Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I know.” He motioned his head over to his TV. “Can I get back to my game now?”
“Yeah, go ahead, but don’t stay up too late. Since you’re out of school tomorrow, we’re going to go see your grandparents.”
“Oh, man. Do we have to?”
“Yes, we have to go. They haven’t seen you in weeks, and they’re really looking forward to seeing you. And I hate to break it to you, but you’re gonna need to take a shower before we go. Either tonight or in the morning.”
“Oh, man. Now, you’re just being extra.”
“I don’t want you going to grandparents with the funk, Nathan.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll take a stupid shower.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.” I stood up and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, sweetie.”
“Night, Mom.”
I left his room and went to check in on Samantha. To my surprise, she was already in bed and sound asleep. I walked over and tucked her in. After I gave her a quick kiss goodnight, I went to my room and got ready for bed. I’d just gotten into my PJs when the Imperial March from Star Wars ringtone started playing on my phone, and I immediately groaned.
It was the one I’d chosen for Chad, and I cringed every time I heard it. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and checked the message:
Chad:
I want to take Nathan hunting this weekend.
Me:
It’s my weekend.
Chad:
I know, but we were invited in on a big hunt.
He will want to go.
Me:
I’ll talk to him, but we already have plans.
Chad:
What plans?
Me:
I’ll talk to Nathan and get back to you.
Chad:
I miss you.
Me:
Don’t.
Chad:
But I do.
We had a good thing.
We can again.
Me:
It’s not going to happen. You need to stop.
Chad:
I’m not giving up on us.
Me:
Goodbye, Chad.
I tossed my phone back on the nightstand and collapsed into bed. I was exhausted, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Chad and his stupid messages. I was growing very tired of his nonsense, and I wasn’t sure how to make him stop. It was a thought that weighed on my mind as I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, I got up early and took a quick shower. Once I was dressed, I woke the kids, and twenty minutes later, we were in the car and headed to my parents. I hadn’t gotten far when the nerves started to kick in. I hadn’t had the chance to tell them about Ronin, and I wasn’t sure how they would take the news, especially my mother.
She got me better than anyone, and while I knew she would want me to be happy, she hadn’t forgotten how hard it was for me to get over what happened with Chad. Those wounds ran deep, and being the protective mother she was, she wouldn’t want me to get hurt again—not when I was finally getting back on my feet.
I didn’t either. In fact, it was the last thing I wanted and one of the many reasons why I hadn’t let myself get too carried away with him. I would let myself like him a lot, but I wouldn’t give him my heart until I knew for certain that he would take care of it.
As soon we got to the house, I parked the car, took a deep breath, and turned to the kids. "Okay, guys, we're here. Now remember, you haven’t seen your grandparents for several weeks. They’ve missed you and will want to spend some time with you. So, hang around and talk to them for a bit. And keep the phone time down to a minimum. Just while we’re here.”
Nathan and Samantha exchanged annoyed glances, then grumbled, “Yes, ma’am.”
I opened the car door, and together, we walked up the path to the front door. As soon as we stepped onto the porch, the door opened, and Mom and Dad welcomed the kids with warm hugs and smiles. Once she’d hugged them both, Mom turned her attention to me. She was squeezing me tightly as she said, “Oh, my goodness. It’s been too long.”
“It’s just been a couple of weeks.”
“That’s too long,” she fussed. “We’re old. We need to see our sweet babies as often as possible.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Please do.” Mom motioned us all inside as she teased, “Now, get in here and tell me what’s been going on with you all.”
We followed her inside, and I was immediately hit with the familiar scent of vanilla and lavender—Mom’s favorite scent. She and Dad guided Nathan and Samantha into the living room, and they all sat on the worn-out couch. They’d barely sat down when the kids delved into animated tales of the past few weeks. Nathan told them about being nominated to the Student Council, while Samantha shared her experiences on the volleyball team.
My dear, sweet parents listened with affectionate ears and seemed genuinely disappointed when they had no more tales to tell. I could hear the pride in Dad’s voice when he said, “You two have done quite well. I’m very proud of you both.”