The Nerd's Best Friend

•THIRTY SIX•

Word Count: 2856

***

Having Marcus's arms around me was something I loved waking up to. That and his beautiful sleeping face. I rolled over and lightly brushed my fingers along his features. His bustled, opening one eye.

"Morning." He grumbled and I chuckled, pecking his nose.

"Morning sleepy." I smiled, as he pulled me closer to him. I could hear his beating heart and his warmth encased me. "I'm going to miss this." I whispered and he nodded.

"Me too. But we'll be okay. We always are." He assured me, squeezing me slightly.

We laid in bed for a while before we both got up. His flight left at 11 and mine left at 1:30 so we had to leave at 9 and it was now 8.

"Good morning kids." Claire grinned, handing us each some pancakes.

"I swear you're trying to make me fat for college." I laughed and she shook her head. Marcus barely touched his while I practically inhaled mine.

"Baby. You need to eat." I encouraged. He shook his head, pushing it away. "Please." I whispered and he looked at me.

"I'm not hungry." He muttered before getting up and leaving.

"I'll deal with him." I sighed following him. I entered my room to find him against my bed looking out the window. I sat beside him, taking his hand and intertwined our fingers.

"You good?" I asked and he shook his head.

"I'm scared. Lynnie, I'm petrified. First it's college. Then add leaving my girlfriend behind. I'm just so scared for the next four years. I know we'll work but I can't help it." He explained, and a single tear rolled down his cheek.

"I am too. But we'll be in college and we'll meet new people and have an amazing time. It'll be okay baby. I promise." I whispered, climbing into his lap and cupping his face. He nodded, pulling me towards him and smashing our lips together.

  Just like the first time, fireworks and butterflies erupted in my stomach. He held me tightly and I held onto him. We were each others lifelines and leaving would be the hardest thing I'd ever do, but it had to be done. We're both following our dreams and it happens to take us in different directions. I love this boy with all my heart and i couldn't be happier than knowing he's going to be happy. Whatever he does, as long as it makes him happy, I'll be there for him.

  He pulled away and I just laid in his chest.

  "I love you Raelynn. Unconditionally." He said, kissing my head. I smiled, looking up into his bright blue eyes.

  "I love you too. More than you could ever know." I said, leaving into him again.

"Okay. Ready?" My mom sadly smiled at me from the doorway. I glanced back at my mirror one more time before nodding. I was wearing a white crop top with some grey athletic shorts and was had an art sweatshirt in my bag. I was also wearing my burkenstocks with my hair in a messy bun and no makeup.

I walked down the stairs where all my luggage was. I was taking my clothes and other small items while the moving truck drove up there yesterday. Claire was coming with me and mom would come up tomorrow after she finishes up at the shop.

"Ohmigod! I can't believe my little sister is going off to college!" Claire bellowed wrapping her arms tightly around me. "Marcus should be back soon with his stuff and family." Gavin said from the kitchen.

"McKnights!" We heard Baley's voice as my mom went running towards her.

"DeYoungs!" My mom exclaimed as they all came in. Elliot was there with Marcy and Baley and Nick were here. "Okay. Let's load up." My mom grinned heading out to the car. I went to Marcus as he wrapped an arm around me.