Perfect Doesn't Last Forever

Chapter Seventeen

Perfect Doesn't Last Forever- Chapter 17

            My biggest, and probably my only regret, leaving home all those years ago, is losing time to be with my siblings.  Austin helped me during the toughest time in my life and Jessica and I were always close due to the ten-month gap between our birthdays.  Our parents treated us like twins for most of our adolescent lives, dressing us in matching clothes and signing us up for same activities.  Austin was like my guardian before he left for college and subsequently moved away to be with Callie, but he was always there for me.  When I left, I went from having a large, tight-knit, loving family, to no family at all.  My letters to them were my goodbyes to them, but none of them got to say goodbye to me.  I lived in a small studio a few blocks away from community college, working three jobs at a time before graduating and receiving a teaching license.  Still, even though I had Ella supporting me when she traveled up to visit me, I was very alone.  I continued to see, and still do see, a therapist and was treated for my post-partum depression.

            And then I met Preston.  Preston lifted me out of my stupor and brought me into a whole new world.  He lit a flame in me, that countless dates could never do, and I suddenly began to feel a sense of purpose in life.  But even then, with a renewed perspective of the world, I was still missing the support of my family. 

            As Preston navigates his way up a winding road through a mountainous community to Jessica's house, I cannot contain my excitement.  A small smile keeps playing at my lips and I do everything I can to not break out into laughter.  Preston keeps a hand resting on my knee, which coupled with me new desire to have another baby, is not helping me one bit, but I don't say anything.  I glance over my shoulder and see the twins sleeping peacefully in their seats, and Lyle with his head leaned against the window, fast asleep as well.  I give Lucas a smile when his eyes meet mine, so that we don't wake the boys up, and his eyes glisten back, and suddenly something in me clicks and I realize that Lucas isn't a little boy anymore.  I have a young man on my hands and he is going to be off to college in two years.  Lucas is going to look back at Preston and me as he walks off to college and his little brother will do the same five years later. 

            I feel a light squeeze, Preston is signaling me back to the present, as he turns up into the driveway to a modestly sized house with three cars parked in front.  An American Flag is flying high on a pole planted in the Earth a few yards away from the front door.  Preston pulls up behind one of the cars and parks, the car lurching slightly, waking up Lyle. 

            "Are we here yet?" Lyle mumbles sleepily, rubbing his eyes.  Lucas tells his brother that we are after seeing Preston nod slightly and the two unbuckle their seatbelts.  Preston presses the buttons that automatically open the sliding doors and Lucas and Lyle jump out, leaving Preston and me to wake the twins up.  But before I can persuade Ryan to wake up, I hear the front door open and a loud squeal. 

            "Brittany!" Jessica calls out, running towards me.  I try for a last tickle on Ryan's stomach, but he swats me away and I abandon him for a long awaiting hug from my sister.  We practically slam into each other when we are finally in each other's arms, hopping up and down. 

            It feels nice to be back in her arms.  I didn't realize how much I missed her until this moment.  "I'm so glad you're finally here," Jessica says a bit too loudly next to my ear. 

            "Me too."  I squeeze here tighter and she reciprocates, lifting me a few inches off the ground.  "Let me introduce you to my family!"

            We squeeze each other again and then let go and turn to Preston and the boys, who are all awake and smiling.  I lead Jessica over to them and take Ryan's hand.  "Well aren't you guys adorable," Jessica coos, cupping her hands on each of the twins' cheeks.