Our Future

Chapter 35

Eleven Years Later
June 6th
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Lexi's POV
    I count the quiet and painfully slow minutes as they go by. With a repetitive pattern my thoughts circle in my mind. Growing up I loved my birthday; especially because it was only 2 weeks away from my moms, but when she died I just stopped wanting to celebrate. However, through the years my family insisted we celebrate in some form.
    Instead of hanging onto my thoughts I try my best to let what's left of this bath go to great use. Only a couple minutes later I hear the sound of laughter following the opening of the front door. I know those laughs. Those laughs have been a constant the past few weeks. I get out of the tub and wrap a towel around myself before draining the tub and letting my hair down. I take a quick look at myself in my bathroom mirror, trying to convince myself I have the strength to go downstairs; not surprisingly, it doesn't completely work but it's enough strength to survive.
    I walk over to my closet and pull out a simple pair of sweats and a long sleeve shirt to throw on. Once I'm all dressed I put my hair in a quick ponytail, grab my phone, and make my way downstairs.

Stefan:"There's my girl."

    Sure enough when I walk into the kitchen I see my dad and my aunt Caroline enjoying their leftovers from dinner. I put on the best smile I can go over to them and hug them each.

Lexi:"Hey, how was dinner?"

Caroline:"Dinner was great. We know you didn't want to go, but your dad and I brought you an entrée just in case you were hungry later."

Lexi:"Thanks you guys."

Caroline:"Of course."

Stefan:"and since it's not too late we were thinking about watching a movie if your interested?"

Lexi:"Thanks dad, but actually I was going to go to the boarding house and hang out with uncle Damon and aunt Bonnie for a little while. Can I take a raincheck on that movie?"

Stefan:"No problem. Just be home before ten; you have school tomorrow."

Lexi:"You got it dad. I'll see you in a bit."

    I hug him once more and grab my keys off the counter where I had left them earlier. I scroll through my contacts and look for my aunts name and click call before starting the car and pulling out of the driveway.

Bonnie:"Hey sweetie, what's up?"

Bonnie:"Hey, nothing really I was just wondering if I could come over for a bit."

Bonnie:"Of course! It's been a week since we've seen you. Did you let your dad know?"

Lexi:"I did let my dad know, and thank you for letting me come over so late. I should be there in ten minutes."

Bonnie:"Lexi, you know that you're always welcome; even if it's 2 in the morning and all you need is to sit by the fireplace."

    She and I both chuckle lightly.

Lexi:"Alight, I should be there soon."

Bonnie:"Okay we'll see you soon."

    She ends the call and I drive in silence. As I drive another memory of my mom sneaks in, and I can't do anything but just let it pass through me. Those moments had grown to be more than just sad memories. Now they were sad and physically painful to remember, but as soon as they pass I try my best to shake it off and keep moving.
    Soon enough I pull into the driveway at the boarding house and gather my phone and keys before heading in. I don't even get to knock in the door once before my aunt opens the door and I rush to hug her.

Lexi:"Hi."

Bonnie:"Hey, you. I'm glad to see you."

Lexi:"I'm glad to see you. It's been a long week."