A few weeks later...

Aidan's P.O.V

"Psst, Aidy. Wake up," 

"Mmm, what is it?" I groaned, stretching out my arms and legs as Serena shook me awake. When my vision adjusted, I looked at the alarm clock, seven in the morning. "Why are you waking me up so early?" I asked, shifting to my other side to have a better view of her. "Did you forget what today is?" She asked. "Uh, it's Wednesday?" I asked, confused by what she thought I forgot today was.

"Yes, it is. But, that's not what I was talking about," Serena shook her head. "What's today's date?" I reached over to the nightstand, grabbing my phone, and pulling up the calendar. March 8th, 2020. "Wait, you leave for tour later tonight, right?" I asked, the realization hitting me like a tidal wave. "Yeah, so today is our last day together before I have to leave," Serena nodded.

The first stop of her tour, The V-Lounge in Victoria, was across the country, about 40 hours away from Toronto with no stops. "These next few weeks are going to be lonely without you," I sighed, sitting up in the bed. "I know. But I promise I'll call you every day and tell you how my shows went. Will that take some of the loneliness away?" She suggested. "A little bit. But I'm definitely going to miss your cuddles!" I tackled her, making her land on her back as she giggled like a four-year-old.

"It's only for two weeks. It's not like I'm moving away," Serena panted once she got all the giggles out. I planted a soft kiss on her neck, pulling away and meeting her gaze. "So, I guess you need to get your last few snuggles in?" She asked. "You bet I do," I nodded. Whenever we snuggled together, I would usually be the big spoon. But this time, I could tell that Serena wanted to be the big spoon.

Her arms wrapped around my waist, hands resting on my stomach as she pulled my body closer to her. For hours, we cuddled, taking turns as the big spoon until Mom and Dad woke up and made breakfast. The night before, everything had been so hectic, with Serena running all over Toronto, doing a final recording session, and making calls to her manager, and making sure that the tour bus was booked. And it felt good to see her relaxed at breakfast. Not only did I notice it, but my parents did as well.

"Did you get a good night's sleep, Serena?" Mom asked, handing the two of us cups of coffee. "I did, Mom. I needed it. I'm going to be up on my feet for most of this tour," Serena answered. "You sure you have everything you need with you? Hairbrush? Tour clothes? Guitar?" Dad asked. To which she replied, "Yes, Dad, I have everything I need," They were trying to act calm, but I knew deep down they were terrified.

When breakfast was over, I had no clue what we were going to do with the last day, and we sat on the bed for a while, trying to come up with ideas. "Maybe we should go to the park, get some lunch later?" She eventually suggested. "I like that. Plus, it's a nice day out. Gives time away from the cold," I nodded in agreement. She gave me a quick peck on the cheek before we got up and got dressed. I changed into a black and white button-down shirt with some jeans, and when Serena went back to the bedroom, she had changed into a white and gold t-shirt and matching miniskirt.

To our luck, the park was only a few blocks away from the hotel, meaning we didn't have to call an Uber. As we watched down the path, more flowers popped out from the ground, abundant in reds, purples, and even white flowers. Around this time of the year, Toronto would usually be cold and dreary, but whenever Serena and I stepped out, the clouds parted, and the sun shined its light on her like a spotlight.

We soon came across a large oak tree, and without hesitation, I grabbed onto the branches, hoisting myself up and sitting on a stable one. "No fair. I can't climb up!" Serena whined. "It's not that high up. Just a couple of steps, you can do it," I encouraged. She took off her heels, setting them next to the tree. She grabbed onto a branch, attempting to pull herself up, but I could see she was struggling.

"I-I can't!" She sighed. "Here, give me your hand, I'll pull you up," I reached out my hand, wrapping the other one around the branch. Serena stared at me with unease but grabbed my hand, and I pulled her up with all the strength I had. "There you go. You just climbed a tree!" I smiled, kissing her cheek. "You know what would be nice to have one day?" Serena asked. "What?" "A treehouse. Somewhere we could get away from all the chaos. It'd be our little sanctuary," Her fingers interlocked with mine, and we instantly leaned in close, our noses inches away from touching. "I'd love to share a treehouse with you," I whispered, glancing down at her lips before kissing her.

Later that afternoon, we stopped at a vegan fast food restaurant and later got Starbucks and raced each other as we wondered who could drink their frappuccino the fastest. At that moment, everything we did reminded me again of our first day together. At the balcony of our hotel room, we watched the sun set over the trees. The moment the last ray of sunlight disappeared, my face fell as I realized she would have to leave soon.

If I had the opportunity to make this day last forever, I would.

********

Serena's P.O.V

"Alright, tour outfit is in its bag. Guitar is packed. Everything is good to go," I muttered to myself as I rechecked my bags. My phone sat a few feet away from the suitcase, and I saw the screen flicker on before turning off a second later. T.J. and I had been sending each other messages as we prepared to say goodbye.

T.J.

T.J: I already miss my parents, and I haven't even left yet.

Serena: Same. I already miss Aidan's arms around me.

But, you'll see your parents soon.

T.J: I know, this is just the longest I've ever been away from my family. Last time, I visited my Grandma for a week in Vancouver.

Serena: I know it's hard. But we're going to have fun every night!

T.J: Promise?

Serena: I promise.

T.J: Thanks, sis. I'll meet you at the trailer park at 9:00.

Serena: I'll be there. Love you.

T.J: I love you too.

"You ready, Serena?" Dad asked as he stood outside of the bedroom. "Y-yeah. Just give me a moment," I answered. He nodded understandingly and walked away as I zipped up the suitcase. Glancing down at the locket around my neck, I opened it, looking at the photo of Aidan and me kissing. Instantly, my eyes filled with tears, but I wiped them away before they could fall.

I finally met up with my family at the front door, and throughout the ride to the trailer park, it was full of unsettling silence. The only thing that gave me comfort was Aidan constantly squeezing my hand in his. After what seemed like forever, we reached it, and in the distance, I could see T.J and her parents get out of their car.

"So, this is it. Your first tour," Mom sniffled as happy tears fell down her cheeks. "We're proud of you, Serena. Your turning into an independent woman," Dad smiled. "Thanks, guys. But none of this would've been possible without you guys taking care of me," I said before the four of us embraced in a family hug.

When we pulled apart, I walked towards the trailer door where T.J. was waiting for me. I opened the door, but as I was about to head inside, I felt someone grab my hand, making me look back. "Serena, one more thing before you go," Aidan said. I smiled, knowing full well what it was. I wrapped an arm around his neck and kissed him with every current emotion. Happiness, Sadness, Desperation, everything was in that last kiss.

"Good luck on tour. I love you, Serena Waterbury," He whispered.

"I love you too, Aidan Gallagher,"