Chapter 10
Jake was graduating from Great Basin College. Though it had taken a strength he wasn't sure he had, he had gone back to GBC after Christmas reenergized and wanting to continue.
Sometimes on long lonely nights, he thought about the woman he had loved, but not as much as he used to. He felt he was starting to heal.
His family was with him in Elko, all except Debi and Quinn. Debi had given birth to their twin daughters, Monique and Natalie.
Mom thought they looked just like Quinn. Jake would see them for the first time when he got home.
First though he had to get through this day. Today was her birthday and Jake couldn't help but think of her as he sat waiting to pick up his diploma.
He glanced up at the crowd, wishing for a moment that she was there. Then Jake frowned. What good were wishes? She wasn't there. She would never be there. She had betrayed him.
Mac watched from the stands and knew the moment Jake had thought about Sam. He saw the bowed head from where he sat.
Be strong my son, a new dawn awaits you.
Jake lifted his head, banishing all thoughts of her. He had been doing so much better.
She had made her choice and he had made his. To live.
Jake heard the applause from his family as he became the first Ely son to graduate from college. Kit had flown in from Hawaii, without Cricket, who was expecting their first son in a few weeks. Adam and Sherri had driven in with the rest of the family from Reno. Sherri too was pregnant and expecting in the fall.
Jake tossed his cap into the air without enthusiasm. Then he made his way towards his family.
He could tell immediately that Kit had been told not to mention her name.
"Hey Jake," Kit gave him a hug. "Congratulations."
He could see the sympathy in Kit's eyes.
"I'm alright," Jake told him, meeting the eyes of his oldest brother.
Kit just nodded.
Bryan also gave him a man hug, then Nate.
"Congratulations, little brother," Bryan grinned at him.
"Thanks Bry," Jake managed to smile back, maybe his first natural smile in so long. Since she had ripped out his heart. No, he wasn't looking back.
Jake met Mac's eyes and the two of them nodded.
"Congratulations, Jacob," Mac told him and Jake knew he wasn't just talking about graduating.
"Thank you, Grandfather," and Mac understood what he was saying.
"I wasn't sure, if we should forego your party," Mom broke in.
Because of Sam, were the unspoken words.
"I'd rather not have one," Jake told her and Mom's eyes filled with tears but she nodded.
Jake's eyes flicked to those of his father and Dad held out his hand and Jake shook it before his father hugged him, giving Jake a pat on the back.
"We're proud of you honey," Mom said.
"Thanks Mom," Jake responded.
"Do you want someone to ride back with you?" Mom asked.
"No," Jake shook his head. "I like the time to clear my head."
Of Sam, the unspoken words hung in the air.
His family nodded, all standing around him in awkwardness.
"Well," Dad said and the rest of them told Jake they'd see him at home in a few hours.
"He's thinking of her," Kit said as the family started towards their vehicles.
"It must be terrible for him," Adam murmured.
"It will get better," Mom told them.
"Will it?" Nate couldn't help but wonder.
They all looked at Nate before glancing back at Jake who was still standing where they had left him. He looked forlorn.
"I'll ride with Jakey," Kit volunteered and trotted back towards his little brother.
"Sometimes I think he's doing better, then I see him like that," Mom bit her lip to keep the tears inside.
Dad put his arm around his wife's shoulders and gave her a squeeze.
"He will be fine, Maxine," Dad assured her. "He's already better than he was."
Mac nodded in agreement and Mom sighed.
She hoped they were right, but she couldn't help worrying about her youngest son, her baby.