Summer Relations

Chapter 16

This is the last chapter before a sequel.

Spencer and I spent the rest of our last two days before I leave for college in bed, either having sex or cuddling.

I leave today. Uncle Albert got me an apartment.

"Alright." He says. "The only rule I have is you need to get a job."

I nod. "Good with me." I say.

He places a set of car keys in my hand.

"I thought it was about time." He says.

"You got me a car?" I ask.

He nods guiltily.

"Thanks." I hug him.

Everyone is crowded on the front lawn.

The car is a 1976 Light Blue Mustang.

Literally my favorite kind of car.

"Call the second you get there. If you need anything, I'll have my ass there before you know it." Uncle Albert says.

Everyone begins to say goodbye to me.

Since everyone lies in Malibu, Los Angeles, where Stanford University is, is only about five hours and forty one minutes.

Spencer is going to University of California in Berkley, which is five hours North of Stanford, so ten hours from home. He's leaving right after me.

"Thank you." I hug Uncle Albert.

Olivia is going to FSU, Florida State University. Justice is going to New York University, Seth is going to University of South Carolina, and Gavin is going with Olivia to Florida State.

Mom and Uncle Albert are moving to South Carolina once I'm gone and settled.

I don't know what everyone else is doing, but they're talking moving as well. After all, the only reason they stayed here was for us.

I say goodbye to Olivia and the guys, and then I turn to Spencer.

He envelops me in a giant hug.

"I'll call you every night, okay? I'll come visit and you can come visit me as often as I can."

"Okay." I whisper.

He leans in and gives me a long, passionate kiss.

I pull away.

"I love you." I say.

"I love you too."

I pull my sunglasses over my eyes, one, because the sun is bright, and two, to hide the tears.

"Wait!" Mom cries as I head for my car.

I stop, my hand on the handle. She rushes to me.

"Listen." She says. "I put a fifty in the ash tray, just in case you run short on cash. Make sure to fill up the car before you get on the highway."

I nod.

"You're trying to recreate the song." I whisper.

She nods and pulls me into a tight hug.

"I love you so much, my sweet girl. Be smart!" she says.

"I love you too." I get in the car.

"Stay in school!" she adds, frantic.

I laugh and give her a thumbs up. I turn the car on.

As I start to pull out of the driveway, Mom cries, "Don't do drugs!"

Everyone waves goodbye, and they don't stop until the back of my car is out of sight.