Song: Changes- Hyde

When we get back, everyone is outside in the back sitting by the pool. We come around holding hands and Carter looks the other way. I really don't think he is happy about me being with Zayden but he doesn't say anything about it.

Natalie looks over at me and shrugs her shoulders. I guess she is thinking the same thing I am, wondering what is going on with him. Natalie breaks the silence, "Coralie...we are all going to the movies in a few...you two want to come?"

We both notice Carter's reaction. He seems annoyed that she even asked for us to go. Her smile quickly fades because she knows that he didn't approve.

"Uhm...I don't know." I glance at Zayden then back to her and Carter. I don't want to impose on their date night.

Natalie sits all the way and even though she knows Carter doesn't like the whole idea she suddenly doesn't give a shit what he thinks. "Come on...your parents finally letting you go out...and it's your birthday...come on it will be fun." She tries to convince me into going.

I look over at Carter. He is still looking the other way and I know he is biting his tongue not to be rude about the idea. I sigh, "Carter if you don't want us to go we don't have too...it's not like we can't just hang out here." I feel Zayden squeeze my hand and I know he is fine with not going out.

Natalie nudges him then gives him a dirty look when he turns around to look at her.

"No...it will be alright you can come...you too." He says to Zayden. He stands up from the lounge chair. "I'll be right back got to change shirts and grab my wallet." He heads into the house without looking over at me.

I look at Zayden and let go of his hand. "I'll be right back alright."

"Ok." He leans in to kiss me and then walks over to the guys by the pool.

I go inside looking for Carter and find him in his room changing shirts. I knock on the door before entering. "Mind if I come in?"

"Whatever!" He still doesn't look over at me. I watch as he puts on the clean shirt and starts to button it up. Then he walks over to sit on the edge of his bed to put on his shoes. I remember when I was a little girl and he was going out on his first date. He was so nervous and buttoned his shirt up wrong by missing a button. I pointed it out and he just laughed nervously while he acted like he did it on purpose but I knew he didn't. I remember he then he didn't have any hair on his face or his chest for that matter. Now as I lean back against the door frame I'm wondering where did the time go? I can't remember anything us doing hardly anything the past few years together and here he is a man with facial hair and hair on his chest.

I enter the room and look around. "I don't think I've been in your room yet." Of course he only uses it when he is home from school, the rest of the time he stays in the dorm at the University.

"It's just a room." He says irritated that I am even there as he turns around to get his wallet off the dresser and slides it into his back pocket.

I feel the familiar sting in my eyes. I sigh as my eyes cast his floor. "Are you mad at me?"

"No...why would I be mad at you?" But he is I hear it in his voice.

I stand there biting my bottom lip and gradually look up at him. "You are acting like you are. Then what is it...you don't like him do you?" I know its Zayden. I know they had words a while back when he came to visit me. I know he doesn't like him.

He looks at me and I can see that he is pissed off about the whole situation without saying a word. "You know just because mom and dad say you two can see each other don't mean I'm alright with it."

"Oh!" I look around the room to avoid his eyes.

He huffs and reaches out for my arm to get my attention. "Look...I just don't want anyone hurting you and I just think he is going to in the long run."

I feel my head make a little nod in agreement to him. I do understand that he cares but I know for a fact that Zayden is nothing like the others. I walk over and sit on the edge of his bed. "He is not like them. Look I am not asking you to be friends with him...but can you at least try to get along...for me." I give him a sad puppy face expression.

He shakes his head for a good solid minute just thinking about it. "I'll try but the moment he hurts you in any way...I'll kick his ass."

I smirk at that. "I know you will...and you have my permission to do so." One thing about Carter, he has got to be the best big brother a girl could ever have. He has always went way beyond taking care of me.

We both smile at the same time.

"Come here." He tells me; I stand up and walk up closer to him and he gives me a hug. "Happy Birthday." He says as we just stand there in each other's arms. I can't recall a time that we have been his close. I can actually smell the earthy scent of his cologne and I can't help but smile, this boy is so in love.

"Thank you."

We head back down at the same time and when we get outside Zayden is sitting next to Daniel, Maya and Natalie; they are all in a deep conversation about something.

Carter yells out, "You guys ready?" and they all stop and look up at us. They stand up and then we have to decide who is riding with who. Since my parents don't want us to be alone, Zayden and I ride with Carter. Daniel and Maya go in Daniels car. I was going to ride with Daniel but I figured that would have been more awkward.

We meet up at the theater and Zayden pays for me and him to get in. He also gets us large popcorn and a large drink to share. Natalie is on one side of me and he is on the other. I try so hard to pay attention to the movie however I pay more attention to him. When he puts his arm around me, I lean in putting my head on his shoulder. He takes my hand in his and he sits there playing with my fingers. I like the way one touch makes my whole body tingle with life. I turn my head some to nuzzle my nose in his neck then lightly kiss him by the ear. He turns to meet my lips and brush them softly with his. Then I turn back to attempt to watch the movie. I'm a little disappointed when the movie is over because we have to go home.

On the way he hugs me in his arms wrapping me so close to him. It feels so good that I drift off to sleep. When we arrive at the house he nudges me. "Hey we're back...wake up." I feel his hand gently going up and down my arm to get me to wake up.

I'm pretty sure all of this is just a dream but I hear his voice so clear in my ear and when I open my eyes he is still there smiling at me. He touches my cheek lightly with his hand. "Wake up precious."

Awe...did he just call me precious...how sweet. He bends down to kiss me softly on the lips and all I can do is sigh. I move over and he opens the door. He gets out and then holds his hand out for me to grab so that he can support me getting out. Carter doesn't bother waiting for us as he walks on into the house.

We stand there outside next to the car and I can't help but rub my arms to get the chill out. I guess hugging up close to him warmed up my body and now standing out her I feel like I am freezing. He reaches over and rubs my arms for me, trying to warm me up. Then he wraps his arms around me. Before he leaves he kisses me again then tells me good night. I hate watching him leave.

When I get to my room I practically melt. Today has been the best day...I can't recall a time that I felt this happy.

'You know you should just let me take over...I'm sure I can satisfy his need.'

'Back off...he is mine.'

'I think you are afraid that he will like me more.'

'No I'm not...and he won't.'

'Please we all know that you can't handle this kind of relationship.'

'Well I'm going to try...I have to make this work.'

'Why?'

"Because I really do love him," I say out loud for me to hear my own voice.

I fall asleep playing with the ring with the two hearts and trying hard to block Cora out.