Stay Gold {O2L}

6 Days

Kian Lawley

"I don't know why but my hands are shaking" I watched in pure awe as Katie strummed the strings of her guitar and sang to her camera. She was covering Bea Miller's Force of Nature and it was captivating. The way she sang, she lost herself in the music. It was as if I wasn't in her door frame, and the camera wasn't taping her every move. It was exactly like that day I caught her singing Ariana Grande on the piano. The fame hadn't changed her, and that was one of the things I liked the most about her. She was unwilling to change to fit an image, and I loved her all the more for that.

"You're a force of nature, look at what you've done, I can taste the danger but I don't want to run, so pull me to the ground and I won't put up a fight, I'm a caution taker, but baby you're a force of nature" I couldn't help but think about the rocky beginnings of our relationship. She changed her ways for me. She threw her caution to the wind and fought for me because she could feel the connection before I even could see it. It almost costed her her reputation. For me. She did it all for me. And I couldn't help but think that she was covering this song because it had something to do with us. I was toxic and possibly life-ruining, but she still stayed right by my side. I couldn't help but think how incredibly lucky I was.

"Baby you're a force of nature'' She finished up the song and smiled at the camera, coming back to reality, "Thanks for listening guys, like and subscribe! And don't forget to come visit me in San Francisco next week, stay groovy!" She turned off the camera and began putting away her guitar.

"That could've been the best cover yet, babe" I said to her and she looked up and smiled.

"Really? I absolutely love that song and Bea and I don't want to put it up if it's anything less than my best" She said to me and I just nodded, walking over to her to kiss her forehead.

"Ki, I can't believe this summer is almost over" She sighed heavily and looked up at me, "I just, I don't know what I'm going to do with you on tour and Candace going back to Oklahoma. It feels like I finally got you all just to lose you"

"Hey, you still have Melinda right there beside you as always"

"Yeah I don't know what I would do without her"

"And we're in the 21st century, this handsome face is only a Skype call away" I said and she laughed shortly. I knew she was worried about something, I just couldn't seem to put a finger on what.

"But what if you find someone better?" She said barely above a whisper, lifting her gaze to look at me with worried eyes, "you'll be going to a lot of beautiful places to meet even more beautiful girls and I'm jusy, I'm not sure I can compete"

"Katie, I have the most beautiful girl in the world right in front of me" I said.

"You're such a cheese ball"

"That's all because of you. You make me do things and say things that I've never done before. You've changed me, made me better. And all those other girls, they're just that. Girls. You're something else, and I could never find anyone that could even compare" She smiled and kissed me, soft and sweet.

"You're the best, Ki. Can we go see what Candace is up to? I know she was hanging out with Trevor and Amber in your apartment, and I wanna squeeze in as much time with her as possible" She said and I nodded. I totally understood where she was coming from. Candace and her had to go back to high school any day now, and who knew when the next time they would see each other would be. All I know is that they are two of the closest friends I've ever met, and it's going to kill her when she leaves.

We opened the door to find no one in the living room. I walked down the hall and instantly my eyes got wide. Candace and JC. Making out.

"When did this happen?" Katie screamed as she came up behind me, saying exactly what I was thinking

"Oh, hey guys" Candace tried to sound casual, as if she wasn't just kissing my best friend. Just a few days after breaking up with my other best friend. Girl likes to keep it in the family.

"This happened a few days ago" JC said, sounding anxious.

"Does Connor know?" I asked, wondering what he would do.

"He kinda saw us kissing on the elevator the other day and ignored it, so yeah I guess he knows something going on" Candace said, shame evident in her voice. She knew what she was doing was wrong, but it wasn't like she cheated or anything. Maybe Connor wasn't right for her at all. Or for any girl, to be honest.

"So what exactly is going on? Are you two dating, or what?" Katie got straight to the point. I think she was just happy that Connor didn't leave Candace permanently damaged.

"Well, I was going to ask Candace this question later, but I guess there is no time like the present" JC took a deep breath and turned to Candace. I looked at Katie, who was bubbling with excitement. She knew what was going to happen in that moment when he said, "I know it's going to be hard long distance. And I know you just got out of a serious relationship with a boy that wasn't right for you. But I promise that if we date, what we have will be right. What do you say, want to be my ride or die bitch?" Candace bent over laughing at the serious tone of JC'S voice when he finished his speech.

"I would love to" She sobered up and smiled at JC. Katie stood next to me and clapped her hands excitedly. I just wrapped my arm around her shoulders, all four of us embracing the moment that life had given us.

Katie when and sat down right in between the two of them and the four of us talked for hours about anything and everything. We were enjoying each other's company as much as possible. But secretly, I was hoping, praying that things would stay like this.