Always One More.... [Finished]

Day 24

"Karyl!"

Karyl turned her head to look over her shoulder. The moment she spotted Louis, she smiled. "Hey, Louis. How are you?"

He jogged over and stopped at her side. "I'm okay. Just got back from the hospital. What are you doing?" He looked down to the notebook in front of her.

"Diary. I like to keep track of the memories I've made here. The people I've met and friends I've found. I hope I..." She stopped before she finished. Looking Louis up would open a can of worms she had no intention of dealing with. "I keep track of stuff. You know..." She stared at the words written in her journal.

"Okay, well, put your stuff away and let's go!"

"What's going on?"  She gasped, standing quickly. Her chair fell back. "Are Aeron and Terry okay?"

Louis chuckled as he righted her chair for her. "They're fine. More than fine, actually. Terry finally woke up and she's holding her baby. Aeron is cleaning up at the dorm and will meet us there. After Aeron meets his new kid, we'll get to be the first to meet the baby outside the family." He held her bag open. "Come on!"

She quickly packed her things, smiling uncontrollably. Like Louis, excitement pounded through her veins as they raced to his black car.

She laughed when she noticed his speedometer read way over the speed limit. "Louis! I get you're excited, but... Slow down or you'll get us both arrested!"

He gave her a pained look that melted into a grin, and slowed. "Kill-joy," he joked.

She stuck her tongue out at him. Shifting in her seat, she let her arm lay across the arm rest between her seat and his. Her hand dangled over the cup holders.

Looking down at the feel of Louis's hand, tears choked her as he entwined his fingers with hers and gently squeezed.

She returned the motion and focused out the window.

"Mrs. Derikson, Mrs. Lloyale. This is Louis's friend, Karyl. Remember, I told you about her. She's from Brazil." Aeron introduced her to his and Terry's mother. "She's the one who was sitting by Terry when the contractions started at Homecoming."

The women smiled and greeted her as family. Mrs. Lloyale hugged her close. "You're a wonderful girl, Karyl. Aeron's told us quite a bit about you, sweetie. And Terry, too, before she hit labor."

Karyl smiled. "Thank you. Aeron and Terry are amazing friends and I feel lucky to know them."

As the three spoke, Louis stood back. Aeron joined him.

He clapped his best mate on the back. "How you holding up?"

Aeron took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm nervous. Not real sure I'm ready to be a dad yet. Scary for sure." He smiled. "But I'm excited, too. I love Terry, and the idea of raising a child with her, being a family... I can't wait."

"Well, you'll make a great father. Promise."

"Thanks, Lou." Aeron pulled him into a brotherly hug. When they separated, a faint blush crept up his neck and into his face. "Um, I kind of forgot to mention, Lou..."

"Yeah?"

"Well, me and Terry have been talking. Don't get me wrong, we love our parents. And they absolutely will have a hand in raising the baby. But..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Um, we were wondering if you wouldn't mind being the godfather of the baby?"

Louis gaped at him. "Are you serious? I'd love to!" He grinned.

Aeron's shoulders relaxed. "Awesome. 'Cause, um, last I heard, Terry already put you down as the godfather. So, yeah..."