Page 72 of Forged Forever

We get home after midnight. Taking turns in the bathroom, we set up the mattresses in the living room, Jake and I taking the couch. What a wonderful day. I fall asleep as soon as everyone settles in for the night.

Something in the middle of the night has me stirring. Rubbing my eyes, I blink them open to find darkness and Nick awake, his face illuminated by his phone. “Come up, Grumpy.” I sit up and move the blanket to make room for him.

Nick quietly gets up and lies on his back. I crawl half on top of him, bringing the blanket with me. Getting comfortable, I sigh, falling back asleep.

Chapter 41

Murmurs wake me in the morning. I debate ignoring them, but my mind reminds me everyone is here. Stretching my free arm above my head, I open my eyes. Seb and Bay are still sleeping below us. Tilting my head, I see the murmurs are Jake and Nick talking. A second of panic fills me at Jake seeing me snuggled into Nick, but Jake smiles when I meet his eyes. “Hey sleeping beauty.”

“Morning, handsome.” Nick squeezes my hip and then slides out from under me, going to the bathroom. “Did you sleep okay?”

“Yeah, great. E is making breakfast. That Nick guy is quiet but cool. He said he’s met me every day this week. Is that true?”

“Yup. Shouldn't be much longer, and you’ll remember his face. You remember what I told you about him though, right?”

“Yes, you mother hen, just not his face.” Hitting him with my pillow, I sit up to stretch properly. Laughing, he asks me what we’re doing today.

“Sleeping,” comes a muffled voice from below. Smiling, I get up to take my turn in the bathroom. The guys hung a shower curtain across my shower to use this morning. Smart. I grab a quick shower and then dress, putting my hair up in a messy bun.

Entering the kitchen, I don’t see Jake, but Dad is up. “He is taking a shower in Z’s bathroom. I purchased a shower seat for him to use here,” Alex tells me.

This guy. “Thank you, that was very thoughtful.”

I grab a plate and fill it with fruit and waffles. Taking a seat beside Bay, I dig in while people talk around me.

Next week is the last week of school, which means exams for most, but seniors are not required to take final exams if they’re passing all their courses. All of us have chosen not to, so we’re sort of on vacation.

After everyone is awake and fed, the topic of work and plans comes up. I’ve decided to get a head start on the Finn schedule, and I’ll be starting at the plantation soon. Seb, E, and Nick want full time with Finn this summer. Alex and Bay will be part time. Jake has three more physiotherapy appointments, and then he’s done. Jake is also starting grade 11 on Monday with his tutor.

For today, we’ll be relaxing. E, Dad, and I bake some muffins. Seb and Bay are watching tv. Nick, Alex, and Jake are out back. I think Nick is assessing Jake’s strength.

We spend the rest of the day being vegetables. Food, movies, and tv.

That evening, I get a call from Sarah. Excusing myself to my bedroom, I get comfortable on the bed. “Hey Sarah. This is unusual. Is everything okay?”

“Just fine, Summer,” she smiles. “I need to talk to you about your therapy. As you know, I’m an adolescent therapist, and you just turned 18. This is usually the time we discuss next steps.”

“Oh. I never thought of that. Are you leaving me?” Crap, life was going so well. Sarah is like an extra limb I can’t live without.

“No, not right away. Over the next few months, we need to transition you to an adult therapist. I have several I think you would be happy with.”

Tears overflow my eyes. Losing Sarah. How do I do that? She’s my problem solver, my safety net, the Summer whisperer. “I…I’m overwhelmed at the idea, Sarah.”

“I understand, but think back. How often have you needed me this year?”

Going through my memories, I realize it’s rare that I’ve had to call her. We still talk every week, but it’s not problems we discuss, just life updates. Huh. “Well, you caught me there. Still, you are family, Sarah.”

“I appreciate that, Summer, truly, and I have a unique offer for you.” She gets a contemplative look in her eyes before fortifying herself. Sitting straighter and taking a deep breath, she continues. “I’ve been debating this for weeks. It’s very unusual and feels unprofessional, although it's not. Could you call your father to join us?”

Curious, I nod and yell for Dad. A minute later he’s at my door. “Hi darling. What do you need?” He smiles.

“Sarah wants you to join us,” I shrug, sliding over so he can sit beside me on the bed. Dad seems surprised but joins me.

“Hello Zander,” Sarah smiles. “If you can bear with me for a moment, I’d like to offer a new scenario to Summer.”

Dad nods, “Of course.”

“Summer, as you know, I’ve been meeting Zander for dinner monthly when he’s in Savannah. It has been strictly friendly, I assure you.”