The next day at school Emery caught me up on her date with Adam and what an amazing time she had. It was fun to tell her about my date as well and share in the excitement of happy experiences. The rest of February seemed to fly by. With exams and the start of second semester, everyone remained quite busy. I was able to do track again by the end of the month which was nice as running felt like a way to clear my head.

The first week of March, Mason picked me up after track practice and we went to the first coffee shop we'd ever been to together. We sat by a window with our drinks, snacks, and homework. Mason and I were working on history together which made it go by way faster. It was also nice to have him in my class.

Once we were done, we switched to different classes. I worked on my law reading while he had switched to his accounting homework. What was interesting however, was every so often I noticed that Mason seemed to lose focus and stare out the window. It was how he'd been over the course of the week. I didn't say anything, but wondered where his mind kept drifting to.

When we were done with our homework, we chatted for a little bit, but again, I noticed he seemed a little distant than I was used to.

"I have a feeling law is going to kick my ass this semester," I'd said. It took a half moment before Mason chuckled at that.

"That's how I feel with accounting," he replied.

"Do you like it so far though?" I asked.

"No, my parents just thought it would be a wise choice," he said. I nodded at that. I noticed his demeanour shifted a little when he mentioned his parents. He glanced out the window and for a moment before looking back at me. "Ready to go?"

I nodded at that and put my law book into my bag.

We walked to the car quietly after throwing out our garbage. When we got inside the car, I turned to him. He turned on the ignition, letting some warmth enter the vehicle.

"How are things? Like at home?" I asked softly.

"They're... things don't feel great right now," Mason said. It felt like he was editing his words before he let them out of his mouth. "It's March...It's um... well, Sophia's death anniversary is coming up."

"Oh, I'm sorry. That's got to be difficult," I replied. I reached my hand out and rested it on his. "How are your parents dealing?"

"My mom's quiet. She cries in her room when she thinks no one can hear her. My dad's working more. When he is home, he's kind of an asshole."

"How are you dealing?" I asked. Mason shrugged at that.

"I'm... dealing. I'm doing accounting homework and going to school and eating dinner with my mom," Mason mumbled. I gave his hand a light squeeze. "I'm doing all the things she's not here to do and I'm doing the best that I can."

"The best that you can is good enough," I said gently. Mason took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

"Thank you," he finally replied.

I didn't know how much he believed me, but I was just glad that he was here and doing the best that he could. The storm that he was anticipating was almost here and I was nervous about the damage that it would do.

Author's Note: New chapter! I hope you liked it! 

Poor lil Mason :(( What do you think might happen next? Comment below and let me know!