I woke suddenly, unsure of what exactly had pulled me from my sleep, and blinked several times in confusion. After a few moments, I finally remembered where I was and why. Last night, after our kiss, I'd asked Ket to play me something else on piano. I loved lying on his bed and just watching his fingers dance across the keys as a look of complete serenity overtook his features. I enjoyed getting a chance to read him like an open book for once as he had done so many times to everyone else. When he played piano, he let all of his emotions show. For once, he didn't hide anything. I guess that I had fallen asleep listening to him play, as I was still sprawled out on his bed. I sat up and ran my hands through my messy hair. I slowly looked around the bedroom. I almost laughed when I looked down.

Ket lay on the floor with a blanket that covered the top half of his body including his head, but left his feet exposed. I shook my head, smiling.

Suddenly, the phone began ringing, causing me to jump. Without even thinking, I reached over and picked up the phone from Ket's bedside table. Ket let out a groan from the floor, obviously having been woken up by the phone. It didn't occur to me until after I pressed the talk button that this wasn't actually my house.

"Hello... um, Thomas residence," I answered awkwardly.

"Ro? Is that you? Where are you? It's almost eleven and you're still not here! I've been waiting all morning! I'm at Roosevelt Hospital. Get down here and see me!"

"Reed?" I questioned. "Oh my god, Reed! You're back in Manhattan! Oh, it's our birthday, isn't it? I can't believe I forgot! I'll be there as soon as possible."

I jumped off of Ket's bed and gently kicked him in the side. "Ket, get up. My family is back! We have to get to the hospital."

"Wait, why are you sleeping in the same room as Ket?" Reed demanded.

"What? Um, sorry, Reed, I have to go. See you soon!"

"Ro-"

I hung up the phone and tossed it onto Ket's bed. Ket groaned again and pulled the blanket down off of his face. He smiled up at me, blushing slightly.

"Hey, you. Happy birthday," he mumbled, tucking his right arm under his head, showing off his bicep muscles.

I grinned, remembering last night. "Hey. Come on, you need to get up. Reed is home."

Ket's eyes widened. "Oh yeah. Okay, give me a minute to get dressed."

I nodded. "Oh yeah, I probably should too."

I headed out of his room and to my own bedroom instead. I quickly changed out of my clothes from the day before and into a light, blue summer dress. I ran my fingers through my hair, but didn't bother doing anything with it. I was too excited. . . and nervous. I exited my room again and headed to Ket's throwing the door open without really thinking. He stood in the middle of his bedroom wearing nothing but shorts. He held a blue shirt in his hands, as if we had planned to match our outfits.

"Well, this could have been a lot more awkward had you come in about thirty seconds earlier," he commented.

He didn't blush or try to cover himself up, however. I gave him a shameless once over, taking in his toned chest and flat, smooth stomach and then wiggled my eyebrows.

"Looking good. Now, hurry up," I replied.

Then, I turned and waltzed out of his room. I ran down the stairs and into the kitchen, startling Kendra who was sitting at the island, reading a newspaper.

"Good morning, Ro," she laughed. "Where are you headed in such a hurry?"

"The hospital," I answered.

A panicked look crossed her face. "Did something happen? Is everyone okay?"

She went to get up, but I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"No! No, everyone is fine. My family is home for my birthday. I'm going to see my brother."

Kendra's eyes widened. "Oh, it's your birthday! Oh, happy birthday, Ro!"

She jumped from her chair and attacked me with a hug. I smiled, hugging her back. Kendra had become such an important woman in my life.

"Kendra, would you like to come with me to meet my family? I would love to introduce the woman who took me in and took care of me to my parents and brother," I asked her.

She pulled away to look at me. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on you reuniting with your family."

My smile widened. "Kendra, you are family."

Her face softened. "Oh, Ro! Of course I will come and meet the parents who raised such an incredible young woman."

I nodded. "Perfect."

Just then, Ket came into the kitchen.

"Alright, let's go!" I cheered.

*-*-*

I glanced at Ro. She was sitting in the passenger seat and my mom was driving. Ro was tapping her hand rapidly against her leg, biting down hard on her lip. Normally, I would be analyzing her, deciding that based on her posture, mannerisms and inability to sit still, she was obviously excited but also nervous, but right now, all I could focus on was how much I wanted to kiss her again, and how much her biting her lip was not helping that in the least.
I let out a breath and tried tearing my eyes away from Ro and instead focusing them on the cars passing by outside my window. I didn't particularly like sitting in the back seat, but I also wasn't go to make Ro sit here. I swallowed as my mom pulled the car into the parking lot at the hospital. For some reason, my heart rate picked up slightly. I wiped both my hands on my shorts before opening my car door once my mom parked. I was sweating.
I looked to Ro to find that she was already looking at me. I tried giving her my most reassuring smile. To my surprise, she reached out and took my hand in her own, taking a shuddering breath in. After a moment if staying tense, I allowed my arm to relax and linked my fingers through hers.

Ro led the way into the hospital.To my surprise, my dad was waiting right in the front lobby."Are you ready, Ro?" he asked once we reached him.She nodded, and I could tell that she was having troubles finding her voice."I made sure he got a good room that's right near by so that you can see him right away. Your brother is a wonderful young man, just like you," my dad told her.Ro's mouth twisted into a smirk. "Thank you. I take pride in the fact that I too am a wonderful young man."I choked out a laugh at the unexpected sarcasm while my dad's face grew red."Oh, you know I didn't mean it like that, Ro."She smiled. "I know. Sorry, I'm nervous."I squeezed her hand reassuringly. She squeezed back, seemingly completely unconsciously, and rolled her bottom lip into her mouth. I reached up and gently pulled her lip out from between her teeth, looking her straight in the eyes."It will be okay. I promise. You have nothing to be nervous about," I told her.She stared at me for a moment and if we weren't standing in front of my parents in the middle of a hospital, I like to think she would have kissed me again.She nodded. "Okay, let's go."My dad nodded and began leading us down the hall. Before she began after my dad, my mom raised an eyebrow at me and then looked between Ro and eye before shooting me a wink. I just shook my head and chose to ignore her. Based on the way she smiled, though, I knew that she would be bringing up Ro and I again in conversation later.My dad stopped in front of a room just down the hall in wing F. He swung open the door and stepped aside, leaving Ro standing in front of the open doorway."Ro?" a female voice called.Ro let go of my hand and rushed inside.

 *-*-* 

 "Ro?" my mom called. 

My heart leapt in my chest and I sat up so fast that pain shot through my chest and I gasped. Unfortunately, the gasp only added to my pain. 

"Reed," my dad said in concern, placing his hand on my chest and pushing me back against my pillow. "Take it easy. Breathe."

 I lay back and took several painful breaths in and out, wincing slightly, until I could calm my breathing again. 

"I'm glad to see you're still a complete doofus." 

I smiled. I never thought I'd smile from being called names, but I smiled. Ro looked the exact same, not that I had necessarily expected that she look any different. She sat on the edge of the bed and brushed my hair back from my forehead. 

 "I can do almost anything for you, but I can't be your lungs. I'm your twin, not your miracle worker. Take it easy and give your lungs some time, Reed," she murmured. 

I nearly burst into tears. She used to say that to me all the time, ever since I was first diagnosed with severe asthma. Any time I'd have an asthma attack, she'd be there beside me, smoothing back my hair while I clung to my puffer. Then when I got my air tank, she as always the one to remind me that I couldn't always necessarily go the same pace as everyone else, because my lungs couldn't take it.I wiped at my eyes. 

"God, sorry, I swear I don't usually get emotional like this."

 She raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? You're the biggest cry I know." 

"Shut up! Not everyone here needs to know that," I muttered gesturing over her shoulder to the group that had entered into the room after her. 

Her eyes widened as if she had forgotten that there were other people in the room and she had just now remembered. 

"There are some people I want you, Mom and Dad to meet," Ro said. 

She turned and waved the Thomas's over. My eyes locked onto Ket Thomas. He was taller than he'd seemed over video chat, and I didn't like the look of him at all. He had dark hair and light eyes and he looked like the popular, rich, boy-who-gets-whatever-he-wants type.My mom was the first to react. 

"You must be Mrs. Thomas. Your husband told us a bit about you, and of course, our daughter spoke highly of you every time we called. It is so nice to finally meet the woman who took our daughter in." 

Mrs. Thomas laughed. "Please, call me Kendra. But honestly, the honour is all mine. I finally get to meet the people who raised such an incredible, smart and strong young woman." 

My mom grinned, and I could tell that she was teaming with pride. 

She stretched out a hand and shook hands with Kendra."My daughter tells me that like myself, you enjoy the art of shopping. Maybe sometime we can hit up the mall together: you, me and Ro." 

Kendra nodded. "What an incredible idea." 

"And I've already convinced your husband that he and your son should come with Reed and I to watch a game once Reed is out of the hospital. I figure it's especially a good plan because he'll be able to tell me exactly when Reed is ready for a big event like that," my dad chimed in. 

Ro smiled and looked to Ket, who raised his eyebrows and grinned at his dad. 

"Really, Dad?" Ket asked. 

Dr. Thomas nodded. "Of course. I think we're due for a father-son day." 

Ro's smile widened and the affection in her eyes grew. 

I frowned. 

"And you must be Ket," my mom commented. "Ro has told us quite a bit about you." 

She was grinning slyly. 

 "I hear you gave my little girl some trouble when she first moved in," my dad added, folding his arms over his chest. 

I smirked. 

Ket nodded. "Yes, Sir, and your daughter very quickly put me in my place and taught me a lesson." 

My dad laughed. "That's my girl. You seem to have won her over since then, however, so you can't be all bad. In fact, you seem quite alright to me." 

My frown was back. It appeared I was on my own. 

"I hope you don't mind," Ro piped up. "But I texted a few other people to swing by that I want you to meet." 

As if on cue, two people holding hands came through the door. 

"Yes!" Ket cheered. 

Everyone looked at him. 

He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, but Josey and Cris... it's a big deal... I've kind of been waiting for this for a while..." 

Ro nodded. "I completely agree. I'm so happy for you two!"

 The boy- who I assumed was Josey, though I wasn't completely sure- blushed. 

"Yeah, yeah, we're a thing. Anyways, moving on now..." Cris muttered. 

"Mom, Dad, Reed, this is Cris and Josey. They are two of my best friends," Ro introduced. 

"Nice to meet you," my mom smiled. 

"You as well, Mrs. Gessman. I can see where Ro gets her incredible beauty from. It's almost otherworldly." 

Ro rolled her eyes. "Believe it or not, you get used to him after a while." 

Josey frowned. "Hey!"

"Yes, unfortunately Ro is right on that one," Cris agreed.

"Double 'hey'!" Josey exclaimed. 

Someone cleared their throat. "Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt." 

Ro jumped off of the bed. "Braum! Perfect, everyone is here now. Mom, Dad, Reed, this is Officer Mills, but I'm sure he won't mind if you just call him Braum." 

Braum smiled. "No, of course not. Um, these are for you. Happy birthday, Ro."

Braum handed her a bouquet of roses and a wrapped present. 

 Ro smiled. "Oh, Braum, you didn't have to get me anything. Thank you." 

He shrugged. "It's your birthday." 

Cris smacked Josey on the arm. "Josey, why didn't we think to get her something?" 

"I don't know, I was kind of distracted last night when you-" 

Cris slapped her hand over Josey's mouth. 

"Never mind," she squeaked. 

Ro let out a laugh. 

"If it makes you feel any better, I didn't get her anything, either. Of course, I'm bed ridden, just got a new lung implanted and it's also my birthday today too... but hey," I said.

Josey narrowed his eyes and removed Cris's hand from his mouth. 

"Yes, that makes me feel much better, thank you," he said sarcastically. 

I just shrugged and smiled. 

"Can I open this?" Ro asked Braum. 

He nodded. "If you'd like." 

She tore off the paper and opened up the box. Inside, there was a book. She pulled it out. On the front, it read "memories". It was a photo album. 

"I figured you could start a memory book with any pictures you take from here on out. That way you can't possibly forget again." 

"Oh, Braum. Thank you so much," Ro exclaimed. 

 She leaned forward and hugged him. Ket let out a sound that was somewhere between coughing and being strangled. I raised an eyebrow. 

"Well, it was so nice of you to get her a present, Braum," my mom said. "And it is wonderful to finally meet the officer who worked so hard on our daughters case." 

Braum nodded and smiled. "Of course, Ma'am. That's my job. I'm just glad that Ro was able to find her family and get her memories back." 

"I'm really glad that all of you could be here to meet each other. It was really important to me that all of the most important people in my life finally get to meet each other. Without my family, I wouldn't be the person that I am today, and without my adoptive family and friends, I never would have made it through this incredibly hard time in my life. I hope you know how much I truly love all of you." 

"Yeah, but you love me most, right? We have twin telepathy, so you have to," I told her. 

"Sure, Deer-head," she laughed. 

I grinned. 

"I just have one main question. Ket Thomas, I see the way that you look at my daughter, and I need to know: have you kissed my daughter, Ket?" 

Ket's eyes widened and his face grew red, and then purple. 

"Ro, I thought I told you no boys until you were thirty?" my dad exclaimed. 

Ro gave him a sheepish grin. "I can honestly say: I don't remember you ever saying that..." 

My dad narrowed his eyes. "Very funny." 

Ro nodded. "I thought so." 

My dad turned his attention to Ket. "You hurt my daughter and I will hurt you. No offence Jarod and Kendra." 

Kendra shook her head. "Non taken. If my son hurts your daughter I'll hurt him." 

Ket whistled. "No pressure." 

"Sorry, I should go, my break is almost over," Braum muttered. 

 "Thank you for coming. And thank you again for the amazing present. We should do coffee again soon. French vanillas," Ro laughed. 

Braum gave her a tight smile. "Yeah, for sure." 

I turned my attention back to Ket once Braum was gone. "Just remember, Ket Thomas: I won't be in this hospital bed forever, and if my twin feels even a little hurt, I'll feel it and I will be after you before you can even blink." 

"Even if I got amnesia, I don't think I could ever forget that threat." 

I nodded. "Good."