𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊 . . . 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝

𝟑𝟓. 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

35. you'll always be my first love

season three, episode thirteen: let the dead bury the dead

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"Alright, everybody! Everybody, come on!"

Justin projected his voice throughout the area of Monet's as he clinked a spoon on a coffee mug to gather attention, where everyone had gathered on Thanksgiving Day to support Tyler Down as they displayed a brand new art exhibit at Monet's, of all of the photos he had taken over the years of the group.

When Justin had first brought the idea up, Nessa was ecstatic, and Tyler was beside himself. He couldn't believe how supported he finally felt by so many people.

Everyone in their group of friends, and their extended acquaintances, gathered around Justin as he stood in front of a huge wall covered in white sheeting.

"Hey, uh," Justin began as everyone stood around him. "I caught Tyler taking my picture a few months ago while I was working. And I wanted to go all...Alec Baldwin on him."

The group laughed, and Justin did too before he continued. "Until I saw the picture. I told him he should do an exhibit here at Monet's. And he finally agreed. Because once Nessa got wind of it, she wouldn't let him be humble anymore."

"You're welcome, everyone." she announced loudly as she smiled, and the crowd laughed again.

"So, here's Tyler." Justin said as he waved him in front of the crowd, and the group cheered and clapped for him as he walked up in front of them, dressed sharply in a blue button down shirt, complete with a matching bowtie.

"Yeah, Ty!" Nessa encouraged him as he stood in front of them, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Uh..." Tyler said nervously, and Nessa sent him an encouraging nod. "Hi, um...So, there's a picture of everyone that's helped me this year. And I wanted to say thank you."

Nessa watched as she beamed with pride and happiness for Tyler. He had come so far in such a short time span, and she was ecstatic that she was able to help him grow and see his progress, just as he had done with her.

"Having friends is an amazing thing." Tyler continued as he let his voice quiver vulnerably. He stepped away, and Justin pointed over to the wall, and Robby Corman, Tyler's new friend and ally, pulled down the sheet, revealing a wall covered in black and white photos.

Everyone gasped, taken aback by the amount of talent and love that was in front of them at the moment. The applause began almost immediately as everyone shared their scattered opinions and appreciation of the mural. It was beautiful. Everyone was included, and everyone was looking at their best.

"Look!" Nessa cried as she pulled at Scott's sleeve. "You look so good!"

Scott smiled as he gazed through the photos, seeing quite a few of his girlfriend. "So do you, my love."

Nessa looked over at the group, scanning through everyone when she saw Alex standing alone, his eyes focused on a singular photo. It was a picture of the two of them, sitting together at the lunch table a couple of weeks after they had both returned to school following the events of junior year. They were both laughing, no doubt at something that either of them had said, and they had their hands on the table in front of them, entangled in each other's.