” Heath don’t you ever leave me. I couldn’t live without you around. I love you my bright blued eyed boy.” My mother says while holding me tight
” I love you to mom and the same for you.” I tell her as I feel a kiss on my forehead
” Never honey mommy will always be around no matter what.” My loving mother tells me as I plant those words into my heart
After that day time just seemed to move slowly. The following Wednesday Mike, Mom, Michelle, Travis, and I were to attend my fathers will reading. It was around 10:30 a.m. that we all sat in a conference room. Mom, Shellie, and I on one side with me in the middle. While Mike and Travis were across from us. A man walked in with a folder which I guess had the papers for us. He introduced himself as Mr. Frank Boscoe. He looked to be in his early 50’s, 6’1, 224 lbs, short brown hair with some gray and brown eyes. He sat at the head of the table fixing things up with the papers. Picking up one of the papers he started.
He stated his apologies for my dad’s death and gives his condolences. He started with Mike in which dad turned all legal matters of the company to his best friend. Dad gave total control of the company to Mike who spoke by saying he would give it up just to have his best friend with him to run it. The lawyer nodded as he continued to mom. Dad left mom the house, cars, and enough money to get her through life as long as she kept it invested to roll over into a bank account. He also made it where mom would get a profit check from the company in which Mike agreed to up hold. The lawyer got to us kids in which we were all shocked. Dad gave us each around 500,000 dollars to start a new life with, but stated we had to invest it wisely and let it grow for our future. We all three nodded as Mike told us he would show us how. The lawyer has us sign the papers that are for each of us. After everything is signed Mr. Boscoe hands us bank cards and account information. He hands Mike the company ownership papers, plus mom the deed and titles to the cars. We leave saying our thanks and goodbyes. That day is filled with happiness and sadness as we wish dad was here instead but knowing that he wanted us to be successful and gave us a good start.
As the summer came again I found myself excited as my friends would be back. They went to private school while I went to public school. I was a smart kid and the school I went to wasn’t really a challenge. I got bored with the assignments, but did them anyway. Mom tried to challenge me with some online brain program to help her see what challenged me. I guess she was concerned about my education as that first week in June was going to be a eye opener.
It was the weekend after summer vacation began. Around 1p.m. Saturday Shellie, Travis, and I were in the back yard enjoying the day. Travis has been helping me by having me swim in the swimming pool we had. He and Shellie thought if I built my body up no one would mess with me. So the past few summers I was in the pool swimming. Travis also taught me some moves to defend myself if the situation called for it. After I got done with my last lap Shellie came over with a towel as I got out of the pool. She dried me off which made me chuckle. She never stopped being the sister I loved. Travis had me to drink plenty of water so I wouldn’t dehydrate. It was at that time we turned to see Chris, Selena, and Tiffany. They all came over as Shellie, Travis, and I stood by the pool.
“ What are you three doing here? We thought it would be in another week?” Shellie asked walking up to give them hugs.
“ Our parents wanted to talk to Aunt Maggie about Heath.” Chris says as Travis gives him a bro hug.
“ What about me? What did I do wrong?” I asked as Tiffany made her over to me.
“ Nothing Heath as they just want to discuss something with your mom.” She answers as I just nod.
We all find a spot to sit. Shellie has me sit with her in a lounge chair. She became a protective sister plus a mother figure. Tiffany sat next to us in the other lounge chair as Chris and Selena sat by the pool. Travis sat on the weight bench he had not far. He was into keeping his body in good shape as he was on the football team. We all talked about our school year. As the conversation kept going Chris made a slip which caught my loving sisters attention.
” Wait what do you mean private school? Why my baby brother?” Michelle asks my best friend with concern at the thought of me going.
” Yeah why our brother, he needs to be here with us Chris? Did you put your parents up to this?” Travis asks as Michelle places her arms around me.
” No I didn’t I swear. I am just saying what they told Selena, Tiffany, and I on the way over.” Chris says as Travis leaves to go find out.
” What…what is wrong?” Tiffany asks as a sobbing Michelle holds me tighter
” Tiffany, Heath is a big part of us….a big part of me. I think of him as my own so it’s just hard to hear about all this.” Michelle says as Selena gets up to come sit by us.
” Michelle we know, but they seemed persistant on this. Uncle Mike stated your dad and mom at one time wanted Heath to have the best education he could” Selena says as Tiffany nods.
” Yeah don’t be mad at us. We are just as surprised as you all are” Tiffany says as Selena and Chris nod agreeing.
Michelle has me turn to look in her eyes. Her eyes show concern for me before she speaks with worry.
” Heath honey would you rather go to private school then public school?” My sister asks me as I shrug
” I…I don’t know Shellie. Since you are out of school and Travis only has one more year there will be no one to help me if I need it after he graduates. I don’t want to leave you, mom, or Travis, but again I want to have a good education. And plus I will be home during the summer and Christmas break. It would give us something to look forward to. I just don’t know sissy this is so hard to even think of right now.” I say with some tears.
Michelle looks in my eyes with tears also as I feel myself getting pulled to her. We hug each other as Chris, Selena, and Tiffany stay quiet. Michelle eases up her hug to look back in my eyes.
” Yes it’s hard to think of being apart baby brother, but as they say ‘ A mother has to clip that cord’. Heath I know I am not our mother, but I feel like a mother to you. Ever since you were born I have loved you as a sister and a mother all wrapped into one. I promise to always be your sister and love you with all that I am. If you ever need me call and I will be there. Heathie you are so precious to me as Travis is. I love you both so much.” Michelle tells me with a more tears.
” I love you to Shellie so very much, but I am not going anywhere yet.” I say as we hear the back door open
Michelle lets me go as we see Travis stand by the lounge chair we are on. He is 6’2 236 lbs, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He picks me up and holds me tight in his arms.
” Heath I love you bro and always will.” He tells me as I hug him back.
” So mom decided then I take it?” Michelle asks as he nods.