Chapter 33
The next morning I call Sue, then Dad and I bake cupcakes and muffins before I drive to Alex’s house. It’s a drizzly, dreary day outside, but warm. I chose to wear a sundress to help me combat the humidity.
Stopping at Jake’s condo, I unlock the door to find everyone in the living room watching tv. “Hi all,” I greet.
Hellos are returned as I walk over to kiss Jake’s cheek. “Are you okay today, handsome? We didn’t wear you out last night, did we?”
“I’m good, Sum. No issues,” he smiles brightly. I think it'll take time for me to stop worrying about him overexerting himself.
Will hands me Jake’s walker as he gets into his wheelchair on his own. After saying goodbye to Ray, Will follows us downstairs to my Jeep, Jake pushing himself. I drive us to Alex’s house, parking beside Seb’s Jeep.
Alex greets us at the door, asking us to follow him down a hallway towards the pool house. He stops at a door on the left and opens it, and I’m surprised to find a small elevator inside. “This will take you to the second floor, Jake. That will leave only one set of stairs to climb.”
“I didn’t know you had an elevator, Alex,” I say. He shrugs, explaining that since it hardly ever gets used and does not reach his apartment, he never thought to mention it.
Will and Jake get inside, and I promise to meet them on the second floor.
Alex takes the walker from my hands, as I follow him upstairs.
I don’t think I’ve ever explored the second floor before.
He tells me it’s all bedrooms and bathrooms on this floor as we hear a chime.
Will opens the door and walks into the hall, followed by Jake, who is looking around the hallway.
It’s beautiful, with a rich runner covering hardwood floors, elaborate trim gracing the cream colored walls with antique paintings illuminated by golden sconces. I count 8 doors, not including the elevator. “Alex, I never noticed before, but this hallway is longer than your apartment, isn’t it?”
“Yes. There are storage areas at either end of the third floor.”
Huh. We ascend the final set of stairs slowly with Jake, Will holding his arm in support. Jake does wonderfully, and we’re soon entering Alex’s apartment. Will ensures Jake is good before Alex shows him to the movie room downstairs, and I get hugs from E and Seb.
Will has been slowly distancing himself from Jake as he gains more and more independence. It’s a natural progression, but I know when the time comes, Jake will dearly miss him.
Setting the cupcakes and muffins on the table, we take seats along the couch.
Today is just a hangout day since we didn’t do the typical party after prom.
Alex and E have the table full of snacks, drinks, and junk food, and the game consoles are on the coffee table.
I ask Jake what food he wants and, after filling a plate for both of us; I take a seat between him and Alex on the couch.
Seb wants a movie marathon today, so Alex cues up the first movie as we settle in.
Mounds of soda and snacks later, Bay joins us.
It’s been a happy, relaxing afternoon of vegetating with everyone.
Alex gets a text that his dad ordered dinner for us and is bringing it upstairs.
A few minutes later, Steven opens the door with boxes of food, Will behind him.
“Hello everyone,” he smiles, making eye contact with each of us.
I walk with Jake to the table and then introduce him to Steven.
They shake hands as he takes a seat beside Jake at the head of the table.
The boxes contain various types of burgers, fries, and onion rings, along with coleslaw and pickles.
We grab what we want as conversation flows around us.
Steven is asking Jake about his rehab and future plans while E comments on the delicious food.
It’s from a restaurant I haven’t been to yet in Charleston.
Steven was visiting friends this afternoon and texted Alex, offering to bring us dinner. Alex must have told him to grab Will on the way up. Once our bellies are full, we take turns changing into swimsuits.
We all walk Jake to the elevator on the second floor, and then meet him in the first floor hallway.
It’s a short walk to the pool house from there.
Since it’s Jake’s first time in the water since the accident, Will and I follow him into the shallow end.
Jake quickly dunks himself, then lies on his back to float around.
He tells Will to go have fun, which he declines twice before agreeing.
Seb and I tread water around Jake as the other guys dive. E and Will are on the lower platform while Alex and Bay climb to the taller one. The three of us call out scores for the dives, our numbers getting larger and smaller as we go.
When Alex and Bay do a triple somersault, I yell out a 9.5 while clapping. Seb gives them a negative 3 for the splash. Jake hollers out a 4, telling them they weren’t in sync. Laughing, I encourage Jake to join me in the hot tub as Seb leaves to dive and Will joins us.
The guys get crazier and crazier with their acrobatics, and we have a lot of laughs. The guys end up diving for weighted discs, and it turns into a competition, and Jake is smiling and laughing along with everyone else. I'm so glad everyone gets along so well.
As the sun begins its descent to the horizon, we get out. Alex runs upstairs to get clothes for Jake, Will, and me so Jake doesn’t have to climb any more stairs today. Once we’re dry, I hug each guy goodbye and then drive Jake and Will back to his condo.
I say hello to Ray before giving Jake a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so glad you joined us today, handsome.”
“Me too, Sum,” he smiles, kissing me on the lips. “See you tomorrow and drive safe.”
“Will do.” Waving, I take the elevator back downstairs and drive myself home for a shower and sleep.