Emery was released from the hospital two days later. She went back to school that Friday and listened to the rumors flying about how she and Austin were supposedly engaged. She didn’t refute or agree to the accusation. One girl had asked her where her ring was and instead of calling Austin out on what he’d said, Emery just said that she preferred not to wear it during school in case it would get lost.Austin grabbed enough food on his tray so Emery would eat a half-decent lunch. It was always customary for him to let her get what she wanted, but now that he thought about it she hardly ever got anything. This was all going to change today whether she liked it or not. Since the weather was getting a little bit nicer, he took their stuff outside so they could enjoy the fresh air. Brandon joined him and two minutes later Laney and Emery came out to sit down.“Here.” Austin gave Emery her baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, biscuit, and l

Emery woke in the bed under a thick blanket with Austin lying close beside her. The blinds and curtains that covered the windows were still pulled tightly shut, but she could see that the sun was out and shining brightly. The clock on the nightstand read it was almost nine o’clock. A full stretch of the legs and arms felt good. Emery was able to roll quietly off of the bed without disturbing Austin’s sleep. He looked so comfortable and relaxed just laying there.The sliding glass door that went out to the small balcony opened without a sound as Emery went out to get another glimpse of the beach and water down below. There were people walking along the shoreline, but no one had ventured into the waters just yet. The seagulls were flocking overhead, looking for some bit of morsel that may have fallen from someone’s breakfast. Emery took in a deep breath and just enjoyed the serenity that this place brought.“It’s nice and quiet, isn’t

The bed squeaked as they both collapsed onto it. Austin regained his breath, then rolled off of Emery’s back. She was flattened out, with her arms spread wide and her face buried into the mattress. “Are you okay?” He hoped he hadn’t hurt her. How would he explain that to her parents?Emery gathered enough strength to roll herself over. Austin was laying there in all his naked wonderment, looking at her as if he was sorry for what had happened. “That was awesome.” She slowly crawled up and lay down beside him. Austin pulled the blanket that had fallen to the floor over the both of them. He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her as close as he could.“I love you.” Austin kissed the girl who had stolen his heart on the cheek. She made him feel things that no one else had ever done before. Emery had become his life and he couldn’t imagine a day going by that she wasn’t part of it.Instead of repeating the s

 “I can’t believe we graduate next week.” Emery tossed her backpack on the floor and sat down in the chair next to Austin.The library was buzzing with seniors as they all tried to get in some last-minute studying before the last exams the next day. Prom had been the week before and the excitement from that had finally dwindled down. Austin had been nominated Prom King and Apryl had been elected as his Queen. Of course, they had to do their couple’s dance together, but Austin made it comical as he held her at a twelve-inch distance away from him at all times. When the song had finally ended he dropped her like a hot potato and went back to Emery’s side.The couple along with Laney and Brandon went to an after-prom party together, but neither couple stayed out until the wee hours. They’d broken the news to their two friends about leaving in June. They seemed genuinely upset, but then announced they were also going to coll

“Do you have everything?” Emery’s mom was helping her carry down some of the stuff that she needed to take to the dormitory. The past three weeks since graduation had passed in a blur. Mrs. Warden was trying hard to control her emotions, but this was the first time her daughter would be away from home for a prolonged time.Emery looked around her room and the suitcases she’d packed. “Yep, I think so.” The main things she would need in her dorm room were already there. The bed, dresser, and desk had all been provided. She just had to bring her own things to put on or in them. Emery noted that her mom had tears in her eyes and was trying hard not to cry. “I’ll miss you too.” She pulled her mom into a hug as they both wept about her leaving.“I guess we better get going.” Mrs. Warden finally let go of Emery after they had their big cry fest. Both their eyes, nose, and cheeks were now red. She grabbed a tiss