(Complete) When Tim Burke meets Julie at a party, she isn't impressed. When they see each other again, Julie decides to give him a chance. As Julie faces burdens and sorrow in her own life, Tim and his family provide the support and love she needs...
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Julie had been at the lake with Kevin for five days. She was looking forward to Tim coming, because she wanted his assessment of how much Kev's condition had changed. She missed him, too.
They spent their days when Kevin wasn't resting talking. They reminisced about the good times growing up. There were a lot. They did the things kids did. They rode bikes, went swimming, went sledding in the big field, and played capture the flag on summer nights.
Kevin also liked Julie to talk about her time in high school with Danny. Those memories were painful, as she worried about Danny and was too far away if he needed them. Kevin was content with the distance and a new set of walls.
Julie waited until Kevin was asleep on their first night in the cabin to read Danny's letter. They had given Kevin Tim's parents' room which didn't bother her. She was in the bunk room but often just grabbed her few winks on the sofa. She wasn't sleeping well and knew Tim would notice when he arrived.
Danny had filled his letter with the things he had said to her when she went to his house - take care of Kevin, love Tim and he was sorry. The letter said the minute he kissed her so long ago, he knew he was different. He didn't want to be. His family had raised him to believe it wasn't natural, but unnatural or not he didn't enjoy kissing the most beautiful girl in the world. Julie didn't agree, but would give the man some leeway in his memory.
She lived for a long time, thinking she wasn't good enough after their kiss. Instead of being fun and exciting, the kiss became a defining moment for each of them. Thankfully, Tim had captured her heart and undid all the negative feelings about herself the kiss had given her.
Mrs. Burke arrived as she did every afternoon. It surprised Julie to see Nick with her.
"He had to come see you." She winked.
Nick gave her a hug which was exactly what she needed. Mrs. Burke brought groceries and prepared meals. Dr. Burke didn't come every day, but when he did, it was around lunchtime. Julie depended on both of them and their visits.
"Nick will keep Kevin company. He needs to work on his bedside manner, if he wants to be a doctor."
"Maybe a baseball player."
She smiled at her son. "Let's go for a walk."
Julie nodded and zipped her coat. It was April, but it was still cold outside. The ice was gone from the lake, but the trees were without buds. They were barren sticks except for the pines.
"How are you feeling?"
"Okay, I guess."
"John will sit with Kevin tomorrow afternoon to give you some time with Tim. Tim wants you to stay at the house."
Julie stopped walking. "I'm fine. I can stay with my brother."
"Darling, I haven't told Tim you aren't sleeping, but I think he knows. Not being here with you is hard for him."
