Page 4 of Lucky Hit

"I know you would if you could, Mom. But I'm a big boy. I'm sure I can handle it," I say, trying to lighten the mood before the waterworks start. Suddenly the front door slams shut. I whip my head up to see Gracie come running down the steps like a complete lunatic in her pyjamas.

"Why didn't anybody wake me up?" she scolds, rolling her eyes. I let out a loud laugh at the sight in front of me. Gracie has her hands on her hips and her eyebrows raised, trying to be intimidating. I laugh again, and her scowl deepens.

Gracie ended up looking just like Mom—blonde-haired and blue-eyed. If you didn't already know we were siblings, chances are you wouldn't even be able to tell.

"I did wake you up, sleepyhead. Three times. You kept going back to sleep after saying something about a boy band?"

Her whole face lights up as she no doubt recalls her dream. "Oh! Well, I can't say I'm sorry. You don't wake somebody up from a good dream. It wouldn't have been worth it for me. No offence," she shrugs.

I fake a laugh as reality sets back in. I let out a deep sigh, "I hate to be a downer, but I gotta go. I'm meeting my new coach at twelve, and if I don't leave now, I won't make it." I take a final look around at our quiet neighbourhood and smile at the two women in front of me. "I will be back as soon as I can. I promise."

Mom is the first one to reach out and hug me. "Drive safe," she murmurs, squeezing me so tight that she practically cuts off my circulation. "And let me know when you get there. Have fun. I love you." She slowly pulls away and makes room for Gracie.

"Bye, big bro. I already miss you driving me wherever I wanna go," Gracie laughs as she wraps her arms around my waist and sets her head on my chest. "I'm joking. But I will miss you. Love you."

"Goodbye, you little shit. Don't give Mom too much trouble, please. Love you too." I return her hug and plant a kiss on the top of her head. Turning around and heading to the driver's side of my truck, I give them both a wave before I get in, start it up, and head for the highway.

Goodbye Penticton, Hello Vancouver.

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