Only Us (Justin Fields)

|5| The Gift of Growing

Jillian

We arrive in Kennesaw, Georgia late Christmas Eve. I barely even got to meet everyone before I was knocked out in one of Justin's mom's spare rooms. I wake up pretty early Christmas morning questioning why I even agreed to come here. This was kind of insane. But I've always had issues telling people no and it's not like I had plans for Christmas or any day after that really.

I come out of the spare room and head downstairs. It was as quiet as can be, sorta peaceful. I start to look around and look at the pictures scattered across the room, the trophies up in their cases. I knew Justin was an athlete but the things he had done, it took up the whole wall. And he wasn't the only one. Though his sisters aren't his mom's biological kids they still had pictures up and they still were both crazy talented. It was insane. It's like this whole family was filled with gifted athletes.

I see one trophy that was up away from the rest. A picture of Justin holding the trophy with his parents and siblings right next to it. He had that same smile on his face. It made me smile too.

"He's always had a flare for the dramatics" a small voice says and I turn around. I see his mom all ready in her Christmas Day outfit.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wander" I apologize.

"It's okay darling, a wandering heart is a strong one" she claims. I see where he gets his charm from.

"Did you always know he was special" I wonder nodding my head to the trophy apart from the rest.

"Pretty much. From the moment he was born when he puts his mind to something there was little to nothing that will stop him" she admits.

"Don't I know it" I laugh.

"I've never known him to attach himself to someone like he has to you. I thought maybe it was him going to a new school or maybe he just thinks you're cute. But there hasn't been a time that I can remember where he so adamantly needed someone with him. That part I haven't quite figured out" she admits.

"When you do let me know cause I'm not so sure either" I tease making her laugh. "But I'm so thankful. He... he said he wants to change the world and I have this feeling. Like he will. And I'm lucky enough he decided that he wants me to be a part of that. Even if it's a small part. Even if it just lasts a Christmas. At least I can do something for him."

"He's not letting you go. I can tell you that much" she promises.

"I hope you're right" I sigh.

I spend the morning helping her prep some food for lunch. Even though she separated from Justin's father they still do most things together. Sometimes in life things don't work out, but that doesn't mean they were never meant to be. I forgot that sometimes. It was nice to see that someone in this world still believes in coexisting.

"I'm stealing her" Justin announces as he grabs my wrist.

"Hold on! I was just about to tell her the story of when you first got your strap" his mom says and my eyes nearly pop out of my head.

"Keep that up and I won't bring her back" Justin warns as he points at his mom.

"Okay okay. But don't take too long, we have church in a little" she reminds us.