My Brother's Roommate

t w e n t y f i v e

Chapter 25 : Going Back

"Oh, I'm going to miss you so much. Have a safe trip back to school. Jay it was so wonderful to meet you, I hope you can join our family again soon, you're always welcome here." My mother gushed to us as we stood at the front door.

"Thank you again for having me Mrs. Parker." He paused "And for nursing me back to health."

"Oh, what are mothers for." She smiles the.

I wasn't sure what kind of response Jay would give, considering it seems he doesn't have a mother who acts that way. He simply gave her a smile, a sad smile, but my mom didn't seem to notice.

"Now off you go, you need to beat the traffic." She changes her tone instantly and begins to shoo us into the car.

"Wait, I forgot something very important." I yell and run into the house.

My two dogs run up to me as soon as I open the door and I bend down to hug them. "I can't leave without saying bye to you two. I'm going to miss you both the most, don't tell mom."

Since they're dogs, they can't speak, but I like to think they understood what I said and reciprocated my feelings when they licked my face and wagged their tails.

I give them one last glance and walk back out to the car. "Goodbye for real this time."

As we drove off down the road, I could see my mom continue to stand in the driveway and wave.

"So, what'd you think of Thanksgiving at the Parker's? Be honest."

He put his left hand to his chin and rubbed it, smiling. "It was very..exciting. It's been a while since I've had that much fun."

I lift my chin a bit. "Our family knows how to have a good time, glad you thought so."

"Oh, look who's getting a big head now." He says and I laugh lightly.

I pause before I speak again. "You know, my mom wasn't just being hospitable when she said to come back, she genuinely enjoyed your company and would love for you to come back."

"Did she really say that or is that what you're thinking."

"No, she told me that. True story."

"Mmhm." He hums, sounding unconvinced. Like my mom, I wanted Jay to come back again, but I wasn't going to let him know he was right.

"You know, you should really see our house around Christmas. If you thought that was a lot, you should just see how crazy it can get. We typically have family come to town, so our house is lively 24/7."

He lifts an eyebrow and glances at me. "Is that an invitation, or are you forcing me along for the ride again?"

"Stop bringing that up, it was one time! And you had a fun time so it doesn't really matter." I wine but he laughs at my annoyance.

Jay sighs in content. "I forgot what it's like to associate the holidays with happiness and not takeout pizza. It's worn me out."

"Oh, need me to drive again, I don't mind-"

"You aren't driving my car again, speedster. Last thing I want, is to end this break with a ticket."

I wave a hand. "It isn't speeding, it's efficient driving."

"And that way of thinking is why you are permanent passenger."

"At least I don't get stuck on the side of the road."

"Your fault if I remember. You told me to pull over."

I put a finger to my chin. "I did, didn't I? And why did I do that again? Oh yeah, because you were speeding."