Summer Doesn't Last Forever
Page 20
The car pulls in front of the porch. I hurry through the door and into Amias’s arms.
A song of spring captures me.
Warmth floods from the depths of my heart as it pounds like an African drum. Amias lifts me off the ground in the strength of his hug. I squeeze him with trembling arms and shut my eyes, burying my face in his shoulder.
For a moment, everything freezes except my heartbeat. I inhale Amias’s smell and squeeze him tighter. His trembling, warm, strong arms hold me close.
“How’s it going?” He asks shakily, like the nerd he is.
“Good,” I release a laugh. “Good.”
We step back and stare at each other. And giggle. Amias runs a hand through his blond hair and pulls me into another quick hug. I wrap my arms around his neck. I love you, I love you, I love you. My heart cheers as we let go again, but we don’t say a thing.
Sometimes, moments speak deeper than words.
My face heats, but I ignore my awkwardness and turn to greet his parents.
Summer is back, but not to stay. And I think I’m okay with that. Home, seasons, friendships, they always change and grow. Pieces of forever dot our life on earth, but in the end, there is only one eternal.
Isn’t it amazing? Long-distance is hard, but reunions make you forget how so. Goodbyes are hard because the time spent together is meaningful. Friendships and relationships are messy, painful, and hard, yet full of joy and beyond worth the difficulty. Somehow, our lives are filled with just the right balance. Just the right contrast. Lovely and difficult dance together, highlighting the beauty in each.
Yes. I lead the way inside, very aware of Amias’s presence beside me. Finally, with me again. I look up at him and smile. He smiles back. He takes my hand in his and squeezes it. Once. Twice. Three times. Yes, times like this make the heartache worth it.
Don’t you think?
☀The End☀
My Story.
Well. I said it.
Lena is not my name or my nickname, but she is who I am. And Tarni is who I was, brokenly waiting for my cracks to fill with gold. And if you read this story and found a character who hit a little close, they might be you.
Because this was what I never said. But some things bear repeating.
So thank you, Jeff and Steve Calbalka, and all the leaders who created the best TCK teen program I know. You brought me so much joy over the years, and I love you so much. (Please start a summer camp BECAUSE STUPID COVID-19 RUINED MY NEXT GREECE UGH.)
Thank you, Rachel Housworth. Thank you for being my best friend and cult leader over these years. Thank you for laughing, crying, and ranting with me. We have so many inside jokes I could have filled this book with them. But then, it probably would have been too inappropriate knowing you.
Thank you, Eden (I won’t say your last name because I love you;). You stuck with me even when it got rough. I’m sorry for the times I clung to you too tightly, and I am so grateful we have continued our friendship despite the hiccups.
Thank you, Isaiah Callarman. For years, you walked (figuratively) with me when I didn’t believe I deserved you and prayed for me always. Thank you for being my forever friend and sweetheart, and I can’t wait for the distance to be over. Nerd.
Thank you, Mom and Dad. You stood with me in the darkness and didn’t force me out until I was ready. You are my first, forever, and best teachers and friends. I love you.
Thank you to all who listened when I cried and rambled. Thank you for praying and loving me when I was most insecure. Thank you for your encouragement when I felt unlovable.
As for you, you who cut me down, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” I bear you no ill will in telling my story, rather I have embraced freedom from it. I forgive you.
And thank you. Thank you for reading my little tale. I love who you are, and your story is worth telling. Go out and say what you are afraid of. I’ll be here with Tarni, Abi, Maya, Genevieve, Drew, Everly, and Amias, cheering you on.
Welcome Home,
—Lena (Mags).
About The Author
Magdalene G. Jones
Magdalene G. Jones is the teen author of The Scarlet Archer, the Miss-Trilogy, and the Concrai Records. She is the oldest of five siblings who are frequently threatened with the deaths of their favorite characters. She possesses the remarkable ability to trip over air and still land spectacularly on her face. She is socially awkward, has social anxiety, and is glad to have the title of 'author' to reassure herself that normal is an insult. She travels the world, hoping to find the stories in sidewalk cracks and in skyscrapers.
Books By This Author
The Scarlet Archer
Miss-Understood
Miss-Calculated
Miss-Informed
The Kelpie of Ivory