’re getting better. You deserve someone,” I said.

Tony shrugged his shoulders.

“Listen, Tony, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel down,” I said quietly.

“It’s fine, Vic. It’s not you. I just don’t see myself in a relationship with anyone. How can I expect someone to love me if I don’t even love myself?” he asked. I knitted my brows.

“Tony… why…” I paused, but then I decided to continue with what I was going to ask. The question had been itching in the back of my head for a while, now, anyway…

“Why did you try to kill yourself?” I asked quietly. Tony looked up, his eyes shocked that I asked, but his mouth in a sad frown.

“I, uh…”

“You don’t have to answer. Sorry I asked,” I said quickly.

“No, it’s okay. I was actually wondering when you were going to ask,” he smiled weakly. “It was no specific event that led me to do it. I was just, y’know, fed up. I didn’t have any friends, I was bullied, and I was just tired. I was unhappy for no reason. I was just depressed,” he shrugged his shoulders. “There’s no real reason, especially because I love my mom and sister. I still feel guilty about cutting too deep,” he said quietly.

“It’s okay, Tony,” I reassured. “That’s all the past, now,” I said. He smiled, and it looked genuine.

“It is,” he agreed. “Thanks, Vic,” he said. I smiled softly.

I decided to move on from the subject, not particularly enjoying talking about heavy stuff for extended periods of time. “So, what’s her name?” I winked.

“Ugh, shut up,” he groaned, but then he laughed. “And her name is Drew,” he said quietly with a small smirk.

I grinned. “Well I cross my fingers for you, in hopes that she comes in again,” I said formally, raising both of my hands with my fingers crossed.

Tony laughed and shook his head. “Get back to work,” he ordered.

“Oh, you’re my boss, now?” I rolled my eyes.

“No, but… I’ve been here longer. So that makes me superior to you,” he said, crossing his arms in satisfaction.

“Well there’s nothing you can make me do, anyway,” I yawned, subconsciously toying my ID that hung around my neck.

Tony nodded, leaning against the counter, too. “What time is it?” I asked.

“Er,” he checked his watch. “It’s almost five. Alyssa said she’s visiting us today,” Tony remembered.

“Oh, sweet,” I nodded.

Over the past few weeks, I have become really acquainted with Alyssa. Tony had a good relationship with Alyssa, but it didn’t really compare to Bree’s relationship with Logan. I think that Alyssa was still hurt that Tony tried to leave her, and Tony was trying really hard to reconcile with her. And, in the process of their reconciliation, I was with her a lot, too. She was really nice and a lot of fun to be around. She seemed to have plenty of friends at school, but I always made sure to pay close attention to the details of her demeanor—if she looked sad, upset, angry, or emotional, I would be there for her. Her being in high school made me think about my high school days a lot, and I just wanted to make sure she didn’t have to go through the same horrors that I, or Tony, did. Alyssa was like the little sister I never had.

For that matter, Alyssa and Tony were the siblings that I longed for; they were my family, now.

They were also my future.

“Sup, losers.”

Speak of the devil: I turned my head to see Alyssa walking in swiftly, her car keys and bag in one hand and Aunt Annie’s in the other.

“You are the best, Lissy!” Tony jumped, snatching the cup of cinnamon-sugar soft pretzel nuggets.

“Hey! Share those!” she scolded. Tony placed them on the counter. I remained leaning on the counter, and I picked one out of the cup.

“Ugh, these are so good,” I said.

“You’re welcome,” she said.

“Thank you,” I grinned broadly at her.

“Hey, if I shop here, do I get a discount?” she asked, tracing her hand along some racks of clothing.

“No,” Tony said.

“Yes,” I said at the same time.

“Well, which one is it?” she laughed.

“Tony says no because you’re his sister so naturally he has to hate you, and I say yes because you’re my best friend and I love you,” I said. “I overrule.”

“Hey, remember when I said I was superior?” Tony pointed out. I popped another soft-pretzel nugget into my mouth and smiled.

“I’m the cashier today, anyway. Go stock some clothes from the back, Perry. I have to ring up a customer,” I said with a wink.

Alyssa laughed, taking a pretzel. She wasn’t actually buying anything, and Tony wasn’t actually going to follow my order. We huddled around the counter together, chomping on the soft-pretzels until we had to rock-paper-scissor-shoot for the last one (Alyssa won), talking about random things, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

This was how things went for a while. The past few weeks, the three of us hung out at work or at home. I sometimes helped Alyssa with homework, and Tony started to play the guitar again, after I convinced him to. On the weekends, I was with Bree and Logan, making fun memories with the other two important people in my life. Things were really falling into place, and the good was finally outweighing the bad.

The disappointing part about life, though, was that good things went by fast. It’s been nearly three weeks of this schedule, and it has felt like three minutes. The saying time flies when you’re having fun could not hold any more truth. Carefree, worriless, happy times come and go, turning into mere memories, while bad events seemingly last forever. I knew this pattern all too well.

Notes

Yay another happy chapter :)

go me

heehee

I'm tired and going to sleep, but expect another update tomorrow :)
Sorry in advance. Love you all

ps sorry for the mid-chapter time lapse
actually im not sorry lol I couldn't think of anything to put in there without being redundant and i wanted more time to pass, sooooo yes. :)