That Summer

The Start of Something New

Exactly five weeks later, dad drives me to the hospital to see if I can take off the boot and get off the meds. He said everything was fine and that I could go but I should take care in where I step or land at the beach. I agreed to be careful and we left. As we drove into the driveway to the house, I see a couple cars I didn't recognize.

"Dad, why are there cars here?" I asked

"I'm not sure. Well see." he told me. As we walked in the front door I hear a bunch of men's voices. My mom and Evey were sitting on the couch next to each other and there were three men standing in front of them. They all look important with their button ups and slacks.

"Evey, love? what is this?" dad asked.

"It's the school board hon, they want Naomi to stay at Rock Ponds High this year." She answered.

"Mom what are you doing here? I mean like, not to be rude but you came from Maine all the way here? I don't get it." I ramble.

"Sweetheart, they needed all parents at the meeting in order to figure out whether you stay in California and attend Rock Ponds High, or you come back to Maine with me and keep going with your education at Fair Mount High." She replies. The men in the living room look at me and nod approvingly at my mothers explanation and then countinues to inform everyone about the academic possibilities that I have and the sports opportunities. After about two hours of this, they leave. Before they leave they tell my parents and I to consider the possibilities and let them know what I choose by July 15.

Hudson comes over for dinner and I tell him about the school thing.

"Well obviously you should stay here and go to school. it doesn't snow and it only gets really cold in Californian standards." He says.

"But all my friends are in Maine and it's really hard to make friends for me." I retaliate. He looks at me disapprovingly and says, "I think you should stay because I don't want you to leave me." I give him a questioning look but he says nothing for the rest of the meal. After we go down to the pool and swim. He goes under the water and comes up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist. He whispers in my ear telling me to please not leave. I turn around to face him and he leans forward to kiss me. I lean forward slowly also waiting for our lips to touch. He pauses slightly once they touch and it sends shivers up and down my spine and then we made out. It was slow and comfortable and perfect. We came apart and he asked me if I would please be his girlfriend. I agreed and gave him a quick peck on the lips.