Semi-Edited

PLEASE go read the authors note at the end of this! It is kind of long but VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ IT!! PLEASE PLEASE! 

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Song above is Say Love by JoJo. Thought it kind of thought it fit Macey and Luke (Lacey?)

Enjoy! 

My brother and my best friend kissing. I couldn't force myself to look away no matter how hard I tried. This was not what I was expecting to see coming home today. Hell I didn't think I would ever see this. They loved to tease one another and get each other hell, Macey was like my sister. How can they be kissing or even be together?! I wanted to yell over at them but all words were stuck inside of me.

I felt like my eyes were burning just watching them. The kiss probably didn't last more than 10 seconds but to me it felt like they were sucking each others tongues for hours. My mind could not seem to wrap around the idea of Luke and Macey being together, it just didn't sound right.

Looking at them though I wasn't angry that were together. Maybe they did look good together and I can't deny I have thought about them going out together. What I was most pissed about what they didn't tell me. It was clear as day they have been seeing each other for a while. This was just a first kiss I was witnessing. No they seemed really familiar with one another.

I felt almost betrayed that my own best friend wouldn't tell me she was seeing someone. I was pissed that my brother, my own blood, didn't tell me he liked Macey and asked her out. No one told me! No one had the balls to straight out tell me they were seeing each other.

Sure I would have been angry at first and kind of disgusted but I would have been fine with it. Now I was not. I was more angry that they didn't tell me. How long have they been going behind my back? That is what I wanted to know. It was almost like Amy and Ethan all over again. They didn't tell us they were going out and now these two.

Everyone has been hiding things from me lately, and I hated it. I hated that no one trusted me or that no one thought I could handle the news. I was not some glass vase that needed to be handled with care. I can take whatever anyone had to say to me.

This just pushed me over the edge. I had thought Macey would tell me since we tell each other everything. I have told Macey everything that goes on with me. Have you? The voice asked in my head. At those two words I paused. Okay maybe I haven't really told her everything that has happened these last few days, but that is only because she hasn't been around much. Now I know why.

A wave of anger hit me making me clench my jaw at them. I was not going to just run away and not confront them. I was going to give them a piece of my mind for keeping this from me. I didn't even hesitate as I marched over in their direction.

"Hey!" I shouted when I got near. The two of them jumped apart and looked around. I came to a stop in front of them and watched the color drain from their faces. They didn't think they would be caught.

"Carter." Luke said, and glanced at Macey with what looked like fear in his eyes.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find out about you two? Did you plan on hiding it from me forever!?" I basically screeched at them. My anger was getting a hold on me.

"Carter we were going to tell you." Macey said.

"When? When you are getting married?"

"Car-" Luke started to say but I interrupted him.

"I can't believe you two! My best friend and my brother hiding that they are seeing each other. You've been sneaking around for god knows how long. No wonder I haven't seen you much lately Macey."

"Carter we are sorry. We wanted to tell you, but we thought we should see where it is going before." Macey said taking a step towards me.

"We thought you would freak out like you are right now." Luke finished her sentence. I stared between both of them my anger only slightly going away. Yes I agree that I would have freaked out but give me a few minutes and I would have been fine.

"Yeah well I should freak out! It is quite a shock seeing two people you never knew liked each other making out!" The longer I stood there the worse I felt. The anger was slowly going away but left in its trail was hurt. Hurt that no one tells me anything and no one trusts me to understand.

I had nothing left to say to them at the moment and to be honest I needed a few minutes to myself to process this whole thing. Being here in front of them was not helping me at all.

"I need to go. I can't be around you two right now." I took a step back.

"Carter we are so sorry! We didn't mean to hurt you." Macey pleaded as she started for me but my brother placed a hand on her arm. He knew I needed some space and for that I was grateful.

"I...You should have just told me, I would have understood." I said softly. Not even glancing at them I headed towards our apartment building, not once looking back. As much as I wanted to go run back to Gage's I knew I needed to think this through myself. Maybe later I will call him but right now I needed to be alone with my thoughts. All I hoped was that Macey wouldn't come after me.

******

Two hours passed and I was locked inside my room. I was sitting at my desk trying to sketch but all I was able to draw in the last hour was a circle. Yes a circle. My thoughts were all jumbled that I couldn't really think straight.

I haven't heard Macey come home and a par of me was sad she hasn't come to talk to me yet and another part was glad she hasn't come home. As much as I wanted her to come and make up with me I don't think right now I could do that. Maybe I was acting like a child but I couldn't help it.

After staring at my sketch pad for another 10 minutes I just threw onto my desk with a loud sigh. I was getting no where with it. I almost regretted not going to Gage's after my little spat with Luke and Macey. At least I would have someone to talk to.

My eyes were drawn to a picture on my desk that was of Me, Macey, Luke and Ethan, standing by the beach. I was of course standing next to Ethan because that was my only opportunity to touch his bare upper body. Next to me was Macey and Luke, both smiling widely. Of course right after this they started arguing that Luke had pinched Macey and what not. I just couldn't see how they got together. One moment they are like brother and sister and the next each others throats. Sure looking at them they looked like a perfect couple but never in a million years did I think they would actually date.

Sitting there I needed to talk to someone. Not really wanting to annoy Gage with my problems I decided to call the one person I knew would listen to me. I picked up my phone and headed to my bed. While I hit dial I gently laid back on my bed, making sure I didn't hurt my back in the process.

"Hello?"

"Hey mom." Just the sound of her voice I could feel myself relax a little.

"Sweetie!" My mom practically yelled through the phone. I smiled up at my ceiling.

"What are you guys doing? Still in London?" I asked.

"Yeah we are. You know your father, doesn't leave until everything is perfect." I could practically see her rolling her eyes right now. I knew what she meant my father was such a perfectionist that if it wasn't done the way he wanted, he would stay until it was. That always lead to longer trips or longer nights at the office.

"Enough about us though. How are you? How are your classes going?"

For the next few minutes I just talked to my mom about random, small things. It was nice just to talk to her. It felt like it has been forever since I last saw her, so I was making due with just her voice today. It wasn't until a few minutes in that my mother finally said something.

"So why did you really call me today?" She asked.

"Can't I just call my mom and talk to her?"

"No. I can tell something is wrong. Mother intuition." I sighed.

"Everyone is hiding stuff from me. It's like they don't think I will understand or something."

"Who's hiding what from you?"

"Well first Amy hid the fact that she is now dating Ethan." I grumbled.

"Ethan and Amy are dating?!"

"Mom that isn't the point here."

"Okay, okay. Continue."

"They didn't even tell any of us. I found out when I saw them making out on the side of a building. I then ran into them at the ice cream shop where they did admit it. But why did they lie? I would have been fine with it." Even though I said that I knew I wouldn't have been, still not.

"Would you be fine with that honey? Everyone knows you have a huge crush on Ethan, so of course it is going to be hard hearing your friend is dating him."

"I don't have that big of a crush on him!"

"Yes you do. The only people that don't know is Ethan and your brother. Both are denser than rocks." Mom mumbled into the phone. "Anyways, honey, they probably didn't tell you because they wanted to see if they had actual feelings towards one another, before telling anyone."

"I understand that and I have kind of made up with Amy for it. But still they hid that from me. And now I just found out Luke and Macey have been seeing each other as well!"

"Luke and Macey? Our Luke and Macey?" I nodded than realized she could see me.

"Yep. They have been seeing one another for a while now apparently."

"You father owes me 10 bucks."

"Mom! You and Dad made bets about them getting together!" I exclaimed through the phone. What is up with my family betting on things?

"Of course, had to make things interesting. Your father never thought Luke would get the balls up to ask Macey out." Mom giggled through the phone. "Did you hear that honey?" I heard mom call out to my dad over the phone.

"Our son is seeing Macey." I couldn't hear my father's response but my mom than said, "Pay up bitch." Why are these people my family again?

"You guys have a gambling issue." I muttered into the phone.

"Honey that is good news though. We have all wondered when they would get together." She was silent for a moment before she spoke again. "That is who he took to the aquarium the other day!"

"Mom you don't get it! They lied to me this entire time. Every time Macey said she was studying she was with Luke. Why didn't she just tell me? How many opportunities did she have to say 'hey, I'm seeing your brother'."

"Honey-" My mom started to say but I kept on talking.

"She is my best friend, like a sister to me. We are suppose to tell each other everything and she hasn't been. She hasn't even been around much lately and now I know why." I was now sitting up cross legged on my bed. "Even Luke could have said something!"

"Carter! Honey listen to me." My mom finally yelled through the phone at me. I shut my mouth and listened to her. "I know you are upset that they didn't tell you, Macey especially, but you have to see it from their view. They were keeping it to themselves to make sure they would work out. Why tell you and have you freak when they would only break up the next day."

"I get that I just-"

"Your aunt and I had the same situation happen to us. I didn't really tell her I was seeing your father and she never told me she was seeing Nick. We were both just caught up in our own lives. But look how things worked out now. All of us are happy.

"Sweetie, you are allowed to be mad at Macey. And I am sure she wants you to be mad at her for not telling you but you can't stay mad forever. They did what they thought was best. Luke and Macey are still in that 'are we boyfriend and girlfriend' or just 'friends' stage still. They want to make sure they actually like one another before saying anything to anyone.

"Be mad for a little while but we both know you will forgive her. She is your best friend so you can't be mad for too long. Let both of them know they hurt you than move on." I was quiet for a minute letting her words sink in. My mom knew me well enough to know I will forgive Macey instantly. I just hate that she was right.

"Fine." I groaned, flopping back down on the bed.

"Wait until tomorrow to talk to her so you can have a clear head, than let her explain. Everything will work out."

"Thanks mom." I smiled softly into the phone.

"No problem sweetie. Don't let your brother knew we know about them." I raised an eyebrow at that.

"Why?"

"Oh nothing. I gotta go sweetie, your father needs to pay me the 10 bucks. Have a good night and text me tomorrow how everything goes."

"I will mom. Thank you for listening to me."

"It is what moms do. Goodnight sweetie, love you."

"Love you too and tell dad goodnight." With that we hung up. I stared up at my ceiling feeling better now that I talked to my mom. Mom's know what to say in the right moment.

My mom was right about the whole thing. I was right to be upset about the whole thing but I had to forgive and forget, even though it wasn't that easy.

*****

As my mother predicted Macey and I made up the next day. Even though I was angry at hurt I couldn't be without my best friend for too long. Being like normal girls the moment we met up at 95 Degree's after classes, both of u started crying and hugging one another. I wanted to be angry at her and my brother for longer but it wasn't who I am. I always forgive, which can be a bad thing at times.

Even after we made up and talked through things I was still a little peeved but I pushed it all aside. I could be happy for my best friend and brother. I didn't want to be 'that' sister that ruins someone's relationship over something stupid. So I did what I needed to do, forgive both of them.

Mace and I talked for a few hours about things we have kept from one another. I finally told her about hanging out with Gage, getting in a fight, and the kiss between us. To say she flipped out be an understatement. Once she had stopped freaking out and firing questions at me did she start to explain how her and Luke ended up together.

She told me how they kissed at the frat party a month ago and things just went from there. She didn't realize how much she actually liked him until than and what not. I tried to engage in the conversation but it is my brother we are talking about. The moment when she started to say he was a good kisser and knew how to use his hands I had cut her off. No sister wanted to hear that about her own brother, that is where I drew the line.

When Mace did talk about Luke I noticed her eyes light up and had a small sparkle I have never seen there before. I never saw Macey more happy or excited about someone before and I knew my decision of forgiving her was right. I knew deep down they were right for one another. As much as I hated them for keeping it from me I understood.

Because of Macey and I's little dilemma I had to cancel on Gage to do our english assignment on Wednesday. I ended up talking to Mace for longer than I thought and when I could finally leave she dragged me over to Luke's place to make up with him as well. I hated that I didn't see him all day but I knew it was more important if I hung out with her and Luke.

I had of course texted my mom and let her know things were okay now. I found out they were coming home Friday and that they wanted all of us to come over Saturday to see them and eat dinner. She of course made sure I didn't tell Luke that they knew about him and Macey. When I asked all she did was change the subject. I had a feeling my mom had something planned for Saturday and I wouldn't put it past her and Aunt Kay to do something.

That is why when Saturday rolled around I was hesitant about going over to my parents house. Sure I wanted to see them after they've been gone for a few weeks but knowing my mom and Aunt Kacey I was worried they were going to do something horribly embarrassing, and the worst part is it wouldn't be about me. That is how you know it is embarrassing if someone else is more so than the actually people. Then again Macey and Luke had no idea.

Right now I was getting ready to go over to my parents house with everyone. Apparently Ethan and Amy were going separately and would meet us their while I drove along with Luke and Macey...goody. Just another thing to remind me how single I am. I wasn't sure if Gage counted or not since we were 'fake' dating. And I wasn't even sure if that was still going between us.

For the rest of the week I had met up with Gage to finish our english assignment. Because it wasn't due until monday we only did a little bit everyday and it was a good excuse for me to see him everyday. We still haven't talked about our kisses or the fact that we were supposably together. It just never really came up or if there was a good opportunity to say something I always ended up chickening out. Things were going good for Gage and I right now and I felt like if I said anything it would just make things worse.

I was liking how Gage was opening up to me and being different. I was learning new things about him everyday and I was liking the things I was finding out. The fact that he actually was really smart and didn't mind school, but he never would admit it out loud. Or that he wasn't really a bad boy and it was all just a fake image he had around people. It was things like that, that made me want to stick around him.

So there were just some things I never brought up. We just did what normal friends would do together, and it worked out well for us.

"Does this look okay?" Macey suddenly asked barging into my room unannounced. I glanced over from where I was standing in front of my closet to look at her outfit. She was wearing a really cute dress that had a soft blue skirt that came above the knee, and a white top half that had thick straps and a heart shaped back. It was super cute but way too dressy.

"Mace you do realize it is cold outside and that a dress is really fancy right?" I asked turning to face her.

"Now I have to change again." She threw her hands in the air and left my room. Wondering why she was freaking out I followed after her.

"Mace what's wrong? You normally don't a have problem picking out an outfit."

"I have to look perfect. This is your parents we are talking about." She said quickly going through her closet and muttering under her breath.

"Since when do you care what my parents think? Macey you have met my parents before, they could care less what you wear. You could show up in sweats and they wouldn't notice."

"Carter this is the first time I am meeting your parents as your brothers girlfriend. They aren't just like my parents anymore, they are his. I am going up against every girl he has every brought home Car!" I could tell she was starting to panic.

"Macey." I stood up and went to her, placing my hands on her shoulders. "Look at me." Her eyes were wide but she looked at me.

"You have nothing to worry about. Out of all the girls Luke has brought home, not a lot by the way, you are definitely the best. My mom already loves you like a daughter so why would that change cause you are dating Luke? No matter what you do they will like you. Plus they don't even know you guys are together." I said looking her in the eyes. I lied about them not knowing but she didn't need to know that part.

"Okay you are right." She breathed out slowly relaxing a little.

"Even if you tell them they won't mind at all. Not even your parents will mind."

"Shit my parents!"

"Macey don't panic. Your dad loves Luke like a son, so it isn't like he isn't going to approve and lets be honest your mom will be happy either way." I sent her a smile hoping to calm her back down. It did the trick because her shoulder relaxed under my hands and she sent me back a small smile.

"Yeah. Okay. I am good." She breathed out.

"Now change into something warmer and less formal please." Macey let out a light laugh. She nodded though. "I am going to change as well." I quickly left her room to finish getting ready. Mom wanted us there at 1, why so early I have no idea, so we only had an hour to finish getting ready and get there.

Just as I got back into my room and started looking for something to wear my phone started ringing. Not even glancing at the screen I picked it up and answered, still leafing through my closet.

"Hello?"

"Hey" Came a familiar voice through my phone. I paused and raised an eyebrow.

"Gage?"

"The one and only." He teased through the phone. I rolled my eyes but found myself smiling.

"What do I owe the pleasure?" It wasn't everyday he called me.

"Just seeing what you are doing."

"Yeah sure. But if you must know I am getting ready to go to my parents house. What are you doing?"

"Just got forced to play wingman for Dylan tonight. I was actually going to see if you wanted to go with us." His words made me pause and raise both my eyebrows. Gage wanted me to go along with them? Well that is a first. Not knowing what to say I decided to go the teasing route.

"Is Gage Harper asking me on a date?" I teased.

"No. I was just being polite." Gage grunted. If only I could see if he was blushing through the phone right now.

"Well thank you for the offer. As much fun as it sounds helping Dylan pick up girls and for them to throw themselves at you, I have to be over at my parents in an hour and I don't know for how long."

"Someone sounds jealous."

"You didn't hear anything else did you?" I asked shaking my eyes and going back to look for an outfit.

"Nope."

"Guys." I muttered into the phone. I finally grabbed something to wear and pulled it out of my closet.

"You get worked up so easy princess. It is fun to annoy you." I could practically see him smirking through the phone.

"Yeah, yeah. Is there anything else? I have to get dressed."

"So you are talking to me naked? Who knew you had it in you princess." Even though I wasn't naked I felt myself blushing.

"Oh shut up! I'm hanging up now."

"Okay, okay. Let me know when you are done at your parents house, maybe you can still drop by."

"I will. Can't promise anything though."

"That is okay I'll just sit here lonely waiting for you."

"You lonely? Yeah right."

"Yeah you are right. Girls just fawn over me." Gage boasted.

"As lovely as this conversation has been I have to finish getting ready."

"I'll let you go than princess." Gage laughed into the phone. "Have fun at your parents."

"And you have fun being a wingman."

"I'll let you know if he scores." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yeah do."

"Bye princess." I smiled even though he couldn't see me.

"Bye Gage." Still smiling like an idiot I hung up the phone. Even a dumb conversation like that can make my heart flutter and make me smile like a teenage girl. Shaking my head at myself I sat my phone down and grabbed my clothes to change.

Because it was nearing the middle of October it was starting to get chilly. This last month has gone by so quickly that soon it will be Thanksgiving and than Christmas. You could tell winter was coming soon as everyone was switching out their shorts for jeans and leggings.

Grabbing the pair of black leggings I pulled out I quickly pulled them on. Well more like wiggled and bounced around my room for 5 minutes trying to get them on. After I did all that I slide on a simple black t-shirt and finally my super cute maroon color sweater. Because it wasn't absolutely freezing I was okay with wearing a thinner sweater.

(Super cute outfit!)

I pulled on a pair of cute brown lace up boots and got to work on doing my hair and makeup. Thankfully it didn't take me long to add a few extra curls to my hair, and to put on some mascara, concealer-if my mother saw the bags under my eyes she would worry-and to put on some deep maroon colored lipstick that matched my sweater.

Once I was all ready and had my purse filled with what I needed I left my room and headed to Macey's. Hopefully she wasn't stressed out again and had changed into something warmer. I didn't think she would be so weird about impressing my parents. The same parents that practically raised her.

"Ready to go?" I asked peeking my head in.

"Yep." As she grabbed her own purse I was happy to see she changed her outfit. Instead of the cute summer dress she was now wearing a simple light pastel pink sweater, a pair of really washed out skinny jeans, and matching pink booties that had spikes on the sides. It totally screamed Macey to me. It was simple yet cute.

(Middle Outfit is Macey's)

Once we made sure we had everything we needed we left the apartment and headed downstairs. Macey texted Luke saying we were ready once we reached the stairs so it wouldn't surprise me if Luke was already downstairs waiting.

These last 3 days I have had to put up with Luke and Macey being all lovey-dovey. It was nauseating honestly. Sure I was happy for them but it was still gross and weird seeing them kiss. I'm not sure how long it will take me to get use to them begin together.

As I thought when we left the building Luke was there leaning against the wall waiting for us. I rolled my eyes even though it was pretty gentlemen of him. Luke has definitely changed a little since they have been going out. Once I found out they have been sneaking around for about a month or so I started to realize how different Luke acted. Inside of flirting with any girl that came by he only had eyes for Macey.

I've watched him not even break eye contact with Mace when a very pretty, long legged, brunette walked by. Not once did he look back at her or anything. I even noticed he actually listened to what Mace had to say. It was a different side of my brother than I am use to seeing.

I'm use to him flirting with anything that has boobs. Going from one girl to the next. But this Luke was all eyes for Mace. I liked it and I was glad he was being the way he is. Macey didn't deserve some womanizer guy or jerk like Luke. At least he was noticing that now.

"You look beautiful Mace." My brother breathed out once he saw her. I watched her blush a little but a smile was spread across his face.

"You don't look too bad yourself." She said before going over to him. Immediately their arms went around one another and they kissed. Gross.

"Come on love birds lets go." I cut into their kiss after a few seconds. Not even waiting for them to follow I turned and headed for the parking lot. I did hear them behind me a minute later, Macey giggling.

When we reached the Jeep I was forced to be in the back so Mace could be up front near Luke. Couples I tell you. Thankfully though through the ride neither of them did anything too disgusting. I may be okay with it but not seeing it, mind you.

"So do you plan on telling mom and dad?" I asked Luke once we were getting closer.

"We probably should. Maybe after dinner though." Luke said and Macey nodded.

"Don't want to give mom a heart attack during dinner." Mace joked.

"Yeah right." I muttered softly.

"What was that?" Macey asked.

"Oh nothing." I waved her off. Fortunately we pulled up not too long after. Not seeing Ethan's car here yet I figured we bet him. Although Kacey's parents car were on the other side of the driveway. Yeah this is going to be fun.

"Lets get this over with." Luke muttered before getting out of the car. He quickly went over to the passenger side and helped Macey out. He really was becoming a gentlemen.

When we walked to the front door I saw Macey give Luke's hand a tight squeeze before she untangled it from him. She didn't want to just walk right inside with their hands together. With each other them giving me a nod to open the door I did. The moment I stepped inside I stopped in place, as did Luke and Macey beside me.

"Congratulations!!" My mother Layla, and Aunt Kacey suddenly yelled at us. They pointed up to a huge banner that said 'Congratulations It Is A Boy!' but the 'it is a boy' was crossed out and placed above it was Luke and Macey's names.

"Kacey did the signs." Mom said immediately as we read the banner. Kacey of course slapped my moms arm.

"What is going on?" Luke finally asked. He glanced at Mom and Aunt Kay. Our dad and Macey's stood in the back staring at us.

"Congratulations on getting together!" Mom yelled and rushed towards him. She wrapped him in a tight hug before moving onto a frozen Macey. As embarrassing as this was I couldn't help but want to laugh. I quickly covered my mouth so I wouldn't get in trouble. I moved over to dad watching Aunt Kay and Mom hug the death out of the two of them.

"You finally got together! Can you believe it Kay? Our babies!" Mom gushed. From here I could see both Luke and Macey red in the face. So this is what my mom had planned that she wouldn't tell me about. I thought. Nice.

"Hey dad." I greeted while mom still gushed at Macey and Luke.

"Hey sweetie." He pulled me into one of his famous bear hugs I have missed. I pressed my face against his chest, breathing in the scent that is my father. I didn't realize how much I missed him until I was now hugging him. Back when I use to see him everyday I didn't think I would ever be away from him for so long but now in college I don't get to see him everyday. Yes I was a daddy's girl, not ashamed.

"How was Europe?" I asked.

"It was good you know, besides work." He smiled down at me.

"You work too much dad." I commented before Uncle Nick grabbed me into a hug himself. Both gave the best hugs, I swear.

While they turned back to watch their wives attack their children I moved around them and squatted down to love on Sammy, our dog. Why you couldn't have a dog at campus I don't even know. When Sammy finally got sick of me and went to greet Luke did I notice a familiar looking girl coming out of the bathroom.

"Lizzy?" The 16 year old jumped and turned to face me, her eyes widening.

"Carter!" She suddenly came running at me. Kacey's younger sister ran into my arms, pulling me into a tight hug. It has been so long since I last saw her. She wasn't here the last time we had dinner so it has been a good two to three months.

"You finally came to eat with us commoners." I said sending her a smile as she stepped back. I looked over the younger version of Macey. She had definitely changed since I last saw her though. Her hair was dyed a dark brown color, instead of the pretty honey brown color it was. Her eyes were a light blue which struck out more from her hair. She was taller and was about the same height of me now. Her baby face was turning into a mix of her father and mothers face. High cheek bones, plump lips, pretty face. She's definitely grown into herself lately.

"Just what mom said t0o." She rolled her makeup eyes at me, but still smiled.

"Look who it is." A new voice said. Macey walked in and hugged her sister. Elizabeth tried to act like she didn't like a hug from her sister but I could tell she missed her.

"Yeah look at the girl who caused this whole thing." Liz shot back at her sister.

"What I didn't think mom or Aunt Layla would know about me and Luke. Nor would they get a banner!"

"It is all she talks about lately."

"How did she know?" Macey asked her sister. All Liz did was gesture to me with her head before leaving the room. "Carter?" Macey turned to look at me.

"Traitor!" I hissed at Elizabeth, who just winked and left the room. "What is up with her?" I asked.

"She is going through the whole 'I hate everyone, especially my family' faze. That is why she hasn't been around when we come over. Too obsessed with her friends and apparent boyfriend." Mace rolled her eyes at that.

"Liz has a boyfriend?" I raised an eyebrow at that.

"So my mom says. Dad isn't too thrilled." I smiled at that. Nick was just as bad as my dad at being protective of his little girls.

"I bet." We both laughed at that. "Oh and hey now you don't have to tell my parents or yours about you and Luke." I commented.

"Yeah about that. You told your mom."

"I...uh...maybe." I said rubbing the back of my neck. "I was upset and needed someone to talk to so I called mom and it slipped. I just didn't think they would do this." I admitted.

"Car it is okay. It is embarrassing but hey easier than us telling them." She shrugged.

"Right about that."

"Girls come help us finish with lunch!" Mom yelled. Rolling our eyes we headed for the direction of the kitchen. The day was just getting started.

*****

"I can't believe you bet on us!" Luke exclaimed as we all sat around the table eating. He was sitting next to Macey with his arm wrapped around her. Next to them were Ethan and Amy who didn't come too long after we arrived. Mom was just as excited to hear about them being together, that she gushed around them.

I swear the only people here without anyone was me and Lizzy but she had a boyfriend that just didn't come so technically I was the only one. Great! Note the sarcasm there.

So far lunch or I guess early dinner, not sure, was going good. Like always mom had tons of food to eat, which all the boys ate like they hadn't seen a meal in ages. It was nice though to be home with my family and hear what we have missed in the last few weeks. You never know how much you miss your family or things like this until you don't do them as often.

"So anything new going on with you Carter?" Aunt Kacey asked after a little bit.

"Uh nothing much honestly, just school." I shrugged taking a bit of my pasta salad.

"Really nothing interesting happen since we last talked?" A glint in her eyes that I couldn't place.

"She got a boyfriend." Amy suddenly butted in. My eyes widened at her words and my head snapped in her direction. I heard a few silver wear hit plates.

"What?" Both my brother and father, Ashton, said at the same time. I winced at their voices and glared at Amy. She shot me a I'm-sorry-look. Everything was quiet as they waited for my answer.

"Uh nothing." I said looking down at my plate. Right when I thought the day was going to go by smoothly.

"Carter Miller what did she say about you having a boyfriend?" My fathers deep voice asked. It was his business tone and it could make anyone shake. I wanted to lie and say no but Gage and I kind of were dating. As far as Ethan knew we were even though it was fake. I wasn't even sure it was still true between us but if I said no, Ethan would know I was lying.

"Uh yes." I found myself say.

"Who?" Luke said this time. I dared a glance up and saw everyone but my father and brother were leaning forward staring at me. The others were leaning back quietly. Even my mom was quiet. So much for help.

"Gage."

"Gage? As in Gage Harper?" Luke spit out.

"Who's that?" My father asked turning to Luke.

"A guy on campus. He isn't a good guy Carter."

"You don't know him Luke. You can't judge him by what you hear." I said feeling angry that he was saying that about Gage. He had no idea what he was like.

"Carter is a womanizer and I heard he does underground fighting. That doesn't make for a good boyfriend." I could see my fathers eyes widening at that and looking back at me.

"You actually believe those rumors?" I said even though they aren't. "Gage is sweet and kind. He isn't what people say about him." I glared at my brother. From the corner of my eye I noticed Macey smile at my words.

"Than I want to meet him." My father said. I turned to look at him with wide eyes.

"W-what?" I squeaked out.

"I want to meet this Gage Harper." 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So I did upload today! I had rewritten half of this chapter so many times today until I finally got the result I wanted. I do hope you all like it! I didn't do too much of Carter and Macey making up because lets be honest, we all know they would make up and it is kind of boring to read. So that is why I didn't put too much about that this chapter. I want this book to start picking up so Carters parents will soon meet Gage, wonder how that will go! :) 

**Also I am leaving to go to San Francisco on Thursday to Monday! I sadly cannot take my laptop with me, too much of a hassle on a plane and in the hotel. So I will not be doing any writing and I may not be able to respond to any messages! I will definitely reply once I get back or when I can on my phone so please keep messaging me and what not, I will respond when I can! 

I will also try to update before I leave again but if not I am so sorry!! If I don't update, there will be one when I get back :) 

**ALSO! TOMORROW THE FAN VOTED WATTY AWARD STARTS ON TWITTER! This is an award that YOU GUYS vote for! You go to Twitter and type..... "Silent Love"(Or A Year Agreement) #Wattys2016. That is all you do! You can tag me if you'd like (Kendoll350) or you can even post a quote from the story. As long as you have the title and the hashtag we are entered in  to win the award. Starting tomorrow, or today for some of you, the votes are going on until the 31st of August. You can vote as MANY TIMES AS YOU WOULD LIKE! It is unlimited! It would be incredible if we won this award. I am pretty sure it goes to multiple stories so maybe this one or my other one will win. Just make sure you go to Twitter and start voting!!! 

**The wattpad summer block party starts tomorrow, or today, as well! All month long authors will have posts going up with sneaks peeks from books, to Q&A's, to bonus chapters. Go make sure to check them out. Also their are a ton of giveaways (over a 100) you can win so see head over and see what you have to do to enter. My day is on the 30th of August. That whole day I will reply to messages and comments. Go and give my name on the list some love! 

I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'm not huge about this one but hey it has some Ashton and Layla in it. AND I forgot to put Macey's sister (Thank you to whoever pointed that out!) So I put her in this one. I even went back to Something Inside and put her name in the Epilogue Part 2. Her name is Elizabeth and she is 16 years old. She is just like every teenager that wants nothing to do with her family so that is why she won't appear much, and she isn't the focus of the story. 

Anyways sorry for a long authors note but wanted to make sure I told you guys some stuff! Have a good week!! 

VOTE, COMMENT, AND GO VOTE ON TWITTER, AND CHECK OUT THE BLOCK PARTY! 

<3 <3 <3 

-Ken