Epilogue
Connor
We’re standing in line at the drive-in movie theater’s concession stand.
Yes, the drive-in, because I couldn’t think of a better place for our first Marvel movie premiere together—and we have an “old people” tradition to uphold.
We spent the rest of the school year catching me up, and I finally graduated to being able to witness the latest release in real time.
This summer has been a whirlwind. We’re both back home, both working, but we take turns driving to each other’s houses every weekend, and we meet up halfway during the week sometimes.
I fall more and more in love with her every day, and I still can’t believe it sometimes.
That I get a best friend and the love of my life all wrapped into one.
It was an honor to attend as a student coach when Maisie competed in her first Nationals in the spring.
She didn’t place, but my girl is ready to work even harder next year.
Nothing is going to stop her, and I couldn’t be more proud.
I’ve continued therapy with Donny through the summer. Thank goodness for virtual capabilities because once we opened Pandora’s box, there has been a whole hell of a lot to work through. But it’s worth it. For myself, and also for my future with Maize.
My savings ran dry after having to pay for the rest of the year’s rent on the apartment my dad bailed on, but luckily Coach Ken is going to pay me to student coach next year, and I might even get a side gig at the retirement home as an Assistant Activities Coordinator.
Dick said he’d put in a good word for me.
I was able to visit the retirement home about once a month through the end of the school year.
It brightens my day to brighten their day.
And ever since losing Grandpa, there has been a little corner of my heart that craves wisdom from someone who’s been around a lot longer than I have.
To interact with someone from a different time and with varying life experiences.
It changes you for the better, and I’m honored to have people to spend time with in that regard.
Not that anyone will ever replace Grandpa, but I think he’d be happy to know I was participating like this.
Hunter and I decided to share a dorm room next year, and we’ll only be one floor up from Maize and Ang.
I can’t wait to be so close again and get to see my girl every day.
Brock and Tyler will be in our building, too.
Right next to Angie and Maize’s room. I asked them to switch, but Brock refused, which I found odd. But what are you gonna do?
“Cool Ranch Doritos, a root beer and ginger ale, and two ice cream sandwiches, please.”
The kid behind the counter enters our order into the computer without a word.
God, every time we’re somewhere with a high-schooler working, I feel like an eighty-year-old man.
I’m probably three or four years older than this kid, but might as well be twenty with how different we are. Price of growing up quick, I suppose.
Maisie bounces on her toes beside me. She’s in a dusty blue summery dress with little daisies embroidered along the bottom.
A break from being in a pool daily has allowed her hair to grow out a bit, and it caresses the top of her breasts that are poking out of the dress’s neckline perfectly.
As much as I adore her athletic shorts and tank tops, this dress is doing something to me.
But honestly, she could wear a potato sack, and I would say the same thing.
“Come on!” she squeals, and I realize I’ve been staring at her for a beat longer than is socially acceptable. “I don’t want to miss the commercials!”
We arrived early for that very reason, and once we’re settled back into the back of the car, the trunk popped and pillow fort made—we took her dad’s car so we’d have room to spread out; the Civic wasn’t going to cut it—I lean into her space, wrapping her in my arms, and kiss the top of her head, inhaling her familiar lavender scent. This is bliss.
We end up making out—not an uncommon occurrence for us, even after all these months—until the standing old-timey speaker crackles and the commercials start.
She pulls away so fast, I’m almost hurt for a moment.
But seeing the excitement in her eyes as she awaits a new installment in her favorite franchise, I can’t help but smile.
I take her hand, face the screen, and soak up this moment with my love.
Thankful I’m right where I’m meant to be.