Chapter Nine

''I will recommend some child psychologists and a few therapists for him to see, ''says Thomas's Principal, printing out the list of specialists and then hands them to Liam. Not knowing what is truly going on with one of his students. Being the next person in this town to give him advice when there is nothing wrong with his son. Why can't anyone else realize this? If everyone put themselves in Thomas's or Liam's shoes, they would realize how much it changes life aspects when you lose a spouse or a parent.''He isn't sick, nor does he need to be diagnosed, ''says Liam wishing that he could prove nothing wrong with his son. However, he honestly doesn't know for himself and is wondering the same thing as the rest of this town; why isn't Thomas speaking?

''Mr. Brown, I highly suggest that you at least pick one of those names on that list, see what they think is going on with Thomas, and then move forward on why Thomas is going through this phase ''says Thomas's principal.''Okay, I will, even though he is not going to, but is just saying that for him to think that he is. After he meets with the principal, he heads back to work and finds himself a lovely visitor. Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise ''says Liam, glad to be talking to someone who doesn't judge his son on why he currently isn't speaking and that someone should see him or that if he doesn't start talking again, he will lose his spot in the play.''Your mom told me that I would find you here; I also went to the Candy Cane Cafe and got you your usual black coffee nothing in it''says Hazel, smiling at him while looking into his brown eyes.''Thank you, and how did you know? How I like my coffee?'' asks Liam wondering how she knew how he takes his coffee. ''I asked Abby, and just black huh nothing in it?'' questions Hazel wanting to learn more about him than from everything else she knows.'' It's better for you without anything added. Let me guess you are one of those people who like to order Caramel Macchiato with extra pumps of caramel in it ?'' questions Liamtrying to learn more about her as well, just as much as she is trying to learn more about him. However, neither of them has admitted to liking one another. He is primarily afraid of moving on from Zoey even though she is gone, and Hazel doesn't want to rush a widowed man who only lost his wife a year ago.

''Oh, boy, are you so off, my usual order is a sugar-free vanilla latte, extra shot of espresso, and one Splendia''says Hazel, revealing that she likes her coffee extra strong and not as sweet.''Wow, not what I was expecting at all. I misjudged you, ''admits Liam thinking that she would be like the others because she was from the big city.''Well, what might that be?'' asks Hazel wondering what Liam thought of her the first time meeting her?''I thought you were like the others that I met while I was studying at Castleton. I met people who were well off, had family, and everything got handed to them, or do things for themselves, had their colleges paid for. I just assumed everyone from the big city was standoffish and the same attitude, but your different from anyone I've met from the big city, ''says Liam.

'' I see, well now that you have got to know me better? What do you think of me now? asks Hazel curiously, wondering what a small-town guy thinks of a city girl? Having to look up with him towering over here.,which makes her also wonder? How tall was Zoey? Did he tower over her as well? ''You want to be like everyone else, you don't have shovers or assistants following you around, plus you are beautiful, kind, & are very outgoing when lending a helping hand to anyone that needs it, which I learned on Friday night when you stayed at my parent's house to finish my son's Gingerbread house. You are unique in every way ''says Liam as he then leans in to kiss her, which he has to bend over which of the height difference. Her lips then lock to his, when all of a sudden, Liam then pulls back.''That was not, what I was expecting, ''says Hazel looking up at him full-on smile, thinking maybe she is finally getting her chance at love?

''I'm sorry, but I have to go 'says Liam as he walks off, letting his emotions get his focus all foggy. To where he does things without thinking? I mean, what if she leaves in a few days? Then what? He can't risk getting hurt all over again, not yet. His mom was right about what would happen if he fell for this girl, which is precisely what is happening. He is starting to develop feelings for Hazel, something he was trying to prevent from happening. I mean, he isn't over-losing his wife yet, and now he is even more confused with developing all of these feelings for someone else combined with trying to move on from Zoey as well.

Leaving Hazel confused in the dust, wondering, did she lead him on? Or did both of them lead one another on? Whereas Liam doesn't know why he kissed her and is unsure of who to talk to his problems because the person that he used to speak to his problem is gone, and the problem involves her? Avery is at the Reindeer Inn when Liam comes in frazzled and is so torn in many ways. Will tear & smash his heart to were putting it back together will not be quickly done.''Hey, bubba, as she looks at him and sees that little boy who fell off his bike and scraped up his knee all over again.''Hey, momma, I did something, and I am not sure why. I did it''says Liam. Not wanting him to admit that he let his emotions get to the best of him.''Let me guess, your feelings took over and took over your sense of judgment ''says Avery knowing that this involves Hazel somehow.''I kissed Hazel, and I don't know what took over me. Before I knew it, my lips touched hers, and I am so confused and torn. Mostly because I am starting to develop feelings for Hazel, but I am not over-losing Zoey''says Liam.

''Bubba, I thought this was something that we were trying to avoid, with her only being here temporarily. Who knows, she could leave today or tomorrow then what? It happens if Hazel forgets this place, you will be full of sorrow, agony,&anguish. I watched you completely fall apart before; I won't stand to watch repeat what happened last night ''says, Avery. Wanting her son to move forward, not in reverse, and go backward.''What do you suggest that I do, momma?' asks Liam, not too fond of the idea of being distant from Hazel?

''I think that you should focus on you and Tom getting back on track and keep yourself away from Hazel''says Avery, giving her advice and thinks it's what best. Her family lost someone important last year so severely, and she can't watch history repeat itself.'' No, for once, mom, you're mistaken. I will not give her the cold shoulder and risk her leaving and losing my chance and finding love again? I am not going to do that ''says Liam storming out and for once doesn't listen to everything that his mom says.