Free With Love by Shawnte Borris Page B

hot-rock relaxation massage.
    While Kristen and I sat in the vibration chairs getting our hands and toes done, I noticed that Kristen fell asleep. I watched her for a few minutes. She looked so relaxed. She probably needed a rest; I’m so glad that I’m done with high school. There would be no way that I’d ever go back. But, I wonder what my old English teacher is doing these days? I think I remember hearing she had two beautiful children, not much younger than Ethan and Abby.
    “Oh, Ally-bug, I’m so sorry I fell asleep on you.”
    “It’s okay. I’m watching this movie.” I nodded my head toward the TV. “Is this the vampire movie that everyone is talking about?”
    “Yeah, it’s the third one, ‘Eclipse.’ It’s based on the book series ‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer,” Kristen explained.
    I replied, “It’s kinda funny. I mean honestly, Charlie has no idea what is going on? And who would pick a cold vampire when you could have a warm wolf?”
    “Hey biotches, are you done?” Julia asked, returning from her massage.
    “Close; our nails just need to finish drying. Now that the red is on my toes, I like it,” I said, smiling. “How were your hot rocks?”
    “Great! What woman wouldn’t want hard, toasty rocks on them?”
    Kristen piped up. “Ally. She would rather have someone hairy.”
    The girls busted into roaring laughter.
    Julia started to pay for the afternoon, but I quickly swiped her credit card out of her hand. “Girls, this one is on me.”
    “You don’t ha—”
    I interrupted Julia. “I know, but it’s the least I can do. Besides, I’m having so much fun.”
    Kristen leaned into me. “If you think this is fun, wait until Julia has had a few drinks.”
    “I heard that,” Julia admonished.
    Kristen giggled. “Well, you were supposed to.”
    Before we left, Kristen pulled out her phone and asked the salon lady to take a picture of us. Then, we left, linking arms together.
    ***
    “Luke, are you just getting into the office?” George asked.
    “Yeah, Dad, I am.”
    “Is something wrong, son? You’ve been a little off these past two days.”
    Breathe, Luke. You can do this. You need to do this. “Actually, Dad, can we talk?”
    “Sure, son. Let me clean up a few things here, and then you’ll have my undivided attention.” As George cleaned off his desk and put his phone to voicemail, he noticed the tension and sadness around his son’s eyes. I’m glad my boy has finally decided to open up. “Now, what’s on your mind, my son?”
    “Well, Dad, it seems to me that you are beginning to settle into life without Mom. I mean, you’ve started to recognize that life goes on.” Shit, that didn’t come out right.
    “I see. Does this mean that you’ve talked with someone?”
    “Dad, I know that you talk with Brian. Yes, I saw him this morning, actually.”
    “That’s great, son,” George replied.
    “Dad, I want to apologize to you. I haven’t been here enough for you. I didn’t see your own personal struggles outside of our family.”
    “Luke, you have been supportive—amazingly supportive. You were there for me and for your sisters, and you were there for your mother.” George took his son’s hand. “Luke, who has been there for you? Who supports you? I’m worried about you, son.”
    “Dad, I don’t think that I’ve allowed myself to mourn. I was so busy with thoughts of me not being here when mom died…” Luke paused, swallowing his guilt.
    “Son.”
    “Please, Dad, let me finish. I understand the loss that you feel and the loss that I feel are different. But, that’s the thing. I’m not sure how I feel. I’m sad that Mom died. I’m sad at what she will miss out on. I’m even sad for what we’ll miss out on. But, I am relieved at the same time because she is not suffering, and I don’t have to watch her die.”
    “Well, son, it sounds to me like you are starting to heal. That is a wonderful gift within itself.” George gave Luke a reassuring