Wildest Dreams

f o u r

S U M M E R
   after  
F R E S H M A N   Y E A R

My grandparents sat me down one morning, saying they have bad news. They had sad looks on their faces and for the first time, I actually see they do care and the news was a loss for the whole family.

"The bank now owns the house, the farm... and the rest of the land. We're so sorry, Maple."

"B-but that belongs to me! It belongs to me! My name's written on the title a-and the deeds!"

"We know, sweetheart, but your age hasn't met the standards yet, and you were away—"

"I was sent here! There's nothing I could do! That's out of question!"

"We know. Your grandmother and I fought for it, that's why we're usually gone. We're very sorry, Maple."

Grandpa placed an arm around me as I sobbed, tears spilling nonstop as I felt a huge pang of pain continuously being stabbed into me.

"Why are they taking everything from me?" I whispered. Grandma placed a comforting hand on my back.

"We're still for you, Maple. We're always here for you," said Grandma. "You still have us."

I sat up again between them, wiping my own tears. "W-what about my things? Mom and Dad's?"

"We have to go to Michigan tomorrow, settle the last of what you own then bring it back here. We'll be transferring your money as well to the bank here, it's for better access. The process might take your whole summer... again."

*  *  *

I was slightly grateful that my luggage weren't set aside since last year's move. I needed them again today. After emptying them, I only then got reminded that my friends and I had a swimming party planned today. It was supposed to be our first hangout this summer, but plans changed... sadly.

I dialed Nancy's phone, thinking of what I'm going to say before she picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Nancy, hi! It's Maple."

"Hey Maple! Are you excited for later? Glen said he'll be bringing drinks, and by drinks, you know what I mean."

Glen... should I call him too?

"That's awesome! Wonder where he got it though."

"From his cousin who lives near the airport. He dropped by this morning."

There was a second of silence, reluctance, and guilt. "Hey Nancy, actually I don't think I can go..."

There was shuffling on the other side. "What? Why?"

"I have to leave early in the morning tomorrow. My grandparents and I are going to Michigan."

"We're not doing night swimming, anyway. You can still come with us, it's summer! You can't miss this," she urged.

"I know. I'm so sorry, but I still have to pack. We're visiting to uhm... settle down something with the relatives."