Free The Pandora Project by Heather A. Cowan

feed Paige her favorite ice cream right off the bat, you aren’t saving much for later!”
    Everyone laughs at his attempt at a joke but it all feels forced, rehearsed. Lexi picks up the conversation, “Do you remember when we came here after Kindergarten graduation?”
    I moan at the memory and the source of my joke with Gil, “Let’s not talk about this, I’m eating.”
    “No, please, I don’t want to be the only one left out of the story,” John makes a circular motion with his spoon to encourage Lexi, not that she needed it.
    “We came here to celebrate. My dad promised us we could have whatever we wanted, but he never would have dreamed Paige would ask for a triple in a waffle cone.”
    “I’d never gotten to choose whatever I wanted before, I wanted to make it good,” I interject, trying to justify what I know is coming.
    “Paige gets a scoop of bubblegum, a scoop of cotton candy, it was blue, and a scoop of birthday cake. As soon as Gil gave it to her she started chowing down. Everyone told her to slow down, but she ate it like she was afraid someone was going to take it away from her!”
    “I was ! Did you see my mom eyeing me the entire time? The only reason she didn’t take it was because she didn’t want to hurt your dad’s feelings.”
    Lexi laughs and continues, “As soon as she gets done she starts to turn green. Her mom tried to get her to the bathroom in time but failed epically!” Paige points to a spot about four feet away from the restroom, “Right there is where our sweet Paige gave Gil everything back.” She starts laughing hysterically and tears appear in her eyes. She laughs for a while longer and wipes at the tears on her face. It could be my imagination, but they don’t appear to be tears of joy.
    “I don’t think Gil appreciated my return,” I try to turn the attention away from Lexi so she can compose herself a little bit.
    Jake finishes up his ice cream, “I am so glad I wasn’t here for that one. Paige I think that may be the only life event of yours that I actually missed. It has been the three of us forever!”
    Why does this feel like good -bye? “It has, I appreciate you putting up with me…I know it hasn’t been easy as you guys have gotten more…intimate?” Jake turns red and it is John’s turn to punch him in the shoulder.
    “Well, if I have my way,” John turns his eyes to me, “It will be the four of us and we can make Paige uncomfortable with some intimate moments, what do you guys think?”
    I can’t help but blush, even though I know he doesn’t mean it, and when Lexi bumps my shoulder my heart breaks for the private jokes we won’t be sharing any more. I know things are changing and Lexi does too. Whatever part of John’s master plan gave me these few moments with her I am thankful.
    We finish up our ice cream and make our way to John’s car. Right outside the ice cream shop Lexi jumps on Jake’s back for a piggy back ride. Jake runs her in circles until she begs to be let off. She runs back to me and slides her arm easily through the crook in my elbow. It is her favorite way to walk with me.
    As we approach John’s car, Jake lets out a long whistle of appreciation. “You are kidding me, dude. This is your car?”
    “Yep, do you like?”
    “No, I love!” Jake runs his fingers lovingly over the rear bumper. “Can I drive it?” he asks hopefully.
    “Absolutely, just don’t get pulled over. My dad will kill me.” John tosses his keys to Jake, who catches them easily. Jake isn’t surprised that John is letting him take his car. In normal circumstances he would be jumping up and down and peeing himself. This is definitely part of the plan.
    Lexi passes her keys to John, “You can take mine, I’ll bring Jake back for his later.” She pulls me in for a tight hug, “I love you,” she whispers in my ear.
    “Love you, too,” I whisper back, trying not to cry.
    She gives John a quick squeeze as well and I see him transfer the chip from