The next few days of our vacation was fun. Mina and I learned how to water ski on the lake. Mom and Denise watch from the shore. We all swam and enjoyed the days. Mina and I told mom we wanted a summer wedding in July since it would be warm weather to enjoy the outdoors. She smiled and said once we get back home she would get with Zan and Helen to start things. Denise sad she would like to help anyway she could. I gave her a look of confusion. Mom noticed and exclaimed Denise was going to come back with us so Denise could get use to where we lived. It seems Denise was a nurse also and she didn’t want to lose mom again. I thought about it and agreed that they needed to be close. The day came for us to return home and Mina and I were a bit sad because we made that next step in our lives. Mom noticed and walked up to us and placed her arms on each of our shoulders. She explained to us that it’s the memory that will live in our hearts that means the most. Mina and I agreed as we got in the car and off to the airport. It was Sunday evening when we got home since we left yesterday. Once home and settled Mina called her parents and said she was going to stay the night. They told her that was just fine and stay as long as she wanted. She asked them why, they told her it’s because she had a fiance and they knew she would miss him there at home. She told them thank you for understanding. They told her they would get with my mom and have a engagement party for us soon. She said she loved them and they said the same and hung up. Mom, Denise, Mina and I just relaxed around home the rest of the day. Talking about how much fun we all had. Mina kept looking at her ring while sitting in my lap. Mom said she found a note from Uncle Damien saying everything went well and no trouble came to our house. I let out a relief sigh and held Mina close to me.
The weeks went by with school during the day and my work out and training in the evening. Mina always came to the gym with me. Aaron was happy to see us holding hands since we told him the good news he has been nothing but supportive. He even got Mina to train and work out. He said couples should do everything together even train to protect each other in dyer emergencies. So we did train and work out as a couple with Aaron. Things looked like they were going good. Until the month of April when a another change came. It was the 3rd week of the month when Mina, Maxine, Will, and I was just walking out the front doors of school when we heard a loud yell No. Will and I looked around when we heard it again. Mina and Maxine said it was coming from the parking lot. We went towards the scream that came next. That was when all of us witnessed Dusty being held by Chase and Zack. David was slapping Dusty in the face.Will gave me a look as if I wanted to interfere. I gave Maxine a glance and she had that ‘ Help our Friend ‘ look. Like Maxine I missed Dusty as my best friend. I handed Mina my bag pack and started running toward Dusty to help get him out of that situation. I heard someone running behind me and looked back to see Will following me. I just smiled and kept going. Once we got there I heard Lina tell David to stop in which he didn’t. Will and I stood about five feet from them when I yelled for David to stop which got his undivided attention. He turned and started taking steps towards us. Will didn’t move and neither did I. Maxine and Mina got closer and stayed behind us. Trina held onto Lina which who had tears in her eyes. David came up a few steps in front of me and stopped.
” What did you say wimp?” In a anger tone David asked
” You heard me , I said stop. Why are you taking shit out on Dusty anyway?” I in a calm tone asked
” Because I can and it’s none of your business.” he was telling me in a hateful way
I looked over at my old friend Dusty. I could tell he was in some pain from being held to tight and not able to fight back. Lina looked like she was going to pass out from worry and crying. I knew I had to do something to get them free. I turned my head and looked at Will. He nodded his head in a way to let me know he has my back. I turned my head to Mina and Maxine and they nodded also, but Mina had a look of concern. I turned back to look in David’s eyes and sighed. I knew there was others in the parking lot and used that to my advantage.
” David you really think hurting someone in a parking lot with several people around isn’t going to be unnoticed?” I asked him staying calm
He looked around the parking lot. Like I thought they were all watching what was happening. He looked up at the school doors and saw a few teachers coming out. He turned and told Chase, Zack, and Trina to let Dusty and Lina go. Once let go Lina went to Dusty and tried to hold him up. David motioned for them to get to his car. They did as David started to follow them he stopped and said him and I wasn’t finished talking. I just shrugged my shoulders and Will and I went to check on my old friend.
” You ok Dusty?” I asked helping keep him stay stood
” Yeah.” He said then added” Why Alex.”
” Why what?” I answered to him
” Why did you stick your head out for me after all these months of me treating you wrong?” Dusty asked with a tear showing
I stood there with my arm under his right as Will got on his Left side and we helped him sit on his tail gate. I thought for a few while Maxine and Lina checked him out and Mina came over to me placing her arm around my waist. I looked at Dusty and gave a sigh then spoke.
” Dusty like Maxine you have been one of my longest friends. Yes you have hurt me in the past months, but I am not going to throw our friendship away. And as I did forgive Maxine I want to forgive you, but you have to promise me something.” I told him with a grin
” What’s that, please tell me and I will do it. I have been miserable since we haven’t been around each other. Lina tries to help me through my pain, but you were my bro for so long and I want my bro back.” He explains to me
” That you stay away from them assholes and that bitch.” I told him then added ” Well you asked man.”
That got a laugh out of everyone. I walked up to my again bro and gave him a hug. He broke the hug and sat on his tailgate and again getting his face checked. Mina whispered in my ear that was so nice of me forgiving Dusty. I whispered back I can’t have a wedding without my best friend as my best man. She gave me a look of shock and then stood there thinking. Then she whispered Your right but it going to be hard since Maxine going to be my Maid of Honor. I thought of what she said then it hit me. I whispered to her how about two Maid of Honors and two best men so that there won’t be no jealousy. Mina thought about it and then smiled. She looked at Maxine and Lina and spoke.
” Lina, Maxine I have a question to ask?” She smiled telling them
” What is it you want to ask Mina?” Lina softly asked
” Yeah what’s up?” Maxine asked still checking Dusty over
Maxine commented one time she wanted to be a nurse. She has been talking to my mom about it. Mom told her if she does she would support her and help anyway she could.