“Hey…” He smirks playfully. “Don’t go getting any ideas.”
“I have a career to achieve, Dad. You can count on me to be studying the next seven years.”
“I remember those days. I’m not as disciplined as your mom though.”
Gentle footsteps echo in the distance. A few seconds later, Mom enters the room dressed in her navy-blue robe with her chocolate brown hair loose, surprised to see us laughing.
“Am I interrupting?”
“No.” Dad motions for her to come over as I pull away. She moves toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck so lovingly. “We were just discussing her law degree.”
Mom’s eyes perk up. “So… it’s official?”
“I’m going to Yale.” I grin with a slight bounce.
Mom lets go of Dad, hugging me as her eyes glass over. “Gee, kid, we sure are going to miss you around here.”
“You’ve got three more daughters to continue the headaches.”
“Tell me about it. Ava will be the death of me.”
“That’s what Dad said.” I chuckle, then slow down. “Mom, I was thinking, do you think next summer Aunt Nikki would allow me to volunteer at the Manhattan firm?”
“I’m sure she can make it happen. I’m glad she and Uncle Rocky are in the city should you get lonely. Beau is what?” She looks at Dad. “In middle school? And, of course, Will still works in the city.”
“I forgot about Will,” I say, barely able to remember the last time I’d seen him. “I’m sure if I get lonely, I can visit them. But Andy also got into NYU, so he’s just a train ride away.”
I let out a yawn, noting the time once again. There’s so much to think about, plan, and do, but exhaustion from a very tiring day creeps in.
“I’m off to bed. It’s been a long day. I’m sure you lovebirds want to be alone.” The second I say it, I cringe at myself. “You know what? Please don’t answer that.”
Both Mom and Dad laugh at the same time. “We shall remain quiet.”
I turn back to face them one more time. “I love you guys. Thank you again for everything.”
And as I watch my parents gaze lovingly upon me, I realize how blessed I am to have their unconditional love. For my years of growing up as their daughter, they have been two people so in love and never once letting me believe otherwise.
My thoughts drift to Austin. I do love him enough that I don’t want to let go of what we have. Our geographical location will prove a challenge, but if we do love each other as much as we say we do, anything is possible.
I know my parents made it work despite the trials and tribulations they faced. In the end, their love was unstoppable.
As for Austin and me, only time will tell.
And for the last few months we have left together, I want to make every minute count.
I want to make memories to last me a lifetime.
Five
Amelia
In the blink of an eye, prom and graduation pass, and so does our summer in France.
It’s been a family tradition of ours to spend the summer at our chateau in Champagne, along with my Uncle Noah and his wife Kate, who own a place next door. My cousins, Jessa, Nash, and Sienna, join us too, making it all the more fun.
The older
we became, the more freedom our parents allowed. Though Alexandra and Sienna, being the youngest of us all, would often get left behind on our mischievous adventures.