I trot down the stairs excitedly, Jared walking in as soon as I reach the bottom step, in a black tee, a grey sweater and blue jeans with my black boots.

"Everyone ready?" Dan asks as he grabs his key and bags, clearly ready to go.

"Yep," I say, smiling widely. Of course I'm excited. Who wouldn't be if they had a chance to see their old best friend again, after about a month. But then again, he may not recognize me. there's always a chance.

"Everyone's all ready, let's go," Phil says and walks out the door, Dan, Jared and I following. Me a bit more anxious than the others to get out the door, to the airport, and back to the states where I'll then hopefully see Jason again.

-

Before I know it, we're back in California, in the warm, sunny weather. And I'm in a rush to get back to my old neighborhood, but Dan wants to check into the hotel first.

"Dan, can I go out?" I ask, pointing towards the doors of the hotel lobby.

"Sure," Dan says and smiles. "Be back by dinner, though."

I know jet lag should be killing me right now, but I'm far too excited to sleep, or even think about being tired.

Considering that we're pretty close to my old town, I start walking back, soon after seeing the parking lot where I got hit at.

I smile at the memory. The boy is now one of my best friends, Dan and Phil adopted me but - now I'm here. Searching for Jason.

I look back at the orphanage/adoption center and wrinkle my nose but I keep walking, my hands in my pockets as I do so.

And of course, I get the occasional girl checking me out. But that's normal when there's teenage girls everywhere.

But sorry, hun. I'm gay.

I think about where he could be, and then I realize. He's probably where he always is. In his room.

I start to his house, my heart beginning to start racing again.

But what if he moved? What if he's not home? Shit.

Get ahold of yourself, Alex. You never had a problem with doing this when you were younger. Going to his house and visiting.

I come into view of the house, and my anxiety suddenly begins to spike up, but I shove it back down and continue towards the light blue house with the grey Subaru I'm so used to seeing parked in front of it.

When I reach the driveway, I stop and bite my lip before slowly walking up it, my heart skipping a beat per every step I take.

I'm almost at the door, and then I nearly chicken out. But my feet don't let me. I keep walking. Until I'm at the door. Then my hand unwillingly goes up and knocks on the door. Three times. Every drum making my heart skip a beat along with it.

And then I hear jogging footsteps. Growing closer. From the inside.

"I got it!" A man's voice shouts, and I look down. That's him.

I hear the knob turn, and the door swings open, making a little noise as it does.

"May I help you?" He asks, making me nearly burst into tears.

I look up at him with my eyes before tilting my head up the rest of the way so I'm looking at him face to face. And only now do I realize how much taller I actually have grown.

He arches an eyebrow, waiting for me to respond patiently.

"H-hey, Jason." I say softly, flashing a quick smile.

He gives me a confused look before opening then closing his mouth and narrowing his eyes in confusion before stepping out, shutting the door behind him.

"Do I know you?" He asks, furrowing his eyebrows slightly. "How do you know my name?"

"There's only really a subtle way to put this. Hi, nice to meet you. My name's Alex." I say and smile then reach out to shake his hand.

He seems to be thinking, because he cautiously reaches forward and takes my hand in a firm handshake.

And then you can practically see the lightbulb go off in his mind. "Wait, Alex?!" He practically shouts, making me laugh.

"Hey, welcome to new and improved me." I laugh and pull him towards me with our two hands still locked together and hug him with one arm.

"Damn, here, lemme see ya," Jason says then steps back.

"Damn dude, you look good." He laughs.

I smile a bit. "Thanks," I say and run a hand through my hair. "Hey, you wanna play a bit of basketball?" I ask, raising my eyebrows a bit.

"Sure," he says, smiling. "Oh, by the way, you gotten the - you know,"

"Surgery?" I ask, making him nod in response. "No. not yet. It's going to be soon though," I say, smiling.

"Awesome," he says, smiling as well before he turns to back inside and grab his ball.

While he's inside, I pull off my jacket and put it over my shoulder, looking around before turning my attention back to Jason when he returns.

"Whoa - damn, you been working out?" He asks, furrowing his eyebrows.

I shrug and smile. "Maybe a few times a week, 1 - 2 hours at a time."

"Damn," he laughs. "I'm gonna have to get a membership soon."

"The f- Jason!" I scold before laughing a bit.

"Hey!" He says, raising his hands in the air in mock defeat. "Oh, I noticed you picked up an accent too? Probably attracting all the ladies," he laughs.

"Talk about it," I scoff. "Like, I appreciate. It's flattering. But I'm gay," I laugh.

"Oh, on that note, meet any hot guys?" He asks, making me blush a tiny bit.

"Ohh damn! Who?!" He asks, hyping himself up a little bit.

"Jared." I say and cover my face in embarrassment.

"I ship it!!" He shouts, making me laugh.

"Dude, stop!" I laugh, punching his shoulder a bit.

"I'm teasing," he says, smiling.

"When are you not?" I tease, smiling back at him.

"Oh, shut up." He laughs as we walk into the park.

I roll my eyes and smile as we walk towards the basketball court.

Damn, it feels good to have my best friend back.