I was excited about the whole arrangement, but one thing soured it for me—we were to leave in three days.
“Three days?” My dad quizzed when I told him over breakfast, contemplating his approval.
The most they had let me out of their sight was when I got into college, and I practically shuffled between the campus and the house. So, this was going to be a big change for them, with little time to process the implications.
“Yes, Dad. I'm afraid so. They didn’t leave us with many alternatives. It’s either that or…”
“Isn’t there a way to stall for some time, at least to get yourself better prepared?” Mom interrupted, her voice a mixture of worry and concern.
“Apparently, the club has a very tight and strict modus operandi, so the recruitment window is only open for a short period. This is an opportunity many have lobbied for and would do anything to have.” I explained carefully.
My parents were in a pensive mood. They had to decide quickly. I didn’t have a problem with the recruitment, except forhow I would tell Licia that I was going to be gone for only God knows how long.
I had barely managed to convince her to apply to the same college as I, now I was supposed to tell her that I would be leaving her there…alone. My heart squeezed whenever I envisioned how that conversation would go.
“How about school?” Dad asked, wiping the corners of his mouth with the napkin. He wasn’t keen on letting me leave.
“I will finish my program there, Dad. Coach Wallace is spearheading the transfer process, so that ground is covered.” I reassured them.
“And Licia?” Mom couldn’t help asking. “Have you informed her? What did she say?”
“Not yet, Mom. She traveled out of town yesterday, but I will leave her a message to that effect. Had to brief you first.”
“That’s fine, though it would have been better to tell her in person.” She suggested.
It made sense to do that, but Licia would not be back for at least a week, and I didn’t have that luxury of time.
“Well, I can’t stop you from following your passion and dreams. You have our full support; but know that if at any point you rescind your decision, you are free to come home. It wouldn’t change how we feel about you. You will always be our boy.” Turning to my mom, he inquired, “right?”
Mom nodded, “couldn’t have been said any better. We are proud of you, Kevin. We always have been, and will always be.”
“I will miss you guys, especially Lexie.” I confessed sadly.
“We already miss you, honey. Lexie is sure to cry her eyes out when she gets back from their expedition.”
“You bet, we will bear the brunt of her tantrums.”
I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I need to go upstairs right now. I have a few calls to make.” I was getting emotional already, so I had to escape.
“Aren't you going to at least finish your meal?”
“No, Dad. The earlier I do it, the better.” I said with a weak smile.
“If you insist.” Dad shrugged, finally letting me off the hook.
Chapter Seven
Licia
Twelve years ago
“Gramps, breakfast is ready,” I called out from the dining room.
I had brewed his favorite coffee to go with eggs and bacon and picked up his newspaper from the delivery boy earlier that morning. For myself, it was a bowl of fruit 'n' fiber cereal.
After losing my foster parents in an auto crash two years ago, Mr. McKenzie officially adopted me as his grandchild, and I christened him Gramps. He had been my only family since then and saw to it that I lacked nothing.
Though I stayed in Half Moon Bay, I visited him often due to his failing health and mostly because he was fun to be with.
