Page 29 of Family Forever
He held her, stroking her long, silky strands of hair. Her tiny body shook in his arms. Little did she know, he felt the same: happy she was going to experience the thrills of college life, and sad because he would miss her. Additionally, he knew this new phase in life would present different opportunities for her to explore, likely making her realize there was more to life than what she knew. Better, more appealing situations than what he could offer.
“And I’m worried about the boys, and you. Who’s going to help you with them? It’s so much work for one person.”
Did she forget that for nearly two years he’d done everything himself? He kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine. We’ll certainly miss you, more than you can imagine, but we’ll be fine.”
Knowing he needed to end this before it got any more painful, Dylan stepped back, putting enough distance between the two of them so that he could no longer reach her. “Marissa, I need you to do me a favor.”
“Anything, what is it?”
“I need you to not worry about us. I need you to embrace this experience, live it to the fullest, and enjoy it.”
She eyed him strangely.
He wasn’t sure if she fully understood what he was trying to tell her but either way, whether she did or didn’t, the end result would turn out the same. She’d either seize hold of another life opportunity or return home someday.
“Can you do that for me, sweetheart?” Shit, the word ‘sweetheart’ was out of his mouth before he could stop it.
Her knowing gaze intensified. “Yes.”
“Well, I gotta get Nate to his troop meeting. Call if you need anything.”
“Okay.”
* * * *
Marissa plunked herself down on the lower bunk and began analyzing what Dylan had asked her to do, but only got to do so for a minute before a thin dark haired girl bounded into the room.
The girl fixed her gaze on Marissa. “Is that hottie that just left this room your boyfriend?”
“No.”Unfortunately.
“Brother?”
“No, just a friend.”
The girl stepped closer to her. “You have to introduce me to him. Does he go here?”
“No, he’s out of school.”
“All I can say iswow.” The girl stepped back into the hallway and looked in the direction Dylan had walked.
“He is fine. By the way, I’m Ashley, your roommate.”
Marissa had already assumed that due to the fact she wheeled a suitcase behind her and intentionally entered their specific room. A moment later, a middle-aged man and woman entered the room, their arms laden with plastic storage bins.
Ashley gestured toward them. “These are my parents. Gary and Shelly Sinclair.”
Marissa stood. “Hi, I’m Marissa Geyer.”
Ashley’s parents smiled warmly.
“It’s nice to meet you, Marissa,” Shelly said as she set her bin on the floor.
Marissa helped Ashley and her parents with the second load, and then Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair helped them unpack and settle in.
While working, she learned her roommate was actually a small town girl as well, from a city about fifty miles east of the campus. She had a good feeling about Ashley and her family and hoped they would make good roomies.
Once most things were in order Ashley’s parents said their goodbyes and left. They seemed like sincerely nice people.
