just a fan // grayson dolan

epilogue pt IV

this is the last chapter, sorry it took so long to post!:( i will be posting the deleted chapters + ideas that didn't make it into the story soon! also, this chapter was really emotional for me to write, so be prepared.

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"Promise you'll call?" I ask Luke in a quiet voice. He doesn't hesitate before nodding his head. That's my boy.

"Of course, Ma. I'm only gonna be a few hours away, I'll come visit whenever you want" He promises. I give him a weak smile and pull him into a tight hug one last time.

"Make friends, but keep your grades up, please" I remind him. He chuckles.

"I know, I know" He responds, playfully rolling his eyes. I trust him to find an even blend. He's always been very responsible in his classes, and his friend choices. I kiss his cheek and step back.

"I love you," I say quietly, not wanting to embarrass him to the people walking by. He grins.

"I love you too" He responds, no shame in the words. He walks me back to the car and we say one last goodbye before I get in the car, watching him walk away. My eyes water, but I don't let any tears fall. He's only a few hours away, it's just the process of growing up. I wish they could stay young forever.

Grayson gets back to the car around five minutes later. He was saying goodbye to Lia. I'm glad the twins are going to the same college, now they'll always have each other if they need any sort of help or support. I said goodbye to Lia around a half-hour ago, as Grayson did with Luke, and then we switched. Their dorm rooms are only a few minute's walks away from each other. Their siblings said goodbye to them before we left the house, and they all cried. We're all a bunch of softies.

Grayson gets in the driver seat and right away I notice that his eyes are glossy. We sit in silence for a moment, trying to comprehend that they won't be at home when we get there. It will definitely be something to get used to. I'm used to them constantly bickering with each other. I'm used to our appliances being taken apart and part strung everywhere. I'm used to the soft beat coming from Lia's room.

"They're all grown up" He whispers in disbelief. I chuckle.

"I remember when they were born like it was yesterday" I whisper back. He hums.

"I hate this part," He says sadly. I nod in agreeance.

"Me too" I breathe out. We sit in silence for another minute or so.

"We should probably get home before Bryson burns the house down," He tells me. I laugh and nod my head. Bryson's quite the chef now, but he's been know to start a few fires.

"Yeah, you're right" I agree. He starts the car and pulls out of the driveway, resting his hand on my thigh like he's done for the last decade-plus.

The smell of sweets hits us as soon as we open the door. The house usually smells like some sort of sweet and we don't mind it a bit. It's honestly kind of nice.

"Finally, took you long enough," Starla tells us, walking past us to sit on the couch. I laugh at her attitude, sitting next to her. Her attitude has only been getting worse lately and it makes me laugh but drives Grayson insane. It's fun to watch.

"It's a few hour drive to their campus and back," I tell her. She frowns, but then quickly hides it and shrugs. I can tell she misses them already. I do too.

"What's Bry making now?" I ask to change the subject. She shrugs again. I swear shrugging is like her language.

"Cupcakes for some girl" She answers. I raise my eyebrows. That's new.