Winning Your Heart (Sequel to Love You Forever) *SLOW UPDATES*

Chapter 18

Avery

I had quickly discovered that I had completely lost the ability to concentrate on anything since finding out about Preston.

Just to let you know, I only barely passed the test I had that day.

I had gone to see Preston a few times, and he hadn't looked too well either visit. He was banged up pretty bad, dead to the world, and the doctors were unsure of whether he would make it.

Each time I had gone to check up on him, it had hit me pretty hard. It was like my memories of him had spun up in a loop again and I was back to square one with a hopeless crush.

The sound of the door opening downstairs and voices conversing woke me from my thoughts. I knew we were expecting guests, but I had forgotten they were coming so soon.

I was supposed to be studying in my room, but as I looked down at my papers, I realized I had nothing done.

I sighed, wishing Preston didn't have such an effect on me. Why was he so important?

Instead of going downstairs to say hello, I sat in my room, wallowing in my thoughts.

My mom's new boyfriend was downstairs, my father having packed up and left. After lots of arguing, they had decided I would be staying with my mom, which I was glad for.

My mom was to get remarried in a month, and the preparations were insane.

My mind wandered back to Preston, as if I just couldn't shake him from my head.

Mia and I had leaned on each other as the weeks had passed, both worried sick. Derek had tried to act like he was fine, but obvious concern shone through.

I didn't know what I would do if Preston ended up dying. The thought itself was unbearable.

The last time I had seen Preston had been just a glimpse, but it had been enough. I shook my head, trying to get the image out of my brain.

A light knock on the door startled me. I looked up, surprised. It must have been my mother.

I glanced quickly at the mirror, making sure I didn't look too frazzled.

"Come in," I called. The door swung open, revealing someone I hadn't expected to see. My mouth dropped open, the pencil I was holding clattering to the ground.

"Hey," the newcomer greeted me. Though bruised and bandaged, Preston walked in, taking in my look of shock.

I noticed the slight limp he walked with, but I was too surprised to comment. He had left me completely speechless.

How had he recovered so fast? Just a few weeks ago he had been on the verge of death. Although he was pretty beaten up, Preston looked surprisingly good.

"Miss me?" he murmured, easing himself onto my bed.

Before he could say anything, my eyes filled with tears, spilling over my cheeks. I couldn't seem to stop, sobs choking my voice.

Preston didn't seem to mind, gently stroking my hair and wiping away my tears. When I finally managed to get myself under control, he slipped his arm around me, pulling me close.

"Shh. It's okay. I'm here now," he comforted me. I leaned against him, basking in his warmth.

For a while we sat together, cuddling in silence. The comfort of his hug reminded me of when we were so close; a bittersweet memory.

"What brings you here?" I asked, finally stirring. Preston sat up as well, wincing as he moved his left leg.

"It seems our mothers are actually good friends. She brought me along with her." he explained.

I glanced down at the leg he held gingerly. When I had been pushed up against his leg, it had felt strange and different. Hard and uncomfortable.

Preston noticed me studying his injury and blushed. The red flooding his face made him look even cuter than ever.

"What?" he mumbled, pulling his arms closer to his body, and me along with it. My cheek hit his chest, pressed up against the pounding of his heart.

My face reddened, heat rushing up my neck. For a few moments I was frozen, unsure of what to do. Then I pulled myself away, turning away from him.

Preston didn't say anything for a long time, and neither did I. I glanced back after a while, to see Preston staring at his leg.

"Do you want to know?" he asked. "My leg. It's not the same as before."

I shifted, not knowing what he meant.

Preston bit his lip, hesitantly going on. "The crash affected it badly. The doctors said it was completely ruined and..."

Instead of continuing, he pulled up his pant leg. A fake metal leg replaced his real one. I gasped and Preston winced, not meeting my gaze.

"I knew you'd do that. I didn't want-"

"I won't judge," I murmured. "There's nothing wrong. I was just surprised."

Preston raised his head, a shocked look on his face. "Are-are you sure you still want-"

I clenched my fists. "Why would you ever think anyone would judge you? Some story would come p about how you lost your leg trying to rescue your dad and all that other crap!" I scolded him.

"What? Wait, Avery..."

My blood rushed to my face and my heart pounded in my ears. I grabbed Preston's face and pulled him down for a kiss. The world around me stopped for a moment as our lips touched.

Fireworks flew as he kissed me back. I wasn't expecting it, but I did my best not to pass out. When we finally broke apart, I looked away, my head spinning.

Preston turned my face back, leaning his forehead on mine. He was out of breath and blushing as well, but he laughed, looking a lot happier than he had in a while.

"I've been waiting for that a long time," he murmured. To my utter surprise, he kissed me again, pushing me onto the bed.

I pushed away after a while, staring him in the eyes. We smiled slightly, not saying anything. Then I sighed, laughing slightly.

"Well, it's been quite a while, hasn't it?" I mumbled.

We stayed with our arms around each other. We could both tell, it was time for a new start.

Okay, so this is the last chapter of WYH, but be on the lookout for an epilogue. Cya!