Chapter 20
Shane stretched and yawned as he stood on his front porch the next morning. It was still raining in Holly Ridge and he seemed to get the hang of it. So did Brandon, who was actually running in the rain. Shane snickered as he watched his best friend act stupid. Then he got tired of it. Brandon will always be Brandon. He went in and got back to reading Mitchie's journal. He had read a little last night before going to bed. He read about Sasha taking her first step and then tumbling over and bumping her head. He read all of Mitchie's ramblings about the event …
I was squealing the moment she took her first step. And then screaming when she fell down... She has this bump and gash on her forehead. I remember thinking children with those injuries look funny. And that they must have belonged to irresponsible parents. I've had my share of bumps and bruises and my parents used to get a scolding from my grandparents every time that happened. But it's not like I was a neglected child or anything like that. Now I really know what it's like. No matter how many precautions you take, no matter how safe you think your child can be you can never be too sure because you don't have control over events. And I hate that…I'm seriously never going to forgive myself if that gash leaves a scar on her face or if she develops brain damage or something…
Then he read about Sasha's first birthday…
I got home for work early for Sasha's first birthday party. As planned, Caitlyn's 'kids' came. I haven't been around so many children at one time before and it was pretty overwhelming but thanks to the gang we handled everything pretty well. Mom made Sasha a beautiful birthday cake with pink and white frosting. She was so excited about it, especially when she saw the lit candle. We had to light it thrice because she blew them out even before we even started to sing the Birthday Song. She has a lot of presents but she doesn't seem to appreciate them much. Except for the cooking toy set Mom and Dad gave her. She plays with them a lot and Mom can't be happier to see her granddaughter taking after her. I guess Sasha's just pretty familiar with those things. Caitlyn wrote her a song. Ella sent her a scrapbook. I'm sure she'll love them... when she's 16…She had a wonderful day. She was so happy. Wish you were there…
Shane smiled as he tried to imagine what it would have been like. That's all he could do right now. He turned to the next entry…
Shane,
It's the end of freshman year in college. I wonder how you did. I bet you got good grades and making your parents proud. If that's so, keep it up…
Ella's back for the summer and it's crazy here again. It's actually weird. I was looking forward to this because everyone would be here and not be busy but ironically I feel more lonely than ever. All they talk about is college and I couldn't relate. But I guess I have to live with that. Mom and Dad have actually been talking to me about going back to school but I don't know if I can right now. I don't think I can leave Sasha just yet. I'm surely going to miss her and flunk anyway, so what's the use? And besides, I have a wonderful job here in Holly Ridge. What more can I ask for? Oh yeah…YOU.
Sasha's growing up to be really beautiful and smart. Caitlyn's been "tutoring" her for the past few days using a picture book and she seems to be enjoying it and she's doing really well. Caitlyn's so thrilled about it, too. Well I am too, but discreetly. I just can't believe that Sasha actually speaks now. She knows how to say dog, cat, apple, banana…Not really clearly but she's trying. What else? Oh yeah, She plays with Ella's make-up too…We caught her one day on the floor with Ella's lipstick smothered all over her face. I thought Ella was going to lash on me for that but she actually laughed like a lunatic it scared Sasha she started crying. Now, Ella wants to make Sasha her protégée.
You and your daughter sure have crazy antics.
Mitchie
Just when Shane was about to turn to the next page, Brandon walked in. Shane cursed under his breath.
"Hey!" Brandon greeted Shane with a high-five. "Someone left this on the porch for you." he said, handing a red colored envelope to Shane.
"What is this?" Shane asked as he took the envelope.
"I don't know. But it looks pretty." Brandon said, grinning.
Shane opened it and took out a wine-red textured paper with white paper on it.
Jason
and
Ella
request the honor of your presence
as they celebrate the sacrament of marriage
on Sunday, the second of January, two thousand and five
at ten o'clock in the morning;
Holly Ridge Chapel.
"Are you sure this is for me?" Shane said, sounding cynical.
"I guess so since it says 'Shane Gray' on it." Brandon said sarcastically.
"Right."
"What is it anyway?" Brandon asked.
"It's an invitation to Jason and Ella's wedding."
"Who's that?" Brandon asked as he grabbed the invitation from Shane.
"Old friends from here."
"I see. Then why do you look so worried?"
"I don't know. It's just been so long since we last saw each other and I think a wedding is a pretty awkward occasion to be in right now."
They were silent for a moment.
"Wait a minute. This isn't about the wedding. It's about Mitchie being at the wedding." Brandon teased. "Am I right?" he added, wiggling his eyebrows up and down.
"Shut up, Brandon!" Shane said as he threw a pillow at him and picked up Mitchie's journal.
Shane,
I've got big news for you! No this isn't about Sasha…
Okay, on second thought, let's just start with her…What can be more exciting than a girl like her? She had her first hair cut a few days ago and the two guys are being a total pain in the *ss! Nate gave me a whole speech about how Sasha looks like a boy right now and that you wouldn't have liked it and Jason just keeps on teasing me by calling her "Shane Jr." Well, she does look like you but don't you feel like giving him a punch in the face now? Nah…I love those guys even when they're *sses. But I love you more…even if you can double the *sses that they both already are. I kid.
Oh yeah, the big news…Caitlyn and Nate are engaged! They're getting married! They're going to be husband and wife! Can you believe that? Well, I mean it has always been them - Nate and Caitlyn but I can't believe they're finally making it "legal" as Ella calls it. She's so thrilled that one of us is finally going to "have a ring on her finger." You know how shallow Ella can be sometimes. They're parents weren't quite happy with the idea of them getting married in college. But they still gave them they're blessings. They're just worried because Nate and Caitlyn are still pretty young. But I'm happy for them. They're so much in love with each other. So perfect for each other. I envy them for finding the right person early on in their lives and being with each other.
But I consider myself lucky to have found you. I love you.
Mitchie
Shane thought about what Brandon had said. He was actually thinking of seeing Mitchie at the wedding. He really needed to talk to her. Not because of Sasha. Not to ask her questions. But simply because he really missed her and he just wanted to see her.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading! Don't forget to tell me what you think! :)