Until We Fall (A Before You Exit Fanfic)

CHAPTER 20

                 

The day that I've been waiting has finally arrived. In a few hours, I'll be boarding a plane back to my hometown. I know I will be missing LA and the busy environment it has but I can't wait to go back to the serenity that Phoenix always brings to me.

I've packed up everything - from my clothes, my medical things and even the guitar that Connor has given me. I'm planning to bring everything I have back in Phoenix and start my entire medical professional life back there.

Dad has given me a full time work schedule at the Arizona State Hospital and although Dr. Richardson has given me a better offer while working at UCLA, I can't turn down my dad's offer. Clearly, I will always choose the one closest to my home.

I still agreed to Dr. Richardson's offer in helping in medical missions in different developing countries but while it still doesn't have a definite schedule, I'll be working at the Arizona State Hospital as a medical practitioner.

With regards to the boys? Well, I haven't had any updates about them. We haven't been reaching out for the past couple of weeks but from what I have been seeing from their social media accounts, they are still in Phoenix. It's amazing how they have grown fond of our little town and how much they love staying there. But of course, it's because of her. It's now because of her. My best friend.

**

I took a deep breath once I've set foot in Arizona. The warm breeze has been so uplifting and I can't contain the happiness I've felt once I left the plane. As I go through the process at the airport, I can't help but smile as I feel very excited and anxious about going home. Anxious, because I am afraid that I'll bump into the boys and not know how to react - much so, on what to say once I see them.

I went out of the gates and immediately head to the lane for an airport cab but something caught my eye as I was strolling down the pavement.

"Welcome back to AZ, Alex!!" written in black paint, being held by a hooded figure.

At first I thought that maybe it wasn't me because I am not expecting anyone to fetch me. But when I saw another boy in a snapback and dark sunglasses waving at me, I know I am not mistaken.

My jaw dropped as I stare at them. After a few seconds, I immediately ran towards them and gave them a big hug, throwing my luggage on the floor in the process.

"RILEY!! TOBY!!" I practically shouted.

They both returned my hug tightly as I can hear them giggling. "Hey, Alex!!" they both said in unison.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked as I pull away.

Toby immediately grabbed my duffel bag while Riley took a hold of my suitcase. "We asked Chris when will you arrive and we figured, why not fetch our beloved best friend??!" Riley said, smiling.

"Yeah, we don't have anything to do today so why not pick you up?!" Toby backed him up.

I blushed and smiled wide at them, realizing they still had their hoodies up. "Why are you looking like that, anyway?" I said, pointing at how they try to hide their face. "Afraid of screaming teenage girls?" I asked, giggling.

Riley put down his hoodie but still kept his sunglasses on. "No." He said, rolling his eyes. "Just can't take the heat!" He added, giggling back.

I shook my head. "Let's go!" Toby said, as he and Riley motioned me to their car.

I sat in the middle while Riley is driving and Toby is in the passenger's seat. "So... is this one of the reasons why you haven't been talking to me?" I asked, sticking my head out between the two of them.

"Kind of..." Riley said, looking at me through the rare view mirror. "We wanted you to feel like we don't want to talk to you anymore then surprise you all of a sudden." He said, winking.

"Geee, thanks huh." I said, rolling my eyes. "But I appreciate it so much, guys. Thank you." I added, patting both of them on the shoulder.

"No worries, Alex! We wanted to see you as soon as you came home!" Toby said, excitingly. And this is why I missed him so much. I miss being around his very optimistic attitude.

I smiled. "Where are you guys staying at, by the way?"

They both looked at each other before speaking up. "Bianca's..." Riley said, almost whispering.

I nodded and we were all silent for a while. "Hey! Starbucks! Let's get coffee?" Toby asked, smiling as he look at Riley and I.

"Sure!" I replied and Riley did the same. He parked in front of Starbucks while Toby and I ordered.

I paused for a while before walking towards the establishment. "You don't think they are in there, right?" I asked, worried I might see them.

Toby looked back at me. "Don't worry, Alex. I heard they are going to the beach today."

I nodded and caught up to him. "They didn't invite you guys?" I asked as Toby opened the door for me. We walked towards the counter and ordered our drinks instantly.

"They did but we said we had plans." Toby replied as soon as we sat on one of the sofa's at the side of the coffee shop, waiting for our drinks. "We have grown apart, Alex." Toby added, mumbling.

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He sighed. "Ever since they became - you know - together? Connor hasn't been the same. And the way he treat us isn't the same as well anymore. Remember when we used to go out together when you were with us?" He asked and I replied with a nod. "Well, right now, every time they go out, they hardly ask us anymore if we want to join them. And although we really don't want to join them, we felt as though we are being left out already. He doesn't even bother asking sometimes. He forgot the main reason why we went here - to have fun. All of us, together." I felt sad as I hear Toby's story mainly because I can also feel the sadness in his voice. He definitely miss his brother and how he used to be.

"And how does Riley take it?" I asked, wondering.

He looked at me with a gloom in his eyes. "Well, same as me, I guess." He replied. "That's why we were so stoked to hear you coming back here. We were supposed to go back to Florida a week ago but Connor wants to stay until next week. And we can't go home without him so we  had to stay. And when Chris told us you're coming back, that was probably the best news we had since we went here."

"Drinks at the bar for Toby!" Our conversation ended as the barista called Toby's name. When we stood up I briefly gave Toby a side hug, making him feel that I also know what he's feeling. I feel so bad for them and I can't believe Connor would leave them out ever so often.

We went out and drove back to my house without sharing another conversation about him. But as we drove out pass Bianca's house, I can't seem to wonder how Connor has been doing. And I can't fathom as well how much he has changed. Now I am more afraid of seeing him again.