Rowan's POV
Today is the last day of freshmen year. It couldn't come fast enough. This has been the longest year of my life. I was more than ready for summer. Lucas and I have been dating for a couple of months now. It's been great and I feel good. I've been going to therapy and talking in support groups. Lucas is always there to cheer me up after I've had a heavy share at group. He picks me up and we go get ice cream or see some dumb movie. I got so lucky with him. It's been really hard recently knowing that I could've given birth any day now if I was still pregnant but I'm not. I don't even want to be pregnant and I'm so grateful that I don't have to raise a baby out of trauma. It still hurts in every way. I just wish I knew why I still feel bad about it.
"What's on your mind Row?" Lucas kissed my hand that was entangled in his fingers, he looked at me.
"I'm really glad that we can end this school year together." I said snuggling into his arms.
"Me too."
Sabrina walks over with her lunch. "Get a room." She sticks her tongue out.
"Shut up." I smiled at her and reached for one of her fries. "Where's Josh?" I asked with my mouthful.
"Gross." She laughed. "He's taking his english final that he missed yesterday from the food poisoning incident." Sabrina jokingly glared at Lucas, who insisted Josh eat a very sketchy cajun shrimp, at a diner that has horrible reviews. All because his cousin got us a discount and free drinks.
"I'm sorry! He didn't have to have the shrimp he could've said no." He stated.
"When you dared him to eat it and your cousin accuses him of having no balls in front of his girlfriend. What do you think was going to happen?" Sabrina rolled her eyes, laughing at the boys.
"Yeah I probably should've known better." Lucas admitted.
"At least we were smart enough not to order grilled cheeses. You can't mess up a grilled cheese." I looked at Sabrina as she nodded her head.
"Woman are the smarter species." She replied, Lucas rolled her eyes but also agreed.
"Do you guys have plans for the night?" Lucas asked her.
"Not yet but I'm sure it's probably the usual movie date." She said, while eating her pizza.
"Why don't we all go do something fun to celebrate the end of this year?" Lucas suggested.
"Like what?" I asked.
"I heard a bunch of kids talking about a beach party and hour away. We could all go." Lucas said hesitatingly, knowing our history with those kind of parties.
"I'm in." Sabrina smiled.
They looked at me.
"Yeah I'm down." I smiled.
I was excited to have a normal party experience for once that didn't involve a birthday. I wanted to have fun and I knew that it would be good to do that in a healthy way with my friends. After lunch I was called into the office to see my dad. He looked happy.
"What's up?" I said, walking into my dad's office.
"Sit down." He said excitedly.
I was confused but I sat down. "Fill me in?"
"A few months ago your mother and I were looking into programs that would help you with your future. To keep your mind off of the things you were going through. There was a this one music program in California. We applied and you got in." He said with excitement.
I was shocked. "In California?" There was a lot going through my mind.
"It's a really great opportunity." He smiled.
"I can't believe you did that for me." It was unexpected, I never even looked into those kind of things.
"Your mom and I are so happy for you."
"How long would I be gone?" I asked him.
"All summer." He could see the nervous look I had.
"You're okay with me leaving to the other side of the country by myself?" I didn't think it seemed like a good idea after this year.
"I was thinking your brother could go with you and visit some colleges." He seemed like he had everything planned out. "I already talked it over with your mom and it seems like it would be a great idea for the both of you. He has a couple of internships that I've looked into too. If you want to go then we will make it happen."
"Wow." It made me feel a little better knowing that I wouldn't be alone.
"I trust him to make sure you both are taken care of." My dad explained more of the details to me.
There was so much to think about. I needed to talk to my my mom and Jamie about it before I say anything to Lucas or Sabrina. This could be a great thing but was I ready to walk away from my life for a couple of months? It was a big decision. It was also kind of exciting.
Lucas' POV
Everyday I spent with Rowan I felt so lucky even though I've known her for so long it still feels like I learn new things about her everyday. I have so many plans for the summer and I wanted to make it special. I wanted her to relax and make her feel like a teenager again. I know she's always expressing to me how she feels like she's missing out because she can't go back and be that innocent girl bubbly girl anymore. I still could see it in her even if she couldn't. Sabrina and I have actually talked about a bunch of activities we could do this summer to help trigger her inner child.
As the final bell ring of the year I looked for my girlfriend who was waiting by the front door. "Hey!" I kissed her quickly.
She half smiled. "Hey. How was the rest of your day?" She asked me.
"Great now that I get to spend the rest of the summer with you." I smiled, taking her hand into mine.
"Yeah." She said quietly.
"You ready to go?" I asked her.
"I was going to ride with my dad. He wants to talk about some stuff." Rowan said, letting go of my hand.
I looked at her, noticing she was acting strange. "I'll see you later for the party right?" I asked.
"Yeah of course." She said while walking away.
I hoped everything was okay. I wanted tonight to be the start of a new approach to our lives. Where we live without the fear of the unknown.
Josh's POV
I got home from school and made some hot dogs. I was starving after having to miss lunch. Sabrina texted me about the party Lucas told her about. I agreed to go since I knew it made her happy. As I finished eating, sitting on the couch. Rowan and Cory came home.
"Hey guys." I greeted them.
"Row you should ask Josh. I'm sure he'll be helpful." Cory said, nodding at me as he went into his room.
"What was that about? You need to ask me something?" I wondered.
Rowan sat down next to me, sighing. She looked at me. "I don't know what to do. I just found out about this amazing music program in California and it sounds amazing but it's so far away."
"Wow that's amazing." I said with excitement.
"It is but how do I do that? How do I leave home right now?" Rowan's voice filled with fear.
"I know how much music means to you. It means the same to me." I understood exactly how she felt. "Leaving home isn't easy but it's only for the summer and you'll be back before you know it."
"It does mean a lot to me."
"I believe in you. I know you can do it." I hugged her.
I was really excited for her. She deserved this and I know it'll make her feel better. The distance is a hard thing but it's worth it for something you dreamed of.
