Imperfect Perfection

Author's Note: Welcome to the sequel of A Light in the dark! Obviously, this is the summer that is started on the last chapter of ALITD. So, the summary is right down there. It's best to read ALITD before reading this if you haven't read it. I'm working on making this story longer. And yes, all the place below tie in somehow. Enjoy…

Summary:

The gang is back in Westchester County, more specifically White Plains, New York. After their first year in college, Massie and Landon have confessed their love and are going strong.

This summer is filled with Montana, New York, Florida Cruises, and the drama. Will Landon be jealous of Massie's old Montana friend? What happens when the unexpected couple shows up on the cruise? Relationships are being put to the test. Friends are living it up. Grandparents are giving out their advice.

This is going to be one interesting summer…

…

Chapter One: Red Dirt Road

...

White Plains, New York
Westchester County Airport
Wednesday, June 20
5:49a.m.

MB;

"You really didn't have to come, you know. The others said goodbye last night," I noted. Landon looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Actually, I did have to come, under my own judgment. Either way you have to go through security now," he replied, giving a little sigh.

That morning, despite my protests, he'd shown up to take me to the airport where I'd be flying to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana. My grandparents had moved from New York to somewhere quieter, more reserved.

"I know…"

He leaned down and wrapped me in one of those gentle hugs. Our goodbyes were short and sweet, not even containing the word "goodbye" at all.

"Remember to call me when your flight lands and you get settled in," he instructed.

"I know, I won't forget." Landon had become slightly more protective after an interesting showdown with Claire back in May. Plus, it was a normal instruction anyway.

"I still love you, ever since January," he reminded in a whisper.

"I love you too, ever since January. I'll call you when it lands. Be careful when you hit that New York morning traffic."

"Sure…"

With the accustomed parting kiss (Weren't you expecting it?), I went through security and got everything checked in, settling down in one of the chairs for the next twenty minutes or so before takeoff.

I'd had two options, a flight that didn't get in until almost midnight, but left a little after noon; or there was the flight that left at about six-thirty in the morning, but got in around two-ish.

My section was called to board. I got up and took in my purse (not actually having a carryon, just the duffels) and took my seat quietly. An elderly man sat down next to me and introduced himself, as we'd be sitting together for over six hours. I'd been lucky enough to get a straight through and not have to deal with layovers.

His name was Arnold. At first I was just being polite, introducing myself and making small talk, but throughout the ride, I began to get interested with some of his old war stories, as he was a veteran. We talked for a few hours before it just kind of faded to a comfortable silence. I yawned, fighting sleep and failing miserably.

…

At noon, Arnie, as he seemed to like being called, gently woke me up, saying that they were serving some sort of airplane food. I wasn't exactly sure if it was edible, but it turned out to be, thankfully. That one comedian line that I never quite understood came into my mind: So, how about that airplane food?

"So, are you visiting someone in Kalispell?" I asked curiously, taking a bite of the sandwich thing.

"No, I actually just finished visiting my daughter in New York; I live in Kalispell," he corrected with one of those gentleman smiles. His eyes crinkled at the corners, a slight twinkle in his light grey eyes.

"Really? Do you know a Clementine Block?" I inquired, remembering my grandma's tales of all the friendly neighbors. She lived a little bit farther back in the town than most, settled into a gorgeous old Victorian-style home.

"In fact I do, she's a lovely lady."

"She's my grandmother."

"Come to think of it, your name does sound familiar…"

We chatted more for the rest of the flight. He really was an interesting old gentleman. The flight landed with no complications. I got off of the plane after bidding a farewell and a possible see-you-again to Arnold, heading in the direction of the luggage carousel.

My grandpa, Wendel, was waiting for me. His white/grey hair was still as smooth and half-there as ever, smile lighting up his face at the sight of me: his only grandchild. Layne hadn't had any children yet, but I believe that she had one on the way… She was thirty against my father and mother's forty-one.

"Massie, it's been too long. I've missed you, kid," he greeted, giving me one of those soft hugs.

"Hey Gramps, I've missed you too." My duffels came by and I snatched them quickly. Together, we made our way out to their old Toyota, stowing the bags in the bed of the truck.

The drive back to their house was filled with chattering of what-have-you-been-up-to's and how-are-you-doing's.

I could really see why they called it Big Sky country, silently wondering my dad's old guitar was here. He'd taught me how to play when I was younger. But the older I got, the more he'd embraced his work and I rarely saw the fun-loving guy he used to be.

We pulled into the driveway, the sight of the gorgeous house taking my breath away, just like every time. It had a big wraparound porch and was painted a pale yellow, Clementine's favorite. There was a garden along the edges beside the steps, filled with different wildflowers that grew. A weeping willow towered in the backyard, along with a familiar and very old oak tree in the front.

I climbed down out of the truck, a smile gracing my face as I looked around at the house. My grandfather helped me grab my bags, insisting on carrying at least one, and then taking them both upstairs to put in what had been declared as my room when I was younger.

Clementine came bustling out of the kitchen wiping her hands on an apron. "Massie, darling!" She came forwards and wrapped me in one of her unnaturally strong hugs.

"Hey gramma, it's good to see you too," I managed to squeak out. She let me go and held my shoulders to observe me. It had been just over a year and she was convinced that either I grew or she shrunk. (It was probably the latter.)

Wendel came back down and followed us into the kitchen with his nose. "I smell cookies," he announced triumphantly, coming into the kitchen and moving towards the plate.

With one swift motion, Clementine got his hand with a kitchen towel and told him that he had to wait. She turned her back to get something and he gave me a wink before grabbing a cookie and hurrying out of sight of my grandmother.

"Did he take one again?" she asked, turning around. I think I got my attitude from Clementine…

"Why would you think that?" I asked innocently, reaching for one myself. She shook her head, making the white hair pulled into a bun on her head sway a little.

"I would think so because he does every time and is convinced I don't notice…"

"Ah, I see now."

After the aforementioned and usual chattering, I finally switched into a more natural mode while observing the kitchen. There were white wooden cabinets and counters, along with the brightly-colored tile on the wall between said cabinets (that were up near the ceiling) and counters. The actual counter-tops were some sort of stone, likely granite or something similar.

"How come you never told me about Arnold?" I asked curiously, disguising the yawn I had coming with a drink of lemonade. Like any other person, I managed to get jet lag, but just held off for a while. It was nearing three-thirty in the afternoon at that point.

"You've met Arnold?" Clementine asked, leaning against the counter. She'd abandoned the apron, having finally been done with her welcoming cookies and fresh lemonade.

"On the plane actually, I sat next to him. He's a pretty cool old man." I chuckled.

"Ah yes, he lives down the street a ways, he comes over sometimes, as Wendel and I go over. Your grandfather and Arnold seem to be good friends," she mused.

"I see, he told me some stories. They were really interesting. I'm going to write down what I remember later, so I can always have it."

"I think that sounds like a good idea, but for now you should go and get some rest. Don't think that lemonade can disguise your jet lag," Clementine urged with a grandmotherly smile.

I smiled back and thanked her before heading up to "my" bedroom. The walls were a dusty rose and there was a window seat overlooking the backyard. The furniture was in dark cherry wood and the curtains were a sheer white. I slipped off the flats I'd been wearing and scooped up my phone, remembering the promised call to Landon.

With a bit of unnecessary nostalgia, I dialed the familiar number and held the phone between my shoulder and ear while combing through my hair.

"Hello?" that deep voice answered, being slightly changed from the real thing thanks to the phone.

"Landon?"

"…Massie?"

"Did you're caller ID break?" I inquired, pulling my hair up into a ponytail. The light sweatshirt I was wearing was a little hard to get off, but I managed it while switching the phone between ears.

"No, but I didn't look at it either. And my phone was on vibrate so I couldn't hear your ringtone. Anyways, how is it?" he asked.

"It's… beautiful. I can see where the state nickname came from," I relayed, lounging and the bed and cradling my iPhone in my hand against my ear at that point.

"I'm glad you like it. Alicia demanded that I tell you to take pictures whenever I next talked to you." I had an image of him shaking his head and grinning slightly like he would whenever a statement like that happened.

"Planning on it." Another yawn came on. Even with the hour or so nap on the plane, I was still tired with the two hour jet lag. I pulled the phone away from my head in hopes that Landon wouldn't hear it.

"Massie, I'm not stupid; I know that you just yawned."

"How?"

"First things first, the word "how" is kind of a confession. And then there's always the fact that I heard it fading 'cause you didn't pull the iPhone away fast enough," he noted.

"Darn."

"Get some rest. If you're having trouble sleeping, just call me."

"Fine then, I'll talk to you within the next twenty-four hours. Have a fun night."

"You do the same, but don't forget about us… or go flirting."

I chuckled. "I'll try not to," I teased. After a quick goodbye, I hung up and curled up against the bed, willing myself to rest.

I guess I did have quite the case of jet lag and perpetual loss of sleep because I conked out easier than I thought possible.

...

"Massie, dinner's ready!" Clementine called up the staircase again, effectively waking me up. I'd slept for just over two hours and my jet lag seemed to have passed easily enough. With a slight sigh, I got up and wandered downstairs.

They were both out on the back porch at the table, having set up a picnic-like setting. I took my seat and talked with both of my grandparents throughout the meal of hotdogs, potato salad, chips, and watermelon. I liked to think that my grandparents were a little more modern than some. They even had a little puppy that'd been too busy sleeping to greet me, but I'm sure I'd see her tomorrow.

Later that evening, I sat with Clementine on the porch swing, drinking black cherry tea and looking at the stars. I told her about how the rest of us were doing, i.e. Alicia, Kristen, Olivia, Derrick, Josh, and Chris. I left out Landon that night, knowing that that'd probably be one heck of a long conversation and it was already past nine o'clock.

"You know dear, I'm really glad you decided to come out this summer. Both Wendel and I have really missed you," she replied, patting my hand.

"I know, I've missed you too. But last year I'd just finished high school and you saw me at graduation and I had to worry about college. I'll try and visit you more often though. It might be harder with UI, but after that I have a lot more time," I promised.

"It's always nice to see you. You know… I've been wondering if you'd try and play guitar again like when you were younger."

"I can try, but it's been a while. It was always fun when I did still do it though. After dad changed, I guess I just forgot about what he taught me," I sighed, taking a drink of the tea and looking thoughtfully at the entrancing almost black sky. The big dipper was easy to find, along with the little dipper and little shapes I spotted on my own.

"I know, but I'll have to get that out for you."

"Sounds like fun."

After we talked a little longer and cleaned up the mugs, I crossed the hardwood floors and started to ascend the staircase.

"Oh, and Massie?" Clementine called before I went up. She'd probably get a glass of water before she headed up to bed with grandpa.

"Yeah?"

"You have a good night, but tomorrow, we discuss the boy."

"You know me too well. You sleep well, gramma," I replied, smiling and turning to go upstairs.

I swear that she muttered something about a newfound sparkle and rubbish about it not being blatantly obvious.

It wasn't really that obvious, was it? I would have to ask Alicia someday.

_..._

Chapter title from Red Dirt Road by Brooks and Dunn. I just thought it went well with Montana… ha ha.

Anyway, that's the first chapter. Next chapter is named after Summer Nights by Rascal Flatts. I'm trying to make these all named after songs, but it's only going by if I think the title fits the theme. So if the lyrics don't fit... sorry.

Review? Smiles.

-SDOW