Page 9 of Forged Forever

“That’s what Dad said. She’s living in New York State, and she’s married and has a baby. A baby Sum. I have a little brother, a stepbrother, and a stepsister,” he blurts, his voice tight with shock and a hint of disbelief.

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.” I guess when Erin moved on, she really moved on. “How are you doing with the news?”

“I called Cameron after physio this morning, but I don’t know how to feel.” He rests his head against the cotton of the pillow, staring up at the blank ceiling above. Although not obvious, I can detect the tautness in his facial muscles and the rigid set of his neck. “It’s her life, so she can do whatever she wants, but I didn’t expect her to abandon me and replace us with a new family. I’m still upset with Dad, but at least he took custody and checked on me and set everything up, you know? It wasn’t enough, but not as bad as mom. Cameron suggested I hear her out, but it was my choice.”

Erin was a wonderful mom. Never warm and fuzzy like mine, but pleasant. She always had snacks for us after school, and the house was inviting and clean. She attended his hockey games when she could and always asked about his day. Erin was a bit formal compared to mine. Think businesswoman versus a free-spirited hippie. Not mean or harsh, just distant? Jake and I were both closer to Ray. He was the one who took us on trips and played with us. I know she loved Ray and Jake, though.

It’s always fascinating, and sometimes unsettling, to witness the wide range of reactions people have to grief: some quiet and introspective, some outwardly volatile, and others marked by an almost surreal numbness. You can see individuality emerge so starkly, each person a distinct melody in the symphony of life. “Are you going to see her?”

“I can’t exactly run away,” he deadpans, “but I guess so. I’ll let her speak and then decide what I want.”

“That’s reasonable. When does she get here?”

“Saturday.”

Bad timing, or good, depending on how you look at it. If she still blames me, it would probably be best if I wasn’t around. “Will you be okay with me going to Virginia with her coming?” I ask.

Jake nods quickly. “You have to go, Sum. It’s the anniversary of the accident. I asked Dad to order flowers for me if you can pick them up when you get yours?”

“I’d love to. I’ll give Ray the florist’s info before I leave today.” A chime sounds from the intercom, so I get up to answer it. Alex is here. I buzz him in and wait for his arrival. “Hi there,” I smile, opening the door when he knocks.

“Hello. I have some information for Ray and Jake about his schooling. May I come in?”

I step aside to let him enter, getting a hug before following him back to Jake’s room.

“Hello Will, Jake,” Alex smiles, going to stand beside his picture. “I am Alex. We spoke a few days ago about schooling, and I said I would enquire about your options for school graduation.”

Jake looks at Alex and his picture for a minute. “I remember the conversation, but sorry, man, you’re familiar, but I don’t know you yet.”

“Not an issue, Jake. That is why you have the pictures. I have news for you and Ray, if he can join us?”

“I’ll check,” I offer, stepping out. Ray is typing on his computer, so I knock on the doorframe. “Hey Ray, Alex has school news.”

“Hi Summer,” he smiles. “Sorry I didn’t greet you. I had a difficult client on the line. Just let me send this email and I'll be in.”

“Okay,” I nod. Walking back into Jake’s room, Alex is standing on the far side of Jake’s bed, showing him something on his phone. “Ray will be here in a minute,” I tell them. “What are you two looking at?”

“I was showing him pictures from the birthday party last weekend,” Alex replies.

“You looked beautiful, Sum,” Jake grins at me. “Hubba hubba.”

I laugh as Ray enters the room, apologizing for the delay.

“After speaking with the school board and our school principal, we have options,” Alex begins. “First option is an online school where Jake would set his own schedule as long as he finishes by the end date. This is designed so that he can loosely follow the in-school schedule and finish concurrently with in-school students.

“Second is your typical GED program that is self-paced. You study, then write an exam with a pass/fail result. Finally, I have created a third option. You would have a dedicated tutor at your disposal but could set your own schedule, doing as much or as little as you wanted. This person would help you when and if needed; otherwise, you could follow along with a program that is designed for you. The result would be that you could graduate as if you were attending in person, which is favorable if you choose to pursue a higher education.”

“That’s a lot,” Jake says.

“Thank you for getting the information, Alex,” Ray says. “I appreciate it. How would we go about finding a tutor if we chose option three?”

“I have already found a wonderful retired teacher both my father and I know. She has agreed to build a curriculum for Jake and oversee his progress, enabling him to complete his education. We agreed on a salary that I am happy to take care of, and she would be at your disposal as long as required.”

“Why would you offer to pay someone’s salary for a stranger?” Jake asks, brows furrowed and genuinely perplexed at his offer.

“That’s just Alex. If he can help you, he will, without you having to ask,” I smile at Alex.

“You are Summer’s best friend; therefore, I consider you as such too,” Alex tells Jake.