Time after time

I can't help falling in love with you

Lee POV

I didn't think this would happen when I decided on a whim to leave Berkeley and fly to Boston to meet up with my bestie and brother. Both gave me a different opinion on my situation. Noah suggested I focus on my studies while Elle encouraged me to get things back on track with Rachel... something I put off for 2 and a half years. Shelly told me that in some ways I was mad at Rachel for abandoning me! But, am I ready to forgive her?

When I saw Rachel show up at Noah's football game, I was mad at Shelly for setting this trap for me. But she was right...maybe this was my last chance! And I told myself that I was going to grab it...

Rachel and I reconnected during Noah's game and during the party that followed. I felt like I was in my little bubble with her like before... in the good old days! We spent the evening dancing together. Was I a victim of the night... or I couldn't help but fall in love with her... again?

By the end of Thanksgiving weekend, Rachel and I had come to the conclusion that we had really missed each other all these months. And we both want to rekindle our relationship. But we want to take it slowly...

We left things as is during the exam period. I realized Elle was right. Having things sorted out with Rachel and knowing that there is a possible future for her and I has taken a huge burden off my shoulders. I returned to Berkeley motivated and I have never had such good academic results...

Rachel and I decided to spend the holiday season together. This year, because of Mike's wedding in Chicago, mom decided to celebrate Christmas with family in Chicago to support Elle. Rachel will also be coming to Chicago with Noah and Elle and then we will return to the East Coast together to spend New Year's Day with her family. So this year it will be a snowy holiday season for me!

We joined the whole family at Chicago O'Hare Airport on December 21st. This gave us little time between the end of the exams and our departure, but since Mike's wedding was scheduled for December 27, my mother wanted to have some time to celebrate Christmas with family. My parents arrived first from LA. They were waiting for me at my boarding gate.
-Hi my baby!" my mom said to me, taking me in her arms.

Yes, I'm a big man of 20 years old but it always feels good to be held in my mother's arms... but don't tell her! Then my father came closer, held out his hand and slapped me on the back.
-You seem to be doing well, my son!" he said to me and I could see the relief in his eyes.

I found it difficult that my father forced me to consult when I had my depressive symptoms but I must admit... he was right.
-Yes Dad! I think I managed to get my life back on track.
-That's really good to hear, Lee!" he said to me while my mother nodded in approval.

I am truly lucky to have parents who are sincerely concerned about my life even though I no longer live with them! We headed to the boarding gate for our travelers from Boston. Shelly was the first to get off the plane. I could see it in her face that she wasn't doing as well as she was trying to make it appear. Elle has always wanted to give the best of herself, so exam periods are very stressful for her. And adding to that, his father's upcoming wedding...

She and I talked about what she was going through in relation to this marriage. She feels like her childhood is gone with the sale of her father's house and his move to Chicago. But also, it's a reminder that her mother is really gone... his father is starting a new life with another woman. Elle and Linda are not great friends. Probably partly linked to the moment they met in the whirlwind of changes in Shelly's life like her departure to college but also her relationship and then her marriage to Noah.

I hugged my bestie as soon as she came out:
-How are you doing?" I asked her.
-I am not in great shape! But I'm glad you're here!" she said to me with sad eyes.
-It's only natural, bestie!" I replied, holding out my little finger to which she curled hers like when we were little.