Thank You

"We've got to stop meeting like this." I said, grinning up at him. He lowered his shades, smiling.

"Oh, I know." He winked, pushing the glasses back up his nose as he tossed an arm around me. "How ya been?" He asked.

"Same old, same old." He shot me a look. "In a good way." I added.

"No more drug runs?"

"Not since..." I thought it over. "October, 2008."

"Good job." He kissed the side of my head. "I'm proud of you." I blushed, wrapping an arm around his waist.

"Thanks, Leland." I mumbled. "For everything."

****

"Woof!" I said, jumping through the door. "Where my dog at?"

"Tori?" His familiar voice said. He smiled. "Damn. It's been a while." He hugged me. "How are you?"

"Clean for 2 years, baybeh!" He ruffled my hair with his big hand.

"Proud of you!"

"Tori?" Beth said, stepping in. "You look good!" I beamed, hugging her.

"I've missed you guys." I said. "I wanted to thank you."

"It's no problem." Leland spoke up. "Dad, I'm takin' Tori out, okay? Call if you need me." They shared a look, both pushing their glasses back on almost at the same time.

"Alright. Have fun."

"But not too much." Beth called. I giggled, waving.

"Lunch date?" Lee said.

"But of course." I looped my arm through his, following him through the streets. "It's been so long since I've been here." I looked around.

"How's your brother doing?"

"Haven't seen him." I shrugged. "Bri couldn't make it. She said sorry, and tell Justin she loves him." He laughed.

"My cousin? She likes him still?" I laughed.

"Apparently."

****

I spent the week after with the Dog gang. Me and Lee were constantly flirting, but nothing was happening. I'd always liked him, ever since we first met.

"Tori, please, come out." Dog said through the door.

"No!" I cried. "I'm not going to jail!"

"Sweetie, put the gun down." Beth said, standing by the window, peering in at me. "It's not worth it."

"I'm not going to jail!" I repeated miserably.

"Tori, calm down." A warm voice said. "It's okay. I'm coming in."

"No!"

"I'm not gonna hurt you. I won't try anything. Trust me."

"I can't." I said, letting my tears fall.

"Yes you can. Please." He murmured. I was close to the door, so I could hear him perfectly. "Please?"

"Only you. I-I'm keeping the gun."

"Okay." I clicked the lock, pointing it at myself as it opened. Leland stepped in, alone, closing it behind him. It took him ten minutes to have me crying hysterically in his arms, begging for forgivness. He saved me that day. And I've loved him since.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye." I said, standing in the airport. "Again."

"Not goodbye." He pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just see you later." I nodded, tears in my eyes, flashing him a smile.

"Okay." I said. "See you later."

"Don't forget to call me." He winked. I laughed, wiping my eyes. "Tori." I looked into his eyes. Quickly, he leaned foward, capturing my lips. I froze up, but only for a second. I dropped my bag, throwing my arms around his neck, kissing back. I heard Dog whistle in the background, followed by Beth's laughter. "I love you." He said.

"I love you, too." I stepped away, picking up my bag. "See you."

"See you." I turned, touching my lips, and walked toward the door. He grabbed my wrist, spinning me around. I stared, waiting.

"Leland?"

"Don't..." He stuttered. "Don't go." I gaped.

"Wh-What?"

"I want you to stay." He stepped closer. "With me. Please."

"Leland..." I whispered, biting my lip. "I'll have to call and tell Bri I'm not coming back. She'll probably hop on the first flight here." I laughed. He grinned, kissing me.

"Thank you."

"No." I hugged him tightly. "Thank you."