Starting Over (ITILMBBF Sequel)

Epilogue

A/N: (For those asking, I'm on the road to recovery and doing MUCH better)

Adam got out of the hospital about a week later and per our parents decree, he was to move back to California under their watchful guide and the eyes of a new rehab clinc he'd be checking into. Life at Miami State was going to be weird without Adam, but I tried to put his well-being before my own desires. My brother needed more support than what Chace and I could give him here. He was better off with our parents and a world-renowned rehab.

Chace and I spent the week between Adam waking up and returning home, going at it like rabbits and diligently packing my brother's belongings. It may not sound erotic, but with our freshly reunited love pretty much anything got us going. Aaron, bless his heart, made himself scarce.

Which brought us to the day Adam came home. He was walking fine and slowly returning to his old Barker-hotheaded self, but he still look thinner. He'd lost a significant amount of weight after the heart attack. According to the brochures of his new rehab program, part of the focus would be getting him back in shape (not that he'd ever be a division one athlete headed for the NFL again).

So my parents, Chace, Aaron, Jackie, and I moved all his boxes. We refused to let my brother lift a finger, much to his chagrin. Although he was still too tired to properly chew us out for the perceived slight anyway. When we had packed everything away, our parents gracefully slipped in the car, giving the five of us a moment to say goodbye.

"The end of an era, man," Chace patted Adam on the back and I watched my brother wince under the strength of my boyfriend. "The first time we won't be in school together since pre-K."

"Jeez, Chace," Jackie scoffed, "make the guy feel bad for going to rehab, why don't ya?"

"Oh, shut up," Adam teased, "I don't feel bad about shit."

He clapped Chace on the back a few times before pulling him into a one armed bro hug. The two embraced each other, while tapping each other's backs with open palms, before finally letting go.

"I'll miss you too, bro," Adam smiled at his best friend.

Making his way down the line, our friends stood off to the side after he was done with his goodbye until it was just me left, staring face to face with my big brother.

"Be good, Skye," he tells me sternly, his voice still raspy from the feed tubing.

I roll my eyes playfully, "I'm pretty sure you're the one that needs that reminder."

"Watch it smart ass," when I giggle, he heaves a sigh and pins me with a stern look, "Seriously, stay away from the frat house."

"I don't think that will be a problem."

Chace had renounced his membership to Sigma Gamma Kappa after Adam got sick on their watch. He didn't want to be part of anything that was so openly prompting coke to its members. He just couldn't stomach it after what happened with his best friend. Besides Chace maintains that he's got enough on his plate, including football, without adding frat dues, charity work, and general shenanigans to the picture. And, perhaps my favorite reason he mentioned, he's already got me. What does he need to go to a party for?

"But even if it is, I've got them to watch out for me." I nod back to our friends and give a glance in their direction.

"You sure do. I'm proud of you Skye."

He brings me into a hug, covering my body with his taller frame. Despite his sickness and recent weight loss, I feel as safe in his arms as I always have. I realize with a pang, that I'm really going to miss my brother.

When he pulls back, he keeps his hands rubbing my shoulders and gives me a stern look. "You're really coming into your own."

My heart swells at the acknowledgement, so all I can give him is a tiny nod and squeak out, "Stay safe and sober."

"I will."

We embrace once more before my brother's back is to me and he's walking into the moving van. This isn't the end, obviously. I'll see him at Christmas and campus breaks. But it feels different.

I feel the gang's presence behind me even before Chace's arms wind around my midsection and his head leans on my shoulder. He gives my neck a quick peck and then leaves his chin resting on me.

"It'll be fine, Skye," he murmurs into my ear.

"I know, I've got you."

A/N: And that's the end my dearies. Thank you for being so dedicated to these characters and me as there author. Truly blessed to have you all reading my work and providing your feedback. You've made me a better writer every step of the way. Love you all xoxo katiebarakarth