A Family Betrayal

After that day of my birthday I was excited about going to school, but yet sad as I was going to be leaving my family for 9 months. I knew they were sad also, but kept strong for me. The Friday night before I left in the middle of August mom had a surprise planned. My mother made it a special night as we took pictures of us all on cell phones. Mom had Michelle take one of mom and I on the couch together. I smiled as did she with love in our eyes. Michelle wanted one also as did Travis. I got one of all of us with Travis taking it since his arm was longer then mine at that time. As the night got closer to bed time mom asked us to get ready as we were going to sleep in her bed as a family. She wanted my last night for the summer to be one of holding me like when I was a kid. That night we talked, cried, and spoke our hearts that promised to never leave one another.

The next day came being a Saturday that I was woken to the smell of pancakes and sausage. Shellie was holding me in her arms watching me sleep. She smiled at me as I did to her. She kissed my forehead before we got out of bed. She told me to go get dressed then come down to the kitchen to eat. I did a few minutes later to see my stuff was already gone. My duffle bag, Laptop, and cell phone. I felt sad knowing this was the day my life would change a second time. I got dressed in the clothes I guess mom or Michelle picked out. Jeans, muscle shirt. socks and shoes. I ran down the hall then down the stairs. I made my way to the kitchen to see everyone there. Chris, Mike, Ellie, Tiffany, Verna, Ricky, Selena, Kiko, Nate, Mom, Michelle, and Travis.

What..what is all this? I asked confused as they chuckled.

It’s a tradition hun as the parents select who fixes our breakfast the morning before we leave for school. Your mom decided it be best if it was here. Tiffany tells me as everyone nods except Michelle and Travis.

Oh ok. I’m just surprised, that’s all. I say going to a empty chair.

We know honey, but thought it be more meaningful if we all ate together to give support. Ellie says as I smile nodding.

I sat between Michelle and Tiffany. Over the last few years they have grown close as sisters. I would chuckle at times wondering what the coming years would bring if Tiffany and I did get together what my big sister would think.

A few hours past as I find myself at the airport being sent off by my family. It was heart breaking knowing tomorrow I would wake up not seeing their faces. My family held me tight each with tears.

You ever need to hear our voices or just want to talk you call ok Heath honey. Mom says with tears running down her face.

I will mom I promise. I say as Michelle pulls me tight.

You better come home to us during the summers. I am so going to miss you baby brother. I love you so very much. Michelle tells me as I nod.

I love you too Shellie always. I says as Mom and Travis pull me to them making me chuckle.

We love you to my bright blued eyed baby boy. Mom says with more tears.

You be safe bro and remember if you need me call I will race up to help. I love you lil brother. Travis tells me trying to hold back his tears.

I will, I love you both so much as well. I tell them as I hear the boarding announcement.

Mom gives me one last hug as she takes my hands looking in my eyes.

Heath your father would be so proud of you as I am. I love you honey always remember that no matter what. Mom tells me as I hear footsteps come behind me.

Come on Heath we have to go. I hear Tiffany tell me as I turn letting go of my mom’s hands.

Tiffany takes my right hand in her left leading me to our flight. I turn to see my family holding each other with tears as I have tears myself. I see the other parents step to mine and hug them with comfort and support. I look straight ahead at the moment not turning back again. Tiffany hands the attendant our tickets which I handed her to hold for me. I try to hold back more of my tears, but they come anyway. I follow Tiffany as she leads me to the plane. Once on Tiffany has me sit by her.

Heath honey I know it’s hard, but you have us to help get you through this. Now come here I will give you my shoulder to cry on. Tiffany says as I lean towards her.

She places her arms around me as I do cry and sob. I think of this new beginning and hope I can do this. Closing my eyes I let my thoughts ask for help from one man that I know will hear me.

Dad please watch over Mom, Shellie, and Travis. And please give me the strength to take this new path in my life. I love you dad and miss you so much. My thoughts say as Tiffany comforts me with a kiss to my forehead.

After touching down from the flight and helped to where I was to pick up my duffle bag and laptop. Chris, Selena, and Tiffany showed me to the limo that was taking us to the school. The driver noticed me giving a smile.

You must be Heath it’s nice to meet you. Mr. Jarvison told me to give you a stressless ride. So I have some ice tea in the car for you to relax drinking and music already in the headphones for you. I hope we can be friends young man. He says to me as I nod before he continues ” My name is Jason so if you need a ride some where on the weekends let me know.”

Wait we can leave school property on weekends? I ask as he looks confused at me.

Why yes you mean to tell me these three didn’t tell you? He asks concern looking at Tiffany and them.

Jason we were caught up in getting here. He is right hun we can leave campus on weekends. Yes it’s a private school, but the director doesn’t want us to feel like were in a prison. So we get to leave on weekends, but have to be back by night fall. Tiffany tells me as Jason nods.

Nice that’s cool to know. I say as Jason motions me into the limo.

He looks to be in his 30’s, 6’1, 223 lbs muscled, short black hair and brown eyes. I get in and sit by Tiffany who smiles. Chris and Selena are sitting on the side drinking soda. Tiffany hands me a ice tea after I place my bag and laptop next to me. I thank her which she smiles grabbing a ice tea herself. The ride is nice as Tiffany leans against my shoulder. I get a warm feeling inside me as Tiffany takes my left hand in her right.

Heath don’t be scared ok hun we won’t let anything happen to you. We are your friends and always will be. Tiffany says as Chris and Selena agree with cheers.

She’s right bro we got your back. I know this is going to be hard, but you have us to lean on now. So just relax and enjoy. Chris tells me as I smile nodding.

I take in their advice and lean back against the seat more. Tiffany keeps her head on my shoulder while holding my hand. I don’t know what it is about her. She is showing comfort yes, but it feels like she is showing affection that I am not use too. The ride is nice as I look out to see the scenery since it’s still daylight out. I tilt my head back closing my eyes. I think of this new path in my life. I decide to try this new school and maybe see what it has to offer.

Before I know it the first few months go by and it’s Christmas. Chris, Selena, Tiffany, and I make a trip home for the holidays. I am welcomed home by my family with open arms. They all hug me tight with kisses from mom and Michelle on my forehead. Travis just bear hugs me with a smile. The house hasn’t changed much except for the tree. That week feels, wonderful as my family take me with them whenever they go out, which is shopping to get everyone gifts. Mom fills me in that the other parents will be over as they have become closer almost like a big family. I smile knowing things have been good for mom and them as I was worried so much of the change of me not being home.

Christmas comes and it’s a nice one. Gifts are exchanged with smiles shining bright. Mom got me a Jacket with inside pockets. Michelle gave me a picture of them all taken during Thanksgiving. Travis got me a pocket watch with a eagle on the front. I loved all that was given to me. Chris and Selena got me an Ipod loaded with my favorite songs. Tiffany gave me a friendship wrist bracelet that said forever friends. I smiled at those words as my eyes brighten. Everyone had a great time with carols being sung and happiness in the air. That Christmas was the best we had in years.

The days turned into weeks then to months. I found the school year end to flow into summer. This was the summer I would turn 15 just one more year before my 16th birthday. Mike dropped me off, but not before Tiffany gave me a kiss on my left cheek. It surprised me as I smiled seeing her big smile shining back at me. I grabbed my bag from my god father Mike just to get a hug from him. Afterward he goes around to the driver side only to get back in the driver seat. I stepped to the passenger front door to lean down a bit. I told them I would see them soon as Ellie spoke up before Mike pulled out.

If you need anything call us I don’t care what time it is ok sweetie. Ellie tells me as I nod smiling.

I stood there watching them leave. Tiffany looked out the back glass blowing me a kiss. Everyday she showed some kind of affection that I was getting use to which was hugs, holding hands, and kisses on my face. I turned making my way up to the house. I turned the doorknob making my way in. Shutting the door behind me I walk into the living room around 2 p.m.

MOM I’M HOME! I yell hearing foot steps coming from the kitchen.

My baby is home. I hear mom say as I turn to see her coming at me.

Once to me we hug as she breaks it a few seconds to look at me. Her eyes look me over as I see a smile.

” You have grown Heath how tall are you?’ Mom asks as I smile.

Six foot, but I don’t think I am done it.”” I say getting a smile.”

” So where is Shellie and Travis I figured they would be here?’ I ask as her smile turns to a frown.

They are up stairs getting ready to go hang with Trey and Keisha. They met them in April at a party. So I just let them do what they want as they are over 18 honey.”” Mom answer as I nod.”

I know mom just thought they would be happy to see me thats all. I say with a bit of sadness.

I know honey, but I am happy to see you. So come and tell me all about this past school year. Are you on the honor roll again? Mom tells me as I follow her to the couch.