Teen-Adulthood 101

Chapter Twenty-six

Two days after Jamie and Caroline's handfasting, Jake, Rain, Logan, and I rode with my mother and sister to Ecru. Mason invited us to spend the holidays with him and his kids; my mother immediately jumped at the chance. She suspects that he will propose to her because they have been talking about it for weeks and she is nervous, which is why she wanted us to accompany her. It was kind of funny due to the fact that ever since she and Mason started dating, she became a different person. She started becoming more relaxed, wearing sexier clothing, and basically acting like I was when I first fell in love with Jake, which was awesome because I have never seen her even flirt with another person since divorcing my dad. Now, I am glad that she found someone, especially her long lost love.

When we arrived at Mason's, Ashley was sitting on the porch reading while Mason exited the house to greet us.

"Hey, y'all," he said as we got out the van. "I hope you didn't have any trouble finding the place."

My mom shook her head. "Not much! I've had to pass this way, many times."

"Well, I'm glad you're here, baby!" he said, pulling her into a kiss.

Jake and I just laughed at them due to the fact that they were just like us: young and in love. We all just smiled at them when a blue Toyota pulled in behind us.

"That's Mia, right now," Mason replied as she got out her car. "So, how was your day, sweetheart?"

"It was okay," she answered. "What about you, dad?"

"It's was okay, but better now."

"It looks like our parents need some alone time," Ashley said, walking up to us. "Y'all want to hang out for a while?"

We just nodded in response and went inside.

Mia invited us to her room and played Paramore on her computer. I looked around and saw posters of her dad's band, along with Scarlet Rose, Dead Rose, Three Days Grace, and a few other bands on her walls. I also saw North Pontotoc High paraphernalia, along with clippings of her winning honors from school and music awards.

"Wow, you're very talented." I said, still looking around.

"Thanks, Haley." Mia replied. "I love school and music. I will finish high school and Itawamba Community College, this year. Ashley just completed her high school credits this year and gets her Associate's Degree after this semester. My dad is adamant when it comes to our education and makes sure we have A's on our report card."

Nodding in agreement, Ashley said. "Yeah, but he's cool with a B, as long as we work hard to bring it up."

"Kind of like our mom," I laughed. "Huh, Laura?"

"That's true," she agreed. "We were home-schooled until last year. She and Rain are two years ahead because of it and I am taking high school courses through correspondence."

"I guess it is a good thing because I am having the babies before the year is out. I also get a diploma and Associate's degree, next year."

"So, what are you having, Haley?" Mia asked, sitting on the bed.

"Twins," I answered, rubbing my belly. "Both girls."

"Nice. I don't think I could handle it. I'd be too scared."

Grabbing my hand, Jake stepped in. "So are we, but we're ready to take on anything."