One Last Summer

Chapter 1: Our Tree

Everything was perfect that summer, but that all changed quickly.

         The sun was setting on the horizon. In my tree everything was perfect. This Is where I go to get away from all my problems. I don't have many friends that I can go to about all my problems. Although, I do have him. He makes me feel safe and comforted in so many different ways. He's the only person who knows about my tree. I watched as Drew walked across the golden gleaming field and climbed up the tree, And sat himself down on my left side.

"Hey" he whispered gently as I lent my head on his shoulder.

"Hey" I replied barely containing my tears, but Drew means everything to me and knows everything about me. I didn't have to hold back I just let the tears out, " Its just so-so-so hard" I sob into his shoulder.

       " I know Cal, I know" he said rubbing my back. "Shhhhh" he blew softly. Once o had almost finished crying he asked" hey Cal?"

"Yeah" I replied

"What makes this place so special to you?"

" Ummmmm" I gasp " Well that's a bit of a complicated story. When I was 10 my mom tried to take me away from this place, my dad. But unfortunately my father didn't agree with that. He had been going out and buying more drugs that weekend. When he came back he pulled out his gun and shot my mom in the head. He also shot both my feet so I couldn't run away and tell someone the awful things he'd done. So I decided to have my own little ceremony. A couple weeks later I went back and I saw a little cherry tree sprout. I've been taking care of it for 7 years and now it's this" My voice cracking with emotion.

"I'm so sorry Cal. Next time I see your dad I swear to god I will........"

" No don't" I tell " I don't want him to hurt you, us, my tree." I reason with him

"After everything we've been through, I was hoping we could call it our tree?"

My heart melted "Of course" I watched him climb down and effortlessly carve Cal + Drew forever. It was surrounded in a heart right on the trunk. " From now on it isn't my tree, it's our tree"