DIRTY LAUNDRY

36

We go together or we don't go down at all •

"You may now kiss the bride." The officiant said. Taylor put his arm around May's waist, leaned her down and passionately kissed her. Everyone gave them a big standing ovation, it was like in a movie. The wedding was beautiful, the reception even better. I was dancing with Jack, May and Mrs. B, I met a bunch of their relatives and had a lot of cake with some of the best champagne. When I was sitting at the table and looking at the dance floor, watching Jack dance with May, I couldn't help but wonder what it'd be like if it were our wedding. God knows I never believed in weddings, parent problems following the divorce cliché and all that; but when I met Jack, I started feeling some things I thought I never would. Again, such a cliché thing to say but after seeing my dad leave and stuff I went through with Josh, I really thought I'd never fall in love; and if I would, it wouldn't last long, since most people just want you around until they get bored of you. Then they move on to some next foolish person that believes in finding true love.
But all my doubts were put to rest when me and Jack started rooming together. We weren't a couple right away but with some people you just can't put it in words or explain; you just know. It's this feeling when meeting anyone else seems just a random thing, you don't search for it, you're settled, practically sealing your fate in your head already. Your heart doesn't need anyone but the person you love. And while I was watching Jack jump around with his sister, I knew.
Everyone is searching for true love one way or another. Some feel incomplete without their significant other, some just want to share the world and all the good things in it with a soulmate.
Some have more luck than others.

🌹 3 years later 🌹

"Does my hair look okay, this hat is annoying." I complained yet again. The hat was annoying but the reason why I had to wear one meant everything to me and more. Not as much as Jack but close. We finally did it, we graduated and were getting ready for the official ceremony.

"No, you look nice. Besides, the hat is temporary." He raised his eyebrow and grinned. "I know I look great..." He jokingly said but it was true. "Now, let's go, don't let your mom wait too long."

I nodded and grabbed my cell. A lot of pictures needed to be taken that day.
Mom was waiting for us with my grandparents and Josh. I was not expecting him. Nobody told me he was coming along.

"What? You're joking!" I said and looked at mom. Then I ran straight to Josh and pulled him into a hug.

"Hello graduate." I heard him say.

"What about your fancy job? I thought you couldn't leave town." I was ecstatic. The last time I talked to him he said he won't be able to make it.

"Well..." He looked up and shrugged his shoulders. "I took care of it." He winked at me with a smile on his face.

"I'm glad you're here. Are you riding with us?" I asked.

"No." He shook his head. "I borrowed my dad's SUV, so technically I'll be giving you all a ride." He said.
I looked at my mom all confused.

"He picked us up." She explained.

"Oh. Okay Mr. Fancypants." I joked and tapped Josh on the shoulder.
"Let's go then." I said, pulling Jack by the hand gently.

The ride was very short and after a 30 minute ceremony it was time to receive the diplomas. Mom took at least a hundred photos, so did Mrs. B. Proud moms and all that.
My father came up to me after, congratulated me and gave me something, promising it's not buying his way back into my life. He just wanted to give me something special. After all it was a once in a lifetime occurrence.

"What are those?" I asked as he put a set of keys in my palm.

"Those are the keys to your car." He grinned. I thought I was hearing things.

"My what?" I looked at him.

"Your car. It's waiting for you at the shop, I told the manager you'll be picking it up yourself. Congratulations Alex, I'm really proud of what you accomplished." He said and put his arm over my shoulders.

"You got me a car?? Oh my god, dad!" I ecstatically shouted. "Which one is it?" I asked.

"That's a surprise." He replied.

"Oh, right... that's the surprise." I laughed and hugged him. "Thank you dad, this is too much and you didn't have to... but thank you, really." I said to him.

"Anytime son, you're very welcome. Go on now, call me later, tell me how it goes?" He looked at me.

"Definitely, I'll see you later." I said and smiled.

In these past three years me and dad worked on our issues and I know things will never be the same but I'm happy we got back on track and are still trying to better ourselves. Both of us. That really means the world to me.

🌹

"This is it. The black Chevrolet Impala 67, improved and modified." The manager said. I was standing next to the ultimate Winchester car, trying to grasp the fact that it's really mine.

"This is what he got you? Holy fuck! It's the car. It's Dean's car!" Jack happily exclaimed. I was well aware of what it was. I just couldn't believe he remembered and actually bought it for me. Never in a million years I expected this.

"Are you sure this is registered under my name? Alexander Gaskarth. You can check again." I said with my eyes and mouth widened.

"Yes, son. It's all yours." The manager said with a smile. "Here are all the papers, including the insurance." He handed me a thinner stack of papers, neatly folded in a white folder.

"Thank you sir." I replied, still shaky.

"No problem, enjoy the car. If you have any questions, feel free to call me, the number is on the contract." He said.

"Oh, sure. Thanks for everything." I thanked him again. He gave me and nod and a smile and went back inside. I was holding my keys in one and the folder in another, looking at Jack, just standing there.

"Well, what the hell are you waiting for, let's roll." Jack enthusiastically said, a wide smile on his face.

"Yeah, let's." I smiled back after snapping out of it.

🌹

Even after a month I couldn't get used to the fact that the black impala sitting in driveway is really mine. I would catch myself staring at it through the window. After graduation I moved back home just until Jack and I would find a smaller apartment in the city. My father pulled some strings and asked his friend if he could take me in, offer me an internship and even though I wanted to get a job by myself, him and mom both agreed that I should take it. I could always work somewhere else later on. Jack had two interviews already and he still has a few, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I never doubted him.

In the evening, I decided to go pick up Jack and take him out to eat. As I was driving, widows open, summer already very much present, I realized... I just fucking survived college. I made it. And the feeling was amazing.