I wake to the sunlight streaming into my room. I know it sounds cliché, but I feel different this morning. Yesterday was graduation day and it was bittersweet. I’ll miss high school, but I’m ready for the next chapter in my life—college and my future with Dylan. It’s been nine months now, and I know that may not seem like a long enough time to know that he’s my forever, but to me it’s more than enough time. There is not one aspect of my future that I don’t see him as a part of.
My phone pings from its spot on my nightstand. I see Dylan’s contact name and realize I should probably change it since football’s been over for months now.
My #17: Morning, beautiful.
Me: Morning. You all packed?
My #17: I was packed the day we booked the cabins.
Me: I’ll see you soon.
My #17: I love you, Aves.
Me: Love you too.
Dylan, Brad, Harley, and I rented cabins at Lake Grant. Our parents protested at first, but we reminded them that we’re eighteen and high school graduates, so really they didn’t have much of a leg to stand on. It also helps that my parents really like Dylan, and Harley’s like Brad. We’re leaving at noon today and spending four days there.
Brad’s parents and Dylan’s dad paid for the cabins as part of their graduation presents. Harley and I both offered to pay our share but they shut us down. I can still remember Dylan’s exact words. “I love you, Aves. This is the best gift he could’ve given me. Four days with you, no interruptions. Just us. No way are you paying.” How could I argue with that?
I hop out of bed and head to the shower, taking my time, shaving every inch. Dylan and I haven’t had sex yet. We’ve come close a few times but he keeps stopping us. But I’m ready and he’s ready, so I don’t know what the holdup is. I hope that changes this weekend.
After the night we spent at Brad’s together, even though nothing happened, my mom took me to get on birth control. I fought it, saying we didn’t need it. She said that was fine but she was taking me anyway so when we did decide to have sex, I was covered. It was a little uncomfortable talking to her about it, but I’m glad I have her, that she’s there for me for stuff like this. It’s kind of a relief, really; I won’t have to stress over the possibility of getting pregnant if and when it happens.
Harley says I need to take control. She and Brad slept together for the first time a few months ago. I don’t know why, but Dylan insists on waiting. I know he’s faithful; that doesn’t concern me. I’m going to be patient until he decides he’s ready.
I also hope to talk to him about college while it’s just the two of us. He’s been good at putting off this conversation, but we have to have it. I’ve been accepted to the local university. I was too late to apply for scholarships, but I can get loans and work. Whatever it takes not to leave him.
I’ve just finished zipping up my duffel bag when Mom yells up the stairs. “Av, they’re here.”
I make one last mental check: phone, charger, bag, money. I think I’ve got it. I head downstairs to find Dylan, Brad, and Harley talking to my parents. To my surprise, Alan is here too. “Hey,” I say, clearing the final step.
“You ready?” Harley asks. I can hear the excitement in her voice.
“No speeding,” my dad says to Brad. We’re taking his mom’s Tahoe.
“No, sir, we’ve got nothing but time,” he replies.
Alan puts his arm around my shoulders. “You know you can call me to come and get you. No questions asked. I won’t even tell Mom and Dad. You need me, you call,” he says just for me.
I hug him tight. “Love you, big brother.”
“Okay, so you have all of our cell numbers. Brad’s mom said when they were there a few summers ago, service wasn’t an issue.”
Mom pulls me into a hug and Dad hugs us both. “You all be safe. We love you. Call us if you need us, no questions asked.”
I understand I’m the baby of the family, but we’re going to be fine. It’s only two hours away. “We will. Love you guys.” I give them all one more hug.
Dylan takes my bag from my shoulder. “I’ll put this in the car.” He turns and walks outside, Brad and Harley following close behind.
“You sure we can trust him with Av?” Dad asks Alan.
He laughs. “He’s a good kid. You all know that. They’ll be fine.” He winks at me.
I make a mental note to get him a little something extra for Christmas this year. “I’ll see you all in a few days,” I say.
After another round of hugs, they walk out to the front porch with me. Brad and Harley are already in the front seat and Dylan’s standing at the bottom of the steps, waiting for me.
“I promise I’ll take good care of her.” His voice is the most serious I’ve ever heard him.
“We know you will, Dylan. You kids have a good time,” Mom tells us.
Dylan takes my hand and leads me to the Tahoe, opening the door and climbing in behind me. I don’t bother scooting over; there’s nowhere else I want to be than close to him.
We stop at a small grocery store before heading to the cabins. We decided that we’ll all eat together for each meal to save on groceries. “There’s a restaurant there too and they have good food. We can eat there as well.”
After loading up on camping essentials—burgers, corn on the cob, s’mores ingredients, and lunchmeat—we head to the cabins.
“We can just keep the food in our cabin,” Harley suggests. “It’ll be easier to keep it all in one spot.”
“Definitely,” I agree.
Our cabins are side by side so it makes it easier for Dylan and me to help carry in the groceries. It will also make it convenient when it comes time to eat.
I thought I would be nervous for this weekend, but I’m not. Excited and hopeful is more like it. He already owns my heart and soul; now I’m ready to give all of myself to him.