DIRTY LAUNDRY

37

Underneath the stars we came alive and singing to the sky just felt right, I won't forget the good times •

6 months later we were already rolling around in our new bed, which was the only relatively big thing in our apartment. I didn't mind that we found something not so spacious, because that means lower rent. I was quite happy with our little pad; it had everything we needed, besides, once you live in a dorm, you don't complain about those kinds of things. The apartment had a smaller bathroom with a washer and a dryer, a living room that was practically merged together with the kitchen. We put the TV on the wall, so it would take minimum space, since there was only room for a smaller couch. Our bedroom seemed to be the biggest, it had a huge closet, twice the size of the one we had in the dorm; it was just perfect, just enough for us. We also had a balcony, with a smaller table and a set of chairs.

''Here, I'm gonna be late for work. Pick you up at 4?'' Jack mumbled with a donut in his mouth. He got the job at one of the schools, where he'll be helping the PE teacher, until he is experienced enough to be one himself; it's all a part of the training.

''Yeah, go. Call you later.'' I grinned and gave him a peck on the cheeks. I didn't have to be at work for an hour, so I decided to have a nice breakfast on the sunny morning, enjoy my coffee on the balcony. The internship turned out to be great and my mind was finally at peace.
After all this time.

🌹

When I look back on my high school days, I no longer feel sad; not about Josh or the fact that I really had no other friends. That path led me to college and I remember being so thrilled when my acceptance letter arrived. Finally, I said to myself. Finally I'll study something I'm passionate about and want to do when I grow up.
I remember the moment my mom dropped me off and wouldn't leave the campus until I hugged the life out of her. I remember the day I first stepped into my room, when my eyes gazed upon Jack and his shiny purple suitcase; when we went shopping for the first time and made lunch together. He was so goofy, jumping around the room, lip-syncing to Blink182. Then came Andie and even though she brought a lot of bad days and problems, she also brought Lisa. A friend I have and always will cherish. She ended up getting engaged to Kyle after the graduation ceremony. They moved to LA, where they now own a small beach house in Malibu. Lucky ducks.
Then came my dad. If I may say, it was a clusterfuck of new information and problems that were sometimes way too much for me to handle, but somehow I pulled through. I still can't believe it. Jack's father was no exception as well. It felt even worse when I noticed how sad Jack was. God knows I want him to be happy and there was a time I couldn't make that happen. There were times when I was wondering if this relationship is really worth it; some days I answered to myself with a no. If so many people get hurt all the time, why are we still fighting?
But Jack was there to keep me going, he wouldn't let me give up on him, on us.

So we kept on fighting and now we're here, in the present time, still together, only happier and grown up. I guess what all of us had to do, was to grow up and be adults, take responsibilities and face the consequences.

Josh and I talk at least once a week, just to see what's up. He flew in for the move-in celebration Jack and I were hosting, he even brought his new boyfriend, which is a son of one of his clients. First he won the case, then his son's heart. I'm really happy for him and finally I see him shine in all his greatness, without any help from amphetamines.

Andie transferred to LA, where she graduated and became a nurse. She now works at one of the biggest hospitals in the city center. Jack occasionally talks to her, sometimes they skype. Even though I disliked her from the beginning, I forgave her. I did. And I'm happy to see her doing so well.

Jack's family is doing good as well, him and his father have been hanging out, talking a lot more than before and I have to point out that one of the reasons for my happiness is also the fact that our families get along. Mrs. B visits my mom regularly, they even go hiking together and have spa days.

When it comes to me, my dad and my two step siblings, I don't need to spare any words. I really like my two brothers, I hang out with them whenever we can escape our busy lives and get together. Dad and I go on late rides in my impala, stopping at a fast food joint, sitting at the parking lot, listening to good music, talking and laughing.

I know obstacles are something you can't avoid while living your life, you have to overcome them. I also know that there will be many more to come, but this time I won't be scared. This time I'll bravely dive in, head first if necessary.

I have no reason to be afraid. I have my soulmate, a weird but loving family, a job I love and friends a person can only wish for.
In my eyes, it's everything.

🌹

I'd like to thank all of you that read/voted for/loved this story, you made this text mean more than just words! It's been quite a journey and I'm always a little emotional when my stories come to an end, but I assure you there is more to come... and this is where I thank you again, inspiration is something I sometimes run out of but thanks to all of you, it quickly bubbles up again.

Much love, D* 🌹