For those handful of people that actual read my ramblings. Sorry for taking a week. But I went up north to my cabin which meant I had not a lick of service and then I got crazy pumped for the sequel and started writing on it. Like the cast list, snippets for chapters, and three whole chapters! That being said this story still has a lot left. Or at least I think it does because I sort of just go with the flow. So ENJOY! -DBR
LEVI POV
My dad had gotten me back at school in time for my sixth hour. I had just enough time to sprint to class. I was dying to go home and see Maci but my dad had insisted I go back to school. He was worried about my attendance. I tapped my foot, my books already packed on my desk as I waited for the last few minutes of class to finish. I had told Maci in a text that I was a match. I couldn't hold the news in and she had asked me anyway. The bell rang and I sprang from my chair like a tightly coiled spring. I was out the door first and down the hall.
"Hey Greg!" I shouted over the mass of people filtering out into the halls. "Greg!"
He glanced over his shoulder, coming to halt so I could catch up. I knew we were still going through stuff but I had to tell him. Next on my list was Emma but only because I knew I'd see Greg first.
"What's up man?" He asked as we fell into step together.
"You know how we were waiting to see if I was gonna be a match?" I asked. I didn't wait for him to respond, the excitement basically consuming me. "I am!"
Greg's face light up as he gave me a congratulatory smack on the back.
"That's awesome!" His voice boomed through the hallway. "She must be pumped."
I couldn't stop smiling. "Yeah she's pretty excited."
I went on telling him about the plan for the next few weeks. Maybe he didn't need all the details but I was too excited and he didn't protest. We were both so consumed with our excitement we didn't even notice Jackie as we turned the corner. She bounced off my chest, a flash of anger coursing through her eyes.
"Watch where you're..." She snapped, cutting herself off when she realized who we were. "Oh hi."
She ran her hand through her red hair, shifting on her feet uneasily. I clamped my mouth shut. I wasn't even going to say hi. I felt my heart start to beat a little faster as I waited for whatever to unfold. My eyes darted back and forth between Jackie and Greg.
"Hi." Greg's voice was void of emotion.
"How are you?" She asked, her hazel eyes hopeful.
Greg never changed. "I'm fine."
"Can we please talk?"
I looked down at my feet. Part of me felt like I should just quietly dismiss myself. The other part of me felt like if I moved one of them was going to shoot me. I opted for staying still and trying to make myself invisible.
"I can't right now." Greg said.
I felt my muscles relax just a fraction. Maybe Greg was thinking about forgiving her. I mean that wasn't exactly a no. I sneaked a quick glance at Jackie through my eyelashes. She looked on the verge tears. I knew how unfair it was that I was standing next to Greg. I still had his friendship after what I did. Jackie though was still hung out to dry. If I was her I would have been pissed and upset that I'd been forgiven and she hadn't.
"Did you hear the good news?" Greg asked.
His voice was a little softer. I lifted my eyes completely, watching Greg. I was still too afraid to join the conversation. But my curiosity was getting the better of me. Jackie shook her head.
"Levi said he was a match."
"Oh my god, you are?"
Jackie's whole demeanor changed. Her eyes lit up and for the first time she acknowledged me standing next to Greg. I nodded my head, my smile matching hers and Greg. Before I knew it though Jackie had her arms thrown around me. My body went rigid, my arms held out and away from her. I looked at Greg but he was just smiling. I wasn't sure what to do.
"That is the best thing I've heard in awhile. When did you find out?" She asked pulling away from me.
I said a silent 'thank you' in my head that I didn't have to figure out if I should hug her back or not. It was over before I'd even finished panicking about it.
"An hour or so ago." I answered.
"I have to call Maci. I can't believe she hasn't texted me yet."
I looked over at Greg, he was still smiling. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. It was almost like we were hanging out like we used to. Other than the fact I was on edge trying to not screw up.
"Jackie?" Greg said, snapping Jackie's attention away from her phone. "I'll call you tonight."
"You will?" She had a look of disbelief on her face and I'm sure I did too.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah."
We didn't say anything else. Greg started walking, so I walked to. I parted ways with Greg shortly after, collecting my books and coat from my locker. I stepped out into the cold air, hugging my coat to my body a little tighter. It had started snowing since my dad dropped me off. A thin layer of fresh powder covered the muddy snow that still lingered from the previous snowfall, it was like a blank sheet, a new beginning. And I felt like it was spreading to every aspect of my life.
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MACI POV
"Maci!" My mom called from the kitchen. "Jared's here."
I had woken up from a nap not too long before. After Levi had texted me I dozed off in front of the TV. I don't know if the excitement wore me out or the weight lifting from my shoulder relaxed me so much but I was out within seconds. I slowly pushed myself up, making my way into the kitchen. I couldn't wait to see Jared. I took a seat on a bar stool, my mom stood from her spot next to me to get the door. I glanced at her laptop screen, the desktop stared back at me.
"Hello Jared." My mom said, opening the door.
"Hi Mrs. Cole, how are you?" He gave my mom a hug.
"I'm just fine, you?"
I watched as Jared took his shoes off and stripped out of his coat that was peppered with snow. He hung it up on the coat rack, brushing his hand through his hair.
"I'm good." He answered, his eyes on me and a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Wondering why I had to rush over here after school?"
"Well I'll leave you two alone."
My mom grabbed her laptop and disappeared from the kitchen. I motioned for Jared to come to me, standing from the bar stool. I was so excited I could barely keep the smile off my face or suppress the bubble of happiness that wanted to spring from my chest.
"So what is this big old secret you're keeping?" He asked, cupping my face in his hands. I couldn't help but notice they were warm despite the fact he had just come inside. "I know it's not that you love me because you already told me that."
I smiled, placing my hands over his. He had a smirk on his face, his hair messy and his blue eyes soft. I pushed up onto my toes, closing the distance between us until our lips met. The warmth radiating from him sent goosebumps rushing across me. His lips were soft and warm against mine. I stayed there maybe a moment longer than necessary, my lips pressed against his. When I finally pulled back, his eyes met mine.
"Not that I don't enjoy that but the suspense is driving me crazy." He said.
I let out a little laugh. "So..."
I paused, dragging it or a little longer.
"So..." He repeated.
He took my hands in his, lacing our fingers together.
"Levi's a match!" I blurted, the biggest grin spread across my face.
His jaw dropped open as he engulfed me in a hug. I was pressed against his chest, my arms folded into my own. He lifted my feet off the ground and I let out a laugh.
"That's amazing!" He shouted, setting me back on my feet.
He didn't release me though, instead he rested his chin on top of my beanie and squeezed me.
"I know. I'm excited. So now hopefully it just works."
I pressed my face into his chest. I wanted to stay like that all day, if only my lungs would let me.
"I need to sit." I said.
"Oh yeah, sorry." Jared released me and I plunked down onto the barstool. "When do you go in for it then?"
I shrugged, it was going to happen fast from the sounds of it. "The doctor basically said as soon as possible."
"That's good though, yeah?" Jared stood between my legs as close to the barstool as he could. Our fingers were laced together. "I mean the sooner they start, the sooner you get better."
"That is the hope. I'll probably be in the hospital for Christmas though."
My smile fell from my face. The thought of not being home for Christmas killed me. But I didn't really have a choice. I had to the transplant and if the doctors told me today we started, then today I would start.
"Am I allowed to come visit?" I nodded my head. "Good."
I smiled up at him pulling my hands from his so I could wrap my arms around him. I pressed the side of my face against his abs. I couldn't say I wasn't apprehensive about the whole thing. There was a lot of risks. Risks I preferred not to know but the doctors told me anyway. I didn't want to be away from my family, stuck in the hospital. But I also knew I had to fight. Not just for myself but for my parents, Levi, my friends, and Jared.
I kept myself pressed against Jared, relaxing into his warmth. I knew I should have asked if he wanted to go sit down but he wasn't complaining. So I didn't ask.
"My biological mom is coming into town soon." I said after a minute.
"Oh yeah?" He ran his hands up and down my back. "Are you excited?"
"I'm not sure. I've always wanted to meet her but now that it's going to happen I sort of wish I wasn't. Is that awful?" I closed my eyes, focusing on Jared's voice as it reverberated through his body.
"Nah, I would think it's pretty normal given the situation." He said, leaning down a little to kiss the top of my head. "I mean I still get the jitters when I go meet Santa Claus and this will be the 18th time I've met the man."
I laughed, pulling away so I could look at him. "You're such a dork."
He smiled, "I love your smile."
And then he kissed me. Again.