The next day came being a Saturday that I was woken to the smell of pancakes and sausage. Shellie was holding me in her arms watching me sleep. She smiled at me as I did to her. She kissed my forehead before we got out of bed. She told me to go get dressed then come down to the kitchen to eat. I did a few minutes later to see my stuff was already gone. My duffle bag, Laptop, and cell phone. I felt sad knowing this was the day my life would change a second time. I got dressed in the clothes I guess mom or Michelle picked out. Jeans, muscle shirt. socks and shoes. I ran down the hall then down the stairs. I made my way to the kitchen to see everyone there. Chris, Mike, Ellie, Tiffany, Verna, Ricky, Selena, Kiko, Nate, Mom, Michelle, and Travis.
” What..what is all this?” I asked confused as they chuckled.
” It’s a tradition hun as the parents select who fixes our breakfast the morning before we leave for school. Your mom decided it be best if it was here.” Tiffany tells me as everyone nods except Michelle and Travis.
” Oh ok. I’m just surprised, that’s all.” I say going to a empty chair.
” We know honey, but thought it be more meaningful if we all ate together to give support.” Ellie says as I smile nodding.
I sat between Michelle and Tiffany. Over the last few years they have grown close as sisters. I would chuckle at times wondering what the coming years would bring if Tiffany and I did get together what my big sister would think.
A few hours past as I find myself at the airport being sent off by my family. It was heart breaking knowing tomorrow I would wake up not seeing their faces. My family held me tight each with tears.
” You ever need to hear our voices or just want to talk you call ok Heath honey.” Mom says with tears running down her face.
” I will mom I promise.” I say as Michelle pulls me tight.
” You better come home to us during the summers. I am so going to miss you baby brother. I love you so very much.” Michelle tells me as I nod.
” I love you too Shellie always.” I says as Mom and Travis pull me to them making me chuckle.
” We love you to my bright blued eyed baby boy.” Mom says with more tears.
” You be safe bro and remember if you need me call I will race up to help. I love you lil brother.” Travis tells me trying to hold back his tears.
” I will, I love you both so much as well.” I tell them as I hear the boarding announcement.
Mom gives me one last hug as she takes my hands looking in my eyes.
” Heath your father would be so proud of you as I am. I love you honey always remember that no matter what.” Mom tells me as I hear footsteps come behind me.
” Come on Heath we have to go.” I hear Tiffany tell me as I turn letting go of my mom’s hands.
Tiffany takes my right hand in her left leading me to our flight. I turn to see my family holding each other with tears as I have tears myself. I see the other parents step to mine and hug them with comfort and support. I look straight ahead at the moment not turning back again. Tiffany hands the attendant our tickets which I handed her to hold for me. I try to hold back more of my tears, but they come anyway. I follow Tiffany as she leads me to the plane. Once on Tiffany has me sit by her.
” Heath honey I know it’s hard, but you have us to help get you through this. Now come here I will give you my shoulder to cry on.” Tiffany says as I lean towards her.
She places her arms around me as I do cry and sob. I think of this new beginning and hope I can do this. Closing my eyes I let my thoughts ask for help from one man that I know will hear me.
” Dad please watch over Mom, Shellie, and Travis. And please give me the strength to take this new path in my life. I love you dad and miss you so much.” My thoughts say as Tiffany comforts me with a kiss to my forehead.
After touching down from the flight and helped to where I was to pick up my duffle bag and laptop. Chris, Selena, and Tiffany showed me to the limo that was taking us to the school. The driver noticed me giving a smile.
” You must be Heath it’s nice to meet you. Mr. Jarvison told me to give you a stressless ride. So I have some ice tea in the car for you to relax drinking and music already in the headphones for you. I hope we can be friends young man.” He says to me as I nod before he continues ” My name is Jason so if you need a ride some where on the weekends let me know.”
” Wait we can leave school property on weekends?” I ask as he looks confused at me.
” Why yes you mean to tell me these three didn’t tell you?” He asks concern looking at Tiffany and them.
” Jason we were caught up in getting here. He is right hun we can leave campus on weekends. Yes it’s a private school, but the director doesn’t want us to feel like were in a prison. So we get to leave on weekends, but have to be back by night fall.” Tiffany tells me as Jason nods.
” Nice that’s cool to know.” I say as Jason motions me into the limo.
He looks to be in his 30’s, 6’1, 223 lbs muscled, short black hair and brown eyes. I get in and sit by Tiffany who smiles. Chris and Selena are sitting on the side drinking soda. Tiffany hands me a ice tea after I place my bag and laptop next to me. I thank her which she smiles grabbing a ice tea herself. The ride is nice as Tiffany leans against my shoulder. I get a warm feeling inside me as Tiffany takes my left hand in her right.
” Heath don’t be scared ok hun we won’t let anything happen to you. We are your friends and always will be.” Tiffany says as Chris and Selena agree with cheers.
” She’s right bro we got your back. I know this is going to be hard, but you have us to lean on now. So just relax and enjoy.” Chris tells me as I smile nodding.
I take in their advice and lean back against the seat more. Tiffany keeps her head on my shoulder while holding my hand. I don’t know what it is about her. She is showing comfort yes, but it feels like she is showing affection that I am not use too. The ride is nice as I look out to see the scenery since it’s still daylight out. I tilt my head back closing my eyes. I think of this new path in my life. I decide to try this new school and maybe see what it has to offer.
Before I know it the first few months go by and it’s Christmas. Chris, Selena, Tiffany, and I make a trip home for the holidays. I am welcomed home by my family with open arms. They all hug me tight with kisses from mom and Michelle on my forehead. Travis just bear hugs me with a smile. The house hasn’t changed much except for the tree. That week feels, wonderful as my family take me with them whenever they go out, which is shopping to get everyone gifts. Mom fills me in that the other parents will be over as they have become closer almost like a big family. I smile knowing things have been good for mom and them as I was worried so much of the change of me not being home.
Christmas comes and it’s a nice one. Gifts are exchanged with smiles shining bright. Mom got me a Jacket with inside pockets. Michelle gave me a picture of them all taken during Thanksgiving. Travis got me a pocket watch with a eagle on the front. I loved all that was given to me. Chris and Selena got me an Ipod loaded with my favorite songs. Tiffany gave me a friendship wrist bracelet that said forever friends. I smiled at those words as my eyes brighten. Everyone had a great time with carols being sung and happiness in the air. That Christmas was the best we had in years.