The Boyfriend Blog

Take her with you.

Is it really that simple?

Would she consider moving across the country so I could chase my dream?

“I don’t think it’s that easy.”

“Son.” Dad rests his hand on my shoulder. “Life is as easy or as hard as you make it. But you only get one life.”

“What about Edna? We can’t leave her. Not now, at least.”

“Your mother and I will help however we can. But, Aiden, you can’t let an opportunity like this pass you by without at least considering it.”

“And what about Mom and me? We’re—"

“Going to be fine,” he finishes for me. “You and your mom still have issues to work through, but you’re going to be fine. She loves and supports you as much as I do.”

For the first time since hanging up with Ryan, I allow myself to feel the slightest bit of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, I can chase my dream and keep the girl.

17

Lizzie

Be silly. Be fun. Be different. Be crazy. Because life is too short to be anything but happy. –Liz

“Tell me what you need?” I tuck the blanket around Edna’s legs and make sure her cup of water is close by. I’ve removed all rugs from her house because the doctor at the hospital told me they would be a tripping hazard, and we can’t have Edna falling.

I also stole her salt, consequences be damned.

“I need you to leave.”

I scoff and look at Edna.

“Lizzie,” she says, laughing. “I’m fine. The doctors gave me a clean bill of health.”

“No, they didn’t. They said that you had a heart attack, and you need to rest.”

“I am resting. You haven’t let me do anything but rest.”

“They also said you need to watch what you eat, which is why I’ve set you up with the meals on wheels program through the Senior Center. They even make heart-healthy meals.”

“Bleh. Cancel them.”

“I will not.”

“She’s doing this because she loves you,” Aiden says, walking into Edna’s apartment.

“If she loves me, she’ll return the saltshaker she stole from my kitchen table.”

My eyes widen. Edna holds out a hand. I dig the vintage rooster-shaped saltshaker from my pocket and reluctantly give it to her.

“Thank you.” Edna smiles. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to catch up on my episodes of Lucifer.”

“I love that show. I’ll stay and watch it with you.”

“You’ll do no such thing. Aiden.” Edna gives Aiden a look that has him steering me out of her apartment. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”