It had become such a shock to everyone that Avery was Christopher's donor, especially since he barely knew them. Arielle was so grateful to him for doing something to help her brother, but just as surprised. She hadn't expected him to come to the rescue. He insisted that after meeting Christopher, he knew it was the right thing to do, saying that Christopher was an inspiration to him after having he had been through.
Ashley had been speechless, and when she was finally able to get the words out, she thanks him for saving her son and that if he ever needed anything, to let her know. He politely declined, saying it was enough to see Christopher alive and living his life to the fullest.
Just as the doctor said, a couple of days later, the procedure took place. Avery did his part, and a week later, Taylor, Natalie, and Ashley sat at the hospital waiting to hear that it went well, and that Christopher would be fine. They knew better though. Of course he would have to continue to fight the battle of cancer, but they had faith that he would be okay.
Avery had taken Arielle out of ice cream, hoping that it was a good distraction. They went to Cherry Berry, and she got her favorite treat, cake batter yogurt with sprinkles. He had gotten a french vanilla yogurt with caramel sauce and peanuts. They found a spot to sit down, both very quiet at first. Neither one really knew what to say, as it was a difficult subject to talk about.
After a few minutes of silence, Avery finally spoke up. " Have you figured out what you want to study in college?" He asked, wanting to keep the conversation as cheerful as possible.
" Not really." She sighed. " It's just so hard to pick when there is so much out there to do. I have like... three different idea's of what I want."
" I know what you mean." He took a bite of his yogurt. " It's taken me some time to figure it out myself. Up until last year, I wasn't so sure myself."
" What did you decide on?" Arielle asked, swallowing one bit and taking another.
" I would like to be a songwriter, but it doesn't work out for some reason, I would settle for being a music teacher. So I am going to go for my teaching degree."
Arielle smiled. One of the things she had considered was studying music and theatre in college. It was just another thing they had in common, a love of music. " Well, I think you could be amazing at either one. Especially since you seem so passionate about it."
" Thank you." He smiled back, taking her free hand in his. " And just focus on what you love, whatever it is. You will figure it out."
Looking into his eyes, she felt a connection with him that she had never felt with anyone else. At that moment, she knew that he was the one for her. She just hoped that he felt the same way about her.
It was as if he had read her mind. He looked deeply into her eyes for a few minutes, then leaned in towards her, his lips gently grazing her's. They kissed, both of them unaware of how much time had passed until an employee asked them to stop. Both of them looking at her awkwardly, they then went on to finish eating their yogurt, looking at each other in the eyes every few minutes.
____________________________________________________
Zac was in the studio getting a few things done, and had just gotten off the phone with someone about a possible artist they were thinking of signing on their label. Upon finishing up the call he was about ready to head out when the doorbell buzzed. Using the intercom, he asked who it was. The second he heard Kate's voice, he was both surprised and happy to hear it. He buzzed her in, and gave her a little hug when she entered. " This is a nice surprise. What's up?"
" I was just sitting around at home and thinking about everything. About Christopher possibly dying, about the kids, and... well, about us." She sighed, leaning against the wall. " Believe it or not, I really do miss you."
" I miss you more than you know, Kate. And I hate that I hurt and disappointed you. What I did with Ashley,.. it was not my proudest moment." He looked at her sadly. " I don't ever expect you to forgive me, but I hope we can figure this out." Running his fingers through his hair, he looked at her seriously. " I love you so much."
" I love you too, Zac. Despite what has happened, I could never stop loving you." She took a step toward him, and stroked his hair out of his face. " And I want us to work this out too. Not just for the kids, but for us."
He smiled, and wrapped his arms around her. " I am so glad to hear that." At this moment in time, he was the happiest he had been in awhile. He wanted so badly to kiss her, but held back. The last thing he wanted to do was rush her.
She seemed to have other things in mind though. She kissed him, and played with his hair as the kiss deepened. When he tried pulling out of the kiss, she understood why he was hesitant. But she knew what she wanted. " I want this, Zac. I want it more than anything."
He was surprised that she wanted him this way again, but he was happy to hear it. With a nod, he began to unbutton her purple long sleeve shirt, then proceeded to kiss her neck. Kissing his way down to her breasts, he let her pull his shirt off. She ran her hands up and down his chest, and then down to his waist to unbutton and unzip his jeans. Kissing her once again on the lips, he gently pushed her against the wall. She allowed him to pull her pants and underwear down as she looked him deeply into his eyes. She felt her excitement grow as he slid two fingers inside of her. She moaned in pleasure as he continued to slide them in and out of her. Within minutes, he had her on his desk, and they were in the middle of making love when they heard his mom's voice. " Zachary Walker Hanson, this is so not the place!" She screeched at him, covering her eyes. " And you should know better too, Kate. Really."
The two of them quickly scrambled around the office to get dressed. Zac felt his face turn bright red from embarrassment. He couldn't believe his mom had walked in on them. " Mom, what are you doing here?"
" I wanted to surprise you with some dinner. I tried calling you, and when I couldn't reach you, I called Isaac. He said you were here getting a few things done." She explained. " I didn't expect to walk in on this, and I shouldn't have. I can't believe the two of you. You are not teenagers, and it is very much inappropriate."
Kate finished getting dressed, and grabbed her purse. " I... I'm just going to..."
" No, you are not." Diana told her. " I have plenty of food for all three of us. Plus, I think we need to continue this discussion." She put the bag of food on Taylor's desk, and began to unpack it.
Zac tried to hide his annoyance, but had no luck. She saw him roll his eyes, and once again called him by his full name. " Mom, I am an adult, and I..."
" Then maybe you should start acting like one. How would you like it if you walked in on one of your kids having sex somewhere in public?" She asked. " Or one of your brother's and their wives?"
" Okay. I get your point, mom." He looked over at Kate, who's face was as bright red as his. He gave her an embarrassed smile, and started grabbing a plate of food.
