Hanna spread the blanket across the grass. Ted finished opening the second lawnchair, and her mother came out the front door, two glasses of wine in her hands. It was the fourth of July, and every year, the Marins went all out. Two plastic bags filled with fireworks rested next to Ted's lawnchair.
The firework tradition had started since Hanna had been two, and Mrs. Marin declared that this tradition would continue until she was dead. And what Mrs. Marin said, went.
As Hanna settled herself down on the blanket, Ted began to pull fireworks out, lining them up from smallest to biggest. Hanna's mother sat down in an chair, placing one glass of red liquid in the cupholder, and handing the second one to her boyfriend. Ted kissed her on the cheek. Hanna smiled, she was happy her mom was falling in love again. She only wished her love was here with her.
Caleb was visiting his mom, and wouldn't be back until tomorrow. He offered to come back earlier, but Hanna insisted he spent fourth of July with his mother. Now, as she sat alone on a blanket as her mother and her boyfriend held hands and sipped wine behind her, Hanna wished she agreed to his offer.
Ted walked out to the street, placing a cone shaped firework on the concrete. He flicked the lighter to life, and soon the cone was shooting silver sparks into the dark sky. Mrs. Marin leaned forward and rubbed Hanna's back.
A few more fireworks sparkled and faded, and Hanna's mother exclaimed in delight and told her daughter the fireworks were wonderful after each one. The little kids next door cheered, finding the firework display going on next door much more entertaining than their father's However, once a particularly exciting firework exploded into stars, Mrs. Marin noticed something was off.
"Hanna, are you okay?" She asked, hand on her daughter's shoulder. Ted placed the wick of a firework in the flame of his lighter.
Hanna nodded. "No you're not." She pushed herself off the lawnchair and onto the blanket, cursing as she spilt red wine onto the grass. Her mother wrapped her arm around Hanna, pulling her close.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing, I just wish Caleb was here." Hanna muttered into her mother's shoulder.
Mrs. Marin sighed, rubbing Hanna's shoulder. "I know, honey."
They stayed there for a few minutes. Ted decided it was better not to interfere. He continued lighting fireworks, and Mrs. Marin whooped after each one. Hanna gave a few half-hearted cheers.
Once Mrs. Marin decided her back would kill her in the morning if she continued to sit like this, she kissed Hanna on the cheek and stood. As soon as she rose, a yellow taxi cab pulled up in front of the house.
"Who could that possibly be?" She muttered, begining to ask the driver what he was doing. The door opened before she was even halfway down the driveway.
A shaggy haired boy stepped out of the car, suitcase in hand. "Hey, Mrs. Marin. Happy fourth." Mrs. Marin sighed slightly and smiled, shaking her head.
"Caleb!" Hanna ran across the yard, her wedges clunking loudly against the yard. She threw her arms around Caleb's neck, buring her face into his shoulder. He hugged her tightly back, giving her a muttered: "Hey, princess."
Hanna dragged the boy over to the blanket, and he followed the blonde's commands with a grin on his face. Ted resumed lighting fireworks, and Hanna was much more excited about the show than she had been, now that Caleb had his arm around her.
Mrs. Marin watched the two teenagers with a smile. She was glad Caleb was back, even though she knew Hanna would beg her mother to let him stay over. She was so happy, that she almost didn't mind the pair sneaking kisses every now and then. Almost.