Page 147 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

He sweeps his backpack onto his lap and rummages inside. Then he produces a jewelry box.

I gasp. “Oh, Brock. You didn’t have to.”

“Open it,” he urges.

When I do, I notice a necklace sitting in there. After I carefully take it out and examine it, I realize that it’s a shark pendant.

“I have one, too,” he says, producing another box from his backpack and flipping it open. “Identical ones. As a symbol of our love for each other. And our love for ocean life.”

Tears pool in my eyes and pour down my face. “This is so sweet, Brock. I love it so much. I love you so much. Thanks.” I fling my arms around him and kiss him.

“I love you so much, too.” He takes the necklace from me and ties it around my neck. I do the same for him.

“It looks beautiful on you,” he says.

“It looks beautiful on you.”

We bend our heads and kiss again. I have no idea how much time passes, but it feels like a long time. The tears keep coming because I’m so happy. I feel so lucky. Just a few months ago, I thought Brock and I would never be friends again. That we’d never be in each other’s lives. And now, we’re soulmates.

I can’t wait to get to know Brock even more than I already do, and I can’t wait to grow closer to him. But there’s no rush. We can take as long as we need, at whatever pace is best for us. Because we have the rest of our lives.

Life reallydoeshave a way of working out.

Chapter Forty-Two

Brock

Lexi holds onto me tightly as we zoom down the streets on Wednesday after school. We’re about to do something difficult for me, but Iwantto do it.

Lexi keeps squeezing me, like she’s giving me a message that she’s here for me. When we stop at a red light, I reach down and place my hand over hers.

It doesn’t take long for us to reach our destination. I help Lexi off and we take in the area around us.

It’s the Edenbury cemetery. I’ve been here many times in the past—visiting Dad’s parents, Mom’s brother, and other friends and relatives.

I haven’t stepped foot in here in four years. But today, we’re not just visiting the usual people—there’s another person I need to see.

Lexi slides her hand in mine, giving me an encouraging smile. “You good?”

I swallow the lump in my throat and nod, giving her hand a gentle squish.

“It’s this way,” she tells me before we make our way to Andy’s grave. She’s been here a few times, especially after he died.

My lungs feel like concrete as we walk deeper into the cemetery. I knew this was going to be hard, but I didn’t expect it to be this hard. But I’m so thankful I have my amazing girlfriend with me. I wouldn’t be able to do this without her.

We reach the grave and I take a few minutes to read the tombstone.Andy Hansen, a beautiful boy taken from this world too quickly.

Tears prick my eyes when negative thoughts enter my mind, telling me it’smyfault he was taken from this world too quickly.I tell it to be quiet. I don’t know how the world works—why people die young. I believe things happen for a reason, so there’s no use blaming myself for his death. It’s going to take me a while to fully accept that, but I’m doing well so far.

I wouldn’t be where I am if not for my parents, friends, my therapist, all the people who love and care for me. And especially the girl standing beside me.

Bending forward, I place my hand on the tombstone. I shut my eyes and take a deep breath, releasing it slowly.

“Brock, do you want some privacy?” Lexi asks.

My eyes open. “You don’t have to leave.”

She strokes my cheek. “It’s okay. I’ll visit my dad in the meantime.”