The Last Summer (EDITING)

>Chapter Thirty-Four<

Chapter 34

You know how in movies when the female lead and the male lead are torn apart by someone or something, then by some miraculous fate are pulled together? Usually ending in a kiss and a happy ending? That wasn't exactly the case for this story. As soon as they got back I sat down with my mom and told her what Arron had told me. Coincidently she was going to have the same talk with me when they got here and thinks it's for the best that I come back with her. After our long talk with her and my aunt I finally decided to go.

"But after Kobe's funeral." I object, looking between the pair.

My mom nods,"Okay. The following day we'll leave."

"But you must rub my feet every evening until then and tell me how beautiful I am." My aunt winks.

I smile, reaching up to give her a hug. "I'm really going to miss your humor." My mom looks between us and smiles proudly,"I'm glad you two are getting along so well. But don't worry Paige, she'll be over for future holidays from now on." My aunt nods,"Absolutely. You coming for the summer made me realise how much I've missed with you and Jackson. I'm going to make it up I promise." She assures, rubbing my shoulder.

Jackson then comes into the living room, he's taken off his shirt and starts to remove his pants. My mothers eyes widen and she rushes over to Jackson, her cheeks red. "Jackson what are you doing?" Jackson smiles excitedly,"Swimming!"

My aunt and I chuckle. "You need a swim suit, buddy."

Jackson nods knowingly and points to our mom. "I need a swimsuit, buddy." My mom laughs and takes Jackson by the arms to get him a swimsuit.

"I guess we're going to the beach. Would you care to join us?" I ask my aunt.

She smiles,"I would love too."

"Awesome, just remember your swimsuit." I laugh.

The beach is just what I breed to get my mind off things. Sure things are tense and I'm certain I'll probably never get to see Arron again after I leave, but sometimes you have to go with what life gives you. And life gave me lemons; so I will make lemonade.

My aunt volunteers to take Jackson to the water once we get there. He excitedly takes my aunts hand and literally drags her to the water. I lay back on the blanket we had brought and nibble on a few chips when my mom asks me,"Will I ever get to meet this Arron?"

I poke at a few aunts attacking at a crumb of old food. "I don't know. Were you planning on going to the funeral with me?"

"I didn't know him personally, but I'll pay my respects." She answers.

"Then you might. Kobe was Arron's best friend."

"How is he doing about his passing?"

I shrug. "Not good I guess. He's feeling at fault for it. That's why he wants me to go back with you."

She frowns,"I'm really sorry, honey. I can tell that you both really like each other. And as a mother I have a lot of respect for him. "

I look over,"Why?"

She takes me into her shoulder,"Because he cares about you almost as much as I do." She kisses my head. I close my eyes. "I love you, mom."

She snuggles me closer,"I love you too."

My mom lets out a slow breath. "I've really missed you, Paige. As soon as I dropped you off that day in the airport, I felt terrible. I thought that you thought I was getting rid of you."

"No. Dropping me off was probably the best thing you could have done. Thank you."

My mom kisses my head again,"You're welcome, sweetie. And I know it hurts now, leaving Arron and all your friends. But I promise you are doing the right thing. College starts in less than a month and it's a critical part in your life. You worked your butt off in high school, and I'd hate to see it go for nothing."