The following Saturday was their moving day. Shannon was at our house, babysitting Paul. Everyone took their turn being emotional, even Bret.
Raina asked, "Big brother, why are you so upset?"
"This was the only home I ever knew. We both grew up in this house. It's where Elise and I fell in love, and where I proposed. We're pretty sure it's where Paul was conceived."
"Um, I'm not sure you needed to mention that last bit." Bret spoke childishly to her.
"What's a matter, baby sister? Too grow'd up for ya?" He patted her on top of her head. She slapped his hand away. They looked at each other and laughed. She hugged him.
"I am going to miss you, big brother. Aunt Helen will really have her hands full keeping you and Josh out of trouble."
That evening, I had a hole in my heart. I snuggled with Bret and cried. We reminisced about all of the memories I'd made in that house.
The next few months saw new routines, and a few changes. Bret was promoted to corporal. Josh got his driver's license, and Robert helped him buy a pick-up.
Shannon got her license, and her parents gave her a small Korean hatchback. It had been her mom's daily commuter. Her mom got a new car.
Josh and Shannon's relationship road continued to get rougher. They were apart as much as they were together.
Mark landed the pastor job in Anchorage. He and his parents began the long road to healing. He called once a month to check on us.
Raina found a job at a daycare. She settled into her new school for her senior year. She and Eli are a great couple. I really do hope they end up married.
YOU ARE READING
A Starling's Awakening
General FictionBook one of two in what may become a trilogy Honor, loyalty, and love - three words that are not familiar to those trapped in the cult of social status. At 17 years old, Elise Torgason was a beautiful, rich, spoiled brat, status worshiping, mean gi...
