Part 2 - New Beginning

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The week following my dad's death went by in a blur of relatives, friends and people I didn't recognize. Funeral arrangements were made for a man that was far too young, my parents' home was constantly filled with people and food, and trying to be strong for my mom and grandparents were taking its toll on me.

My job had graciously allowed me two weeks off from work and school had just ended for the semester so I spent my time looking after my mom and fielding visitors at her house. By the second week, my emotions were all over the place – I was angry, I missed my dad, I didn't understand, and I was exhausted.

It's the Monday exactly one week following my dad's death. I hear my phone ring and smile when I see Jace's name on the display.

"Hey, Jace."

"Hey, Lay." I can hear the concern in his voice. "You doing okay?"

I let out a quiet laugh, "I'm hanging in there."

"You really need to get out of the house," he says. "I'm coming to get you. I'm not letting you say no. Wear jeans and tennis shoes."

"Okay," I say unsure of why I need to wear something so specific. Although we had known each other for many years, we had never gone anywhere together. And, up until the past couple of months, we hadn't really spoken that much. "I'm at my mom's. You can pick me up here."

"I figured," he says. "See you in a few."

I hang up the phone and walk into the kitchen where my mom is sitting at the table staring at nothing. "Hey," I walk over and wrap my arms around her shoulders. "You okay?"

"Yeah, babe. I'm fine," she says as she forces a smile. She has to be the strongest person I know. "Why don't you go on home and get some rest."

"Well, I'm actually going out tonight," I say as I begin to second guess my decision. She needs me here. "But I can stay here with you if you want me to."

"Of course not!" she says quickly. "You need to get out of this house. My makeup bag is in my room if you want to freshen up."

I laugh. Only my mom would be so nice in telling me I look terrible. "Thanks, mom," I say as I squeeze her shoulders and make my way to her room.

I'm putting on my shoes when I hear his motorcycle pull up and immediately realize why he wanted me in jeans and tennis shoes. I smile thinking of how clever he was in driving something that would get me so close to him. I have butterflies but I'm not sure if it is because of the upcoming ride or the driver.


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