Page 10 of Summer Message

I put my phone down and sit on the floor of my bedroom. My bed is next to come up, but I need a minute to breathe. It’s all so crazy how fast this week is flying. I feel like I just moved to college.

“Are you okay?” My dad stands in the doorway, wiping his brow with his arm.

“Yeah, I’m okay. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Why did I move here and take this job? I could’ve stayed at home for a while.”

“Because you would’ve been bored out of your mind. This is your dream and you’ve achieved it, so don’t start doubting yourself now. Come on. I’m hungry and Mrs. Michaels has invited us for a cookout. I guess there are some neighbors who want to meet you.”

I look down at myself. I’m a mess.”Can I change?”

My dad shakes his head. I sigh as I get off the floor and grab a t-shirt to throw over my tank top.

We’re walking through the gate and I suddenly feel all these eyes on me. I smile and head straight to Mrs. Michaels to give her a hug.

“Thank you for doing this for us.” I smile at her.

“Everyone in the neighborhood came out to see you. Some of your students are here too.”

Wow. All of this for me. Now I’m even more nervous.

“Let’s get started meeting everyone.” Mrs. Michaels pulls me toward the crowd.

Every time I started to head to the buffet of food, Mrs. Michaels or my mom pulled me into another conversation. This went on for what seemed like days. My dad finally intervened and told them that I needed to eat or I’d wither away to nothing, which made everyone laugh. When I finally made it to the food table, my stomach growled so loud that I had to laugh. They made burgers, hot dogs, macaroni and potato salad, spring salad, corn on the cob, and eight different types of desserts. If I went away hungry, that was on me.

This was amazing and I'm so glad that I was able to meet everyone. The students love school. The enthusiasm that they shared about their school, teachers, and sports was contagious. The kids genuinely care for each other. I never felt this with my own school. They look out for each other.

We sat around the fire having s'mores and laughing as the evening came to an end.

Karen, who lives four houses down from Mrs. Michaels, turns to me. “Kristina, I know it's a month away, but what do you plan on bringing to the Fourth of July potluck?”

I quickly swallow my last bit of chocolate goodness. “What Fourth of the July potluck?” I look around and some people seem shocked I didn't know.

“Our town celebrates Fourth of July with a potluck dinner, and then we go over to the high school to watch the fireworks from the next town over. It's the perfect view when they set them off from the country club. It's a lot of fun. Plus, we all go in on sparklers. We get together about three in the afternoon for food, mingling, and fun.” Karen tells me.”I think last year I didn’t make it home until after midnight.” Karen laughs as if she’s remembering the fun.

“I'd be more than happy to contribute. My gram had this amazing recipe for a red, white, and blue dessert. How much should I make?”

“However much you want to make. I made the mistake of baking cookies for the entire town. I started a week before and had over a thousand chocolate chip cookies in my house. I think I gained about forty pounds!”

Everyone laughs. Tonight was perfect. My mom and dad couldn't thank everyone enough for including me in things and being so welcoming to their baby girl. We went home with arms full of food. I definitely won't go hungry any time soon.

My dad unlocks my backdoor since it’s closer to the gate that leads to the Michaels’ yard. “Good night, mom and dad. Thank you for all of your help.”

We hug before going our separate ways for the night and it makes me realize how much I’m going to miss them when they leave to go home.

I’ve been dreaming about a nice relaxing shower. I’m all hot and sticky. As I step into the shower, I squeal when the cold water hits my back. I run out of the shower wide awake now.

“Why is there no hot water?” I stomp my foot in frustration.

No shower for me tonight. I take a quick sponge bath and throw on my short and tank top. Then I stare at the room. My bedroom is now all set up with the newly bought bed and sheets. But there’s a mountain of boxes that need to be put away. It’ll have to wait until tomorrow.

My phone starts to ring from on top of the dresser. The only person who usually calls me is Randi, so I answer it without even looking.

“Are you ready to move in with me now?” I laugh.

“Kristina?” The deep voice on the other end of the phone sends shivers down my spine.

“Who is this?” I sit straight up.My heart is racing. I don’t know any guy would be calling me.

“Matthew.” He laughs. “I hope it's okay that I called you and it’s not too late.”

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