Page 36 of We're One

“I’m working on the summer festival this year. It’s been so much fun. I took several years off so your dad and I could travel, but we both realize we’ve gotten that out of our systems. We live in the most perfect place in the US, so we prefer to stay right where we are. I’ve shaken things up a bit this year. We’re having a sandcastle building contest, a baking competition, and a killer talent show,” she says.

“Oh, I’ll tell Nikki. She’ll want to enter the baking competition.”

“That’s wonderful, I’ll sign her up.” She jumps to her feet and runs inside. She comes back out with her iPad and sits back down, immediately pulling up a document and typing.

“I’m sure she’ll want to do it, but we should ask first.”

Mom waves her hand in the air. “She’ll do it,” she says with confidence, making me laugh again. I think Mom’s ensuring we come back down for the festival this year.

“I remember how excited I was each year for the festival. The whole town turns into one giant playground. Great food, music, activities, and people coming from all over. I met more than one cute boy during those festivals,” I tell her with a wink.

“Oh, teenage girls and puppy love. The festivals are even better than before. Our neighbors come to town, but they’re all respectful and there’s very little trouble brewing during them. It’s so rewarding to be a part of pulling it all together. It’s also a great excuse to catch up with old friends and meet new people. This is why I’ll never move from Seaville. I’d be sad to not know my neighbors.”

“Even Mrs. Jones?” I ask with a laugh.

“Especially Mrs. Jones,” my mom replies with a wink. Their feud is pleasurable for both of them. It keeps them from getting bored.

“I’m just grateful you’re happy and keeping busy. I don’t ever want to lose you,” I tell my mom. Her eyes fill with tears and she leans over and takes my hand, squeezing it.

“I’ll be around for as long as I can. It’s why your father and I are drinking that disgusting kale smoothie for breakfast. The doctor told us it will add years to our lives.”

A shudder runs through me. “I’m glad you’re drinking it too. Icky,” I say with a laugh.

We continue to visit until Dad gets home and lifts me off my feet in a giant bear hug. I love my mom’s hugs, but I might like Dad’s even more. He always makes me feel like a little girl again. My dad’s huge, standing at six-five. He’s still suave and fit, and keeps active. I’m grateful because I really can’t imagine this world without both of my parents in it. This makes me feel empathy for Zach once again. He has his brothers but has lost everyone else in his life. It’s truly sad.

We all visit while Dad pulls out some steaks and fires up the grill. Mom and I make potato salad that’s to die for and we spend the evening on the deck eating, talking, and watching the sunset. There are some pretty sunsets in Seattle, but the ones here are absolutely spectacular.

Both of my parents start yawning as soon as the sun goes down, and I laugh again. Things really never do change. They are early sleepers and risers. I help clean up then hug them both again.

“I’m going to let you sleep while I head to the beach.”

“I bet the bonfire is already going,” Mom says.

“It better be. It’s a lot warmer down here than in Seattle, but there’s still a nip in the air.”

“You have a wonderful time with your friends. We’ll leave the porch light on for you,” Mom assures me. My room’s still the same as when I left, pictures from my senior year still hanging on the walls. It really is fun to come back home.

“I will. Goodnight, Mom, Dad.” I give them one more hug then make my way down the street to our favorite place on the beach. I’m two blocks away when I see the glow from the fire that’s already raging. A block away I hear music and laughter and quicken my steps.

As soon as I step onto the sand, I kick off my shoes and can’t stop grinning. This right here is my favorite part of being back in Seaville. I love the sense of community, the comfort of being with old friends, and the sight and smell of the sea.

My name’s called out as I move forward, and I’m instantly in the middle of a giant group hug. I’m home, exactly where I belong.

Chapter Sixteen

Sia

As soon as our group hug breaks up, I’m handed a drink as everyone continues chatting like we haven’t missed a single day apart. It’s funny that you can be away from your friends forever, and when together again, you go right back to where you were. It’s beautiful to be here with the people who have shaped my life. Laughter and music fill the air and the heat from the bonfire warms our skin.

I move into the dance circle and get lost in the conversation and music as all of my worries float to the sky along with the fire’s smoke. About fifty people are here, which isn’t a lot, but as the night continues I’m sure more will show up.

Time disappears on the beach and, as I move around, I visit with people I haven’t seen since I first left as they also were on their own journeys. Others I’ve seen more recently on previous visits home. Being together is taking me right back to my last summer at home when school was out and we were getting ready to take on our next great adventure. That was the summer I met Zach, the summer that changed my life forever.

“Sia!” Someone calls my name, and I turn to see my old friend Stacy with a very large bump on her stomach. I meet her halfway and pull her into a hug.

“What is going on here?” I ask pointedly staring at her belly.

“I’m married and we’re having our first baby in about three months,” she says, her eyes sparkling as she holds up her hand, showing off a very beautiful diamond.

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