Page 55 of It Starts With Summer

My dad set his hands on his hips, beaming.“Wasn’t that what I said?We’re here for you, Parker.You’re part of the family now, whether you like it or not!”He glanced back towards my bickering teenage siblings by the door.“And you may find you don’t like it that much.Wait ‘til all the girls have PMS at the same time.”

Parker blinked, a shaky smile playing across his lips as he nodded.My parents bustled out of the room, taking the group of teenagers with them.

“How the hell did Jiya already dish all the gossip?”

“It’s a big family thing,” I said, grinning.“Everyone’s all up in everyone’s business.Now—”

"I know, I know.Eat my food," Parker said, taking a very dramatic bite of his omelet."Happy?"

“Very.”I reached for a pastry and he scooted closer.

By the time the family got together, Parker had eaten far more than the daily calorie requirements for a man of his size, which made me wonder how he had such a nice body, and that made me wish I could get a quick moment alone with him to admire his body.Sadly, the entire family was gathering around our table, staring at us like we were a scientific specimen.

Parker sat up front with my father, guiding him through the small town of Eagle Ridge.The picturesque landscape stretched out around us.The town was on a flat plain surrounded by majestic mountains, and the quaint town looked almost like a toy, dwarfed by the gigantic peaks that surrounded it.

“Over there’s the old general store,” Parker said, pointing to a charming wooden building with a large porch.“I used to buy candy there when I was a kid.”

My younger siblings pressed their faces against the van windows, eagerly taking in the sights, as Parker pointed out historical places and favorite spots of his own.My parents, Prisha and Arjun, exchanged glances and smiled.They seemed pleased with the change of scenery from our busy San Francisco lives.

“Up ahead is the trailhead for one of my favorite hikes,” Parker announced.“Park on the left here.The trail is about a half mile long, and worth the walk.”My father pulled into the parking lot and Parker opened the van door for us, taking my hand as we all hopped out.

We set off on the hike, my family chatting and laughing as we followed the well-trodden path.

As we hiked, my mom fell into step beside Parker and me.“I’m so sorry you ever worried that we wouldn’t like you, Parker,” she said.“And sorry for your loss as well.I can’t imagine being without family at such a young age.”

“Thank you,” Parker said.“It was almost four years ago now, so I suppose I’m used to it, but it still hurts sometimes.”

“Of course it would.Your parents must have been amazing people to raise someone like you,” my mom said, giving Parker a warm smile.“You’re so knowledgeable about the outdoors and have such a good heart.I can tell by the way you care for our Ravi, and the way you stuck your neck out for Jiya back there.”

“Thank you, Mrs.Chandra,” Parker replied, his cheeks flushing.“I do my best.It was really hard after they died.I didn’t realize how tight their finances were until they passed and I saw how little I was left with.I had to grow up fast and figure out how to take care of myself.”

I squeezed his hand, feeling a surge of empathy for him.What must that have been like?My family irritated me to no end, but I couldn’t imagine life without them.

“But you go to Stanford?”my mom asked.

“On an athletic scholarship,” Parker said.“I play soccer.Plus, I won a scholarship for my writing.”

“You’re such an impressive young man,” she said, beaming.“Indian boys usually marry young, you know,” she continued, her eyes twinkling mischievously.“So, Parker, you’ll have a family of your own in no time.”

“Mom!”I groaned.“You can’t bring up marriage at a time like this!”

“Prisha!”my dad chided, his expression amused but also slightly exasperated.My siblings giggled behind us, but Parker seemed unfazed by the teasing.

“I suppose you never know how things might go,” Parker said, glancing at me.Then he looked back towards the trail.“There’s the waterfall, though.”He slowed his pace, holding my hand as my family raced ahead to see the view.

The sound of the waterfall roared in my ears as I watched the clear water crash down onto the rocks below, creating a fine mist that clung to my skin like dew.My siblings scrambled along the rocky riverbank, snapping photos and laughing, while my parents stood nearby, taking in the beauty of the scene.

“Hey, Parker?”I called out over the noise, motioning for him to follow me to a more secluded spot by the edge of the water.The sun was warm on our faces as we stepped away from the group, and I couldn’t help but notice the way it caught in his light brown hair, turning it almost golden.

“Ravi, what’s up?”Parker asked, concern furrowing his brow as he looked at me.

“Listen, about what my mom said earlier…” I began, trying to find the right words to convey my embarrassment.“You don’t need to worry about the wedding thing, okay?She gets a little…overenthusiastic sometimes.”

Parker grinned and shook his head.“I’m not worried, Ravi.Your mom is sweet.And I sometimes daydream about the future with you.”

My cheeks felt hot as I stared at him.“Really?”I whispered.

“Yeah, of course.Besides,” Parker added with a mischievous grin, “I wouldn’t mind being part of your family.They’re fun.”

---