Make You Smile

The Cougar wouldn't make it.

Taylor's P.O.V

I'd just arrived home. Anne had picked me up from the airport and was now sitting in my kitchen drinking coffee with my mom and dad. Well...this was going to be an awkward conversation.

"Taylor don't get me wrong we love that you're home but...you should be in school." My dad said with a sigh.

"Dad I told you all my assignments are handed in early and my exams don't start until May."

He gave me a stern look. And my mom was biting her lip. She didn't look much happier about my impetuous return home.

"Honey, do you really think this is a good idea? You've seemed so much happier I just don't want you to get upset."

I squeezed her hand and smiled.

"Mom I am happy. He needs me. And nothing bad...is going to happen. He has a girlfriend. I'm sort of seeing someone too I guess...we're just friends now. And he needs me. I won't get upset. Promise."

"You're seeing someone?" Asked my dad a worried expression crossing his brow.

"It was just one date dad. Relax. But he's nice."

My dad nodded and seemed to accept this. I think he was just happy that I wasn't still pining after Mark.

Anne nodded next to me.

"Mark's really bad. I haven't seen him this bad since middle school. She's a real piece of work." Said Anne with a shake of her head as she put her now empty cup on the counter.

"You ready to go Anne?" I asked.

She nodded and stood up.

"Thanks for the coffee Mr and Mrs Jenning's."

My mom and dad smiled and nodded. Anne they liked. Mark...well ever since we broke up for definite they'd gotten a little weird about him. They didn't blame him as such but they definitely didn't blame me for what happened.

"Bye guys. I'll be back later." I said hugging my mom and dad.

"Be careful." My dad whispered.

I nodded.

"Always am." I said with a smile.

My heart was racing as I sat in Anne's car. I hadn't seen Mark in person in almost a year. Could I even do this?

"Are you nervous?" Asked Anne quietly as she squeezed my hand.

I nodded.

"I haven't seen him in so long. And I've never been just Mark's friend...what if I can't do this?"

Anne smiled at me.

"You can. You're the only person who can help him right now. If you can't then...no one can."

I nodded inhaling deeply.

I could do this. I would have to.

Anne let me in and I glanced around the house I had spent so much of my senior year in. I hadn't been here in years since that first summer after University. Nothing had really changed. I smiled as I saw Mark's beat up vans behind the door. I slipped my shoes off next to his.

Tex came over and gave Anne a hug and to my surprise he embraced me fully too. I smiled.

"Hey. Welcome back Taylor. It's good to see you." He said meaningfully.

I nodded.

"You too. It's good to be back."

He pulled back and smiled at me.