Never let you go

Chapter 21

Grey:

He saw my scar. Again. I was an idiot for not just showing and explaining it to him on my own but I guess I just didn't know how to bring it up without sounding like a crazy person. He handled it pretty well though, just like he did the first time. Except this time he didn't kiss me, but that was okay. He did hold me for a really long time though. It was nice being back in those strong arms of his. I felt safe when I was there.

After he released me we hung out for a little while longer and it wasn't awkward. Hunter didn't treat me like I was glass, like some people did when they saw my scar. He accepted me and my flaws. Eventually though I had to leave so I could go home and get ready for my mixed martial arts lesson later. Hunter was still very surprised that I did that and said that he needed to see me in action some day.

When I go back to the apartment Sam grills me all about my night and enjoys hearing every detail I am willing to share with her. I have to admit its kind of nice going on a date and then coming home to dish the details to my best friend. I missed this.

"So do you guys have any plans on Friday?" Sam asks me and I smile because I know she is fishing to find out if I have planned anything for her birthday. In all honesty she is probably checking to see if I even remembered with all the craziness in my life right now.

"Friday? Nope. None" I say trying to be serious. "Why?" I ask as I release a smile and Sam rolls her eyes.

"You are so not funny you know" she tells me.

"Sam don't worry" I tell her. "I have not forgotten your birthday. Daniel and I have everything all sorted out."

"Really?" she asks excitedly. Sam loves her birthday. Since we were kids we have always made a big deal out of celebrating it. I even went all out last year despite being depressed about losing Jason.

"Yes, really" I laugh. "I could never forget your birthday. I even ordered you a present that is going to get here on Friday just in time for the big day."

She claps her hands unable to contain her excitement. "I'm excited!" she squeals. "Twenty is a pretty big deal you know."

"I know" I say quietly as I smile at her and try to fight off the thought that Jason will never be twenty. He'll never have another birthday again.

"I can't believe Daniel has been able to hide this from me. I'm gonna go call him and tell him you spilled the beans" she says as she runs off to her room. Once she's gone I quickly change my clothes and head out for my lesson.

My lesson goes well and I can tell Mark is happy to see me in good spirits. He is also happy to hear that Hunter is doing better and tells me that as soon as the doctor gives him the all clear he expects to see Hunter back in the gym. We talk while I stretch at the end of my lesson and I suddenly remember Sam's birthday on Friday.

"Hey Mark?"

"Yea?"

"I know you probably have better things to do on a Friday night but I was wondering if you would want to come to this party I'm throwing for Sam."

Mark and I weren't really the type of friends who hung out outside of my lessons so I felt a little weird asking him, especially since he's older than me and probably has cooler plans than hanging out with a bunch of teenagers and kids in their early twenties.

"What time?" he asks.

"Nine O'clock" I tell him. "I'm renting out the bar where her boyfriend works for the night."

"Cool" he says. "I'll be there. You can text me all the details later."

"Really?" I asked kind of surprised. "You don't have to come. My feelings won't be hurt."

"Relax Grey" he says chuckling at me. "I want to come. It sounds fun. Can I bring Kelly?"

"Of course you can bring Kelly" I tell him. "It's been a while since I've seen her."

"Great" he says. "She'll be happy to see you I'm sure."

"Alright so I'll see you Friday" I say as I gather my stuff to leave.

"See you Friday" he calls to me as I walk away.

I head home after my lesson so I can shower and do some homework and call Nate. He's the surprise present that I have coming for Sam. I know she'll be thrilled that he's here to celebrate her birthday, but I also got her a brand new fancy camera since photography is her passion. Hopefully all of the things will add up to the perfect birthday for her. Luckily Sam isn't at the apartment when I get back so I'll have some privacy to call Nate.

"Hello?" I hear his voice as he picks up.

"Hey Nate" I say back.

"Well well" he says. "If it isn't Grey Montgomery."

"Oh stop" I say. "It has not been that long since we talked. I talked to you like two weeks ago."

It's true. He called me after the accident to check on me since Sam called him and told him all about it. She figured I'd need support and people to talk to since I wasn't planning on telling my parents. She knew we could trust Nate. He was family.

"I know I just like busting your chops Montgomery" he tells me playfully. "What's up?"

"I just want to make sure you are still coming Friday."

"Of course" he says. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Good" I sigh.

"How's Hunter?" he asks after a few moments.

"He's doing okay" I tell him. "He seems to be dealing with everything really well actually. I can tell it's weird for him sometimes not being able to remember but he seems to be handling it."

"That's good" he says. "It has to be hard for him. He's lucky he has you to help him through."

"Thanks Nate" I say quietly. "I miss you."

"I miss you too" he tells me. "I can't wait to see my two favorite girls on Friday."

"We can't wait to see you either."

"Alright we'll I'll talk to later Grey" he says. "I got to go, but I'll see you on Friday and I'll call you Thursday to finalize plans on when I'm going to be there."

"Alright, sounds good" I say. "Bye Nate."

"Bye Grey."

After I shower and change my clothes I begin doing homework but my mind keeps wandering towards Hunter and what he's doing. I'm just about to call it quits on my homework when my phone goes off and I see Hunter's name. I smile as I pick it up so I can read the text.

Hunter: Come over tonight. I'm going crazy here without you.

My heart races as I read his words. Is this real life?

Me: Ok. What time do you want me there?

Hunter: Now

My heart skips a beat at his urgency. Before I know it I'm packing up my books and grabbing a jacket and I'm out the door. I text Sam to let her know where I'll be as I walk/run to Hunter's apartment. I know I probably seem a little desperate but I don't really care. I want to spend as much time as possible with Hunter so I'm not going to waste time playing games so I seem cooler. That just seemed silly to me especially since I knew just how precious time with the ones you love is, because I knew better than most people how one second you think you have the rest of your life to be with someone and tell them how much you love them and then the next have that future ripped away from you.