Family Ties

by Debi V. Smith

  “We’re friends, Riss.”

  “Looks like more than that.” She stares at me, planting her hands on her hips.

  I let out a deep sigh. “Do you know what it’s like to have no friends? None? No one to talk to at all?”

  She casts her eyes down and her arms fall to her side. “No.”

  “I had no friends at La Costa and Hunter lost all of his when he stood up for me, going against Nicole, after we just met. He sought me out later and befriended me when I needed someone.”

  She throws her arms around me and buries her face in my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I just saw him holding you with Jason in the next room and I saw red.”

  “I’m not going to sabotage my relationship with Jason. Not after he waited for me again.”

  “Yo! Babe! Sara!” Damian calls. “Movie’s starting.”

  Arissa breaks away and swipes at the tears under her eyes. I laugh and give her a playful shove towards the living room. She pushes me back and smiles.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  Jason takes me to his house a week later to meet his dad. My fingers are interlaced with Jason’s and he’s facing me on the porch. “He’s having a good day today, but he might not look like it.”

  “Okay. Are you worried?”

  “Just hoping his appearance won’t freak you out.”

  “J, you know me better than that.”

  “I do.”

  “Then stop worrying,” I say.

  “Okay.” He kisses me softly.

  From the entryway, Jason leads me through the living room. A blue sofa faces two matching chairs with a mahogany coffee table between them. An enlarged photo of a deserted tropical beach hangs over the white fireplace. Assorted seashells line the mantle.

  We walk through the large opening in the back of the living room, then to a room on the left. A large, flat screen TV takes up much of the wall space opposite the door. Two overstuffed black leather sofas line the two side walls and two recliners face the TV on the edge of the taupe area rug covering the dark wood floor. A low, black entertainment center sits under the TV and holds various electronic components, including a stereo playing jazz through the room’s speakers.

  Alana is in front of the left chair, holding a lidded cup with a straw. She peers up and smiles. “Sara! I so enjoyed our dinner at work the other night.”

  “I did too, Alana.” I smile in return.

  Jason leads me to the chair. “Dad.” He bends down and kisses his dad on the cheek. “This is Sara.”

  His dad looks like nothing more than skin covering a skeleton. His white t-shirt and blue basketball shorts are ten sizes too big for him. His head is bald and his face sunken, yet ice blue eyes shimmer at me. A sign of true life behind the disease ravaging his body.

  “Sara,” he says, slow and deliberate. “I’m thrilled to finally meet the girl who stole my son’s heart.”

  “I’m glad to meet you as well, Mr. Waters.”

  He rolls his bright eyes and slowly waves his hand in dismissal. “Mike. My name is Mike.”

  “Okay. Mike,” I say, smiling.

  Jason tugs me to the sofa closest to his dad, covering our joined hands with his free hand. Alana sits in the other recliner, holding Mike’s cup.

  “Tell me,” he says, leaning over the recliner’s arm, “is my boy treating you right?”

  “He’s been nothing but a gentleman since we met.”

  “Good.” He shakes a finger at Jason. “You better keep it up.”

  “And risk you being on my case if I didn’t?” Jason asks in jest.

  “You like me being on your case,” Mike jokes back.

  “Yes, I do, Dad.” He grins, releasing my hand and sliding his arm around me.

  Mike returns his attention to me. “Do you know what colleges you’re applying to in the fall?”

  I tense and Jason squeezes me into him. “I really hadn’t thought about it. I’m just trying to get through one day at a time right now.”

  “Oh, right. The trials start soon. Jason told us about that. I do hope they get what’s coming to them. There’s no excuse for what they did to you.”

  “Thank you, Mike.”

  He sits back in the chair and closes his eyes.

  Jason pulls his arm out from behind me, setting his forearms on his lap. “Dad? Are you okay?”

  “Just a little tired, son,” he answers with his eyes still closed.

  “Do you want me to take you to your room?”

  “That might be a good idea with company coming later.”

  Jason squats in front of Mike. He leans forward and wraps his arms around Jason’s neck, the strain of the effort etched on his face. Jason sets his hands into Mike’s armpits and slowly lifts as Mike pushes up with trembling legs. Alana pulls a wheelchair over from the back corner of the room. Jason and Mike each keep an arm around the other as they shuffle to the wheelchair.

  “Sorry to leave you so soon, Sara. I’ll be back out once I’ve had a nap,” he says, tired but cheerful as he’s wheeled out of the room.

  When Jason returns, I place my legs over his lap. He takes my hand into his and sets his other hand on my shins.

  “You downplayed how sick he is,” I admonish him, giving his hand a small squeeze.

  “There is always hope, Parker. He beat it once.” He hangs his head.

  “You don’t have to put up a front and be strong for me, J. You’re just one piece of my support system.” I weave my fingers through his soft hair, stopping at the back of his head. “We’re both going through major things right now. I don’t want you to suffer because you think you have to be the hero. You told me when I came back that I didn’t have to hide the ugly stuff. You don’t either.”

  Tears well in his eyes and the corners of his mouth turn down. He sniffs and takes a breath before the tears fall in earnest. He draws me into his lap. His body wracks with sobs as he abandons himself to his anguish.

  The tight-knit strength and happiness he wore for years unravels before my eyes.

  I cradle him, remembering each time he comforted me, and repeat those tender touches and kisses. His forehead, his temple, the top of his head. He cinches his arms around me, rocking side to side. His sobs slowly subside, then he stills. I cup his face in my hands and turn it to me, wiping away his tears and placing a light kiss on his lips.

  “Oh, Parker,” he murmurs, running his hands up my back and into my hair. His mouth meets mine, tenderness expressing his sorrow before pulling away and touching his forehead to mine.

  It leaves me breathless and wanting more.

  “Promise me you won’t hide stuff like this from me again.” I let my arms rest over his shoulders.

  “I won’t.” His hands trail along my arms, then down my back. “What would you like to do until everyone gets here? We have time to burn.”

  “You choose.”

  A spark lights up in his eyes as he grins. He shifts under me and grabs a remote off the end table, then aims it at the entertainment center, pushing a series of buttons.

  A bass guitar plucks a simple line.

  He drops the remote next to him, places one arm under my legs, wraps the other one around my back, and stands. I stiffen in response.

  “Relax.” He lowers my legs to the ground. “Keep your arms around me.” He slides his hands to my back, then sways us side to side.

  My lips curl up. “Dancing?”

  He shrugs. “Why not? We missed prom.”

  A soft male voice croons. I feel like I’ve heard the song or the voice before, but I can’t place it. After three years, I’m still learning everything I missed.

  “Who is this?”

  “Anberlin.”

  My fingertips stroke his neck. “I like it.”

  He guides my right arm down to the side and dips me low, planting a quick, chaste kiss on my lips before bringing me back up. Then he leads into a tight waltz and I easily follow without tripping or feeling shy. The left corner of his mouth curls up.


  “Aren’t you the dashing dancer,” I say, impressed. “Who taught you to dance?”

  “My parents. They’ve been ballroom dancing since before I was born.”

  He releases my waist and twirls me before taking my waist into his arm again.

  “Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?”

  “Is it working?” he asks.

  “Always.”

  He dips me again and kisses me, not so chaste or quick this time. “Good.” He beams.

  We return to swaying and I rest my head on his shoulder, drinking in the comfort as the music plays on.

  Jason takes his dad out back before everyone arrives and starts up the grill, with Mike directing him from his lounge chair.

  “Dad, you taught me how to grill years ago. I know what I’m doing.”

  “Oh, what do you know?” Mike asks, waving his hand in dismissal, but I spot the grin he’s trying to suppress.

  “Everything you and Mom taught me.” He grins.

  Mike looks at me and points his thumb casually at Jason. “Can you believe this guy?”

  “I’d say he’s a chip off the old block, Mike.”

  “Jason, what have you been telling her about me?”

  “Just that you’re the most awesome dad around.”

  Mike smiles and it brightens his eyes. “I love you too, son.”

  Damian, his parents Felix and Shelly Riven, and the Jerichos arrive together and a whirlwind of introductions occur between them and Jason’s parents.

  I notice Mike settle back into the chair, chest heaving, as everyone disperses. I squat next to him, placing my hand on his forearm. “Can I get you some water?”

  He sets his hand over mine. “Thank you, but I think Alana is bringing me some.” He smiles. “Hey, son.”

  “Yeah, Dad.”

  “She’s a keeper,” he says, gazing at me, still smiling.

  “Hands off, old man,” Jason says, pointing the tongs in his hand at Mike. “She’s mine and you’re married.”

  “She touched me first, son. I can’t help that the young ladies find me irresistible.”

  I chuckle and glance at Jason as I stand, patting Mike on the shoulder. “Now I know where you get it from.”

  He shrugs nonchalantly in response. “I never had a chance.” He grins and winks at me.

  I head into the house through the sliding door that opens into the bright green kitchen and dining room. The charcoal granite counters hold a variety of dishes that Alana fixed, as well as pitchers of lemonade and ice tea.

  Alana is busy washing dishes at the sink while scrutinizing the scene through the window.

  “He’s doing okay out there, you know,” I say.

  “I just worry, honey. The longer you spend sharing your life and love with one person, the more you worry about them.”

  “I came in to get him some water.”

  “Oh, I forgot!” she exclaims, turning off the water and drying her hands.

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind taking it to him.”

  “Thank you. We haven’t really had people over since he got sick again. I’m not used to taking care of him and playing host.”

  “Tell me what you need me to do. And don’t worry about the Jerichos and the Rivens. They’re pretty laid back and don’t mind taking care of themselves.”

  She nods in acknowledgment, filling a cup with water and then screwing a lid on with a straw. “Now, you can’t let Mike keep this. His hands don’t always cooperate and he’ll end up dropping it.”

  “Got it.”

  I take the cup to Mike, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and offering the cup to him.

  “Oh, thank you, Sara.” He accepts the cup with both hands and takes a deep draught through the straw.

  “You’re welcome.”

  He hands the cup back to me and I slide my free arm around Jason’s waist. He smiles and slips his arm around my shoulder, brushing his lips over mine.

  I sigh, wishing I could stay with him. But Alana needs help. “This is your dad’s.” I lift the cup to show him, then set it on the table next to the grill. “I’m going back in to help your mom. She’s a bit frazzled.”

  “I can help her.”

  “No, you need to watch the grill and your dad.”

  “Thank you,” he whispers.

  “Anything for you, J.”

  He cocks an eyebrow. “Watch what you promise, Parker.”

  “You’re incorrigible,” I say loud enough for Mike to hear as I walk away.

  Alana swipes her hand under her eyes when I return. “Are you okay?” I ask.

  “Tears of joy,” she laughs a little. “You’ll understand when you have children of your own one day. I was worried when Jason broke up with Becky. We knew how he felt about you, but your parents weren’t allowing you to date. It’s good to see you both happy.”

  Jason brings in a platter of chicken, placing it with the rest of the food on the counter. He leans in, kissing my head as he passes by.

  “Hey, Mom.” He pecks her on the cheek.

  I marvel at the adoration he shows his parents. Almost losing a parent once only to see them on the brink of death again must make you see life differently.

  Maybe that’s why he’s so patient with me. Why he’s willing to do anything for me. I finally see the boy who knows life is precious and refuses to waste it on trivial things just because everyone else does.

  There is a pull inside me, tugging on my heart and my previous doubts disappear. This is where I belong. I am the girl for Jason. I am certain of this now.

  “How’s your dad?” Alana asks, still fretting.

  “He’s enjoying himself.”

  I peek through the window. The guys are gathered around Mike, laughing, while Arissa wanders through Alana’s vegetable garden with Rose and Shelly.

  Several minutes later, Jason gets Mike situated at the picnic table and I take Mike his dinner while everyone is inside getting theirs. I return to an empty kitchen and work my way down the line of food.

  The door slides open and Jason takes my plate, setting it down as I question him with a look. He answers with his hands cupping my face and his lips meeting mine with fire. My arms enfold him as I return his kiss with equal intensity.

  He stops with his mouth hovering over mine. “Thank you for today.” His arms snake around me, engulfing me in his comforting scent.

  “I would do anything for you. Just like you’ve done for me. I owe it to you.”

  “You don’t owe me anything.”

  “I do,” I insist, breaking away. “You carried me away from the house of horrors.”

  “I would’ve done it sooner if I had known.”

  I press my hands flat on his chest. “I know. But you did it when it mattered most.”

  The adults are seated at the picnic table, talking animatedly, and Mike is smiling, leaning in to eat a small bite. We join Arissa and Damian in the grass near the pond.

  “Everyone seems to be getting along,” I comment.

  “Yeah, I didn’t think there was anyone sweeter than Rose until today, J,” Damian states.

  “No hitting on my dad, man,” Jason quips.

  “But he’s so cute!”

  We roar with laughter.

  Jason puts Mike to bed while everyone prepares to leave. Promises are made to do this weekly and everyone agrees to bring a dish, lessening the work for Alana.

  I take care of the dishes while Alana puts the food away. Jason joins us as I load the last dish in the dishwasher.

  “Dad’s asking for you, Parker,” he says.

  “Me?”

  “You’re the only Parker here.”

  Alana gives him good-natured smack on the shoulder.

  “Ow!” He grabs his shoulder, grinning.

  She smiles and shakes her head.

  Jason leads me through the long hallway to the room at the end. Mike is propped up under solid brown covers in a king size bed. His faces brightens with a wide smile and he pats the s
pace next to him on the bed.

  “I’m going to clean the grill,” Jason tells me as I sit next to his dad.

  Mike squeezes my hand with both of his. “Thank you, Sara. This is the most fun I’ve had since the cancer returned. I hope to see more of you.”

  “You will.” I smile, knowing Jason will make sure of it.

  “You know, Jason’s like a lovesick puppy when he’s here without you.”

  “Seriously?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

  He nods his head and laughs. “It’s true.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “Now you do.” He pats my hand. “Thank you again. I hate to shoo you away, but I’m exhausted after all that fun.”

  “Not at all, Mike. Goodnight.” I kiss him on the cheek.

  He grins as I stand, covering his cheek with his hand. “I’ll never wash it again.”

  I chuckle. “You two are so much alike.”

  I join Jason outside. “I like your dad.”

  “He ate the most I’ve seen him eat in a while. We might need to have people over more often if it stokes his appetite.”

  “The adults talked about doing this weekly,” I state.

  I tip my head towards the yard and he closes the grill. We sit in the grass, legs bent, hips touching, and facing each other. I lean back on my hands while he wrap his arms around his legs.

  “I finally get it,” I say. “I get why you waited so long for me.”

  His breath hitches. He reaches over and plants his hand in grass next to me.

  “The Jerichos taught me how loving families interact. Today, you and your parents showed me something deeper. You understand how fleeting life is and you truly cherish one another.

  “It’s why you’re so patient and supportive. Why you held on when I pushed you away. Why you kiss me and hold my hand every chance you get.”

  His fingers stroke my cheek.

  “We grew up fast under different circumstances,” I say. “I belong with you. I know that now.”

  His fingers snake through my hair. “I told you it was always you.”

  “You did, but my father taught me to believe I wasn’t worthy of love. I lived in fear, never knowing when the next beating would come. I don’t live in fear anymore, J. Part of the reason for that is you.”

  He draws me into his embrace. “I would do anything for you, Parker.”