Finish Line

Chapter 2

Sydney 

“Sydney!” Maddie squeals as she comes rushing from the door. I catch her just as she launches herself at me. She’s grown taller. I won’t be able to carry her soon. She gives me a hug while I lift her off the ground.

“Hey Maddie bear” I started calling her that when she was a baby and she got used to that nickname.

“Dad, Syd’s here” she grabs my hand and drags me to the kitchen.

“Come give me a hug, missy” I rush to give Peter a hug. He kisses my forehead.

I help him cook while Madison sits on the kitchen stool and asks me about school. She’s a smart girl for her age. She loves books, just like me.

“Anyone miss me?” I see Luke standing by the door. Madison hugs him before going to the living room to watch TV.

“Glad you could make it, son” peter says

“Wouldn’t miss a home cooked meal. I’m wondering where my Sydney hug is” he says. He’s so tall that I have to jump so he could catch me. He gives me a bear hug before setting me down. He’d usually swing me around when we were young but I guess I’m getting heavier for him to carry.

Maddie and I set the table while Luke and peter continue preparing the food. Peter says grace before we start lunch. I was about to ask where Jake was but Madison beat me to it.

“Jake not coming?” she asks.

Peter shakes his head at her “he has football practice, honey. But he promised to visit us soon.”

Maybe coming here was preventing Jake from visiting. I didn’t want that for him. I was feeling guilty for spending time with the Larson’s and Jake avoiding me all around. Luke must have sensed me thinking because he patted my leg. I looked at him and he just shook his head like he knew what I was thinking of.

Lunch was great. I was really full by the end of the meal. Luke told us about his business classes and how he was going to start his own business while he’ll be interning next year. Madison shared stories about her classmates and teachers and Peter talked about the new vegetable he was trying to grow in hi garden. I sat there and looked at them. This was a family. I always wanted one but I’m grateful they treated me as part of the family. They literally took me in their home and took care of me too.

Luke drives me back to my dorm. He lives just nearby too.

“Thanks for the ride, Luke” I hop off his car.

“No problem. Call me anytime” he says

“Drive safe” he winks and I wave at him before heading to the dorm.

Jake 

Practice was great. We were all tired but coach was happy with our performance. I had two days left of my break so I called dad to let him know I'll be staying overnight. I don’t need to pack anything since my old room at home still has a few of my things and clothes.

I see Madison waiting for me in the porch. She sees me get out of my car and she comes running. She jumps into my arms.

“I missed you, Jake” she giggles as I spin her around in circles.

“Good because I missed you too, sis” she runs into the house and I follow behind her. She jumps on the couch and starts to watch TV. I head through the kitchen and out the backyard to look for dad.

Dad changed when he started his own garden out back. Maddie kept telling us about healthy eating and I think she got dad on board because the next thing we knew he was digging at the back and growing his own vegetables and fruits.