Royally Normal

15

The Fitzgerald's always went away every weekend in the fall to spend time and reconnect. Anastasia came home from California just to go on the trip. We could only use our phones for two hours a day just to make sure that we were fully decompressing from the real world. 

They rented this gorgeous house in Woodstock that had a pool, hot tub, a great view of the lake, a fire pit, and just good vibes all around. 

My Saturday morning started with a large breakfast spread before we hiked in Catskill Park.

"Isn't this view amazing?" Sammy asked me.

I nodded my head. "It's always nice to see things other than tall buildings and taxis."

"Exactly." Cole chimed in.

"We should roast smores tonight." Stella suggested

Annie gave her little sister a nudge. "That sounds like a plan. You, me, and Bean can run into town to get the goods. Mom too if she wants."

Mrs. Peyton shook her head. "I need to help your Dad with dinner so that he isn't too overwhelmed."

"Thank you." Mr. Fitzgerald kissed his wife. "Lord knows that I would burn down the house without you."

"I dunno dad." Cole shrugged. "You're a pretty good cook."

Stella perked up. "Especially when he does burrito bowl night."

"Can't forget about the penne pasta." I brought up.

"Oh, that pasta is something special."Sammy agreed. 

I think he enjoyed us hyping up his cooking.

We took pictures before we hiked back down to go back to the house. Everyone made their own sandwich and we ate on the heated patio. I really loved the laid backness of this city and the mountains.

It felt good just to live again and not worry about people seeing or whispering about you.

After lunch, Annie, Stella, and I decided

"So how is it going with everything?" Annie asked me as we walked the aisle.

"Good," I responded as I threw some marshmallows into our cart. "how is your senior year shaping up to be?"

Annie smiled. "Great. I'm actually graduating a semester early so in January I'll be living in New York to intern under my dad for six months or so."

"That's amazing, Ann." I replied. "What are you doing after those six months?"

"I don't really know." she took a deep breath. "For once, I'm just taking things as they come. It'll be good for me."

I let out a small laugh. "I think I need to start doing that."

She always gave unintentional advice.

"How is it going Cole?" Annie jumped right in.

I small little grin came across my face. "He's Cole. He's being more honest with himself and me which is good."

"Aren't boys mentally younger than girls? I'm sure he'll pull himself together eventually. I hope so." she shrugged.

"I'm not too worried about it right now." I admitted.  "We're still so young and I'm not trying to get married tomorrow."

"Exactly." Annie gave me some affirmation.

For dinner, we had teriyaki salmon with asparagus and chocolate-covered strawberries for dinner. There was nothing more thrilling than making eye contact while eating a chocolate-covered strawberry.