I grabbed Jenny's hands. “We did it!”

  Jenny squealed with me. She gave me a hug, then we all went to try to find our hats.

  “JJ! I saw you on stage!” Ashlyn ran up to us.

  JJ swooped her up in his arms and put her on his hip. “I don't think I can do this.” JJ made a face and sat her back down.

  Ash laughed.

  My parents reached us. Everyone gave us hugs. We walked outside and took several pictures in front of the school and headed back home for our graduation party.

  27

  Music blared on the beach. We had a bubble machine set up. Over half the guests were in bikinis and trunks. Sarah and Jenny made it. I felt a lot better about them after the apology.

  “Come get pictures with your cakes.” Mom called to us.

  JJ and I got behind the table and posed dutifully. I had a feeling there was another scrapbook in our future. Mom was obsessed with scrapbooking.

  “Okay, go back to your party.” Mom told us.

  “Does this mean we can go change?” We were both still dressed up from graduation.

  “Yes. Yes. Sorry about that. Go change.” Mom laughed. Dad snuck behind Mom and whispered in her ear, and she laughed again.

  We both tried to go back into the house, but had to reply to several people on the way.

  “I see how it is, you're just going to ignore me.”

  I turned around. “Aunt Ariel!” I squealed.

  She laughed and hugged me.

  “What about me?”

  “Uncle Damion!” I hugged him too.

  “No squeal.” Uncle Damion looked at his wife. “I think she has a favorite.”

  “I'm everyone's favorite.” Ariel put a hand on his shoulder, and he laughed.

  “Who's this?” Uncle Damion nodded to JJ.

  “This is JJ, my boyfriend.” I smiled.

  Damion's look steeled. “Last name?”

  “Poveste.” JJ held out his hand.

  Uncle Damion took it and smiled. “Welcome to the family.”

  JJ reddened. “Thanks.”

  Ariel laughed. “You're embarrassing them.”

  “What, he's a Poveste, it's just a matter of time.” Uncle Damion shrugged.

  “Uncle Damion!” Rainy ran up and he swooped her up in his arms. “Where's Lydia?”

  “No hi, how are you doing?” Damion's eyebrows went up.

  Rainy laughed and shook her head no.

  “Okay, maybe I'm not everyone's favorite.” Ariel laughed. “She's in the bathroom.”

  Rainy wiggled down and ran inside to find our cousin.

  “I see Mom and Dad.” He smiled, and they headed off in the direction of my grandparents.

  “JJ!” A voice called from behind us.

  “Nate!” JJ took off running towards him. “I'm glad you could make it.”

  I walked over curiously.

  “Yeah, my parents brought me up...along with some other people.” Nate grinned.

  A bunch of teens came around the corner.

  “It looks like you brought the whole youth group.” JJ was surprised.

  “We did. Two van loads.” Nate laughed. “We wouldn't miss this. Not for you.” Nate smiled like he knew exactly all that JJ had been through. “Is this your girlfriend?” Nate grinned like he knew a secret when he looked at me.

  “Yes.” JJ's smile was wide. “This is Callie. Callie, this is Nate. He's been my best friend since...”

  “You tripped me in the second grade?” Nate laughed.

  “That wasn't a trip. It was football. I was still learning how to tackle. What happens on the field is supposed to stay on the field.” JJ laughed. “I gave you my juice afterwards.”

  “Sure... sure… an accident.” Nate rolled his eyes. “I think that juice is why we're friends. Good call on your part.” Nate smiled at JJ and then turned his attention to me. “JJ says good things.”

  I smiled shyly when JJ took my hand. Seconds later, we were surrounded by several people that all seemed to know JJ. I was happy for him. I didn't want this party to just all be about me.

  We spent the rest of the night eating, swimming, and enjoying being done with High School.

  I was about to take JJ home when Dad showed up in front of us. “I have plans for you tomorrow. I'll be around to pick you up at 10 AM. Be ready.” Dad didn't wait for an answer. He walked away.

  “What was that about?” JJ asked when we got in the car.

  “I don't know, but that was Dad's 'I'm about to spend money' face.” I looked in the backseat.

  Ashlyn crawled up on the seat and put her head on her beach bag. She was asleep before we left the driveway. I checked my mirrors and pulled out of the driveway.

  28

  JJ got out of the car and walked over to my side. I got out too and leaned on the door.

  “I really had fun today.” JJ chuckled and looked up at the sky. He leaned against the car. “You know, I didn't think I would. I've been dreading this day all school year.” He was quiet for a second and then met my gaze. “I thought it would be another reminder that Mom and Dad were dead, but your parents were amazing. I didn't feel left out or like I was a bother...”

  “You're not a bother. You are wanted.” I smiled and took his hand.

  “I'm starting to get that impression.” JJ tenderly tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and leaned in for a goodnight kiss. “My parents would have really liked you.” JJ smiled.

  The porch light flew on. I looked over and winced.

  “Are you going to get in trouble for being out so late?” I looked up at JJ.

  With his free hand, he rubbed his necklace. “You know...I don't think I am.” He smiled.

  I laughed.

  “Goodnight Callie.” JJ whispered on my lips.

  “Goodnight.” I smiled.

  It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

  I opened up the car door. JJ put both bags over his shoulder. He tapped on Ash's shoulder. She sleepily crawled to him and latched onto his neck. He picked her up, gave me a brief smile, and walked towards the door. I closed the car door. The front door opened and JJ disappeared inside.

  29

  “What is taking so long?” I paced in the living room.

  “You're watching the clock.” Alison crashed beside me. “It would go faster if you didn't watch each agonizing...” Al rolled her eyes. “...second tick by.”

  I glared at my sister. “Wait until it's your turn.”

  Alison laughed. “Come on, let's go for a swim and get your mind off of it.”

  I looked at the clock. Alison was right. I got up and went downstairs to put on my swimsuit.

  “Are you dressed yet?” Alison complained at the top of the stairs.

  I pulled my hair into a ponytail. “Yes.”

  “Well, get up here already!” Alison demanded.

  I ran up the stairs. Alison smiled and threw me a water bottle. I caught it and took a drink. She put our swimming playlist on and linked it to the speakers outside. If we didn't go out too far, we could still hear the music.

  I was swimming with Alison for over an hour when I saw movement on the beach. I stopped swimming and grinned.

  Alison's eyesight followed mine. “Just go already.”

  “Thanks Al.” I started swimming toward shore.

  I pushed my hair out of my face when my feet touched the sand. JJ smiled at me in appreciation.

  “Hey!” I put my arms around him and kissed him. “Did Dad play nice?” I tried not to laugh as I tilted my head and looked up.

  “You weren't kidding last night when you said that was your Dad's money spending face.” JJ took my hand, and we started walking down the beach.

  “What did he do?” I exhaled. “You can give it back.” I laughed.

  JJ laughed with me. “You don't even know what it is?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I know my Dad. So what did you guys do today?”

  “Kasen took me to talk to my caseworker. Apparently, my parents both had life insurance. It's been placed on hold until I turn 18. Half is supposed to go to Ashlyn and half to me...if I get custody of Ashlyn, I can access the whole thing to pay bills. No one told me that.” JJ's voice was in awe.

  “That's wonderful! You and Ash can stay together.” I was excited for him.

  “Then he took me to a coffee shop about five minutes from here. You didn't tell me that your Dad owned a small franchise.” JJ glanced at me.

  I shrugged. “It didn't come up.”

  “He set me up with a job working 2-3 days a week, starting the week after my birthday.” JJ continued.

  “No wonder it took so long.” I laughed.

  “Well, after that...he took me to a car lot and let me pick out a car. Kasen said it was a graduation present and that he'd pay for the first 6 months insurance and then it was on me.”

  “That sounds like Dad.” I laughed. “Do you need to take Driver's Ed?”

  “I've had my license for almost 2 years.” JJ shrugged. “I just never had my own car. Mom and Dad were supposed to get me one if my grades stayed up...but then the crash happened...and I didn't want to be in a car for a long time after that.”

  “So it's been a good day?” I squeezed his hand.

  “Yeah, that's an understatement.” JJ was in awe.

  “Now, all you have to do is find a place to live, so you can get custody of Ashlyn.” I was relieved and excited for him.

  “Your Dad took care of that too.” JJ looked at me.

  “What?”

  “He said I could rent your Pool House for $1 a month until Ash graduated High School if I wanted. He'd take it out of my wages once I start the job.” JJ was still stunned.

  “We don't have a Pool House.” I frowned.

  “You do now.” JJ pointed in the distance.

  “Storyteller.” I sighed. “I think Dad thought of everything.”

  “Everything is signed and ready to go the day I turn 18.” JJ stopped and put his arms around me. “Our caseworker is filing all the paperwork today. She is supposed to set up a court date on my birthday to get everything squared away.”

  “Does that make you a Dad or big brother?” I laughed.

  “It will make me her legal guardian. I'm already her big brother.” JJ smirked.

  “Have you told her yet?” I asked.

  “No, I wanted to tell you first.” JJ leaned in and kissed me.

  “I'm glad you did.” I smiled at him.

  JJ looked towards the Pool House. “I'm curious.”

  “No reason to be curious.” I grinned. “Let's take a peek.”

  I took off running towards the Pool House. When I got to the door, I rubbed my necklace; the door opened. I walked inside. I rubbed my necklace, and the sand disappeared off my feet. JJ was only seconds behind me. I turned around. His eyes were wide.

  “What do you think?” I walked over to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. It was fully stocked. I closed it and spun around. I leaned on the counter.

  JJ carefully walked in, almost dazed. I rubbed my necklace, and the sand disappeared off his feet. He looked at me from the Living Room area.

  “This is...a lot.” JJ's eyes landed on me.

  “Let's go check out the rest.” I pulled him down the hallway and started opening doors.

  The first door was to a beach themed bathroom. The next was a spacious, empty white bedroom. The next room was a girls’ room. It looked like it was meant for Ash.

  I opened the last bedroom. It was a large master bedroom. I spun around the room. It wasn't lost on me that the room had a lot of similarities to my current bedroom, including the color choice. My gaze fell on JJ. His eyes were filled with unspoken emotion.

  “Do you like it?” I walked over to him.

  “It's too much for just me.” JJ's eyes met mine.

  “You have Ashlyn too.” I put my arms lightly around his waist.

  JJ nodded and got quiet.

  “Tell me about it.” I whispered.

  JJ moved back and took his shirt off. “Put this on so I can concentrate.” He smiled.

  I took the shirt from him and put it on. I undid my hair and ran my hand through it.

  “This better?” I asked.

  “No, you look good in that too.” JJ shook his head. “Come here.” He tugged on my hand and sat down on the bed.

  I slid up beside of him and crossed my legs. My eyes went to his attractive bare chest. Okay, I can understand how that can be distracting.

  “What do you want to talk about?” I forced myself to pay attention.

  He was too pale. I made a mental goal to tan him up this summer. My skin was several shades more tan. It was rare for a day to go by without me spending at least one hour outside.

  “For one, this place...” JJ's gaze gave me a once over.

  I nodded.

  “This place isn't supposed to be just for me and Ash...It's supposed to be for us...” JJ's expression was open.

  “Probably.” I agreed.

  “And...what's...” JJ's eyes widened like he expected me to do something.

  I winced.

  “So...? Yeah? Us...um...?” JJ exhaled, hoping I would fill in all of the blanks.

  “You want real talk? About...us?” I braced myself for battle.

  JJ nodded.

  “When I heard about the whole Storyteller pairing thing...I was kind of curious. I told myself a story and drew you. I didn't really know what to think. I mean, your reputation was...in need of a drastic makeover.”

  JJ smiled.

  “I was prepared not to like you...like at all, but then... things changed. I got to know you. You're handsome, witty, and I love the way you love Ash. You guys went through a lot with your parents, and you made it okay for her. That's admirable.” I swallowed.

  “So you think I'm handsome.” JJ's eyes sparked.

  “I've told you that before.” I rolled my eyes like it was obvious.

  “Yeah, but only if I've told you that you're beautiful...it's always been like a courtesy, handsome.” JJ had a soft smile on his lips.

  I got on my knees and put my arms around his neck. “JJ Poveste, you are extremely handsome and I am very happy you're my boyfriend.”

  “Boyfriend?” JJ was amused.

  “Yes, I don't just go around kissing everyone.” I was appalled.

  JJ's eyes darkened. “You better not.”

  “I don't.” I smiled and sat back down.

  “Can you see a future with me, Callie Page?” JJ smiled, but his eyes were careful.

  “There is a strong possibility.” I bit my bottom lip and nodded.

  JJ nodded. “Me too.”

  30

  “What are you doing tomorrow?” JJ asked.

  “Swim, sleep, eat, see you...same thing I did today.” I laughed. “Summers are my favorite.”

  JJ smiled. “Being with you is my favorite.”

  I bit my bottom lip. We had been dating for almost two months. I loved being with him.

  “Any chance I can talk you into waking up early tomorrow?” His eyes were curious.

  “Maybe...why?” I didn't know what to think.

  “I'd like to go see my parents...where they're buried...do you want to go with me?” JJ's eyes were tender.

  “Of course I'll go with you.” I held his hand.

  “We haven't been back since the funeral.” He looked down at his feet. “It feels like I should go, you know?”

  I nodded my head.

  “Thank you, Callie.” He smiled. “You're really special, do you know that?”

  I smiled at him. “You're really special too.”

  JJ touched my cheek. “This summer has been amazing, all because of you.”

  I didn't have the words to say, so I simply squeezed his hand and smiled at him again.

  31

  “Good morning.” JJ grinned as I got in the car.

  I looked into the backseat. Ashlyn was asleep with a blanket wrapped around her. I quietly closed the door.

  “Good morning.” I grinned. “Ashlyn is really excited.” I rolled my eyes sarcastically and tried not to laugh.

  “Yeah, she has been getting used to sleeping in.” He put the car in drive.

  “How far is it?” I asked.

  “An hour and a half. Hence the early start.” JJ smiled. “We're supposed to stop by Nate's on the way back for dinner...I hope that's okay?”

  “Sure. I'm down for a road trip.” I opened up my purse and exposed a bag of snacks.

  JJ glanced down and laughed. “Yes, you are.”

  I handed him a bag of chocolate. He opened it and started popping a few pieces into his mouth. I opened a bag of red candy and tore them apart.

  Ashlyn woke up an hour into our drive, rubbing her eyes. “Where are we?”

  “Almost there.” JJ smiled.

  “I slept the whole way?” She seemed surprised.

  “Pretty much.” JJ laughed.

  I started seeing signs for his hometown. JJ turned on his signal and steered us off the highway through a few back roads to a cemetery. JJ exhaled deeply, and the car went to a crawl as we went through the rows. He stopped, and we all got out. I wasn't sure what to do. I took JJ's hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. We shared a sad smile, and we walked through the headstones.

  POVESTE was written on two headstones with the same date. I felt JJ's sadness in my own heart. I wish I could make it better for him, but all I can do is hold his hand. That kind of hurt doesn't go away, it's just remembered less often.

  Ashlyn got on her knees and pulled the weeds away from the stones. JJ and I sat down across from the stones in silence. There wasn't anything either one of us could say.

  “We miss you Mommy. We miss you, Daddy.” Ashlyn blew kisses at both stones and fell into JJ's arms crying. “I love you JJ.”

  “I love you too, Ash.” I saw tears pool in his eyes. Somehow, they managed not to fall. He rubbed Ashlyn's back. Finally, after a few minutes, she pulled away.

  She ran over and hugged me too. “I love you Callie.”

 

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