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Dakota's POV

I'd been trying to get over Reid, but I honestly can't. It's been a week since I've last seen him or talked to him. I know, it may take more time, but I'm tired of this. I actually want to see him and see how he's doing.

Sadie said she's worried about him. They talk, but lately he hasn't really been over. I think something's going on with his father.

I looked down at my phone, my finger hovering over his number. I wanted to call him and check on him.

I knew I was supposed to stay away but... I cared so much about him. Besides, I should try to help seeing as he saved me those times.

Yep, that's why I would call him.

I pressed his name and it began to ring. I took a deep breath as it rang. Just as I thought he wasn't going to answer, he did.

"Hello?" He said, his voice slightly raspy like he'd been crying or asleep.

"Reid, hey. It's Dakota." He laughed a little.

"I know it's you Dakota. What's going on?" I shrugged, though he couldn't see me.

"I wanted to know if I should find a new body guard because it's been a while since you've come to work and I–"

"Dakota, why'd you call? Do you just want to talk to me? Because I don't want you hurting yourself when you can find someone so much better." I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

"I'm over it, it's okay. Are you doing okay?"

"Uhh... huh, sure." I looked around my room, biting my lip.

"I'm coming over. To see you."

"W–what?"

"I'm coming over."

"No one comes here Dakota. Not even Sadie."

"Why not?" He stayed quiet.

"I guess no one ever wanted to. I never ask them, it's just..."

"I'm coming. And I'm actually going to drive quickly. Send me your address." He laughed a little.

"Okay. Thank you."

"For fucking what?" I could imagine him rolling his eyes.

"Just shut up and come over." I laughed and hung up. I didn't really care to look great, I knew Reid needed someone. So, I stood and left the house.

"Gone to Reid's guys." I yelled.

"Reid?" My parents asked, but I left anyway. They knew I liked him, they thought it was dangerous. And I agreed.

I did try to speed, but it didn't work. I just couldn't, I felt reckless. So, I went the speed limit, which is way better than I usually do.

"It's okay Dakota. You're going to make it there." I told myself. "We're just doing this for Reid. I'll drive slower on the way back." I pulled up to what I assumed was Reid's house. It was really nice, compared to what I thought it'd be with his father being an alcoholic.

I got out of the car and put my hand up to knock. The door swung open and Reid stood there. He looked horrible. There were bags under his eyes, which were dark and hollow. I shook my head and hugged him tightly. He laughed and hugged me back.

"Hello to you too Dakota."

"You look like you haven't slept in days. Shit Reid." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He grabbed my hand and pulled me.

"Let's go to my room." I followed him, passing by a man on the couch, staring at the TV. Reid glanced at him, but didn't say anything. We walked upstairs to his room and sat on his bed.

His room was squeaky clean, surprisingly.

"So, how've you been? Are you sure you're over me? I don't want to have you conflicted." He asked worriedly.

"Honestly Reid, I don't care about my feelings anymore. I just want to know how you're holding up. Please be honest with me, I'm worried." He stayed quiet for a bit.

"I uhh... I don't know. It's rough here. My father keeps telling me he'll get better and instead he's been getting worse. I don't know how to help him and..." He took a deep, shaky breath. "I just want him to get better. I want things to be like they were. I want my mom to come back and for us to be a family again." He was crying now and I pulled him tightly into my arms.

"I know you do. It must be crazy to have a life like this."

"It is. I try to stop him. I try to hide it from him, but he gets pissed at me and goes to buy more. If I get mad at him, he gets sadder and drinks more. Every way is a dead end. I don't know what to do." I rubbed his back, wishing he didn't have to go through this. I wish his dad was okay too. Reid didn't deserve this. No one did.

"You try your very hardest Reid. Sometimes, it just isn't enough. Addictions are hard to battle and he's just going to have to come out of it on his own." He looked up at me and sighed. He laid his head on my shoulder and I wiped his face.

"I'll bet you don't like me now that you've seen me cry like a baby." I laughed.

"Yeah, you're an ugly crier." He laughed loudly and I smiled. I pushed his hair out of his face and kissed his forehead. He blushed and so did I. "I'm so sorry." He didn't say anything, he just scooted closer.

"Thank you for coming Dakota. You've really helped." I raised my eyebrow, surprised that I did, but happy.

"I'm glad. But, I do want you to try and get some sleep."

"I can't sleep, he may need me." I nodded.

"I'll wake you up if he needs you. I swear." He stared at me and I stared right back at him.

"You mean it?"

"Yeah. Absolutely." He nodded and laid back onto the bed.

"You can lay here too. I know you won't do anything crazy. Just get comfortable." I nodded, somewhat surprised and leaned back beside him.

"Sleep well Reidy." He rolled his eyes and laughed a little, closing his eyes.

"I actually think I might." I smiled and he grabbed my hand before adjusting his body to be comfortable.

My heart beat sped up and I grinned a little. He is absolutely the cutest thing ever.

He slept for quite a while, slowly moving his body closer to mine until his head was on my shoulder and his arm wrapped around my waist. I was stiff when he first did it, but I relaxed. His phone was on silent, but I did see Sadie call him.

Now that I think about it, they aren't the greatest couple. I think they try to be, but it doesn't work out the best. I don't honestly think Reid likes her as much as she likes him. That disappoints me, because I don't want her hurt.

But it'll happen one day.

Unfortunately, when it does, it still isn't right for me to crush on him. He'll be my best friend's ex and that's just as bad as liking him during them dating.

Not that he'd even like me that way. That's just me dreaming stuff up.

I know, now it seems like we're in a compromising position, but he just needs someone.

I looked down at his hand, resting on my hip. I took it in mine and rubbed the back of it. Reid's door opened and I dropped it, seeing his father.

"Who are you?" He asked studying me. He saw how Reid was asleep and his eyes widened. "Is Reid gay?" He asked, his eyes watering.

"No! No, he isn't." Reid stirred a little and I slowly pulled away from him, getting out of the bed. His father left the room and I followed. He went into the kitchen and put his hands on the counter.

"How could I not know my son is gay? I've been such a horrible father." He sighed and reached over him for a glass.

"Sir, Reid isn't gay. He's still with Sadie. I just came over to help him. And drinking won't help you." He rolled his eyes and turned around, getting a bottle.

"You don't know me. I appreciate you coming to help my son, but I don't need your help."

"No, you need professional help." His eyes widened.

"Excuse me?" I took a deep breath and walked around to him.

"Reid needs you Mr. Lawson. It kills him to see you like this you know? I know you've been through a lot. I just think it'd be a good idea for you to go to a rehab clinic. It's okay to get help. Everyone needs it sometimes. Especially to ultimately help your family." He stared at me for a while before looking at the glass.

"You don't know what's best for my family." I shrugged.

"Maybe you're right. I'm sorry for upsetting you." He didn't say anything.

"Please... take care of Reid if I never get better. I know you really care about him." I looked at him.

"I will. But I think you can get better. Anyway, do you want me to wake him up?" He shook his head, rubbing his face. He sighed and poured the cup. I went back upstairs, not saying anything else to him. There was nothing anyone could do to help him if he didn't want help.

I sat on Reid's bed and laid back, getting back into where I was. I picked up my phone and soon enough, Reid woke up. He was closer to me, but not quite in the position he was at first.

He sighed and scooted closer to me once seeing me.

"How'd you sleep?"

"So much better compared to the last few nights." I smiled and ran a hand through his hair before freezing and taking it out.

"I'm sorry." He sat up and looked at me. He stretched and sighed.

"Dakota, why haven't you gotten over me?" I shrugged.

"Honestly, I don't think my heart really wants to yet. I know you're my best friend's boyfriend, but deep down, I don't care. I know that's disrespectful, but I can't help it." He looked away and down at his fingers.

"I should go check on my dad." I nodded and he went downstairs. I sighed, feeling bad. I probably shouldn't have said what I did. He didn't need to hear that... But he did ask. I leaned back on his bed and groaned.

At least it smells good.

The door opened and he smiled at me.

"He's asleep." I nodded and he sat beside me.

"Good. I'm sorry about what I said–"

"Don't apologize for the way you feel Dakota." He told me. I sighed and nodded.

"There's so much in my head right now. I just wish there was a way for me to forget." I scratched my head, wishing I could help.

"I know you said swimming helps. Let's swim." He laughed.

"You don't have to to make me feel better." I shrugged.

"I think it'd be fun. I had fun last time." He raised his eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Get some trunks on and give me a pair." He grinned widely and stood to go get a pair.

Within another ten minutes, we were in the pool. I obviously can not swim very well. Reid was laughing at me, but I was seriously trying to swim.

"Stop the doggie paddling. Here, I'll show you." He swam over closer to me.

" Your hands go in front of you like so." He began to demonstrate and I couldn't help but check out his arms. Goodness, what a sexy man. "You got it?" He looked at me knowingly and I smiled sheepishly. "You're so cute. Here." He got behind me and guided my arms how they should be.

I've got this hot ass man, with a nice firm chest pressed against my back. Not to mention, his nether regions are touching my bottom regions, if you know what I'm saying. But, I tried to pay attention because I didn't want to waste his time. I knew he loved to swim and I wanted him to have fun.

I nodded when he pulled back.

"Okay, I got it. And I just kick my legs?" He nodded and went back. He looked at me hopefully.

"Time to do it." He told me. I nodded and took a deep breath. I pushed my hands through the water like he said, kicking my legs. It felt like I was doing it right, but I ran out of breath and got up.

I ended up being on the end that was too deep and panicked, but it happened that Reid was right behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist.

"Don't panic." He whispered in my ear causing me to shiver. "Relax." I did as he said, making sure he kept holding me. "Move your legs around. Don't kick and thrash them wildly. Just move them around." I nodded and did as he said. "Great, now push the water with your hands." I began pushing the water and he let me go. My eyes widened and I began to sink into the water.

He picked me back up and laughed a little.

"Dakota. Relax, I won't let you get hurt. I promise. Let's try this again." I nodded and did as he told me at first. I stayed above the water and I grinned.

"I'm doing it Reid!" He came around and looked at me with a grin just a wide as mine.

"Yes you are. I'm proud of you." I laughed and hugged him. "You're so cute."

The rest of the night, we swam around. We splashed each other and I tried to race him, and I wasn't at all good enough yet. But I knew it made him happy.

"Thank you for swimming with me." He told me as we sat at the edge of the water.

"Anytime. Now that I know water isn't so bad." He smiled and stared at me. I looked at his lips, which looked so plump and kissable.

I sighed and leaned up towards him. Just as our lips touched, he pulled back.

I took a deep breath.

"It's getting late, I should go." I told him, clearing my throat and getting up.

"Dakota, you don't have to–"

"Yes I do Reid. I don't want to make any mistakes." He stood, trying to come after me and slipped on the ground. My eyes widened and I ran over to him.

Above his nose was bleeding and I looked at him worriedly, trying to help him up.

"Does it hurt?"I asked as I inspected it.

"Uhh, yeah."

"Come on clumsy." I led him into the house and cleaned him up He had a cut right in between his eyes. "I guess I'll stay with you to make sure there's no concussion." I smiled at him and he sighed.

"You don't have to. You're right, you shouldn't put yourself in this position."

"I... can deal with it Reid. I promise." He stared at me before nodding.

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