Battle Scars

chapter 29 - never been better

*1 year later*

After I found out about Brandon's cancer, we spent a lot of time together. We'd go to Our Place almost every day. On his really bad days that he didn't go to school, I stayed home too. Some nights I even had to stay with him or he wouldn't fall asleep.

These days, he doesn't have the energy to walk the 1/2 mile to Our Place. He rarely goes to school and I can't stay home with him all the time. Plus I usually don't see him at all in the morning because his doctor says he needs his rest and that means he sleeps in. So basically, I don't get to see him as much as I would like to, but I'm greatful he's still here.

I just walk through the door Friday after school with everyone except Brandon. Steph stayed home with him today; sometimes Lena does, and usually Mike comes over so Steph and Lena can work. Mike got fired a few months after Brandon was diagnosed because he was so worried, stressed, and started drinking again. So, yeah, Mike is usually the one who stays with Brandon during the day, but obviously his moms take days off to spend with him too.

Lena sets the pile of work Brandon missed on the coffee table in front of him, and he groaned. I bent over and kissed him on the cheek. Everyone in the family knows about us now, and they all agreed to keep quiet about it, especially Steph and Lena. They, better than the rest of us, know how hard it is when people are against you being with the person you love.

Oh, and Liam? He hasn't been a problem for a while. He's been leaving me and the family alone, I haven't heard from him in over a year.

Wyatt. Well, that's complicated... He's tried asking me out a few times, each time of course I regected, but the thing is that I can't tell him why. I keep telling him I'm just not ready for a  boyfriend. Besides, he's my best friend and if we ever started dating? Well that would ruin our friendship. At least that's what I tell him. The truth is, I don't like him like that and well, I'm taken.

And oh my goodness, me and Mariana went from being close to enimies, to being... Sisters. She can always make me smile, and even though we fight all the time, I love her to death. Just like sisters.

Jude and Jesus argue just as much as Mariana and I, and just like us, they're becoming closer and closer. Jesus always helps Jude with homework, school issues, problems at home, anything. They're almost as close as Jude an I are!

Plus, Steph and Lena couldn't be better parents! They have helped me and Jude through some of the toughest parts in our lives. They're both amazing moms. They manage 5 teenagers and a baby!

Yep, a baby. She's two months old, Lena found out she was pregnant a month after we found out about Brandon's cancer. Her name's Elana but everyone calls her Laney. She's white, but a bit tan with big, bright blue eyes. She has a tiny little nose and adorable chubby cheeks. She's probably the cutest baby girl in the world.

Oh and of course there's Katelyn. She died her hair back to the natural dark brown it was before it was purple. She still wears mostly black, but she's ditched the hoodie and bracelets. I taught her - the same way Brandon taught me - that hiding your scars is hiding a piece of who you are. Her brother's currently out of state attending an expensive collage, and even though her dad's still the same way, she's learned to not let him control her life anymore. She's doing great, even on her worst days, she know to come to me before the razor.

I've never seen Jude happier. He really does need this family. Steph and Lena not only understand him, but they accept his differences. One day after school, he came home and asked us if he could go to the movies with Connor. We all gave him a big hug when he came back from the movies holding hands with Connor. I'm so glad that Jude is able to accept who he really is and that he's not affraid to be himself.

Then there's me. This house has changed my life so much I can't even explain it. This is where I met Brandon. This is where I stopped self-harming. This house is where I finally got Jude back. Jude and I are happy in this house, happier than we've ever been since we went into the system. This family really cares and really loves us. I haven't been loved since my mom died, and now, I have two moms, a sister, a big brother to look after me, my blood-related little brother, and an amazing boyfriend. I couldn't ask for more.

We've all been doing so great. Even Brandon, actually. He's been so strong and he never gives up. He promised us he'd beat cancer and I really believe he will. We all have faith in him, which gives him faith in himself.

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The rest of my day was spent sitting in the living room with the family watching movies. I curled up next to Brandon, Jude and Mariana on the other side of the couch. Jesus sitting on the floor and Steph and Lena in chairs while Laney sleeps peacefully in her room. We all fell asleep at about the same time. Falling asleep next to Brandon is the second best things in my life right now... The best thing is knowing that he's still here to fall asleep next to.

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Author's Note:

Not my best I know, but here's the next chapter! I might update again today because I stayed home sick today... And I'll probably update a lot in the next week cause next week is spring break so I don't have to worry about school and homework. Anyway here's chapter 29! Oh yeah, that reminds me... Next chapter will be chapter 30 guys! I wanted to thank you because I wouldn't've made it to the 30th chapter if it wasn't for you guys!! So thanks sooo much for following, voting, reading, and commenting! It means a lot!