Don't Let Go

Chapter 8.

'He seemed okay', Noah mused as he wove through the streets heading in the direction of the beach house. We were about five minutes away. I assumed that June already knew what had happened with her younger son, so her take on things would be interesting.

I smiled at him, 'Really? Cause all I could hear is the devastation in his voice'

'You knew things were like this?', he asked and I nodded.

'He gave me a heads up about what was going on the other day', I pulled my glasses on top of my hair and Noah pulled into our street. 'I don't know. I think he knew deep down where things were going, but I guess you don't really want to face it or feel it until you have to'.

'Mmm', Noah agreed, as he let out a sigh. He let go of my hand as he pulled into the drive way of the Beach House.

The car came to a stop and I sagged against the seat. It felt like I hadn't been here in ages, but realistically it was just a few month. So much had changed in that time. It was funny, so much was changing but the Beach House always seemed constant.

'Funny how things are changing', Noah stated as I shot him a look, 'What?'

'Were you reading my mind?', I asked and he grinned.

'Obviously!'

I rolled my eyes as we both jumped out of the car, the front door opening as June and Matthew appeared in the drive way.

'There's my baby!', June called as she walked over and pulled Noah into her arms.

'Hi Ma', he grinned as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. She let him go to embrace Matthew as he she walked over to me. Cupping my face in her hands, she smiled, 'How's my girl?'

'Good!', I smiled but clearly it didn't meet my eyes. June gave me a knowing look as she pulled me in for a hug. 'Catch up later?'

'Yeah', I agreed as she let me go and motioned for us to follow them into the house.

We were home.

***

Noah dissapeared with his Dad for a bit, which left me and June to catch up until they both got home.

I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen to find June pouring two cups of coffee.

'Thank you!' I sang as I took the cup she was holding out to me before following her out onto the patio. It was a gorgeous afternoon, the heat wasn't too much and it was just glorious. We settled ourselves on the deck chair and just enjoyed the serenity for a few minutes.

I breathed in the fresh sea air, willing my mind and body to relax.

'So tell me', June said nursing her mug in her hands, 'How is USC? I feel like I don't see you anymore now that the boys are gone!'

'I know!' I agreed, 'I miss our chats'

'But you have also have Linda now?' June asked, as I hesitated with my reply, Linda was definitely someone who I could talk to and it was nice to have another woman's perspective on things, but.....

'She's not you' I said, honestly. June smiled in understanding as she reached for my hand. 'Tell me everything!'

I laughed as I filled her in on my classes and what I was working on. She wanted to know about my friends and was surprised at how different they sounded to those that I usually surrounded myself with. I told her if upcoming shifts at the diner and what was going on with Dad, Brad and Linda. I brought her up to speed with Noah and where we stood.

'I'm so proud of you both for giving it another shot, but this time actually doing what is best for yourselves as well as your relationship', she commented. 'Does it feel different this time?'