Why Is Life So Harding?

Ch.10

As summer break arrived, bringing with it the promise of adventure and new experiences, and Gabby's return home from college, Mac found himself grappling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The prospect of spending two weeks with John's parents in Rhode Island filled him with anticipation, but also stirred up feelings of apprehension about meeting his new extended family members.

Melissa and John's announcement had elicited a flurry of excitement from the rest of the kids, who eagerly began making plans for their trip. The prospect of reuniting with their grandparents after a year filled them with joy, but for Mac, the excitement was tinged with uncertainty.

As the departure date drew nearer, Mac couldn't shake the butterflies in his stomach. Thoughts raced through his mind as he wondered what his grandparents would be like, whether they would accept him as part of the family, and if he would be able to fit in with their expectations.

Despite his nerves, Mac tried to focus on the positive aspects of the trip. He reminded himself that this was an opportunity to bond with his new family members, to create cherished memories together, and to deepen his sense of belonging within the family unit.

On the day of their departure, the family gathered at the airport, excitement palpable in the air as they prepared to embark on their journey.

As the family sat at the airport gate, Mac couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in his stomach. The thought of boarding an airplane for the first time filled him with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He glanced around at his bustling family, feeling a twinge of anxiety at the thought of sitting alone on the plane.

Just as his worries began to mount, Jace, ever perceptive of his younger brother's feelings, stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "Hey, Mac, how about I be the one to sit alone so you don't have to?" he offered, his voice laced with warmth and understanding.

Mac's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude at Jace's kind gesture. He nodded eagerly, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "Thanks, Jace," he murmured, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

With Jace's offer to sit alone, the family quickly discussed their seating arrangements to accommodate everyone before boarding.

The twins settled into their seats together, Cristina and Gabby claimed a pair of seats nearby, and Sammy next to John.

Mac found himself seated with Melissa. As the plane taxied down the runway and lifted into the sky, Mac gripped the armrests tightly, his heart racing with nerves.

Throughout the flight, Melissa offered words of encouragement and support, gently easing Mac's anxiety with her calming presence. She shared thw storie of her own first flight and reassured him that everything would be okay.

As the plane soared through the clouds, Mac found himself marveling at the breathtaking views outside his window, the worries of sitting alone forgotten in the awe of the moment. And as they touched down in Rhode Island a little over an hour later, he couldn't wait to embark on this new adventure.

As the Hardings departed the gate of the T.F Green Airport. They looked around for a sign that would direct them to where they'd finding their luggage. As John and Melissa tried to keep track of all their children Gabby and Jace lead the way. For a family of nine the post flight procedures when by rather smoothly. John was at a desk renting van big enough to fit everyone, while Melissa found herself repeatedly telling Sammy to stop running around and to stay close his siblings.
Gabby was teaching the twins a hand clap game to keep them busy and out of trouble, while Jace and Cristina were scrolling on their phones. Mac just sat on a windowsill, his stomach betraying him while he thought about what the next 2 weeks would be like.