Goodbye, I love you

Summer begins

"Good afternoon, everyone. Parents, students, and teachers."

"Um, we're all gathered here today to witness a breakthrough for each and every one of us. High School is one of the toughest places to be in, but so rewarding when you finally get to the finish line. College is the place where you can become whomever you want to be and more." She smiled.

"A place where creativity and imagination are brought to life. A place to re-discover your purpose, your calling. Who am I? Who are you? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out. Now, who's with me?" She raised her fist, and every one cheered.

I smiled at the video camera. "Still celebrating?" Mom kissed me. "Oh, you know it!" I exclaimed. I had a shift at Elders' Point today; I was so excited because it was a weekday, and I don't have school. My excitement faded when I remembered what happened a week before the graduation. The night Peter and I kissed; we hadn't seen each other since then. I saw him at graduation, but after we got our diplomas, he was gone. I exhaled.

"What's wrong, babe?"

"Mom, what was it like, when you started dating?" I asked. "Oh," she sat in front of me. "Well, I only ever dated two guys in high school."

"Really? But you're a babe." I teased. "Oh, Avery," she chuckled. "My first boyfriend was Randy Byers; the love of my life." Her blue eyes glistened.

"We both liked each other, but were afraid to say it."

"Then, during the summer we worked at the same animal shelter, and he finally asked me out. I was so thrilled; it was the best summer." She smiled.

"What happened?" I asked. "Well, he went to college to a different city. We tried long distance, but it didn't work so,"

"Aw, mom, I'm sorry."

"It's all water under the bridge, my dear." She smiled. "I best be off. I have grocery shopping."

"And, you should get to the home."

"Yeah." I said.

"And, Avery, this is your last summer before college. Give yourself a break, and have fun." She smiled.

"It's good that you're like this." I smiled. "Heh, bye, sweetie." She kissed my forehead.

***

"I'm sorry, I couldn't be at your graduation, mija." Abuela said. "Abuela, it's okay. It was a short celebration anyways." I told her. "Ah. Mija, will you take me to the beach again?" She asked. "Oh! You miss it already?" I asked. "I do. But I also want to see that friend of yours again." She said. "Abuela, last time was a coincidence." I said. She just stared at me, and I knew she wanted me to figure something out.

"Okay, let's just go." I told her. I wanted to see Peter too; I wondered how he was doing. We head out for the beach after she was done with lunch. It was taco Friday, yum!

We were walking on the beach; I smiled as I watched the gleaming ocean—pretty nostalgic.

"When is your friend gon' get here, mija?" She asked.

"Soon, Abuela." I said. I'd call Peter earlier before we left, and told him that Abuela wants to see him.

We saw Peter approaching from a distance, and Abuela smiled. "Hey, Abuela!" He said, "Mijo!" She said, and hugged him. "I missed you, mijito." She said pulling away. "How are you?"

"I'm okay Abuela." He said, and he held her hand. "Hi." He looked at me.

"Hey." I smiled nervously.

"Come on, cheer up mija. There's more Abuela to go around." She said. I smiled, and we began strolling the beach. Like the last time I kept quiet; Abuela and Peter were the only ones talking.