Page 104 of Wonderstruck

After we graduated from Skyline, I ended up going to Duke University. I wasn’t sure what to major in, all I knew was that I’m good with numbers, like stupid good. My advisor recommendedgoing into computer science, which I did. I’m happy with it. The classes are hard and challenging for me, but it’s fulfilling work. And as much as I thought I would end my cheering career after high school, my advisor also pushed for me to join the squad my sophomore year in hopes that the extracurricular would open doors, which weirdly, it did. I landed an internship at Adobe because the Director there was also a fellow Duke cheerleader during her college years.

Who knew that the sport that I escaped from as a child would bring me so much fortune and opportunities as an adult?

Tyler, on the other hand, committed to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for lacrosse and majoring in business administration, following in his father’s footsteps. And it got him a scholarship, which helps him save money and lessen the weight on his shoulders to pay for university. He seems to be enjoying it, blending his love for the sport with an eye for business strategies.

“Don’t start, baby,” I caution Tyler firmly as I catch a plan unfolding through his eyes.

“But–”

I send a stern look to Tyler. “Honey, no. Just let them find their way back to each other. It’ll work out for them.”

“Just like it did for us?”

I freeze for a second, Tyler’s words hitting me unexpectedly. Memories rush in, reminding me of our journey together. It’s been almost three years since we started dating, and well, it was never picture-perfect for us. We’ve had our share of fights, tears; sometimes life just gets the best of us. But that’s life. It always throws obstacles at us, yet we always choose to fight them together.

With a gentle smile, I meet his gaze, “Just like it did for us.”

Tyler

As the evening winds down, her family goes out to see the Christmas lights, while we stay to watch the twins. My dad assures us he’ll be fine with the three kids inside, so Serena and I steal a moment on the porch swing, our conversation drifting towards the future.

“I’m so excited to visit Laos after graduation.”

We have a bucket list of things we want to do in the next couple of years, mapping out adventures and aspirations that connect with our paths. Serena’s set on exploring her home roots, whereas I want to go out of the country and experience lifewith her. I don’t care where we go, I just know I want her by my side. We could go to Chili’s and I would be happy with that.

“It’s really nice that Ralph offered to pay for our flights,” I mention, drawing Serena closer to me. Over the years, I learned that she’s big on cuddling.

“Yeah, he’s a great stepfather.”

She reaches to give me a kiss on the cheek, but I’m quicker, and steal a peck from her, making her chuckle.

“Oh,” she gasps, looking at the sky. “Look at that sunset!” she celebrates as she takes her phone out and snaps a picture of it. “Wanna watch a movie later when the girls are sleeping?”

I nod, “So you’re inviting me to the famous movie night?”

Serena playfully slaps my shoulder, making my chest vibrate with laughter at her abuse. “Hey, I invited you after we started dating.”

“But when we were friends you never invited me,” I tease.

“What if you were a serial killer in disguise?” she quips, a hint of mock suspicion in her tone.

My laughter echoes through the quiet night air. “In disguise? Babe, my outfits are literally athleisure clothes. That would not be the best disguise.”

Serena smirks, nudging me gently. “You could fool anyone with that killer smile of yours.”

As the conversation tapers off into comfortable silence, I feel a wave of contentment wash over me, a sense of belonging that only she brings.

“The girls are out!” my dad yells from the door.

“Thanks!” we chorus.

“I’ll be heading home, see you, Ty! A pleasure seeing you, Serena!” he says as he waves and Harper appears in the background, pulling him inside from his hand.

“You, too!” Serena waves back. “So, movie night?”

I nod with a smile, embracing the familiarity of our cherished ritual that started when we officially started dating. “Yeah, should I get the popcorn ready, sunshine?”

“Extra butter.” Serena nods, her eyes twinkling. “I will still never understand why you keep calling me that when you could just go for babe, or literally anything else.”

I hold out my hand for Serena to grab and pull her up on her feet. “I’ll never get tired of calling you sunshine, because that’s what you are to me, my sunshine in December.”