The days turned into weeks then to months. I found the school year end to flow into summer. This was the summer I would turn 15 just one more year before my 16th birthday. Mike dropped me off, but not before Tiffany gave me a kiss on my left cheek. It surprised me as I smiled seeing her big smile shining back at me. I grabbed my bag from my god father Mike just to get a hug from him. Afterward he goes around to the driver side only to get back in the driver seat. I stepped to the passenger front door to lean down a bit. I told them I would see them soon as Ellie spoke up before Mike pulled out.
” If you need anything call us I don’t care what time it is ok sweetie.” Ellie tells me as I nod smiling.
I stood there watching them leave. Tiffany looked out the back glass blowing me a kiss. Everyday she showed some kind of affection that I was getting use to which was hugs, holding hands, and kisses on my face. I turned making my way up to the house. I turned the doorknob making my way in. Shutting the door behind me I walk into the living room around 2 p.m.
” MOM I’M HOME!” I yell hearing foot steps coming from the kitchen.
” My baby is home.” I hear mom say as I turn to see her coming at me.
Once to me we hug as she breaks it a few seconds to look at me. Her eyes look me over as I see a smile.
” You have grown Heath how tall are you?’ Mom asks as I smile.
” Six foot, but I don’t think I am done it.” I say getting a smile.
” So where is Shellie and Travis I figured they would be here?’ I ask as her smile turns to a frown.
” They are up stairs getting ready to go hang with Trey and Keisha. They met them in April at a party. So I just let them do what they want as they are over 18 honey.” Mom answer as I nod.
” I know mom just thought they would be happy to see me thats all.” I say with a bit of sadness.
” I know honey, but I am happy to see you. So come and tell me all about this past school year. Are you on the honor roll again?” Mom tells me as I follow her to the couch.
I get sat on her left as she takes my right hand in her left.
” Yes I am above the curve. They did a IQ test on me and found out I have a 190.” I say as my mother shows a big grin.
” I am so proud of you honey. I know your fatherwould be too if he was here.” Mom says as I nod smiling.
” I hope so as he was my hero. I want to be like him and you, business wise and loving for those around me.” I tell her getting tears.
” Awww Sweetie that is so thoughtful. So what do you want to do this summer?” Mom asks me as I think then smile.
” Spend time with you all, but if it’s just us that is fine. I love you mom so much and have missed you.” I tell her as my mother shows tears.
” I would like that honey and I love and missed you too.” Mom tells me as we turn and hug.
We talk for a few minutes when Michelle and Travis come down the stairs noticing mom and I on the couch. Michelle’s eyes go wide as I look at her with a small smile.
” Heath when…when did you get here?” She asks coming to me as I stand receiving a hug
” About 30 minutes ago. I yelled that I was home.” I tell her as Travis gives me a smile.
” I am sorry I must of had the music up to loud.” Michelle tells me as I shake my head.
” It’s ok sissy so what are you up to?” I ask as she breaks the hug.
” Going to hang with some friends. I am sorry we planned it yesterday.” She tells me with some sadness.
” It’s ok Shellie. You and Travis go have fun I have all summer of being here.” I say as she gives me a smile.
” Ok baby brother we will hang out tomorrow ok honey.” Michelle tells me as I nod.
I watch her give mom a hug before her and Travis make their way to the front door and out of the house. I sat back down to see my mother with tears.
” Mom what is wrong please talk to me?” I ask as she takes my left hand into both of hers.
” Nothing honey just glad your home. Heath how about we watch some movies to night. I have missed our mom and son nights?” Mom asks as I smile nodding.
” That would be great mom. The popcorn still in the same place?” I ask as my mother smiles big.
” Yes it is sweetie. You make it and I will get the new movies I bought. Also grab some Ice Tea’s honey.” Mom says as I stand helping her up.
” You got it mom be back in a bit.” I tell her as we get ready for mother and son time.
I made my way into the kitchen with a smile on my face as well as a perk in my step. Tonight was going to be nice as my mother and I were going to spend it together. When I was younger dad, mom , and I would have movie nights when Travis and Michelle hung out with their friends. Although tonight it was mom and I. I found the popcorn in the same spot as it always was. Picking up a few packages I opened the microwave that sat on the counter. Taking the popcorn bags out of the plastic. I placed one in the microwave shut the door then set the time. Once the first was done I put the second one in for my mother. While it was poping I grabbed two glasses and poured the tea that mom had made. Once the second bag was done I grabbed the glasses the best I could along with the two popped bags. Returning to the living room mom was ready with a smile as I handed a glass of tea to her along with the popcorn. She already had a movie ready as I sat next to her to enjoy the day. Mom pushed play on the remote to start the movie she had picked. It was nice to just relax and be with the one woman that loved me more then life itself.
As the day went but evening came as I helped mom with supper. We had steaks, mashed potatoes, and some green beans. I always loved her cooking as she put her love behind each dish. When supper was finally done we ate talking about the summer as well as my birthday. She told me her plans of taking me out to by what ever I wanted. I laughed saying that could be a bad idea. Mom returned the laugh saying 15 only comes once in a persons life. I thought on that knowing she was right. I exclaimed just being with my family was gift enough. Mom smiled telling me that was true, but what was it that would been just as good. Looking in her eyes I told her a picture of us all. One that I could look at everyday of my life. My mother smile got bigger agreeing with me intently. After we finished eating mom and I washed the dishes then cleaned the kitchen up. Mom and I returned to watching a movie or two talking about what we could do over the summer again. I was just enjoying this time that I haven’t really been able to since last summer. When 9:30 p.m. came Michelle and Travis walked in looking off. Mom didn’t say a word placing a hand on my arm to make sure I didn’t either. I thought it was odd, but respected her not to. Before Michelle walked up the stairs making her way up. Shellie turned to look at me with sad eyes telling me she was sorry. I gave her a nod as I received a weak smile watching her finish her way up the stairs. I gave my mother a concerned look which she returned turning to look up at her oldest child with worried eyes. I sat there wondering what had happened to my sister that always took care of me when I was a kid. All I could think was just support her in all that she chose to do as my sister was a adult now just as my brother was. Mom and I turned in around 10:30 p.m. going to our bedrooms, but not before giving each other a hug. Mom told me she loved me as I returned telling her the same. She broke the hug turning to walk to the room she slept in all these years. I went into my room then to my bed. I sat on the edge thinking of how I loved my family deciding to make sure to spend all the time I could with them. I laid down upon my bed closing my eyes to let sleep come to me. I let my mind roam into dreams that were of the happy kind.