Summer and May

Chapter Forty-Nine: May

Summer's smile was brighter than the sun. I had missed her smile, even if she flashed it while making demands. "Go get him, or I'll never forgive you for it."

As much as I reveled in finally receiving her forgiveness, something I knew I needed, I inwardly cursed myself for not doing this sooner. I gave honesty too much credit; it wasn't scary at all. At least, not with Summer. Not with Jeremy, either. I wondered how much I had missed out on, and how much better things could be going forward if I continued being this way.

When Summer charged me to go get Jeremy, my cheeks flushed, covering them in a deep rosy shade. I pressed my hand to my face, feeling the warmth radiate off of my skin. Summer held tight to her ultimatum, cocking her head towards Jeremy.

"That's not why I wanted your forgiveness, Sum. I--"

"Shut up already! Go get him! Now!" She laughed, shooing me away. Those words brought life to me, forcing me down the hill, down to Jeremy.

My heart pumped at double speed as I sifted through crowds of people to find him. I searched for him relentlessly through dancing couples, kids playing, and lights twinkling. I needed to get to him before I lost my nerve. When I heard him call my name, I swiveled around to find him across the checkered floor. He seemed to know that I needed him near. Time moved in slow motion as he made his way to me, and I found my way to him. His eyes never left mine, a residual smile finding a home on his lips. He brushed through half the crowd, while I couldn't get myself through as quickly. When he finally got to me, I watched him fight himself to reach for me. I decided to beat him to it.

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close. His body hesitated, but once he learned I'm not going anywhere, he lifted me upwards, laughing into my hair. I leaned backwards to see him. I wanted to watch his reaction when I said what I was about to say.

I beamed, biting my lip. "Jeremy Dawson, will you be my boyfriend?"

With music stealing the attention of most, his was only on me. The words fell from my mouth gracefully, just a hint above the volume around us, but he knew exactly what I'd said. 

A stunned expression covered his tan face. I marveled as his dimple dug into his cheek, his smile unmissable. He blinked several times before he managed to slip out a response.

"I don't want to be anything else." He said just above a whisper, setting me down on my feet. My hands remained at the back of his neck, finally allowing myself to feel hope. He dipped his chin low, hovering just above my mouth. "Is this real?" he said against my lips.

"I hope so." I confessed, closing the distance between us. It had been only a few days since I'd last felt his lips against mine, but now he was mine. I had given into him as a friend just days ago, knowing how wrong it was. This acted as a seal of approval, a mark of the beginning. 

He spun me around to an old Beatles song, everything around us buzzing with electricity. As far as I was concerned, it was just the two of us here. For the first time this summer, and perhaps ever, I felt an uninterrupted joy in my gut. For the first time, everything felt clear and limitless. My dad waved to me from a few tables away, sporting a smirk. It was one of his expressions that I knew well: he was proud.

Jeremy chuckled at how I lost my cool when the cover band played my favorite song. When Brooks, Alec, and the others joined, that energy skyrocketed. It was the simplest fun we'd had since the last festival, but this time was different. Brooks promised me that he'd come back each summer, but I know once we all enter the real world, that may change. I chose not to fear any of that tonight. Focusing on Jeremy dance to More Than a Feeling and Brooks shouting the lyrics was much more entertaining.

I hugged Summer once she joined us, along with Emma Southerly. Summer and I seemed to trade a look that said everything, both our smiles small but unmissable.

"May, I want you to meet someone!" Summer shouted over the music, while the boys continued singing to the band. She motioned to Emma, who stood next to her in a summery jumpsuit.

I tilted my head. "Yes, I know Emma..." I smiled, although I was extremely confused. I waved to her, unsure of what Summer was up to.

Summer shook her head, pulling both Emma and me in close. "No, you don't. Emma isn't just a classmate. She's my new roommate."

My mouth opened wide, along with my eyes. "What?!" I squealed.

Both girls were practically jumping with joy. "And even better, we got a suite. Which means we'll have a couch ready for you, for whenever you'd like to visit." her eyes twinkled.

"This is amazing," I gushed. I congratulated them both, thankful that Summer was happy.

"I think everything worked out, don't you?"

I paused, reflecting on how far we'd come. "Yeah, it really did." 

I hugged her again, and she swayed to the music as she squeezed me. "I'm happy for you, May. I really am. Even after everything that's happened."

"Thank you," I said, in a state of shock. "you too."

As we separated, her eyes found Jeremy. "I have to go do something." I nodded, watching as she made her way to him, exchanging what looked like a heartfelt conversation. He hugged her, nodding as she seemed to whisper something in his ear. I knew Summer's body language better than anyone, and I could tell she was threatening him in only a way Summer could. Break her heart, and I'll break your face, I read from her lips as they separated. This caused them both to share a friendly laugh before Summer returned to her new roommate. All of it made my heart ache, in the best way.

When yet another throwback played through the speakers, the Shimmer Lake High School graduating class took over the dance floor. Jeremy was an impressive dancer, a stark contrast to Brooks. It was entertaining to watch him try, especially since his moves were from the eighties.

As we all shouted, bounced, and shook to each song that played, I marveled at how everything managed to work itself out. What was supposed to be an adventurous summer turned out to be the complete opposite, but also, so much more.