Page 5 of Ace of Spades

He cried. I laughed. From that day forward, I was dubbed the mean cousin. He must’ve liked it, though, because we’ve been inseparable ever since.

"I already regret letting you drive tonight," I mutter.

"You won’t for long," he assures me with a smirk.

The car bumps along a pitted road, signaling we’ve reached the island pass, the only stretch of asphalt connecting the mainland to Breaker's Isle off the Georgia coast.

Once we hit the bridge, it's like we’re entering another world.

One rich with history and lore.

"I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this view." I sigh.

Ocean surrounds us, the water glassy and dark, lit only by sparse street lamps spaced like breadcrumbs leading us to God only knows where. The sun vanished hours ago.

"It's something, isn’t it? I was so happy when I got the acceptance letter from EGU. Always wanted to live near the water."

"Near? J, this is practicallyonthe water."

"Exactly. That's what makes it amazing. We’re really doing this, aren’t we?" he says, eyes a little dreamy.

I reach over and take his hand, giving it a firm squeeze. It’s one of the rare moments of tenderness I offer.

“We’re really doing this,” I confirm.

"She’d be so proud of you." Julian gives me a tight smile.

The last few years haven’t been easy. Ever since mom got her diagnosis, back when I was in middle school, things just got progressively harder for us, year after year.

A woman who was once larger than life, that had conquered so much, had to put aside her ego and let those that loved her carry her.

And because of me, those that loved her, was a rather small list of people.

Since she had me when she herself was still a teenager, her parents disowned her. Along with the rest of our family that were heavily involved in a church that taught that a girl’s value was tied to her virginity.

The only sibling of hers to stay in touch and help us out over the years, was Julian’s mom, Lucy.

Aunt Lu and my mom, Amalie, were more than sisters. They were each other's lifelines. Which made Julian mine, by default and also, by choice.

Mom would’ve loved knowing we’re now roommates, starting our lives together.

I still can’t believe she’s gone.

After a few minutes of silence, Julian veers off the main road onto a dirt one that kicks up enough gravel to make my teeth rattle and pull me out of my funk.

"So this party..."

"Yes?" he says, already smirking, fully aware of what's coming.

"Are these frat boys we’re talking about or—"

Julian bursts out laughing.

"What’s so funny? It’s a serious question."

"You’re always so uptight when it comes to socializing. It’s actually amusing."

"Am not."

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