Seven Summers Ago

Chapter 25

Alright everyone this is the very last chapter of my book.  I have enjoyed writing this so much and it kills me to end it.  I must disappoint you all and say that there will not be a sequel.  As much as I have loved writing this I need to focus on my other book A World in Ruin (which I would love if you guys checked out).  There is no doubt in my mind that I will miss writing about Jess and Nate, but all good things must come to an end.  A big thanks to everyone who stuck with this book and never gave up on it.  I love you all and I hope you enjoy this last chapter! 

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Chapter 25

This was it. Summer was over and it was time for me to leave. The rest of that night went by so fast and before I knew it, it was the morning I had to leave.

As I stood in my room, my bags laying by the door the sadness of the moment started to creep into my stomach. I looked around at my room that I wouldn’t see again until next year and felt the tears stinging my eyes.

I feel a set of arms wrap around my waist behind me as I lean into them.

“I don’t want to leave…” I whisper barely audible.

“I know, I don’t want you to either,” Nate sighs into my hair.

He kisses the side of my neck and I giggle foolishly. He chuckles in response and I turn around to face him. I lay my head on his chest and try my hardest not to cry. My breathing becomes jagged and I curse myself for being so weak.

“Shhh…” he whispers stroking my hair.

I stay in his arms, letting the warmth of his body heat mine up. I let him stroke my hair and gently kiss my head. I want to live in this moment forever. Our peaceful embrace is shattered when I hear my father calling me from downstairs.

“Jess, its time to go,” he yells.

My grip tightens on Nate when I hear my dad. He pulls away from me, despite my best efforts to try to keep him there.

“I got you something,” he says reaching into his pocket and pulling out a little black velvet box.

“You shouldn’t have…” I say.

He smiles and opens the box for me. Inside is a beautiful gold necklace. It is a heart on a chain that has little diamonds around the edges. I gasp. He chuckles as he takes it out of the box and turns the heart over. On the other side of the heart it reads, “I will love you forever. JS+NJ”.

He goes around behind me and puts the necklace on me. I smile as I look down at the beautiful heart that glimmers in the light.

I turn around and kiss him. He strokes my cheek as he kisses me deeper and I fold my arms into his chest.

“I don’t want to leave Nate…” I whisper when we pull away.

“Jess come on!” my mom yells from downstairs.

I roll my eyes and look back up at Nate

“I don’t want you too either, but you have to go.”

“How are we going to make this work? I can’t make you wait for me.”

“And I can’t make you wait for me, but I love you and no one else could ever compare to you Jess. So I will always wait for you.”

I can feel a blush creeping into my cheeks.

“And there is no one else out there for me,” I add.

We share one last kiss before I pick up my bags and walk downstairs. I memorize everything on my way out. Every piece of furniture, every scrape in the walls, and every creak of the floor boards under my feet. As I reach the door I see everyone standing there waiting for me. My father comes over and grabs my bags, taking them out to the car with my mother in tow.

I can see tears prickling Gina’s eyes as she wraps me up in a big hug.

“Make sure to visit soon. Whenever you want or can. Your room is always available to you,” she sobs.

I hug her tightly back and nod. She finally pulls away and wipes her nose on the back of her sleeve. I smile and turn towards Tom who gives me a quick, awkward hug.

“We’ll miss you kiddo,” he smiles.

“I’ll miss you guys too.”

When I turn towards Blake, I instantly break down. Tears are streaming down his face as he looks at me. I break out into sobs as I pull him into a hug. We hold each other for a while before I have to pull away. I kiss him on the cheek.

“You better call me every day,” I say.

He nods his head.

“I will Jess. Come back soon okay?”

“Alright, I’ll try.”

I move onto Landon who is standing there, fidgeting with his hands, looking down.

“Landon…” I whisper.

He looks up and I see the sadness in his eyes and it breaks my heart. He kisses my forehead and gives me a short but sweet hug.

“Love you Jess,” he whispers into my hair.

“Love you too, brother,” I whisper back.

I pull away and give Kyle a kiss on the forehead.

“You better take good care of your girl Kyle,” I wink.

He gives me a goofy grin before turning bright red and look away.

“Bye Jess,” he whispers.

“Bye Kyle.”

I ruffle his hair and he pushes my hand away. I laugh and walk to the door. I turn around and take one last look at the family who I have come to love. Standing there in the middle is Nate. I can’t stop myself from running to him and giving him one last, long lingering kiss.

When I pull away, the tears are streaming down my face again and I turn and run out the door. I reach the car and turn back. They are all standing outside waving. I wave pack and slowly get in the car. I slump in my seat and buckle up, wiping the tears away from my face. I sniffle and wipe my nose with my hand.

“See that wasn’t so bad was it?” my mom says, referring to this summer.

I think back to all the amazing times I had. The heartbreak, joy, and love was all there and it would always be there in my heart and memories. I would always remember this place and the amazing time I had. I will come back whenever I could and I will see the people I have come to call family again. I will return for the boy I love.

I turn to my mother who is staring straight ahead at the road we must take for the journey home.

“No… it was actually the best summer of my life.”