Peter wanted to spend the day with Meg, but he had to go home. His family hardly spent time together, so he needed to be with them. The night before was the best night of his life. Kissing her felt better than anything he imagined. Oh man, he thought, it was better than doing it with Harmony.
When he walked in the apartment, Becka looked at him funny, like he was a specimen being studied. "What I had to work!"
"How's Megan?" She smiled.
"Fine." He tried not to smile, but hearing her name was enough to make him.
"What's with this girl? Do you like her or what?" Liz asked impatiently.
"Yeah, I like her. You happy?" He turned to Becka.
"Yes, actually I am. You finally made a good choice."
"Peter, honey, will you get us a couple of pizzas?" Kathleen asked.
"Sure, Ma." Ever since he started working at Mario's a meal together meant pizza. His mother liked the discount. He remembered eating a lot of McDonald's growing up for the same reason.
They sat to eat their pizza and Peter looked around wondering what the purpose of this family time was. Sometimes the only thing he had in common with his sisters was their love for their mother. That wasn't exactly true. He and Becka got along and both had goals for their future. With two years of college done, she was further into her goal.
As kids he and Liz played all the time. It wasn't until she was older things changed. School had never come as easy for her. Even though her grades sucked, Peter always knew she was smart in other ways. In the middle of their meal and restrained small talk, Liz announced that Freddie wanted to move to Florida, and she was going with him.
"Florida? Why?" their mother asked.
"Because it's not Maine. Anything is better than this back ass state."
"Liz!" One thing, Kathleen Brenner hated was swearing.
"Sorry Ma. We want a change."
"Are you sure you want this? You're not just going for him?" Becka was always the mature one.
"Yes, and we decided this together. We've been thinking about it since winter. He has a good construction job all lined up. He promised I could go to school to be a hairdresser like I've always wanted."
Peter asked the question on everyone's mind. "When will you go?"
"Next week." Even she looked sad. No one was in much of a mood after that. Becka went off to read. His mother turned on the TV to watch some old movie which had been repeated a hundred times.
Liz announced, "I am going to Freddie's. We have a lot of plans to make."
Peter asked, "Do I have to stay home?"
"Invite her over," his mother said.
"I'd rather go to the beach."
"Go then. I guess you'll be leaving me soon too."
"No Ma. I'm not moving away. Even when I move out, I don't want to leave Maine." He didn't want to go away to a fancy school. He wanted to go to the university in Portland and look out for his mother. He was the man of the family.
His family time had left him feeling down. He cheered a little when Meg told him to come right over. Any blues he had on the drive quickly disappeared when he saw her smile. She met him in the driveway.
They hugged, and he took in the scent of her - flowery shampoo and sunscreen. She felt so good - so right in his arms.
She spoke first. "My parents know."
"What did they say?"
"My mother's attitude was it's about time."
Peter laughed. "Becka figured it out too. I guess we were the last to know."
"I'm not sure we want to be public at school."
"Why, because it just ended with Jake?"
"No, well you have a point, but she'll harassed me. I was for just being your friend. She didn't even let up when I was dating Jake."
"I'll try, but it might be hard." He smiled.
"I don't want to be a disgusting couple like..."
"Like me and..."
"Uh, huh."
They faced her parents for the first time together. There was some ribbing, but it was all in good fun.
Megan suggested they go for a walk down the beach. "It's low tide."
As they walked hand in hand, she asked, "What's wrong?"
He smiled, she already knew him enough to tell it bothered him. He told her all about Liz's announcement.
"It's strange. We really don't get along that well, but we did. I feel like my family is falling apart. It's different from when my father left. He just disappeared. We can call her and maybe even visit... still."
"I know. I feel like an only child now or at least I did until they adopted you." She broke his mood and bumped her hip into him.
He grabbed her and tried to tickle her, but she broke free and ran away. He chased her and caught up with her quickly, after all he was the athlete and had longer legs. They were both breathless from laughing and they collapsed in the sand.
"Aside from Liz leaving, this has been the best weekend of my life." He didn't wait for her to respond before he kissed her like he was suffocating and she was his oxygen.
They sat in the sand for a while, just talking, kissing, and watching the surf. Peter had never spent so much time on the beach. Growing up, he hardly went which seemed strange since it was on the other end of town. He was understanding why she loved it so much. It was peaceful, calming, and beautiful. He would never step out on the beach again without thinking of Meg.
By the time they reached her house the grill was going on the patio. "Peter, are you eating burgers with us?" Ed asked.
"You know I can always eat. Thank you."
Peter walked into the kitchen where he started peeling and chopping per Marie's instructions. "Are you okay with me and Megan?"
"Yes, as long as nothing keeps you away from us."
"Why do you like me so much?"
"I have always thought you were special since second grade."
"Second grade?" he asked confused.
"I was there that day volunteering in your classroom. You left an impression. I've been following you ever since in the paper for sports and honors and your picture each year in the yearbook."
"You're a stalker!" He laughed. "Why because I cried?"
"No, it was because you smiled, when you decided what to do with your Father's Day card instead. Okay, now you can cut this tomato. I enjoy having help in the kitchen." She ended the conversation.
Little did he know the impact that horrible day would have on his life. Actually, it wasn't horrible; he fell for Megan and ate chocolate chip cookies.
YOU ARE READING
Shattered Hearts (TP1)
Romance(Complete) Peter isn't prepared for the reality of another man spending the night with his ex. He should be, but his heart has never let her go. Peter, who was abandoned by his father as a young boy, will do anything for his kids. He won't stop unt...
