“What’s happening in the outside world?” I asked him, as I sat down next to him. When I had first got it we had spent hours trying to figure the thing out.
“Nothing much. I got an e-mail from Mom. She says that she wants the kids to go back home before the rest of us go back.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Yeah, but I guess it’s for the best. It’ll let them get settled back into things. At least that ‘s what Mom says.”
“Nick your mother is a very smart woman. Just do as she says.”
“Yes Ma’am. I’m going to take the kids out to The Prom. They wanted to look at the shops for a little while. Is it OK if I take Tommy too?”
“Yes, you can take him, but be careful.”
“I always am.”
“I know. That’s why I trust you with him more then I trust AJ with cutting his own meat.”
“HEY!” The protest came from the doorway that led into the dining area. “That’s not very nice!”
“I know, but it’s the truth.” AJ scoffed. “ Oh, shut up. Nick is taking the kids out to the Prom. Go with him, you can shop.”
“I’m there.”
“I figured as much, now go!”
Brian laughed at how they obeyed my orders. About ten minutes later we were the only people in the house.
“So…. What do we do now? I don’t think I can do anymore planning right now, even if I wanted to, which I don’t. So….”
“Faith?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re babbling again.”
“Sorry.” I sat down on the couch next to Brian and rested my head on his shoulder. “I just can’t believe that this is all happening. I mean, not twelve months ago I was all alone, and trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Now I have a son, I have a bunch of new friends, and I have you.”
“I’m glad that things changed for you. I know that sounds bad, but it’s the truth.”
“What were you doing this time last year?”
“This time last year I was trying to figure out what to do for Nick’s birthday and complaining about not having any time off.”
“Nick’s birthday! We have to do something for him! He’s gonna be 19. Right?”
“Yeah. I was just thinking that we could go out to dinner and then have a small party here. You know, nothing big. I think he’d like that.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well, last year he spent his birthday on MTV. I think that he’d like to have a quiet party with family and friends this year.”
“Sounds good to me.” We sat in silence for a few minutes. “Well I’d better go call Josh. He’s gonna be surprised.”
“In a good way, or bad?”
“It’s gonna be fine! Don’t worry so much!” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and then got up. I walked into the kitchen to call my cousin, the famous JC Chasez.