Page 4 of Xander

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I had on a pair of black leggings and a pretty red shirt that had ruffles.

It had been a year since I saw the two of them last.

They lived in Louisiana.

Aunt Tempie was my mom’s sister, and her old man was Merlin.

He was a member of the Soulless Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

I thought it was cool.

Age 7

“I’m sorry, sweetie, we won’t be able to make the drive up for your birthday.” Aunt Tempie said.

I nodded, “That’s okay. I’m sick anyway.”

And I was.

Dang summer colds.

They were the worst.

Age 9

“Go pick out a movie, sugarplum,” my momma told me.

I smiled as I raced out of the kitchen and to the living room, dropping down on my behind in front of the TV cabinet where we had movies.

Seeing the movie I wanted to watch, I grabbed it and set it on top of the DVD player.

Just as I did that, the front door opened.

I smiled.

“Hey, Daddy,” I called out.

He winked at me as he dropped his lunch box on the entryway table, came over to me to get a kiss on his cheek, and a hug from me.

I had to turn my head when my momma walked into the living room, and they kissed, along with a bootie grab from my daddy to my momma.

Still hearing them, I said, “Guys? Hello?”

They both chuckled.

Tonight was Friday night.

And on Friday nights, we ordered pizza, had popcorn, and watched movies.

It was the best.

Age 14

I stretched my back as I stood up from my chair. My last assignment before winter break was finally done.

Now it was time to hang out and rest.

Age 16

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