My Knights in Shining Armor

Ginger Lemon Tea and Lucky Charms

A/N: :)))))))

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Cherry Hall

I wake up one morning, a Saturday, I think, and check the time on my phone. It's 8am, which is unusual because normally Blair would have come banging on my door to get me to run with him. I wonder where he is-

And then I see it. The date, September 1, 2018. The day of Stephanie's party, and three months from the day that my life changed forever. My throat closes up.

I don't think I'll be going to the party.

A few hours later, I'm still wallowing in bed, thinking about my mom and how much my life has changed when there's a knock on my door.

"Come in." My voice sounds thick and strange to my own ears.

The door opens and Anne comes in. "Hey," she says softly while closing the door behind her. "How are you feeling?"

I don't even have to think about my response.

"Shitty. It's been three months, Anne," I cry. I can't believe it. I refuse to believe it.

"Oh, honey, come here." She sits on my bed and strokes my hair.

I turn over, face down into my pillow, silently sobbing.

Three months. Three freaking months.

"Anne?" My voice is weak and muffled by the pillow.

"Sweetie, I already know. I'll tell the boys you aren't feeling well and won't make it to the party. Stephanie is a lovely girl, and I know she'll understand. Can I get you anything? Water, tea, coffee? Olly? Blair?" Her voice is soothing, and I roll back over and nod.

"Could you send Olly up with some tea, please? If it's not too much trouble, that is."

Anne squeezes my hand before leaving my room, and I curl up on my side facing the wall.

I miss you, Mom.

Olly Knight

"Four! Five! Six!" I cheer and count along with Dakota and Blair as Cal attempts to break the household record of number of grapes in the mouth, held by yours truly. I sit at a cool 17, and almost dislocated my jaw. I had to eat soft foods for a week. Also got yelled at by Mom, but it was totally worth it. Besides, I think Cal will be fine.

He always did have a big mouth.

At around ten grapes, Mom walks into the kitchen. She catches my eye and motions towards the hallway with her head.

"Fellow grape enthusiasts, my services are being called upon. Continue the quest without me, and Blair? Keep Cal honest. Remember, 17 grapes is the number to beat. Cal, keep it up!"

Cal sends me a double thumbs-up before reaching for the bowl of grapes again.

I head into the hallway.

"What's up, Mom? Is everything okay?" I ask, noticing the look in her eyes.

"It's Cherry." Immediately, my body tenses.

"Is she okay? What happened?"

"Olly, today marks three months since the accident. She's not doing too hot right now and wanted to know if you could bring her some tea if you weren't busy. Although, I'm sure grapes are quite fascinating."

"Mom. Of course I'll bring her some tea. Maybe you can go and help referee the grape competition? Cal might need some encouragement." I smile, but my mind is doing cartwheels. I'm already itching to get upstairs and help Cherry.