Can I Trust You With My Heart?

Chapter 1

(The end of Freshman year at Pennbrook)

Cory sat in his room as he finished the last of his packing up for the summer. He was amazed that he got through the last of high school, once Topanga had to move away with her parents. He honestly knew that if it wasn't for his friend, Shawn Hunter, who knows how he would have spiraled out of control. And then Shawn dated and grew close to Angela Moore. A new girl to the town and the state. As he got to know her through her dating Shawn, Cory kept up trying to correspond with Topanga. But by his senior year the letters, phone calls, and emails began to dwindle.

He didn't believe she didn't have the time to at least say hello. Until he received a phone call from her saying that she met someone nice and sweet who wanted to take her to prom. And it made her think that they should see other people. Cory protested. He knew that she was it for him. And at least hoped she was the same for him. But all she wanted was his blessing to move on and not put her life on hold. What more could Cory say but yes. Yes, she had his blessing.

Cory sat in his room as prom was fast approaching. He was planning on spending alone in bed when Shawn and Angela came to him with the idea of being his date. They were willing to share their night with him. Before he could protest, the couple both handed him corsages to pin on both sides of the black suit he had in his closet. With a small smile, Cory felt better somewhat thanks to the two good friends he had before him.

The night of the prom, Angela and Cory took a prom picture together, as well as Cory and Shawn. Then Angela and Shawn before all three of them took one together. They made sure that they all had a good time and made a lot of new and special memories for Cory.

The day of graduation was a blur. Lots of excitement, hugs, picture taking, and speeches. Angela and Shawn made sure that he was kept busy then as well. But the real test came once they enrolled in Pennbrook. Lots of new people and new experiences that should have been made with the four of them. Cory knew that Topanga would have loved to become best friends with Angela. Angela was a great girl and he knew that Shawn would have a great love of his life if only he would open up to it.

But before she could let him take a chance, he got scared and broke up with her. Cory watched how Angela pretended to be fine but inside her heart was breaking. He knew that look because it was the same one he had the last two years of high school. Shawn tried to still be friends but he had so much on his plate. His estranged brother Jack, school, work, Cory's problems getting over Topanga, and now Angela.

Cory watched from a distance as Shawn and Angela casually hung out with him, Jack, Eric, and Rachel. Everyone thought everything was fine, but Cory knew otherwise as he watched his two dear friends muddle through life on a day to day basis just like he did.

On the weekends, they all would go hang out at his parents and just recently celebrated the good news that he was about to be a big brother once again. His parents were expecting and he smiled at the fact there was good news for a change. Rachel was RA of the dorm that he and Angela stayed in while, Jack, Eric, and Shawn shared Jack's three-bedroom loft. It was decided before school started that Shawn would move in with them. Basically, he wanted the distance and felt that it would be better if he didn't room in the dorm. Cory couldn't believe his ears that Shawn would rather be far away than close to him. To push away a chance at love also.

He at least had the weekends when they would all pile in at his parents' home and the fact they had some classes together. Mainly, Mr. Feeny's. It was somewhat strained, although there were plenty of laughs and great times. But Cory had the nagging feeling that something major was about to hit. And it did, Chet, Shawn and Jack's dad, came back into town for one of his stops to visit moments and ending up arguing with Shawn. It seems like Shawn wasn't the only one stressed. With the combination of his poor diet, not taking care of himself, and bad habits Chet had a heart attack. Everyone rallied around Jack and Shawn. Especially Shawn. And Cory was happy that he let Angela in. He watched them embrace before he went to talk to Jack and his dad.

Cory noticed that everyone had someone to have them be there for others. Eric and Morgan were huddled up. Mr. Feeny comforted Rachel and Alan and Amy Matthews were snuggled up together as they all waited. Everyone but Angela. Cory walked over and sat next to her as he took her hand and gave it a caring squeeze as they waited for any news.

Sometime later, doctors and nurses went rushing into Chet's room. They pushed Shawn and Jack out the room as they stood near the door waiting. It felt like hours when it was only thirty minutes when the doctor came out and pronounced Chet Hunter was gone. Everyone took the news hard as Jack and Shawn looked numb.

The funeral was taken care of by Jack, Alan, and Mr. Feeny. Shawn began to withdraw even more as he pushed Angela completely away. And once she was out of his life for good, he started to withdraw from Cory. Cory tried to fight Shawn on it, but it was hard to fight for something when someone you need to fight for disappeared. Shawn and Jack went through everything at the trailer and split it all up evenly. After it was all done, Shawn grabbed the keys and hitched the trailer to his dad's old truck and ran away.

Cory put the last item in the u-haul as he drove to his parents' home to drop it off there. He got settled before he realized that he forgot something at the dorm. He drove back and ran up to his old floor and knocked on a door. "I'm coming. Hold on." He heard a soft voice speak. The door opened as he stared at her. 

"Are you okay?" Cory asked as the door was opened wider. "Yes. Thanks for asking, Cory. Come in." Cory stepped in and turned to see her stand before him. "Angela, what you going to do this summer?" "I'm just taking one writing class this summer and my father has paid for my room enough to the point I will be fine all the way to next summer." She softly spoke as she looked into his light brown eyes. "Why?"

Cory stepped up to her as he reached for her hands. "I miss all my dear friends. Topanga moved on years ago and I haven't heard from her since. Rachel and Jack have gone to the peace corps this summer, she mainly took him to get him away from here. Eric is doing an internship through Feeny and I hear they both left a day ago. And Shawnie, my best friend since I was little, ran away and didn't leave a note or even say good-bye. And you," He said as she let her brown eyes search his. "And I what, Cory?"

Cory squeezed her hands firmly as he gave a wry, sad, smile. "Are my only friend left. And I don't want you to go away. I was wondering if you could spend time with me. In fact, I can take that class with you." Angela smiled. "No, need. It's just a three-week writing seminar. But I would love to spend time with you this summer, Cory." Angela gave him a smile as she squeezed his hands back. "When would you like to start? What would you like to do first?" She asked.

"How about you and I have dinner tonight. I know this great house that serves the best food in Philly." He smiled.