Step Brother

*Last Chapter* Separating By Distance, But Not Love

Three Months Later

Morgan's POV

Acceptance letter came back and I picked NCU, North Carolina University. The only people who know I am attending the school in less than a week are my mom, Andrew, and Tommy. Tommy is moving with me and we are going to get a place together, our first home together.

And with only having five days left until I leave, I need to let all my friends know today so we can spend time with each other.

I already invited my friends over, Tommy also, and they arrived within an hour. They all know about my engagement and are extremely happy for me and Tommy. I am so glad I have everybody's support on this big step in my life.

"What's up?" Zach questions me.

"I have to tell you all something," I say and take in a deep breath. "I'm going to North Carolina in five days for college."

Everybody is quiet and I look around the living room as Tommy rubs my back from beside me. Sitting on the floor, all of them look taller because they are on the couch, squished up.

"Since you came out with that, I have to say that I am planning on going to college in Sacramento," admits Benny.

"And I'm going off to the Navy in a few months," says Jack.

"Wait, so are you going to lose your player ways?" I ask him and he scoffs, a smile breaking out.

"'Course not," he replies. "Ladies love a military man." I roll my eyes, but a smile is on my face anyway.

"And all of us will be starting our own careers too," Arianna tells me.

I look all around at my friends, my life, the ones I wouldn't of been able to survive without.

This is all crazy. We're growing up so fast. We'll all have our own families to take care of and have no time for each other. I'm scared we'll all stop being in each others' lives. I glance down at my left ring finger, twisting it as I think about it all. I'm getting married in only four more months, and I know my life has only just begun.

"So it's all happening," I point out. "We're all separating."

"Separating by distance, but not love," comments Lyric, talking for the first time.

"I love you so much, guys," I tell them, smiling. I truly do.

And in the moment of being there, I feel really loved and know I am really ping to miss these people when I leave.

Then I realize Luke is just my step brother, nothing more like both of us wanted.

I'm fine with that.