That night everyone gathered in the living room and Lauryn was happy that it felt like old times. Like before Susannah had passed. They were laughing and having a great time. Belly, Jeremiah, Taylor, and Steven were fighting over the best spots on the couch as Conrad stood nearby and watched them with a smile. Lauryn had walked up behind him to sneak attack him, jumping on his back and startling him. He laughed and she squealed as he caught her legs and kept her on his back. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and she laughed as well, kissing his cheek.

"You little sneak!" He laughs, rolling his eyes at her. "How many times have I told you not to scare me?"

"Probably more times than you can count, Coco." She teases. "But if I don't sneak attack you then how else will I get a piggyback ride?"

"You can just ask, you dork." He chuckled, gently squeezing her ankles he held.

"Well, asking isn't nearly as fun!" Lauryn giggles. She leans forward, resting her chin on his shoulder as he continued to hold her up. Conrad's laughter was a rare and precious sound, and Lauryn was grateful for the moment of lightheartedness amidst the heaviness of the past few days. "So, you had a talk with Jere." Lauryn points out, her arms loosely around his neck. "How is he?" Conrad had met up with Jeremiah outside after he had left the house to go check on him. She was curious and hoped it went good. Jeremiah seemed to be in a good mood and so was Conrad, so it must have.

"You know, I think he's okay. I told him we're not giving up." Conrad replied, glancing over at her with a small smile.  

"I'm glad. That's good. We're not giving up no matter what." Lauryn said softly, returning the smile. "And how are you doing?" She asked softly, her fingers lightly stroking the skin on the back of his neck. Conrad shrugged, turning his head to nuzzle his face against her hand.

"I'm alright. I've got you here with me." He replies, sending her a playful wink. "You're a huge comfort, especially during the hard times." Lauryn's cheeks heat up, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

"Well, I'm glad. Same goes for you, Coco." Lauryn smiles at him. Conrad smiles back, a warm feeling in his chest at her smile. He always loved her smile, and her laugh, and the way she would scrunch her nose when she was concentrating on something. 

As they stood together, sharing this tender moment amidst the chaos and pain of recent days, it felt like a small piece of normalcy and hope. The living room was filled with laughter and the playful bickering of friends who had gathered to support each other. Belly, Taylor, and Steven continued their friendly competition for the best couch spot, their banter a comforting backdrop to the scene. The warmth of their shared memories and the bond between them offered a glimmer of solace.

"Oh, uh, I ordered pizza." Jeremiah speaks up with a smile. "It should be like thirty minutes, but I only ordered one with pineapple, so I call dibs on two slices, all right?"

Lauryn's faces scrunch up with disgust. "Still can't believe you like pineapple on pizza."

Conrad chuckles and nods. "Yeah, Jeremiah, I think that's all you." Taylor laughed along with Steven as they teased Jeremiah. "Uh, so what do you guys wanna watch?" He questioned, carefully setting Lauryn on her feet and smiling at her when she kissed his cheek.

"I was thinking 'It Happened One Night'." Belly spoke up, holding up the case of the movie she had picked out. Everyone agreed and Conrad grabbed the case from her to put the movie in.

As he did this, Lauryn moved to sit on the other couch that was smaller than the bigger one the other four teens sat on. She curled up on it, holding a pillow in her lap as she smiled while watching her boyfriend put the move in. As if sensing her gaze on him, Conrad glanced over at her, flashing a fond smile her way. She returned his smile and her heart swelled at the way his eyes seemed to brighten and sparkle when he looked at her.

Conrad had the movie set up and joined Lauryn on the couch, his arm moving around her shoulders. He pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head and pulled her close, his fingers lightly brushing against her shoulder. Lauryn shared a smile with him as she scooted closer to him and snuggled into his side, her arm wrapping around his waist and her other grabbed his free hand, their fingers lacing together. She rested her head on his chest, and Conrad pressed another soft kiss to the side of her head, his fingers still lightly brushing against her shoulder. The moment felt almost too good to be true. But all good things come to an end.

Conrad checks his phone he held with his right hand, his heart dropping at the notification he received. Lauryn notices his sudden change of demeanor and lifted her head from his chest, her eyes full of concern and worry. His hand had pulled away from hers as he began to get up, leaving her alone on the couch. The sudden change confused her and she was worried. Did something happen? Did his dad call him again? 

Lauryn watched as he heads toward the door and follows him, her eyebrows furrowing. She was worried about him. Should she go after him? Give him space? She noticed Steven had spotted Conrad leaving and they exchanged a worried glance. Steven mouthed to her that he would go check on her which gave her some reassurance and she nodded, relaxing back in the couch. She appreciated that Steven would go check on him, but she was tempted to go check on him too. Something told her she should go after him, that he would want her with him. Her mind was made up and she got up and headed to the front door, her worry for him overpowering her. She was going to find him and be there for her boyfriend.

As Lauryn made her way outside, she noticed Steven first, he was near the beach. Then she spotted Conrad and worry and concern filled her gaze. He was panicking, he was having a panic attack. She hesitated on showing her presence, figuring Steven might have this covered and if not she would head over to help.

"Is there anything I can do?" Steven called out in a concerned tone after Conrad had told him don't get Jeremiah when he offered.

"I don't know, man. Just talk, okay?" Conrad's voice cracks as he faces the ocean, trying to control his rapid breathing. "Just talk about anything." Lauryn frowned, itching to step in and be there for him. She could tell from the way his shoulders shook and his hands gripped his phone that he was really struggling. She took a deep breath, knowing how difficult these moments were for Conrad, and silently moved closer. She stayed back though, waiting until when she thought would be a good time to interject. She didn't want to interrupt Steven's efforts, but her instincts told her that Conrad needed her presence, even if he didn't say it outright.

"Um, talk, right. Um...Uh....The beach." Steven stammers. "The first time you guys brought me here to surf, man, I was so freaked out. You and Jere had just come back from some fancy surfing camp and you knew all these cool tricks. I felt like such a little kid. But you stayed and paddled with me 'till we caught a wave together. I thought you were the coolest person in the world."

"I guess you were wrong about that one." Conrad's wavering voice remarked and Lauryn's frown deepened at his words.

"No." Steven argues. He pauses before asking, "You have these a lot?"

"Yeah." Conrad admits after a moment of silence. "More since my mom died. I'm glad you're here." He admitted. As he turned to face Seven finally, he noticed Lauryn in the distance. His rapid breathing had slowly calmed down, seeing her was like a breath of fresh air. It was like the sun shining through the clouds, illuminating the dark shadows of his anxiety and grief. 

He didn't know how she did it, but being with her was like a ray of hope and light in his otherwise bleak world. His eyes met hers, and it was like a switch had flipped. The tension in his shoulders released, the knot in his stomach eased, and his racing heart slowed. She had that effect on him, her presence always calming and reassuring. Seeing her there, her face etched with concern and care for him, brought him a sense of comfort and relief that he hadn't felt in a long time.

He was reminded of why he had fallen for her in the first place. She was unlike anyone he had ever met. She was strong, passionate, caring, and beautiful inside and out. Her compassion and empathy for others was matched only by her fierce loyalty and determination. She had always been there for him, no matter what. She had supported him and encouraged him, even when things were difficult. And now, in the midst of his own personal crisis, she was there once again. Without a word, she had shown up, knowing exactly what he needed. 

It was then that Conrad knew that no matter what happened, no matter how difficult or painful things got, he could always count on her. He knew she would follow him, he wasn't surprised to see her here, he had expected her to come. He would have come for her if their situations were switched. She had the same effect on him that he had on her. She was his comfort, his source of strength, his ray of hope in the darkness. Lauryn took that as her cue to walk over to the two, her eyes locked with Conrad's. Her gaze was soft and caring, filled with love and concern for her boyfriend. She walked over, letting her presence be known by Steven, who gave her a nod.

"I'll let you two be." He said softly and turned to leave.

"Steven," Conrad calls out to him, stopping him from leaving. "Thank you." Steven's face softened and he nodded in response before he turned and walked back to the house.

Lauryn walked over to her boyfriend, her eyes never leaving his. His arms wrapped around her and she hugged him, rubbing his back in comforting circles. They stood there in silence, neither of them needing to say a word. The simple comfort of her presence was enough, and they both found solace in each other's embrace. After a few minutes, Conrad pulled away from the hug, keeping his hands on her waist and resting his forehead on hers. His eyes closed, taking a deep breath before opening them. She was there, her presence and touch calming him. He couldn't explain it, but her touch grounded him, and her presence was a source of strength for him. Lauryn's hands cupped his cheeks, her thumbs gently stroking his cheekbones. Her eyes were filled with love and concern, her expression soft and gentle.

"You don't have to tell me what caused this." She says softly, her thumbs continuing to caress his cheekbones. "But know that I'm here for you, Coco. Always."

Conrad's heart warmed at her words and the look in her eyes. She was so sincere, so genuine. He knew she meant every word, and it was a reminder of why he loved her. She cared so deeply for others, and she never failed to show it. She was always there for those she loved, and she was a constant source of support and encouragement.

"I love you." He spoke up after a moment, his eyes locked with hers. Lauryn's eyes soften even more and her lips curve into a gentle smile, blush dusting her cheeks.

"I love you, too." She replied, her eyes full of adoration.

Comfortable silence washed over them and Lauryn leaned forward, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss. He kissed her back, his arms pulling her closer as her arms wrapped around his neck. They lost track of time as they kissed, neither of them caring about the rest of the world around them. All that mattered was each other, and in that moment, everything was perfect. As their kiss ended, their eyes remained closed as their foreheads rested against one another, their noses lightly touching.

"Do you want to go back inside?" Lauryn asks softly. "We can stay out here as long as you need to, or we can go back inside. Whatever you need, Coco." Conrad was silent for a moment, considering her offer.

"Found out I got into Stanford." He finally admits what caused the panic attack. "Mom had this fantasy about me finding myself on the West Coast..."

"I know, baby, but that's great!" Lauryn grins, her face brightening as she pecks his lips. "That's what you've wanted since you were little. Why did it make you so upset though?" She questioned softly, her thumbs caressing his cheeks while her face softened.  

"Things are finally starting to get better with Jere, and he's going to Finch in the fall which is close to Brown so it just doesn't make sense to transfer anymore..." Conrad rambled nervously. He could feel the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in his chest.

"You don't have to decide anything right now." Lauryn assures him, her thumbs still caressing his cheekbones. "But, Coco, if it's something you really want, then I'll support you. And I know Jere will too-"

"He doesn't even know I applied, Lulu. So...Please don't tell him." Conrad pleaded, his eyes filled with worry and concern. Lauryn's heart ached at Conrad's vulnerability and the weight of his worries. She took a deep breath, her fingers still gently brushing his cheekbones.

"I won't tell him," She promises softly. "But you should know that whatever you choose, he'll understand. And he'll support you, just like I do."

Conrad smiles and relaxes a bit, leaning forward to press a tender kiss to her forehead. He knew he could trust her, and he was grateful for her support. "Thank you, Lauryn. You're the best."

Lauryn blushes and smiles, her arms still around his neck. She stands on her tiptoes and presses a gentle kiss to his cheek, her lips lingering for a moment. "And so are you, Coco."

With her encouragement and support, Conrad felt like he could take on anything. He had no idea what the future held, but with her by his side, he knew he could face it.

**** 

That night Lauryn found herself in her bedroom in her family's beach house next door, smiling at the familiar room. This place was like a second home to her as well just like the Fisher's family beach house. Her and her family spent countless summers here, enjoying the sunshine, warm sand, and salty ocean breeze. She always looked forward to this time of year, when the days were warm and sunny, and the nights were cool and breezy. 

She could always count on this place to bring her joy and happiness, and she was grateful for the escape from reality. She sighed in contentment, her body relaxing as she sunk into the soft sheets of her bed. She had just got out of the shower, her wet hair in a braid. She wore pjs as well and had cleaned her face so it was free of makeup. She climbed under the covers, not surprised to hear a knock on her open door.

"Come in, Coco." She knew who it was and didn't need to look to see. She even scooted over, lifting the covers to make room for the person. Footsteps echoed across the room and the bed dipped as someone sat down, the covers being pulled over as they got comfortable.

"How'd you know it was me?" Conrad's voice was teasing as he settled in beside her, the warmth radiating from his body providing a comforting presence.

"Just a hunch." Lauryn replied with a playful smile, glancing at him. her eyes softening as she saw the tired expression on his face. She scooted closer to him and wrapping her arm around his waist. His arm instinctively moved around her, his hand resting on the small of her back. His right arm wrapped around her as well as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.

"Are you feeling any better?" Lauryn softly asked, her left arm moving to gently card her fingers through his soft brunette hair. Conrad hummed and nodded, his eyes fluttering closed at her touch.

"Being with you helps." He mumbled, his arms tightening around her and holding her closer. Lauryn's heart melted and she pressed a tender kiss to his temple, her lips lingering for a moment.

"Anything I can do to make you feel better?" She murmured, her fingers still carding through his hair. Conrad's heart swelled with love and adoration for her. He knew she would drop anything to help him, and he was grateful to have someone like her in his life.

"You already are, Lulu." He replied, his lips pressing a soft kiss to her neck. She sighed softly, her fingers still gently carding through his hair.

They laid there in comfortable silence, neither of them needing to say a word. The warmth and closeness of each other's bodies was enough, and they both found solace in their shared embrace. Despite the events that had unfolded, Conrad was glad that he had been able to spend some time alone with Lauryn. She had a way of calming him down and helping him relax, and he was grateful for her presence in his life. 

He knew he could always count on her to be there for him, and he was thankful to have her by his side. Lauryn was always happy to cuddle with Conrad. There was something about his embrace that made her feel safe and protected. It was like she could let her guard down and just be herself. She loved how comfortable she was with him, and she was grateful to have found someone who understood her and accepted her for who she was.

But there was something Lauryn hadn't told Conrad yet. Something she hadn't told her friends yet either, only her aunt and uncle knew. She was afraid to tell anyone, they were already focused on the problem about possibly losing the beach house and she didn't want to add to the stress. Okay, the thing is, Lauryn used to have cancer. At four she was diagnosed with Leukemia, and went through Chemo and radiation for a few years. 

She beat it and was in remission for years until lately when she had been noticing symptoms of it coming back. Symptoms she had been ignoring and hoping it was nothing. That it was just her paranoia playing tricks on her. But she knew it wasn't, and that it was likely back. And it was a terrifying thought, going through cancer again. But she didn't want to think about it right now. No, instead she focused on the warmth of Conrad's embrace, the comfort of his arms wrapped around her, and the safety she felt in his presence.

Her mind was made up, she would tell Conrad. But not tonight, he was already stressed about the whole Stanford thing and the possibility of losing the beach house. She would tell him, just not tonight. Tonight was about him, and about her being there for him. Tomorrow she would tell him, and hope he wouldn't flip out.

"Coco." She spoke up, her fingers gently carding through his soft brunette hair.

"Yeah, baby?" He murmured, his nose nuzzling her neck.

"You know I love you, right? Like, more than anything?" Lauryn's voice was soft, her fingers continuing to trace soothing patterns through his hair.

Conrad smiles against her skin, his heart swelling with affection. "I know. And I love you too, Lulu. More than anything. You mean the world to me." His voice was muffled against her neck, but she could feel the sincerity in his words.

"I just wanted to remind you of that," Lauryn said, her voice steady despite the swirl of emotions inside her. "Because no matter what happens, no matter how tough things get, you mean everything to me."

Conrad's grip on her tightened slightly, his breath warm against her neck. "I feel the same way about you. You're my rock, Lauryn. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Same goes to you." She murmured.

They lay there in silence, the comfort of their shared embrace providing solace and strength. Lauryn's thoughts drifted to the upcoming conversation she needed to have with Conrad, but she pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. Tonight, she wanted to focus on being there for him and offering him the comfort he so desperately needed. The night grew quiet around them, the only sounds being the soft rustle of the sheets and their synchronized breathing. Lauryn closed her eyes, drawing strength from Conrad's presence as she planned out how she would approach the conversation about her own struggles. For now, she would cherish this peaceful moment, knowing that tomorrow would bring its own challenges.

With a soft sigh, Lauryn nuzzled closer to Conrad, her heart full of love and gratitude for the bond they shared. As sleep began to take them, they both found comfort in each other's arms, ready to face whatever the future might bring, together.