The New Kid

Epilogue

The strangest thing I came to learn about life was how much of an impact you could have on someone or some people. When I came to Phoenix, I didn't expect to have so many people just come to like me. Somehow, I became the most popular person at Phoenix High. Life was definitely strange.

After graduation, so much had happened in the span of two months. About a week after graduation, Savannah's dream of getting together over the summer came to fruition. We got together before Preston and everyone had to leave for their respective colleges. We came together at the Phoenix Mall. We shopped, caught a movie and reflected over the school year. This all became bittersweet, however, when it became time for them to leave for college.

"So...this is it," I said.

"Not necessarily. We'll be back for fall break and everything. This won't be the last time you see us," Preston assured.

"In the meantime, though, you gotta keep in contact with us, Wynter. You promise?" Jason asked.

I nodded.

"Before we go, we have some stuff we want to give you," Preston said.

Preston went to his Porsche and grabbed his letterman jacket and Davonte's hype. shirt.

"We aren't gonna use this anymore. Since we're going to college now, we might as well close this chapter of our lives. We thought you might like this, Wynter. Here you go," Preston said.

I took the letterman and the shirt. Suddenly, I was crying. I've never cried in front of a group of people like this before. This was new.

"Shit, Wynter, don't cry," Jason said.

"I know I shouldn't. This is just...really emotional," I said.

"I know how that feels. Believe me. I basically ripped a part of my soul out thinking about giving my letterman to you. All the work I put into it and whatnot. I probably wouldn't have ever worn this thing ever again. You can use this if you ever get your letter. Or you can just use it how it is right now with my name and patches on it. Or just...I don't know, hang it in your closet. Just promise you'll keep it," Preston explained.

I nodded.

"Well, we better get home. We have to catch a flight soon. I don't want to miss it. So...see you around guys," Preston said.

Tara and Natalia came and hugged me. Then they all packed up into Preston's Porsche.

"I'll text you whenever I land in New Haven, Wynter," Preston said.

He backed up and began to drive away. I put on his letterman. As I did, I could see Preston smiling in his rear-view mirror. Then they sped back home.

"We should probably get home, too," Savannah said.

I nodded.

"You gonna be okay, Scott?" Jessica asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Let's go home," I said.

Later that night, I hung up Preston's letterman and put Davonte's shirt in my drawer. Jessica crawled into my bed and she nestled against me. I had never slept that well in a long time.

Two days later, I got a call from Valerie.

"Hey sis, what's up?" I greeted.

"You were right, Scotty. About the Georgia and dad thing," Valerie stated.

I nearly dropped my phone.

"You're serious? How did you find this out?" I asked.

"She told me. She called me this morning and she was bawling her fucking eyes out. She just kept on apologizing and apologizing. Then she told me what had happened between her and dad," Valerie explained.