Chapter 55
Summer
The rest of the week follows a pattern. School, running or schoolwork with the guys, then visiting with Jake.
I take my driving test on Thursday at lunch after a brutal precalculus final.
The guys took turns driving me around the testing route, and I’m now the proud owner of a valid driver’s license, which should make it way easier getting around.
Friday morning, Dad and I are taking separate vehicles for the first time. “This is weird,” I say.
Zander laughs, pulling me into a side hug. “It is. Have a good day, darling. Keep me updated.”
“I will,” I smile and get into my Jeep. Zander pulls out behind me as we head into town.
I’ve driven alone before, but only a few times, so it still seems strange to me and makes me a bit nervous.
I wave behind me when Zander breaks off to go to Finn.
A few minutes later, I pull into school.
We have a half day today, then I’ll be joining Alex to drop off the Christmas gifts for the orphanage.
I get two tests back this morning, but the rest I won’t get until the new year, and unfortunately, precalculus isn't one of them.
We have a free period where precalculus usually is, since the course is over, so the guys and I grab the Toys for Tots boxes from the school office and gym and take them to Finn during that time. Both are full, which is great to see.
After lunch, Alex follows me to Finn, where I leave my Jeep and hop in with him to drive to the orphanage.
He had to purchase 3 other gifts beyond what we bought on Black Friday.
We all contributed a percentage of the total cost based on our earnings from Finn.
Troy and Zander take the money off our paychecks, or we pay in cash.
Alex offered to pay for everything as usual, but they’ve been doing this for several years now and everyone wants to contribute.
When we arrive, Mona greets us out front with a few men, and they help carry everything into the office just inside the door.
We chat for a few minutes with her as the boxes are brought in.
Alex hands her his list of names and corresponding gifts, and she's very thankful and kind, just as I remember her from Easter.
The guys and Gabby wrapped the presents while I was in Charlotte with Jake.