-14 years later-

*Abby’s POV*

“Can you believe this?” I said to Arianna as we both gushed over Lena. “Aunt Abby, stop...it’s just a date.” she said in an exasperated voice. Arianna and I ignored her and continued to swoon over the thought of my son and her daughter going on a date. Ryan sat on the couch with Pat and Jon while Arianna and I were in the kitchen giving Lena a little pep talk. “Oy, you guys are crazy.” she said as Arianna fixed her hair. “Where you guys heading?” I asked Lena. “Umm, Ryan said he was taking me to that little pizza place downtown. The one that’s famous for its deep dish pizza.” Arianna and I both looked at each other wide eyed and laughed. “Come here Lena, let’s go tell Pat and Jon where you’re going.” Arianna said. Lena looked a little confused as we walked into the living room.

Ryan was wearing a blue polo looking nervous as hell. “Good job Pat, you really cleaned him up.” I kissed Ryan on the head as I went to sit next to Pat. “Guess where Ryan is taking Lena!” Arianna said all giddy as she sat on Jon’s lap. “The pizza place. We know...he already told us.” Jon said, patting Ryan on the back. “Are Arianna and I the only one’s who care?!” I said looking at Pat and Jon. “What are you talking about Mom?” Ryan asked me.

Pat sighed and began to speak. “Lena, Ryan, The place where you guys are going on a date, that’s where the 4 of us went on our first date.” Lena and Ryan both laughed as Jon and Pat continued to tell them the memories of us. After 15 minutes of talking, Lena and Ryan were about to leave. “Now don’t do anything stupid tonight.” I said to Ryan. Arianna said to Lena, “Listen, Patrick raised Ryan to be a gentleman, so if he doesn't act like one, beat him...you have my permission.” We all laughed and smiled as Ryan took Lena by the arm and exited our house.

*Lena’s POV*

“Why thank you.” I said to Ryan as he held open the door for me. Ryan looked adorable with his curly blonde hair and gorgeous eyes. I had known Ryan for as long as I can remember and we practically did everything together. I had never been nervous around him, until now. We had always been closer than close. Telling each other everything that happened between our lives. I had always seen Ryan as another brother, but tonight, I saw him as something more. I think I was starting to fall for him. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't relax, and I wanted to be with him 24/7. “So having fun?” he said, halfway through our meal. I smiled and said “Of course I am.” I hadn't said much over the dinner. Usually I wouldn't stop talking with him. He didn't say much either though, so I guess that meant he was nervous too. After we were done eating, we decided we would go for a walk.

I knew what was coming. The look on his face showed it. He got even more nervous by the second. Both of us were not experienced with dating. I mean, I always found something wrong with each guy that came along, but Ryan was different. Ryan didn't date much either. He had told me once before that all the girls he knows just want him because he's an athlete, or because of his dad, but then he said I was different from them. He said I was the exception. Ryan didn't know how nervous I was at the moment and I was grateful for that. He was too busy being nervous himself. I felt kinda bad for him as we strolled through the city. “Lena?” he said stopping me in front of a little antique store. “Yeah Ryan?” I said back. “I really like you Lena, I have for as long as I can remember, and I’m glad I can finally do something about it.” I smiled as Ryan cupped my cheek with his hand. “I’m glad too Ryan.” I said back as he was about to close the space in between us.