Life of Harlow

What a Summer

Harlow

3 months later

What a Summer it's been and all the fun I've had is coming to a screeching end with school starting in a couple of weeks. When we got out of school in mid-May, there was a lot to celebrate. Trevor graduated from 8th grade and he turned 15 shortly thereafter. He was with his dad for his birthday, but we sent him a gift of course.

The tension at Trevor's 8th grade graduation party was thick, at first. I watched as Mr. Lance tried to rattle dad. He would flirt with Ms. McKenzie. It's like sir, you have a wife. His wife seemed nice and was friendly with Trevor and Ms. McKenzie. She went from snobby to nice according to T. Things just seemed lighter. That was until Mr. Lance decided to be an jerk. Dad didn't kill his ass, but he roughed him up a bit. I guess he got his point across because at T's party, Mr. Lance was in a completely different mood.

Trevor returned to California with his dad and stepmom right after his party. He wasn't thrilled that he was leaving and there's still weird energy between him and his dad. I thought that maybe if he sat down and talked to his dad about how he felt that. His dad, Mr. Lance, is just... He's bitter that Ms. McKenzie moved on. Everyone can see it. He did seem more interested at breakfast about Summer plans with Trevor so that's something.

Even with T gone for the summer we texted each other every single day and FaceTime or send each other stupid memes. He's become one of my favorite people and a best friend. That's my lil bro and I'm his big sis.

After T went to California, I spent the rest of the month traveling with my Grandpa Fred and Grandma Dora. They had wanted to take me on a European vacay and dad was a ball of nerves. I know they worked things out, but he still had his reservations, plus I've never been out of the country without him. I've gone on plenty of trips out of state with other relatives, but leaving the country?

His first answer was an immediate no. Then he thought about whether he should join us. After talking to my Grandpa Brandon, Grandma Jamie, and Ms. McKenzie he finally relented. I agreed to call him every single day, no matter what time, and to send pictures. I realized that this was bigger than just my grandparents taking me on a trip. This had a lot to do with dad being a dad and not wanting me to leave.

While I was away, dad surprised Ms. McKenzie with a trip to Hawaii as she's been wanting to go. He said since they were both kid free, why not. They seemed to have a fun time. He still checked in with me daily as did Ms. McKenzie.

When I got back in June, I hung out quite a bit with my friends from Jace and Emma to Channing, Emily, and Drake. Drake and I have been talking more and more and I see us moving out of the friend zone sooner rather than later. As for things with Russ, I'm good. I don't hate him and again, maybe we could be friends again one day, but right now I'm good where I'm at. We text here and there, but nothing serious.

July was jam packed with non-stop travel. 4th of July weekend was a family affair. We went to Florida for a week to hang out with everyone. With a family as big as ours, there's usually 4 central locations we travel to: New York/New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and California. This year was Florida and next year will be Texas. It rotates every Summer.

I then took a week long trip with Ms. McKenzie and just when I thought I couldn't get closer to her, I did. It was a wellness retreat and her friends were bringing their daughters and she wanted to bring me. It was in the Arizona. Yeah, it was hot, but a lot of fun. I did yoga, a lot of journaling, bonding activities, and met some cool people.

Ms. McKenzie and I had plenty of one on one time during this trip and lots of long talks. We talked about boys, she told me about her childhood and how it was for her growing up. In a way, I feel like I have a mom again. I know I've always had strong, powerful, and influential women in my life, but this is different. I've even gone as far as to call her Mama Kenz. I don't see the big deal about it. My dad was surprised at first when he heard me refer to her as that, but after explaining my feelings he understood.