The Gray Family: Forces Of Nature✔️(Wattpad version)

Finals and going home

Pax

After spring break, the rest of the year flew. Now it was time for finals. Nik gave us time off to study; then, we worked a few days before going home. Now I know why coffee is essential to college life.

Once I completed my last final, I went home and crashed. Sleep is fantastic when you spend nights studying. Everyone else did the same thing. While we were snoozing, Matthew was busy with his life.

Matthew

I finished working on a car, and Beau walked over to me.

"All set?" Beau asked.

"Yeah, the timing belt needed replacing along with other belts," I answered, wiping my hands on a rag.

"Here," Beau said, handing my paycheck to me. I folded it, sliding it into my back pocket of my work pants.

It was my last car for the night; then I went home to have dinner. I pulled into the driveway and got out, going inside the house. Ma had dinner ready, and I went to get cleaned up.

After washing up, I came down and grabbed a plate of food, sitting down at the table.

"How was work?" Dad asked while eating.

"Okay," I answered while eating.

Ma sat down at the table while we ate.

"I think I found a house for you," Dad mentioned.

"I don't have enough money saved for a house yet," I replied.

"Well, your mom and I discussed it. We will loan you the money for the house, then you can pay us back," Dad suggested.

I looked at my parents, who looked at me with soft smiles.

"It's doable," I said.

"It's a fixer-upper, but I can help you with it, and I called some family for help," Dad mentioned.

I thought about it. I didn't mind rehabbing a house. Plus, it would keep me busy.

"That works. When can we look at it?" I asked.

"Tomorrow, if you like," Dad replied.

"Works for me," I added as I finished my dinner.

After dinner, I went up to my room and read. I flipped through pages of a book, then set it down. I grabbed my phone and opened my text messages to the last message I got from Nora. I read through all the messages, rereading each one. I missed her and crazy antics.

It didn't matter because Mason and she are happy now. I talked to Payton and Markus a few times. Markus mentioned Nora, but I changed the subject. I refuse to interfere with another relationship.

Presley is graduating next week, and we were all going. Great, just what I needed to see Nora with Mason. I closed out my messages and set my phone down, picking up my book and reading. The new house would keep my mind and hands busy along with work. One day, I will find peace.

Pax

We finished out our last week, then packed. Payton wrangled us because Parker is always late. Once we got the cars loaded, we picked up Shaun, who is returning with us. Parker picked up Josie and Selena.

Freshman year is over, and now it's summer break. I sat in the backseat with Shaun.

"How was your first year?" Shaun asked.

"It had its trials, but it worked out better than I expected. I dealt with more than I expected but fought back with the help of people who love me," I answered.