My Sunflower

Ch4: Alexandria Bay, NY - 8 years ago

Sophomore Year-

"Sophomore year is so hard, dude. Oh my god," Georgiana complains to me. "I just can't keep up. Everyone is just so smart, and I feel... well, I don't feel like I'm as smart as everyone else. How will I ever be a doctor?"

"You're brilliant, Georgiana. You'll be the best doctor out there," I consul her. "I know right now it may seem like it's impossible, but you've got this."

She smiles, putting her hand out for me. I take it and she squeezes my hand, "You are the best boyfriend ever, you know that?"

"I guess I am," I say, which causes her to giggle.        

She flips through the pages in her book and scowls at it. She slams it shut and picks up a different book, but before she opens it, her phone dings. She looks at it, and then rolls her eyes.

"Wes, do you want to go to the Thousand Islands to my family's summer house this weekend with me? My family is dying to meet you. I told them no, but they won't take no as an answer. I mean, you don't have to go, I'm not trying to force you, or make you uncomfortable, but I thought I'd ask..." she rambles on and on, so I cut her off.

"Yes, Georgiana. I'd love to go with you."

She smiles widely, "Really? I know that meeting them is a big step, so I am so happy you want to take it. Great, honestly, it's fantastic. They'll be so excited. I am so excited."

So, on Friday, after class, we leave for the Thousand Islands. I have never been before, as my dad is not much of one for travelling. Georgiana tells me magical stories of the place, sort of making it sound like a bit of a fairytale, with castles and all.

Georgiana is driving relatively faster than necessary to get to our destination, but otherwise safely. She's always been a bit of a speed demon yet has questionably never gotten pulled over. I cannot imagine how she hasn't, but I never question her, as she gets annoyed when I do, saying things like, "You drive if my driving is so haunting for you." I hate driving, so I don't bring it up anymore. Also, I think since my complaints, she has tried her best to improve without acknowledging it.

I am scrolling through my phone when Georgiana cheers, "We are here!"

I look up and her happiness radiates throughout the car, a grin on her face that for sure could not possibly be wiped off. She points out stores she likes and her favorite houses, along with her absolute favorite restaurants and places to take pictures. She then turns onto a street and pulls into a driveway, "And here we are!"

We both get out of the car and she runs around to me, giving me a big hug.

"Are you nervous, baby?" She asks.

I shrug, "Maybe a little." And truth be told, I am not just a little nervous, I am terrified. What if they hate me? What if I make a fool out of myself? So many more what ifs go through my head, but she tried to calm them.

"No worries, Wes. I'll be at your side the whole time, and besides, they'll love you. I know it," she says, now pulling me by my hand to the door of the beautiful house.

She opens the door, and right there at the entrance is a woman who I can only assume is her mother.

"Hello, Gigi and Wesley!" She yells in excitement. She gives Georgiana a hug and then turns to me and puts her hand out to shake my hand. "I am Eileen Anderson. Pleasure to meet you, Wesley. I've only heard the best about you, and you are definitely as nice looking as Georgiana says."

I smile, blush spreading across my face, "Thank you and it's great to meet you too." The kindness and genuine happiness of Georgiana's mom relieves some of my nervousness.