My Legacy to Build (Sequel to Past Lovers)

Chapter 2

As we pulled into the University parking lot, a look of pure shock and awe reached across my face. All around us were brick academic buildings connected by vibrant green stretches of grass and beautiful brass archways. Students and faculty were bustling around campus armed with the knowledge that I couldn't wait to obtain.

I was practically vibrating in my seat while Tio chuckled in amusement. "We're here, Princesa! You ready?" I nodded eagerly, my eyes still stuck on the campus. I heard the Jeep turn off as he went to grab his phone. I finally pulled my gaze to his graying hair and the small lines appearing around the smile that warmed his face. I've never quite gotten used to the way his frame overtakes every space he's in. Though his muscles aren't as prominent, he still moves with so much power all these later. I took a second to admire the tattoos that I could probably draw blind by now. The stories behind each one are etched into my memory the same way he is. I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes, and of course his concerned gaze caught them right away. "What is it?"

A sound escaped me that was somewhere between a small sniffle and a laugh. "I may not be able to share this moment with my moms, but I couldn't be more grateful to have you here with me, Tio."

His face softened even further as he reached for my hand. "I'll always be here for you, Grayson. I wouldn't have missed your first college tour for the world." He looked to the window behind me and smiled further as he continued, "And speaking of people who couldn't miss it..."

My gaze followed his finger that was pointing behind me. I screamed in pure joy as my Tia was walking toward the car holding a big bouquet of flowers. My hands were feverishly fiddling with the door handle trying to get it open, and Damien was cracking up trying to unlock it fast enough. The moment my feet touched the pavement, I broke into a run straight into Raquel's arms. I'm not sure when the tears started for either one of us, but then we were both wiping them away, and she pulled me in once again. The warmth and safety that always radiated from her hugs wrapped around me as I said, "What are you doing here, Tia? What about your live show tonight? You'll never make it in time!"

"I convinced Paul to let me go for the weekend. This is a huge milestone for you, I'd never miss this!"  Raquel was as beautiful as ever with her brown hair now cut to her shoulders. Her tanned skin was lighter now, but it still glowed the same way she did.

Priest came over and pulled us all in a group hug saying, "I told her the exact same thing." They both kissed my forehead and then shared a look between them that always made me wonder if something more was being said. It didn't happen often, but even now they seemed reluctant to let each other go without one more second shared between them.

Tia was the one who broke away joking, "Okay, okay, we don't want to suffocate her before the tour even starts." She held out her hand as a silent invitation forward, and the three of us set off towards the admissions office.

My eyes couldn't see fast enough as I tried to take everything in at once. I pictured myself cramming for finals on the quad and rushing to the campus market for a snack between classes. I saw myself hauling an overflowing backpack to the library and maybe even sitting in the stands for a football game or two. Clubs and extracurriculars were flowing through my head at a million miles per minute because for the first time in my life, I had something that was truly mine. Mine to earn, mine to choose, mine to keep.

Tio read my mind as he said, "Even if this isn't the campus you choose, I can totally see you doing this."

Tia added in, "I don't think I've ever seen you so happy, Gray."

I took a second to compose my thoughts before I responded, "I've never doubted that this was what I wanted. I wasn't always sure it was law, but I knew I wanted to continue my studies in something I felt passionate about. But being here with you guys today just makes it feel real, and tangible, and so damn close."