Tomorrow's Today is Last Year. You're unsure of where you sit in the new world as you wait for everything to be fixed. You're unsure of the life awaiting you and if there is one to move forward with. You're unsure of the decisions you'll make and if they're the right ones. But you push forward nonetheless, and you hope it works out.

Make your next decision.

PROLOGUE

The suns have begun to rise above the horizon, painting the sky with an abundance of colors. Pink. Pink is the one you notice first. You always do, even though it blends with the three pink-white orbs in the sky. The next color is the light violet that begins to pain over the sky outside in gentle strokes; enough to leave color, but not enough to make a major impact on the deep blue. Your eyes adjust to the light that shines through the sheer curtains. As you lay there, your body still while your eyes stare at the ceiling, you notice the shadow standing over your bed. At first, your half-asleep mind believes it is a living being.

But upon further inspection of the curves in the darkness, it is clear that the figure is nothing but your standing coat rack, holding your favorite tailcoat and two of your most used hats. 

You should get up. But instead, you don’t.

The ceiling is engulfed in the pink rays from the three suns that rest in the sky as day sets in. 

You should sit up. But instead, you don’t.

The cracks along your ceiling are lit up under the light that consumes the room, causing any bugs that unknowingly watched from there to scatter.

You should move, find somewhere else to reside that doesn’t reek of poor and feel like it’ll collapse with any movement that’s far too abrupt. But instead, you don’t.

Lying there is nice. Awaiting your broken alarm to go off is nice. Rest is nice. But, getting to work on time is nice as well.

So, you–grudgingly–sit up in bed, trying to stretch out your tired and sore limbs. 

You should buy a new mattress that doesn’t have broken springs and mysterious bumps in it. But instead, you continue your morning routine. 

You go to the bathroom and opt for a quick brush of your teeth instead of an actual shower.

You should clean. You should stop thinking of everything you should be doing like you have been since you first arrived here.

You don’t have time to worry about such minuscule things. Soon enough you’ll be able to fix it and leave. Soon enough you’ll be back where you belong. Everything will work out. Right? You believe so, and that’s all that matters.

You slip on your clothes, it’s nothing fancy. Your pants, hat, button-up, vest, tailcoat, shoes, and of course your accessories. Not in that order. You know what order, so why worry?

The door opens with a screech, like a fox being hunted for in the woods, like a woman being chased after dawn. It makes your nose scrunch and your eyes screw themselves shut.

You close and lock the old door before leaving, making your way to the tavern just down the road. Your cane clicks against the pavement.

Ever wonder what it's like to live in a world where you never get a moment alone? Yeah, I can totally relate. I have a stalker. And not just any kind of stalker, a psychotic sadistic stalker. But truth be told, I think I might be falling in love with them. Although that's a story for a later time. Right now I'm focused on joining the Tennis team! I mean I have the grades and I'm almost never late so, what's the problem? Nothing, I hope. 

-few months earlier-

"Okay so Jackie, I need you front and center on this first court with Amy," exclaimed one of the younger coaches. 

"Um, excuse me? Hi. I'm here to try out for the Tennis team?" asked Kaelie shyly.

"Oh of course! Line up," said one of the older coaches.

Kaelie lined up as she was told, as she always did. Kaelie was never one to disobey any rules or break any of them. She was the kind of girl who was shy and she didn't mind it at all.

-after the tryouts-

Kaelie often walked home from school so she didn't think she'd need a ride this time since it was only 2 hours longer than regular school time. She started to walk home as she always did but something felt off this time. It felt as something or someone was watching her and boy, did she not know how right she was.

"Hello? Anyone here?" she asked as she turned around.

"Hello there, Kaelie," said a strange shadow appearing from the dark.

"Who are you?" she questioned, fumbling around with her pepper spray.

"Don't worry about that my dear. I'm here to make sure you're safe," he spoke.

"Oh..um...if you could maybe not do that...that'd be great. But um, I'm going to walk away now," she spoke walking faster every second.

He caught up to her in a heartbeat as she wondered why he was so fast.

"I'm afraid I can't do that my dear," he spoke as he got even closer.

"Back up dude," Kaelie demanded as she gripped her pepper spray even tighter.

"No," he said sternly.

"Fine," she sighed, as she suddenly spun around to whip out her pepper spray and spray him in the face.

Just as Kaelie caught him in the moment, she ran as fast as she could. She didn't know what was up with this guy but she didn't want to stick around to find out. So she ran as fast as she could all the way back home, which was the worst mistake she could have ever made.

Chapter 2

As soon as Kaelie got home she locked every door and every window that she could find. There was no way she was letting that creepy shadow of a man get inside her house. After she locked the doors and the windows, she heated up a frozen dinner and sat on the couch watching her new favorite Tv show, Good Girls. Her mother was a drunk who was never around and her father did the best he could but since she had a younger sister, someone had to stay home with the baby. And it always ended up being Kaelie, while Dad took nightshifts. Once she had finished her frozen dinner, she went to go wake up her little sister, Mellissa. 

"Hey there sweet child," Kaelie spoke as she lifted up her baby sister from her crib. "Come on Mellissa, time to get you some dinner," she spoke while tickling the child's stomach. 

"Put her down. She doesn't -*trip* need any food," Carole (the mother) had spoken.

"Yes, she does. She hasn't eaten all day. Considering you haven't fed her like a MOTHER is supposed to do!" Kaelie screamed while she took her baby sister and went out into the kitchen.

The next thing she heard was a thump. Expect this tumb wasn't unusual, it was the sound of her "mother" finally passing out from all the alcohol she drank. Kaelie put Mellissa down in her highchair and began making the small portions she ate for dinner. 

"We're gonna give you carrots and meat today, pretty girl," Kaelie exclaimed while making Mellissa's dinner. 

*Pound, Thud* *Pound, Thud* *Pound, Thud* *Pound, Thud*

Kaelie looked around her nervous that someone had broken into her house. Mellissa started to cry, as she knew that something was wrong.

"Shhhh, Mellissa it's alright. There's nobody here, but Mr. Wiggles is!" Kaelie happily cheered while bringing Mr. Wiggles (a stuffed pig) up to Mellissa's highchair. Mellissa continued to cry.

"Aw Mellissa, what's the matter baby doll? I seriously don't know what's wrong. I'm making your favorite dish, or at least the one you haven't thrown at me yet," Kaelie spoke while trying to calm down her baby sister.

"It's not what she wants, it's about what's bothering her," the strange shadow spoke.

Kaelie turned around and gasped! 

"Oh my-- How did you even get in here?? I locked everything there possibly is to lock!"

"Oh, you seem to underestimate my ability to get into places I'm not supposed to," he spoke. "And who's this little girl?"

"Get away from her," Kaelie spoke.

"Oh see, now that I can't do, and I've told you this before. I can't leave you alone. I'm here to protect you, my dear dear Kaelie," the strange shadow said while picking Mellissa up.

Kaelie stood in shock, now knowing that going home was one bad decision. One that would she would soon come to regret.

Chapter 3

"Seriously, put my baby sister down. I mean it," Kaelie screamed at the strange shadow.

"Sure. All you have to do is let me protect you," the strange shadow explained.

Kaelie didn't know what he meant by that or what it was that she was supposed to do, but what she did know was that she would do anything to protect the family that had meant the most to her.

"Okay. Okay. Fine! You can...protect me?" she said hesitantly. 

"That's great news. Thank you, dear," the strange shadow said as he put down the small child and disappeared into the night.

"Oh my god. Mellissa. Are you alright?" Kaelie wondered as she picked up her baby sister and held her, still looking around the room for the shadow. 

"Okay. I'll just put you back into your crib and make you some milk instead. We'll save this for tomorrow," Kaelie sighed as she went to lay her baby sister back down in her crib.

As Kaelie was making the milk, she didn't even realize what time it was. It was 11:30, and she knew that because that was the exact time her father always got home from his night shift at the hospital.

"Kaelie? What are you still doing up? You have School tomorrow," Jeffrey (Dad) pondered.

"Oh! Dad, hi. Yeah. There were just some issues with Carole. I still have to give Mellissa her bottle. God knows mom didn't do it," Kaelie sighed.

"Here. Give that to me, I'll do it. You go on. Go to bed now," Dad said worriedly. "I don't think you're getting enough sleep,"

"I am dad. Trust," Kaelie happily explained.

As Kaelie kissed her dad goodnight, she made her way towards her room to find out her mother was no longer laying on the floor. Kaelie knew what this meant and she hated every moment of it. As she walked into her room, there she found her mother laying on her bed. She was sober enough to make her way to something that wasn't hers, yet too drunk to take care of her newborn. The Doctors say it's just part of the post-partum depression but dad says it's something that has been going on for years. It just only got worse after she had Mellissa. 

"Come on Mom, get up," Kaelie said as she tried to yank her mom by the ankles to drag her off of the bed. Unsuccessful, Kaelie resorted to the only thing she had left going for her. The floor. She took a blanket from the pile of things she had laying on the floor and grabbed a pillow from her mom's hard head. 

"God. The things we go through for you," Kaelie had muttered very angered.

She made up the bed on the floor setting up her alarm clock and her phone right next to her. But she didn't notice the figure standing, watching her every move through her bedroom window.

Chapter 4

Wednesday appeared faster than Kaelie thought was even humanly possible. She hasn't gotten much sleep since the strange figure had physically picked up Mellissa. She was worried for her baby sister and god knows her mom isn't good for jack crap. She completely forgot about her AP World History test that she had today. The one class she needs in order to save $1,000 for their family, something that can be put towards Mellissa's college fund. Kaelie had about 1h 20min before she had to leave for school, and so, she did her normal routine. Get up, get dressed, brush teeth, make breakfast. She decided to do a little extra today. Kaelie made a heat-up breakfast for her little sister and her father. A cup of coffee for her mother, Carole. Before she got everything settled and ready to go she ran to hug and kiss her little sister, kiss her dad on the forehead and place her hand on her mother's shoulders. And she was off. 

"Kaelie! You're cutting it close!" Aya nervously admitted.

"Oh relax Aya. I'm here on time aren't I?" Kaelie calmly replied.

"Kaelie, we have a huge AP World History test today! We can't be late, it's literally the first hour of school,"

"Aya. I know," Kaelie stated as she brushed past her best friend, walking down the hall to the teachers' classroom.

Aya catches up to Kaelie already out of breath, but ready to start a conversation when Kaelie shuts her down.

"Don't," Kaelie states as they enter the classroom.

Aya knew what was going on with Kaelie and she wanted to talk to her about it but Kaelie was stubborn and wasn't going down easy when it came to this conversation. As soon as they walked into the classroom the bell rang and the two heard a mutter from their teacher about not being in their seats when the bell rings. Kaelie, as usual, ignored the comment while Aya quickly apologized before heading to her seat.

"Aya! Yo wait up!" stated Jackson, a boy who was so very much interested in Aya.

"I'll catch up with you later, A," Kaelie stated not worrying to check behind her knowing that Aya would already be invested in Jackson.  

She started to walk home like she always does every day. She had her earbuds in listening to shuffled music on a Spotify playlist. She wasn't focused on the things around her. Kaelie was picking her next song while crossing the street when a car was zooming right in front of her. She thought that her life was over, she thought that she was dead when all of a sudden she found herself standing on the other sidewalk. She looked around her to see who was responsible for saving her life and sure enough, she found herself finally staring into the eyes of the black shadow. 

"Why did you- wait-okay- no-" Kaelie muttered trying to get words to form a sentence.

"I told you. All you need to do is let me protect you. I don't want anything else," the shadow stated.

"Hey, you actually have a face I can put a name- oh wait, I don't have a name," she mocked while putting her hands on her hips.

"You can call me Silas," he said.

"Silas. That's a pretty name," Kaelie had mentioned.

"You don't say," Silas asked curiously. 

"Yeah, it's pretty sweet. Thank you for saving me though," Kaelie stated.

"Of course, I'd do anything and everything for you Kaelie. You are my world," Silas creepily stated.

Chapter 5

"Yeah, I get that. But that is kind of weird," she slowly muttered out. "I mean, you don't even know me,"

"Who says I don't know you?" Silas questioned.

"Do you know me? That would technically mean you'd have to be stalking me..." Kaelie stated confused as to where this conversation is going. 

"Would it freak you out if I said I have been watching you for a while?" Silas said.

"Not really. I mean, you haven't caused me or my family harm, you've saved me and you've never interacted with me up until now which makes sense because I'm 16. Two years away from being an adult," Kaelie proudly stated. 

"You know, being a kid will always rock," Silas said. 

"I guess so. But being an adult seems pretty cool too. I mean, all the freedom we get to have," Kaelie admitted. 

"Kaelie, seriously. Stop it. Just be glad you're safe and healthy," Silas stated as he started coughing. 

"Hey, Silas. Are you doing okay? In all seriousness," Kaelie worriedly questioned.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay. Just..uh allergies," Silas informed Kaelie.

"Okay, Silas. I'm trusting you. Seriously," Kaelie sternly said.

Kaelie and Silas quietly and peacefully started walking home. Kaelie weirdly trusted this man and she enjoyed his company. She wasn't afraid to be around him anymore and she started looking forward to seeing him or hearing from him once more. Things felt pretty amazing and Kaelie didn't exactly know how to react to that. She has a messed up family and messed up situations and there are things that she's not ready to share with him. Yet, she understands that. She understands that things don't have to be perfect. That he doesn't have to be perfect. That they don't have to be perfect. Was she already imagining what it's like being a couple with this strange man?

Sure she was. Did she mind it? Not at all. If he were to find out what she was thinking about, about a future with him, would he run away? Was he thinking about it too?

-Silas' pov-

This girl is absolutely amazing. I mean, following her is amazing. That sounds very creepy but it was always the best part of my day. I liked watching her, with her not knowing I was there. It's amazing. She's amazing. I mean, just thinking about a future with her. The dates we could go on. The things we could see. The stuff we can experience together.  I just can't wait to experience the things I dreamed of, with her by my side.

Chapter 6

A couple of weeks have passed since Kaelie and Silas walked together. Don't get me wrong, they've hung out more since then and frankly, she's experienced a lot of fun things with him since then. They've gone on dates, they've spent time with each other, he walked her to school and he walked her home and he helped with taking care of her little sister. He has been there for her for so much and through so much. Life has gotten so good with him in it for her.

-Kaelie's Pov-

It's only been a few weeks since I've officially met Silas. He's made my life so great, I don't think I know how to thank him. I don't think he knows how much light he's brought into my life. It would be so hard without him and I have no clue if things would've been different or not. I don't want to imagine but I did and it wasn't the best so I'm glad it didn't turn out that way anymore.

-Silas' Pov-

She's made life a dream. Now that she's in it, my life has been a whole lot better. She doesn't know the kind of tragedy I've been through and how she made my life shine. Our life together so far has been amazing and I'm so happy that it's finally been okay. That it's finally been decent.

They both had a good life together. They've found each other and they plan on continuing to find one another inside each other. Things are going to get better and they both know it.

Castiel is a 26-year-old guy who lives in an apartment downtown and lives paycheck to paycheck. Castiel openly came out as pansexual just a few months ago to his friends and family. Thinking his life is over and there is nothing "exciting" happening in the world, he meets this guy. But this guy just so happens to be his biggest high school rival. Kiaan. 

Chapter 1

I've been living paycheck to paycheck for years now. It hasn't been easy, but it wasn't that hard either. I'm used to it but I'm tired of it. It's time things changed. Today I have to go to work, mid-shift. It's pretty awesome. I work at a racetrack. Not like cars but dirt bikes. What's great about it is that they let me have a bike of my own for free while I work with the company. They take up the insurance, the maintenance, and everything that comes with it. I've been a four-year champ at that racetrack for well... four years. 

Castiel gets in his car and heads to work.

"Castiel, babe, you're late!" Mischa shouts from across the racetrack.

"I know Mi! I'm here though, aren't I?" he shouts as he shrugs. 

*He walks to his station to start on the bike he left there yesterday*

"Hey, Mi? Whose bike is this? This isn't the one I was working on yesterday!" he yells across the track once more while still looking at the bike.

"Yeah. I took that one off your hands, it was almost done anyways. That's our new racers bike. Be careful with it! He switched from another team to ours so we can't lose him, Cas!" Mi yells while packing up to leave work.

"Yeah, this new racer looks like he's full of sh-" Cas started to say to himself just when...

"Sorry, looks like what?" a muffled voice from behind states.

"It looks like a piece of-" Cas turns around to see an expensive racer tracksuit. Just to see who takes off the helmet.

"Oh. My. God. Kiaan?" Castiel asks while still in shock. "What are you- I didn't know you- Wait. What? This bike is yours?"

"Yes. That piece of---- is mine. Is there something wrong with it to where you won't maintain it when it needs to be, or shall I go somewhere else?" Kiaan states while fixing his tracksuit sleeves.

"No! No! I can maintain it when needs to be. Sorry. I just didn't expect this bike to be yours... I didn't even know you raced," Castiel states still in shock from who is standing in front of him.

"Yeah. It's been a couple of years. But I race. I've raced for the past three years. I didn't know you work here. How much do you make anyways? Working for a racetrack must be interesting," Kiaan suggests as he smirks.

"No. Stop that. Don't judge where I work just because you work somewhere high class. I'm not for it," Castiel rudely suggests while walking to the back wall to grab some tools. Thereafter, Kiaan follows. As soon as Cas turns around, Kiaan states, while getting close to Cas:

"I'm not judging. I'm just asking. To see whether or not I'd have to pay for dinner when I take you out," Kiaan states as if Castiel already agreed to it.

Castiel was so shocked, that he didn't know what to do or to say. Was Kiaan, his high school rival really trying to take him out to dinner?

Chapter 2

"Wait a minute, what? Take me out to dinner? Did I miss a chapter? When did I agree to this?" Castiel asks while looking Kiaan up and down.

"I assumed it wouldn't be a problem, Castiel. I mean, high school has been over for a few years now. Can't we put everything behind us?" Kiaan asks Castiel.

"Uh...yeah, yeah. We can put everything behind us. But about dinner...I'm not so sure...I mean I have to work and that's a lot of money, Kiaan. I don't exactly have the resources for that right now," Castiel exclaims while looking down at his feet and playing with the tools he grabbed from the shelf.

"Castiel, I will pay for the dinner. Just let me take you out. It'll be a win-win. I promise you that," Kiaan states while placing two fingers underneath Cas' chin, lifting his head up.

Cas is speechless and doesn't know what to say. Sure, Kiaan was his rival in high school, but like he said High school is over with now. And maybe this feud can be over with now too.

"Yes. You may take me out to dinner," Castiel implies.

"That's perfect. I'll pick you up tomorrow at five-thirty. Sharp, Cas," Kiaan demands.

Kiaan walks away and grabs a piece of paper on his way out. But before leaving, he slightly turns his head and gives Castiel a slight wink. Cas runs up to the bike, still holding the tools, noticing that Kiaan took the sign off sheet for the bike. Cas wondered why but he didn't mind it. Now Kiaan had his phone number. Maybe that was part of his plan all along. Maybe, just maybe, Castiel found his newfound interest.

-a few hours later after work-

"Castiel," -text message from Kiaan

"Yes. Who is this?" -text message from Cas

"I need your address darling," - text message from Kiaan

"Kiaan. I should've known. You took the sign off sheet for the bike. You know you can't do that," -text message from Cas

"How else was I supposed to get your number? I wasn't going to just ask you for it," -text message from Kiaan

"You quite literally could've just asked me Kiaan :/" -text message from Cas

"No. That wasn't an option. Now, I need your address babe," -text message from Kiaan

"Kiaan. What's up with the name calling?" -text message from Cas

"Address Castiel. Now," -text message from Kiaan

"4297 S Wanbury St." -text message from Cas

"See you tomorrow at five-thirty, babe," -text message from Kiaan

"Goodnight Kiaan. See you tomorrow," -text message from Cas

"Goodnight my love," -text message from Kiaan

Chapter 3

The next day rolled around, and Cas was more nervous than ever. Not only would this be the first date has been on since his last breakup, but it was also with someone who knew everything about him since back in high school. Cas had been stressing about it all day long and evidently, he tore apart his closet and his dressers (yes, he has more than one) apart just to find the "right" outfit. And that still didn't seem to be enough. 

At last, five-thirty rolled around. The doorbell rang. Cas' palms got sweaty. He was freaking out.

"Cmon babe. Open the door. Please?" Kiaan asked from the other side of the door.

"I'm coming Kiaan. Take a chill pill. You can wait. You're not royalty," Castiel makes known. 

Cas opens the door just to see Kiaan, obviously, standing there looking... incredible.

"I know I look great Hun, but maybe we can keep this train moving? We have things to do," Kiaan expressed.

"Okay. Sorry. I just have to grab-," Cas started to mutter and turn around. But before he could, Kiaan grabs his wrist.

"No. You don't need anything. Trust me," Kiaan informed.

"But I thought-," Cas started to question.

"No. Cmon. Follow me," Kiaan exclaimed while showing him the way.

Cas followed Kiaan to the outside of his house, hoping for some kind of car to take them to their destination. But there was no car. There was no car in sight. Did he think we'd be walking to the destination? Because Cas and walking do not add up. They could've just taken Cas' car, if that was the case.

"Kiaan? Are we walking? Because we could always just take my car," Cas questioned.

"No Cas. We aren't walking. We're taking this limo," Kiaan exclaimed. 

"Wait what?" Cas slightly exclaimed while being so stunned. "No Kiaan. No. I- No,".

"Yes," he says as he jesters to open the door. "Get in love,".

Hesitantly, Cas gets into the limo sitting in the corner, slowly eating the small snacks and watching the tiny television towards the front of the limo. Not noticing how Kiaan is admiring the way he does the small things, how he looks at him on a daily and how utterly and hopelessly in love he is with Cas. They arrived at the destination place. Kiaan gets out of the limo and then asks Cas for his hand and helps him out of the limo. Castiel gets out of the car and is in shock. He didn't.

"You didn't," Cas is shocked.

"I did," Kiaan is excited.

There it was. The destination place.

.....

 Well, more like the destination sky. 

Chapter 4

"Kiaan, a hot air balloon? Are you serious? I thought we were just going to dinner," Cas had asked.

"You didn't think I'd just take you to dinner now did you?" Kiaan smirked.

"This is too much. Take me back home," Cas grunted.

"No. Now let's-" Kiaan said as he bent down. "Let's go!" Kiaan picked up Cas groom and groom style and ran towards the hot air balloon.

"Oh my god Kiaan!!" Cas screamed. 

They reached the hot air balloon and Kiaan placed Cas down right inside. Kiaan was skilled in these kinds of things because he did it a lot when he was a kid. It was his passion. Kiaan loved the air more than he loved the track. He loved both but being in the air was his passion. Cas didn't know that. 

Cas didn't know that the only reason Kiaan was his rival was because he admired and adored him so much. Cas didn't know that the only reason Kiaan was arrogant towards him was because he loved him. Kiaan could never explain how much Cas meant to him because he wasn't open about these things. He had a reputation to uphold as well as a public image. 

Cas was someone who kept to himself. It was obvious. But he loved to paint. Especially landscapes and people. It was his passion. He liked working with bikes as well as hitting the mud, but he worked there so during his breaks or during his free time, he could draw the people and paint the landscape. People in their true essence. Their true nature. That's what he liked the most. He liked the real out of life. He liked capturing the moments in life that proved to people that not everything was perfect. 

But today, this date, for once in a very long time, this felt perfect. 

After going high enough in the air and looking at the landscapes and the people down below, it was time to open up the snacks and the drinks. 

"Here. Take this," Kiaan stated.

"What is this? Champagne? What for?" Cas questioned.

"To us," Kiaan informed.

"I think it's too early for a toast to "us", Kiaan. I'd like there to be an us, but a toast to it? It seems like a major accomplishment, you know?" Cas said. 

"Not us, silly. Although that's nice to know, I meant to us. For me coming out at graduation and for you coming out a few months ago. I'm proud of us," Kiaan said excitedly. 

"How do you know about that?" Cas asked. 

"I came to the track every day for the past couple of months before I officially joined. I was able to test it out a bit every day to get the feel of it and I always made sure to stop by your workstation to see what was up with you and if you were okay," Kiaan said.

"That's very sweet Kiaan. Thank you," Cas said with tears in his eyes.

"You never have to thank me for worrying about you. It's a natural instinct," Kiaan stated as he winked and leaned over the edge of the hot air balloon looking down below. 

Cas joined him, while holding their drinks and admiring each other's company. Comfortable silence is something that was never foreign to them. 

Chapter 5

Cas and Kiaan were once enemies. At least in terms of Kiaan, they were enemies. But to Cas, they were purely rivals. No hatred for each other, just competition. One wanted to be the best and the other just wanted to make them upset. High School was an interesting time for them. It was all about getting the others attention whether they knew it or not. Whether they wanted to, or not. 

But now seven years have passed, and they reunited on the field of motor cross racing. The one job it took for Cas to keep the lights on in his house and to keep food in his fridge. 

Now Kiaan, a once self-centered jock who cared nothing about school, is now a billionaire at the ripe age of 25. 

Kiaan saw how Cas was struggling, guaranteed Cas wouldn't take a penny from him, he never said he wouldn't accept gifts (it is his love language after all). So, every now and again, not only does Kiaan gift Cas things in terms of household objects and new items (such as couches, chairs, appliances, etc.) but he makes sure to shower him with reassurance and love. He provides him with the comfort and care that he always wanted, and always needed. Kiaan wasn't planning on letting that go anytime soon. 

After 2 years of dating and slowly and steadily upgrading Cas' apartment, Kiaan asked Cas to move in with him. He questioned why he would buy all new things for an apartment they would just end up leaving. Kiaan's response was, "Because we're not leaving. You've worked hard to get where you are now and to have what you earned. We're not selling and we're not renting. I will pay your rent, if you'd like, every month while you live with me. That way, your apartment can be your scape goat whenever you feel like you need a break from reality. Or from me,".  

There was nothing more but excitement in Cas' facial expressions. Kiaan knew he had done the right thing. 

"You're serious? Of course, you're serious. It's you. I've been dating you for two years and you ask me to move in with you now? What took so long?" Cas questioned with a smirk on his face.  

"Listen, knowing you, you could've said no, mid process of me upgrading your apartment. Then you'd make me take everything back, just in spite of it," Kiaan huffed.

"You're absolutely right. But okay. I will move in with you and take you up on your offer of you paying my rent. BUT I buy the groceries and pay the half of YOUR mortgage. Knowing you, I couldn't afford your full mortgage my salary at the racetrack," Cas argued. 

"Alright tiny guy. You got yourself a deal. Shake on it?" Kiaan asked.

"Shake on it," Cas agreed.

Clara Eudora Bauers is a PR professional in New York. She works in Public Relations, though she works for the famous Hockey team, the Rams. When she is faced with getting evicted, quitting her job and moving back in with her parents in New Jersey or marrying a Hockey player from the team to gain money, which one will she choose? Her parents and New Jersey or the most famous player, Fabian Cezar Sala?

Chapter 1

Never in my life did I think I would be keeping a Hockey team out of the press with my PR degree. Here I thought I would be doing something important like working with the Government or something. But apparently that wasn't the case. Because I'm here. 

Working with a Hockey team has been the highlight of my life though. Chasing these boys down has been tiring but also challenging. From going to chasing down Rudi Kis and his two friends, Sander Bul and Upton Tracey to watching Lamech Fisher's daughter, Cassandra, to making sure Motya Romanov doesn't cause a scene with Sander. But the biggest handful? Fabian Cezar Sala. The Hockey teams one and only. He has had the biggest scandals in the past two years than the entire team has had in five years. 

"Fabian, can we talk?" I ask him.

"About what? I got practice," he says, carrying his gear and his helmet.

"About your outbursts and scene's, you've been causing," I say.

"What about it? I do it, you fix it," he mentioned while starting to walk away.

"That's not how this works!" I yell as he's already feet in front of me, probably ignoring me.

Fabian has been a pain in my behind since day one. Such an attitude. He is actually in tolerable. I have nothing better to do than to watch the boys practice as my schedule is completely cleared out for the day. So, I go into the stands and watch the boy's practice.

"Oh, come on! You can do better than that Rudi!" I shout.

"Get him, Upton! Use that British force! You got it!!" I continue.

"Lamech, keep going!" I continue even further.

"Come on Fabian! Use some of that attitude directed towards me, on the ice!" I regret saying.

Yeah, these guys are definitely tired of me now. I know I'm going to hear it from one of them when they are done practicing. 

Practice is over when the boys are coming out, carrying their gear and headed in my direction.

"You didn't shout for me, Clara. So sad," Sander said.

"You are crazy," mentioned Rudi.

"Stop telling me to use that "British force". It's weird," Upton said.

"I'm going to hit a puck at you if you keep distracting me during practice," Lamech laughed.

Next up, and last down the line, is Fabian. "If you continue to yell at me while I practice, I will hit you with a puck and it won't be on accident,". 

Okay, so maybe I'll stop shouting during practice then?

Chapter 2

 It's been three weeks since I lasted shouted at the team during practice. Which in a way I guess is kind of ironic because today is the third to last game day of the season. And it's game day against one of their biggest rivals. The New York Red Jackets. I've been piled up with work since the day I shouted at The Rams during practice. The Rams and the Red Jackets have been at each other throats for the past three weeks, which means that I've been cleaning up three weeks' worth of PR work. As much work as I do for this team, my paycheck needs to be bigger. I'm two months behind on my rent and this job doesn't pay enough. I'm thinking of getting a better paying job, but how as am I ever going to ever leave the team? 

Moving forward, I need to get a word with the team. Maybe I can catch them before they head out on the ice. 

"Knock Knock, I hope you're all decent because I'm coming in," I shout. 

"Jeez Clara. A heads up would've been nice. This is the boys locker room. And last time I checked" Sander says looking at me up and down, "you're not a dude,". 

"Eyes up Sander. Relax. I just have to talk to you guys for a second,". I state. 

"What's up?" Motya Romanov asks. 

"When you guys go out on the ice, and go against the Red Jackets.."  I start to say, "please don't make this such a PR scandal!" I laugh. 

"Oh, come on!" The entire team says while throwing anything they can find at me, laughing. Meanwhile I'm dodging to save my life. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Fabian staring at us. More importantly, staring at me. Which is weird, but I brush it off, throw everything they threw at me back to them and walk out the door. When I'm about to take my seat by the coaches, I feel a hand grab my wrist. 

"Hey," Fabian speaks. 

"Hey, Fabian. What's up? Need something?" I ask.

"No. Just, don't get too close to the other team yeah? They're dangerous," he speaks as he lets go of my wrist. 

"Okay, I won't," I say skeptical, wondering why he's telling me this.

I walk over by the coaches and take my seat. It's kind of hard to not get too close to the other team when I'm quite literally sitting behind and to the side of their penalty box. It's a opposite team switch, situation. Either way, the game starts and I'm keeping my eye out for any PR scandals when I find myself being more of a coach than a PR rep. The other team didn't seem to like that though. 

"Hey! If you're going to keep shouting, why don't you GET DOWN ON THE ICE!" the rival opponent, Jackson Mikell, shouts at me while hitting his stick on the shield that protects the audience. 

Next thing I know, I see him getting slammed up against the shield. 

"Watch your tone when you talk to her,". 

Who is it? I can't tell. The helmets are in the way. But as the ref calls for a time out and the both skaters skate away, I see who stood up for me. 

Sala.

 Fabian. 

Chapter 3 

The hockey game is over and our team, The Rams won. Like they always do. There were no PR scandals during the game so I'm heading over to the locker room to congratulate them. 

"Knock Knock. Are all of you guys decent?" I ask before entering. 

"Haha, yes Clara, we're all decent," Sander states. 

I enter the locker room, covering my eyes, just for safety measures. 

"Clara, we're decent. We swear," Lamech says. 

"Good. Because I have a surprise for you,". 

Everyone is looking at me with a curious and wonderous look on their face. I can't wait to show them Lamech's daughter, Cassandra, who I was able to bring to the game without them knowing.  

"Come here, sweetie," I say. 

"Dad!" she shouts and runs to him. 

"Oh hey sweetie!" he says with excitement and lifts up his four-year-old daughter. "How did you-?"

"I pulled a few strings," I say, knowing that he's been wishing his daughter could see him play in a game since forever. Kids under 8 aren't allowed to watch the games without an adult by their side. And since he's playing, he has no one to watch her. So, I called her nanny and pulled a few strings. 

"Thank you," he looks me in the eyes. Him and the other guys play around with her and show her the gear they have to wear and all. 

"He really needed that. He's been down recently because of it," a strange voice starts to speak. 

I turn around to try and see who it is. Of course, I know who it is. I know that voice. I don't even have to ask. 

"Oh yeah, for sure. I wanted to do something nice for him. I don't give him as much credit as I should,". 

"You're our PR rep. Not our coach. There's no credit that needs to be given," he says. 

"It's still nice to show you guys how much you actually mean to me. I mean, I'd be out of a job and homeless if it weren't for you guys and your PR scandals. I'm drowning in debt as it is," I say with a sigh big enough to fill the room. 

"What?" he says with worry on his face. 

"Oh, sorry. Forget I said anything," I speak up. 

"No. What was that? You're drowning in debt? Why didn't you say anything?" 

"Because it's not your business nor is it your problem," I say. 

"You're apart of the team. Player or no player. We look out for each other,". 

I smile at him, take one look at the guys and Cassandra before walking out of the door and sitting with that thought ruminating in my head. 

Chapter 4

It's been a week since the game and since I've let it slip that I'm drowning in debt. I really shouldn't have done that because now all I get are messages from Fabian. 

Actually, scratch that. He's resorted to calling me now. 

"Yes Fabian? May I help you?" I start. 

"Buzz me in," he says, hanging up the phone. 

This man just showed up at my apartment? My crappy apartment? Oh my god. He's gonna see how poor I actually am. I think I'm having a panic attack. I think I'm gonna vomit. But I buzz him up anyways. 

I hear a knock at my door, five seconds after I buzzed him in. I open the door and stare him in the face. 

"Marry me," he starts. 

"What?" I say in shock. 

"Marry me," he continues, and gets down on one knee, holding a ring. 

"Fabian what are you doing? I'm your PR rep and you're a hockey player. PLUS we don't even know each other," I stutter. 

"There's no rule against it and we can get to know each other, after we get married," he says, shifting his knee. Probably because it's getting tired. 

"Get up,". I say and he does. 

"Marry me," he repeats. 

"You've said that three times already but I'm still not following. Why am I marrying you?" I question him. 

"You're drowning in debt and the only way I can give you money to help you out, is for you to be my wife. The rule book states that I can't give you money unless we're married. And I want to help you out," he says. 

"What? No I can't have you--NO!" I shout. 

He shifts moves his shoulders, probably because they're tense. I mean why wouldn't they be? He sees something he's not supposed to. 

"What's that?" he speaks walking toward my kitchen table. 

There's no point in lying now. "It's my eviction notice. I have thirty days,". 

"What? Why didn't you say anything?" he's worried. I can tell. 

"Because it's not your problem. I can't afford anything in New York, so I was going to move back to New Jersey with my parents," I trail off. 

"You were gonna quit your job and leave?" he asks. 

"That was the plan," I roll my eyes. 

"Marry me. Let me help you with your debt and you move into my place," he pleads with me. 

I can tell he really wants to help, and I really don't want to go back home and leave these guys. I just can't. I mean how back can it really be marrying on the world's most famous hockey players? It can't be that bad...right?

Chapter 5

I lied. It can be that bad. It can be very bad. Me and Fabian got eloped over the hockey players weekend off. After doing so, he gave me money to afford my rent for the next six months. But except now we're back at work and everyone is wondering where I got the ring from. Like a stupid stupid idiot, I kept the ring on. I mean, it's a very expensive ring. 

"Hey, where'd you get the ring from?" Motya finally speaks out before I start to give my PR speech before every other practice. 

I look down at my ring, slide Fabian a side eye and look at Motya. "Oh, it was a gift,". 

"Really from who? You're new husband?" Sander asks. 

Everyone looks at me and Sander with suprise.

"What?" they all shout in unison. 

"I mean, it's on her ring finger, and it's a ring. Come on, you guys can't have taken that many pucks to the head," Sander points out. 

"So who's the lucky guy?" Lamech asks handing me his daughter, considering I agreed to watch her while they practice today. 

"None of your business," I say with a huge smile. "Let's just get to practice, yeah? All I came to say was that you didn't make a huge PR scandal over the weekend and I'm proud of you for that,". 

The team all laughs and gives me a smile and before getting up and heading towards the ice to practice. Except one. 

"Hey man, are you coming?" Upton asks and everyone turns around. 

I'm looking directly at Fabian wondering what my new husband is up to.

"Thank you, wife. Or should I say Sala-Bauer?" and gives me a kiss. 

"Oh my god! You're married to Fabian!" Rudi shouts. 

"Go," Fabian directs them to the ice, while everyone is in shock. They are such idiots. 

...

Three weeks later and the boys have a game. They biggest game of the season. They're last game. the boys have warmed up to the idea of me being married to Fabian and so have I. I've left my apartment and just moved in with him. I tried offering to pay back the money I borrowed for the rent, but he wouldn't have it. 

The game is starting and I enter the sitting area wearing Fabians jersey. The jerk on the rival team sees me starting muttering some crap. 

"What was that? Speak up. i can't hear you," I shout towards him. 

"I said, I WONDER WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING MARRIED TO A FAMOUS HOCKEY PLAYER. THE MONEY MUST BE REALLY NICE FOR A POOR GIRL LIKE YOU, HUH?" he shouts. 

And the words hit me like a train. I feel tears starting to form and I have no idea why. 

"Hey!" I hear Fabian shout. "Talk like that about my wife again, and we'll have the biggest problem you can dream of,". 

And for once throughout this entire marriage, I realized that marrying Fabian wasn't the worst idea ever. It could've probably been the best thing to happen to me. And I'm grateful that it was him instead of anyone else. 

Click Here to read the story so far!

Erin is a normal teenager, typically labeled a "loner" because she doesn't interact much with her peers at school and doesn't have many friends. One day, she bumps into another girl at a café in the village where she lives and a few weeks later, they meet again. Taking the opportunity this coincidence has given her, Erin befriends the girl, named Quinn. They meet up in the village, down by the river in a special place and together they form a strong bond of friendship over the course of time. Everything seems to be looking up for Erin and Quinn but what will happen when disaster strikes?

IMPORTANT INFO: This story was prewritten in 2020 and is finished, so changes to characters and plotline cannot be done. The second book is currently being written so ideas for characters can be made, although the plotline has been mostly determined (for the second book) as well.

It was sunny like all summer days and Sofia was chillin on the couch when BAM! The door burst open, there was a huge ray of lights coming from the door, am I going to die is this heaven Sofia thought but then she just realized that it was just Victoria and she had a piece of paper in her hand that read,  FREE Tickets to an amazing week-long summer vacation at the Wisconsin dells,

 ‘that's not far from here, sweet do all of us get to go’

 exclaimed Sofia 

‘soon very soon so pack your bags and I’ll tell the others’

 said Victoria  then Victoria ran out the door leaving Sofia in complete shock and excitement.

 Sofia then ran to her room and started packing. She would need a swimsuit, summer dress, short sleeves, pants, shorts, all her hair stuff and toiletries and of course some money for souvenirs 

‘I think that's all I need’ 

said Sofia, wow I just can't believe it she thought. 

‘I feel like I should bring my cat Fins’

 Sofia said to herself.

Sofia ran down the stairs through the door to her cat’s room well it wasn't a room it was just a big cat obstacle course in her living room 

‘ c'mere Fins’ she said,

 Fins was a sneaky cat and hid a lot, so she would have trouble finding him.

The next day she got all her stuff and headed to the airport.

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