Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 96 - Zack's Graduation

Greg and Susan stood on the front walk of their home in the Malibu Hills at sunset on Memorial Day, watching as their friends drove away. Across the parking area in front of their front door, Jessie and Melody were walking their new puppy, Forest, allowing him to do his business before going back in doors. Greg and Susan watched them as they handled the little dog. They were slowly getting used to Forest but there was no denying having him made things different.

"What are you thinking, Susan?" Greg asked.

"I am remembering just how many Memorial Days we've spent with Richard and Marion since we returned from the islands, and I was thinking that this one, with Forest as a puppy, stands out as a bit different from other years," Susan said.

"Every year is a little bit different," Greg told his wife.

"Yes, I know. Every year things change a little bit, but in many ways we've reached the point where many things are generally the same," Susan said.

Greg doubted that was true, but he wondered if it would take a full year ... or possibly longer for Susan to see it. He knew she would eventually, but with Zack on the verge of graduating from high school, and in a few months' time, leaving home, he wondered if she would see it by this time next year.

But Susan was oblivious to his thoughts as she called the girls to come inside.

"Awe Mama, can't we walk Forest a little longer?" Jessie asked.

"I think Forest got plenty of exercise today. It's getting dark and Melody needs a bath," Susan said.

"Okay," Jessie agreed.

"Okay," Melody said coming with her.

"Momma, when is Zack coming home?" Melody asked as she and Jessie joined Greg and Susan on their way through the front door.

"A bit later. He went out with Kelly this evening after work," Susan told her.

"Is he going to bring Kelly here to see Forest?" Jessie asked.

"I'm sure he will ... probably not tonight. We thought maybe we'd invite the Goodmans over next weekend," Susan said.

"That would be good," Jessie said. "What about Matt? He doesn't go on dates anymore. Why isn't he home?"

"They spent the day with Ashley's family," Susan told her. "I don't know what time they are getting home. Do you have homework to finish?"

"Sort of. I have a test tomorrow in history," Jessie said.

"Then perhaps you should study while Melody takes her bath," Greg suggested.

"Okay, Papa," Jessie agreed.

And the family's end-of-weekend routine began to kick in.

c

More opportunities to introduce their friends to their newest family member came and went over the next couple of weeks, so that all the children's local friends had been introduced to Forest by the end of the school year. To Susan the time went very fast. Before they knew it, it was the Thursday before Zack's high school graduation, and they were preparing to welcome Michael and Rachelle to their house for the occasion.

As happened three years before when Matt graduated from high school, Zack was at graduation practice when Michael and his wife arrived. This time Susan met them at the door with a smile.

"Hello. Welcome," Susan said.

"Hi Sue," Michael said. "It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too ... both of you," Susan said. "Won't you come inside?"