Life is Good

Austin walked out of the bar, feeling completely transformed. He grinned. He hadn't felt this way about anything since he'd made the decision to go after Sam at the football game. It was like he had been given a second chance to embrace his life. He couldn't keep the smile off of his face as he got into his car, started the engine, and drove home. As he passed the diner, the sadness returned briefly. However, his smile re-emerged, knowing that Sam would be home later.

"Wow, what a day it's been," he sighed. He pulled up to the house, and let out another sigh as he turned off the engine.

Though the house was pitch dark and quiet, Austin couldn't have been happier to be home.
"I wonder if Carter's gonna come over?" he asked himself, walking across his yard, recalling that his friend had said that he would drop in if he didn't have any big plans. Austin pulled out his house key and unlocked the front door. He had just walked inside and closed the door, when without warning, the lights came on and large group of people emerged from the darkness.
"SURPRISE!" everyone shouted. Austin's jaw dropped as he noticed a banner hanging from the ceiling which read, "Happy 30th Birthday Austin!"

Austin felt completely blown away at the sight of his family and friends. The first person he saw was Sam, who was grinning from ear to ear. His jaw hit the floor. "Sam?" he asked, almost not believing his eyes. Sam giggled as the others walked towards him, wishing him a happy 30th birthday.
"Look at all of you," he breathed. Sam instantly ran over to her husband, wrapping her arms around him as she kissed him passionately. After relishing in her touch for a little bit, Austin greeted his friends with hugs and kisses."Dad, Carter, Rhonda. Man, I missed you guys so much!" he exclaimed.

"You have?" Sam asked in confusion. What was he talking about? As Austin stared at Sam, he found himself becoming lost in her beautiful eyes.

"Oh Sam, I had forgotten how beautiful you are." She smiled and was surprised when Austin once again kissed her passionately. After they broke apart, she wrapped her arms around him.
"Promise me you'll always be my wife," he whispered.

"I promise," she replied, pulling back to look at him in confusion. What's brought this on? she wondered. Austin turned back to their friends and family, and then, to their amazement, began to explain his roller coaster ride.

"Wait, until I tell you guys what happened. You're not going to believe it."

"It's okay, Austin. Carter, told us. We'll manage."

"No, no not that. I could get another job anywhere." As he smiled at everyone, he realized just how many wonderful people he had in his life."I'm just so glad to see you guys. I can't explain how much this means to me. Thank you." He then turned to his wife, and picked her off the ground, hugging her as tight as he could without hurting her. He barely heard their friends' laughter and applause as he twirled her in a circle. Finally, he put her back on the ground.

"So, were you really surprised?"

"Sam, this whole day has been big surprise."

"Are you hungry?" She asked him.

"Yeah, but I'll get something in a little while. Thank you, honey," he replied, leaning in to hug her again. "I love you so much. Thank you!"

"You're welcome, babe. I'll be in the kitchen once you're ready to eat, okay?" He smiled and nodded as they walked into the kitchen. As she continued to cook, he couldn't help but stare.

Hey, Big Guy. Happy birthday," someone said, breaking his reverie and he turned to see who it was. Then, his features curved into a grin.

"Carter! Man, am I glad to see you!" he said excitedly. Then, "What's with the suit, dude? You have an audition or something?" Carter couldn't keep his grin away.

"Something like that," he answered. Then, holding out a gift, "Happy 30th birthday, buddy." Austin took the present and looked at Carter in confusion.

"But you already-" The sentence trailed off as Carter laughed.

"This is your real present. I gave you the Starbucks card as a gag." Austin laughed and Carter joined him.

"It worked, didn't it?"

"Yeah, it sure did." Austin unwrapped the gift and was shocked to see a model car. Whoa, I can't-this is amazing, he thought to himself.

"It's a '67 Mustang. Do you like it?" Carter asked with a smile, watching Austin's eyes get bigger as he studied the car.

"Oh, Carter! I love it! I always wanted one of these."

"Yeah, I know. Sam told me that you collected cars when you were younger, and that this was the only one you were missing." Austin stared at his gift, unsure of what to say. He couldn't believe it. None of his old friends would've even remembered, or if they had, they would've given him a lot of flack for it. Yet, Carter not only remembered, but was speaking as if he understood how important finishing the collection was to him. Finally, he looked back at Carter.

"Thanks, man. This means a lot to me."

"You're welcome." Looking past Carter, Austin saw someone else he wanted to talk to as well.

"Hey, I'll be back in a second, okay?" he questioned, patting his friend on the shoulder. As Austin walked away, he was greeted by his father.

"Happy birthday, son! It's great to see ya!" he said, wrapping his son in a bear hug. "So, how's it feel being 30?" he continued with a chuckle.

"It couldn't feel better after what's happened today," Austin replied. "Thank you for being here."

"No problem, Buddy," his father replied. "I'm just sorry I wasn't able to buy you a present though. Work's just been really crazy lately," he continued.

"Oh, Dad. It's all right. Just you being here's more than enough," Austin assured, though he had to admit, he WAS a bit let down.

"Now I never said I didn't have a gift, just that I didn't buy one," the man corrected, barely containing his excitement. Austin looked at him in confusion

"So, what do you mean then?" he wondered.

"Okay, I was over to see you before work the other day and your phone rang. When I answered it, I learned that it was a publishing company," the man told him. Austin's stomach tightened. Had they liked his book, or was it just another rejection? He forced himself to pay attention as his father continued. "They told me some exciting news...Son...they're going to publish your book!" the man finished, pumping his fists in the air in celebration. Austin stammered for a few minutes and then laughed in delight. It was happening! It was really happening!

"Are you serious! Oh, my god! I can't believe it!" He hugged his dad and then laughed and hardly noticed when he started jumping up and down in excitement. Then, "Please tell me you're not playing a birthday prank on me."

Nope. It's official, son." Austin laughed again.

"Wow! Ohhhh my...what else did they say?"

"They told me they would contact you in a few days with more details."

"I don't know what to say, Dad. I did it! I was beginning to think I'd never make it!"

"Well, you did, Austin. Enjoy it." The man cleared his throat before continuing. "I'd like to take you and Sam out to dinner tomorrow to celebrate. How does that sound?"

"I'd have to check with her first, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind. It sounds awesome. Thank you so much!" He hugged his father again and decided that from now on, he'd fully appreciate the things that mattered the most.

Well, there you have it. That was my 30th birthday. I told you it was crazy! I'm not sure if I should tell anyone. I mean, who would believe me? Maybe it's just one of those things you take to the grave with you. Maybe it'd be better that way. I mean, looking back at my decision and questioning if I did the right thing turned out to be a good thing. It made me realize even more that I chose the correct path, even though the 24 hours in my alternate destiny was hell. I learned that no matter what it is in life that you just have to follow your heart and you'll never go wrong.

Flash back: After the football game

Austin sat on the empty bleachers, still wearing his football gear. Sam had gone out to her car to wait for him as he changed from the uniform to his regular clothing. He sighed. He couldn't be happier about the decision to live his own life, but fear of the unknown had started to sink in. He stood up and began to walk down the bleachers when he heard a strange voice call his name. He turned around to see a man standing in the shadows.

"Saw the game, Austin. Tough break," he stated.

"You said it, Mister. I gave up a great opportunity," Austin told him, as he squinted, trying to get a closer look at him. However, the shadows covered his face.

"Yeah, I know. But don't get down on yourself, though. You have your whole life ahead of you. Things will turn out just fine," the man assured, as he finally stepped out of the shadows. Austin frowned. He didn't recognize him from school and the fact that he was talking to him like they were buddies was a little unnerving. "Trust me," he said. Austin nodded his head in agreement and then walked to the locker rooms to change. As he changed out of the uniform, Austin mulled over the man's advise. Then, he scoffed.

"Old fart. What the hell does HE know?"