A Billion More Stars

Chapter 5

"First day jitters?" Ricky's soft voice cuts through my thoughts as I lay awake, the clock barely reading 2 am. I gasp, jumping a little and Ricky chuckles, turning in the bed to face me. "Did I wake you? How'd you know I was up?" I question and his thumb grazes over my cheek, my breath momentarily catching in my lungs at the feeling. "You were tossing and turning and your breathing isn't slow, so I took a wild guess." He leans into me, amusement clear in his tone as his presses his nose against my temple. I close my eyes and rest a hand of mine on his bicep, squeezing gently and getting caught up in how he feels under my touch. "You need to be asleep baby." I mumble and Ricky's lips finally find my skin. "I need to be listening to all of those thoughts swirling around in your brain." His whisper is comforting and I pull my blanket up a little higher. "I don't know, I guess I've never had something that means this much to me you know? A new school, a new boyfriend, it's just... I have a lot to lose." I draw circles on Ricky's arm as I talk quietly and I feel him nod, his lips turning up. "You e got nothing to lose." He assures me. "I'm not going anywhere and neither is the school building. You've got this, beautiful." I turn into him, hooking a leg of mine around his waist so that we're closer. I rest my forehead against his collar bone and breathe in his scent. "You're so positive." I say and his hand rubs my back gently. "Well you're the reason for that Nins. And now it's your turn to feel it." I crane my neck up to look at him, and even in the darkness his lips find mine. "And plus, I'll be with you every step of the way tomorrow. You won't ever be alone." It feels like for the millionth time since I've met Ricky, his words are slightly deeper than he lets onto.

"Nins. Give me your hand." Ricky urges me as we slide into the front seat of his car. It was finally morning, and we were finally on our way to campus. I grimace and give him my hand, squeezing lightly as a sign of gratitude. "I don't know why I'm so nervous." I laugh and Ricky gives me a glance, a smile on his face. "I was this nervous too. But I didn't have the love of my life sitting next to me so I was on the verge of a panic attack." My eyes widen and I look at him. "One... you have panic attacks? And two... I'm the love of your life?" My voice is nearly a whisper and Ricky hits his turn signal, nodding shyly and giving me a small smile. "I had a lot of anxiety up until last year." He laughs. "Hell, you probably cured my anxiety. The timing matches up." He grins and I can't help but smile. "You and your therapy, and just your entire healing process with EJ got me into reading books about my anxiety disorder. I learned how to calm myself. Some might say you saved me Nins." He gives me a cheeky great, laughing. "And that being said, you are the love of my life. I can't imagine it without you." He kisses the back of my hand and I blush. "I love you. Always. And I'm so proud of you." I tell him and he nods. "I love you too baby. And I should be saying that to you. Look how far you've come." I smile, blushing and shaking my head. "It's the stars baby. Not me." He lets out a breathy laugh. "Well thank fucking God for these stars then."

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And that's it! I hope y'all don't hate me too much for this short sequel, but I think it really gives you an idea of where our characters are as the story comes to an end.

I love you all.