Solo

Epilogue

Clearing out my locker, I couldn't believe how things had changed in such a short time. Casey had proven that true friendship forms even when you're not trying. She ranks up there with my best friend, Kelly. In fact, I can't wait for them to meet in the near future.

Speaking of the future, I see mine coming down the hall. Lucas is the best thing in my life. If I had protested more, I might have convinced my parents to stay in California and never met the only guy who constantly gives me flutters.

"Hey, do you have everything?" he asked.

"Yeah, this is the last of it." I closed my empty locker.

"I guess we're done until next year."

"Thank goodness. I won't have to be ready by seven anymore."

"Oh, I'm sure there'll be days this summer I'll have you out of the house early. I might give you a break and make it seven-thirty." He laughed when I rolled my eyes. "So, what do you want to do this afternoon?"

We walked out of the building. "I think I just want to go home."

"Wow."

"What?"

"That's the first time you've called your grandparents' house 'home'."

"You know—I think you're right."

If someone had asked me a few months ago if this was home, I would have laughed in their face. Now, I can't imagine living anywhere else. I guess Gramps was right when he'd said, "Home is where you hang your hat." I'd thought the statement was crazy, but now it makes perfect sense. So—for now—my hat hangs in the quaint town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon.