Can I Trust You With My Heart?

Chapter 5

(The end of the first semester of school- Sophomore Year)

Cory woke up to Angela's iPod clock blasting through both his room and hers. He turned over as he watched her from his opened bedroom door, dressed in a pair of black stretch pants with a black turtle neck and a long button-down sweater, bopping about as she made them both white chocolate mocha chinos. 

He slowly sat up and stretched as he stretched the kinks out of his muscles before he rubbed his well-toned chest as he slipped into his bathroom to take a shower. By the time he was finished and dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeved polo green shirt, she was ready to go as she unplugged her iPod and grabbed her headphones and keys.

"Morning, Angel." He said to her as she handed him his cup before giving him a kiss. Cory saw her move towards his cheeks as he turned his head to meet her lips with his. "Morning, Cor. Did you get that report finally finished?" She asked as they walked out together and head out to the campus. "Yeah, I did Feeny's economic history report the other day, so I had time last night to proof my English report. Thanks for helping me with it." He said as he adjusted his book bag before using that hand to reach out to take hers.

"You're welcome. I needed to thank you for that double equation exam I have been studying for days. I think I'm ready. I hope I do well." Angela said with worry. Cory tugged at her hand to gain her attention as he smiled. "You'll do great, baby." He leaned in to give her a small kiss for luck. "I'll see you later in Feeny's class." "Okay. Later, Cory."

Three classes and a study period later, it was time for Mr. Feeny's class as Rachel, Jack, and Eric sat together, above Cory and Angela who sat next to each other as they focused on Mr. Feeny's Economics class. After they did all their reports and got their next lesson and the information for an upcoming exam class was over.

The gang of friends all headed to the student union to relax and hang out before they went their separate ways for whatever obligations they had for the rest of the day as usual. Angela and Rachel were at the new dance revolution game as they stepped to match the screen and win points. Cory was sitting with Eric and Jack as they talked about Jack's new change in major. "I can't believe you went from Business and Macro Economics to Green peace work. I didn't know there was a major like that in college." Eric said. 

Jack chuckled a bit while Cory shook his head at his older brother. "No, I'm keeping all my classes and my major and minor. But I have decided to put them to better use. Instead of the greedy ways of Wall Street and pocketing the money for myself. I have chosen to use it to better the world. Especially in poorer countries."

"Wow." Cory and Eric said. "I'm proud of you, Jack. That's great news. It seems that was the best thing that Rachel could ever do for you. It has changed you." Cory acknowledged. "Yeah, and my step-father feels the same. In fact, he's decided to help me achieve what I need to do to further my education and create a global business not only to help poorer people in other countries but in this country as well."

"Wow." Cory and Eric both clapped at Jack's news. Jack beamed as he heard Angela behind Cory. "Jack, way to go! I am so proud of you!" She went up to him and gave him a big hug. "Thanks, Angela. I couldn't do this without Rachel," He smiled as he hugged Angela. 'And I hope she'll work with me and help me see this dream come true." He said as they pulled apart as he looked at Rachel. "Wow, me?" She asked aloud.

"Yeah," Jack as he moved away from Angela to walk up to her. "I can't do this alone. You, Eric, and I will be graduating this year. And I know that the three of us will do a great job with this." "Wait, you're including me?" Eric said as he stood and stared at Jack and Rachel. 

"Yeah, you goof around a lot Eric. And, yes sometimes you say and do things that worry us all. But you have a heart of gold and we need that. We need you. Besides, my step-dad says that I can pick two people to be my right hands but he'll hire the rest." Jack said placing an arm around Rachel's and Eric's shoulders. He grinned at them both before glancing at Angela and Cory. "And I can't think of two better people to be my right hands. Say, you'll do it." He stated.

Rachel leaned out some as she met Eric's expression. "Well, Eric?" She spoke to him. "I say yes!" Eric replied with a cheer before they all cheered also. "Let's celebrate," Jack said he went to buy sodas. Everyone was talking and cheering when a voice came up from behind. "So, can I get in on celebrating?" All their heads turned as Jack spoke loud. "Shawn?" He said while they watched him walk up to hug Cory. "Cor! Man, you've changed so much in all these months." Shawn told Cory. 

Cory was still in shock as he hugged his estranged friend as he watched him walk away from him and step up to Angela.

Angela's face held surprise as her eyes went wide. "Shawn?" She breathed out in shock. Shawn closed in as he held a look of longing as he opened his arms and pulled her into a hug. "Hey, Angela." He whispered before pulling back. Angela stood there as her shock made her freeze. She looked at him like she had seen a ghost. 

"W-what are you doing here?" She finally got out. Shawn just caressed her face as he gave her a smile. "I'm here for you. I'm ready to come back to you." He said as he caught her off guard and gave her a kiss.