Love Goes On

by Crystal Britton

  “That was so much fun! I’ve never done anything like that in my life!” Raven exclaimed.

  I grinned. “Around here you never know what will happen,” I replied as I winked.

  “I like that. I like adventures,” Raven claimed.

  “Me too,” Anna agreed.

  “Sara is always up for adventures,” Lucy stated.

  I laughed. “Oh, get on out of here you guys,” I joked.

  They chuckled. “We need to do this for now on. Maybe, not every day, but a couple times a week,” Raven suggested.

  “Um, well, I can’t,” I hesitated.

  “Why?” Raven questioned.

  “Well, uh… I’m moving to Rome after schools out,” I informed them.

  “Oh, what’s making you and what’s you fiancé’s name?” Raven asked.

  “Kaden,” I replied.

  “Kaden move there?” Raven quizzed.

  “Well, Kaden, and I are getting married there.” I said as Anna gave me a look knowing

  I was trying to avoid telling her that Kaden’s a prince.

  “Why so soon after school?” Raven questioned.

  I laughed. “Don’t freak out, but Kaden is a prince,” I informed her.

  Raven’s mouth dropped. “What! Are you kidding me?” Raven exclaimed.

  “Not one bit,” I replied happily.

  “Wow! That’s just too awesome,” Raven stated.

  “It’s not as awesome as you think,” Anna replied.

  “Why?” Raven quizzed.

  “It comes with its faults,” Anna claimed.

  “Oh?” Raven asked.

  “It’s too much to explain,” I replied. I looked at the time and it was a little past seven. “Well, you guys I’m going to eat dinner. You all are welcome to stay,” I explained.

  “I’ve got to have dinner with my family,” Raven replied.

  “I have to do my homework,” Anna said.

  “I have to do laundry and homework,” Lucy stated.

  “Okay, you guys. Are you guys planning on having a party without me?” I joked.

  We all laughed. I walked them out the door saying good-bye as they left. Then I cleaned up the glasses from outside and washed them. Kaden came in the kitchen and kissed me on my cheek.

  “How was it hanging out with your friends?” Kaden questioned.

  “Fun,” I replied happily.

  “That’s all you have to say to me?”

  I laughed. “What more could describe it?”

  “Maybe something like it was cool how we all got along and etc…”

  “You can only think of one thing yourself.” He sat at the kitchen table as I turned around and leaned against sink.

  “Maybe, but mine was better.”

  I giggled. “In your dreams.”

  He grinned. “What’s for dinner?”

  I opened my mouth shocked. “Ugh! All you ever want it food.” I joked.

  “I love food.” He played along.

  “I’m tired of being used. Do you know what users get?” I quizzed while I turned around to the sink and acted like I was rinsing a glass, but I pulled out the sink sprayer and pointed it at Kaden. “You get sprayed.” I sprayed him with water.

  He came over laughing as he tried to get the hose from me. In the process he soaked both of us. He finally grabbed it from me and tossed it in the sink. He pushed my hair out of my face as he put his hand through my wet hair and we kissed.

  “I just put on dry clothes,” I claimed.

  “I just kissed you,” Kaden replied.

  “Yeah?”

  “You’re supposed to enjoy it, not talk about being soaked.”

  We laughed. “I always enjoy your kisses, but why did you have to soak my clothes?”

  “You soaked mine first.”

  “You deserved it. I didn’t.”

  After we changed we ate a quick meal.

  “That was fun spraying you with water! It’s payback for when you threw me in the lake,”

  I stated as we ate.

  He chuckled. “I guess that’s fair.”

  “You guess? You want some more? I’ll go get the hose right now,” I joked.

  He giggled. “No, and besides It won’t reach.”

  “I’ll make it.”

  “What are you going to do put an extension on it?” He laughed.

  “Possibly.”

  He grinned as he kissed me. “I love you and your over active imagination.”

  “Ugh, how rude.”

  “You know I’m joking.”

  “No, I don’t.” I claimed knowing he was.

  “Are you and your crazy self-ready for bed?”

  “Are you and your hosed down self-ready for bed?”

  Hey, you can’t say that I’m not wet.”

  I giggled. “Help me clean up these dishes so we can go to bed.”

  “But mommy I don’t want to.” He whined.

  “You better get over here and help me before you have to get on your hands and knees and scrub the kitchen floor with a toothbrush.” I pretended to scold him.

  He cowered as he walked over to me. “Okay, mommy. Please don’t hurt me.”

  I couldn’t take it anymore I laughed so hard I could feel my face becoming hot.

  The next couple of weeks had been wonderful. Anna, Lucy, Raven and I were getting along great. My party was planned and my dad’s was too. I was so excited because my party was coming up in a couple more days. My dad’s party was the week after mine.

  I knew he would love it. I wished so much that my dad wasn’t going to be leaving me. I loved him and my pain for my grandma was going to hit me too. I had to stay strong, but I didn’t know if I wanted to. I just wanted to cry and let my sorrows out.

  “Sara, are you okay?” Kaden quizzed.

  “Yeah. I’m good. Why?” I responded worriedly.

  “You’re not because you have tears running down your cheeks.”

  I touched my cheeks and truth to be known my cheeks were wet; I wiped my tears away.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just really upset over my dad. When I think about it, it brings memories back of my grandma.”

  “I know it’s hard to lose someone. I’ve lost friends and family before and it hurts. Even to this day. But I have learned to deal with it and you will too.”

  I started crying again and Kaden cradled me. “This past Christmas was his last,” I replied.

  “It’s alright. Everything is going to be okay. I’m here for you and your mom.”

  I started crying even more. “No, it’s not. I’m going to lose my dad and I don’t want to.”

  “I’m sorry, Sara. You can’t decide that.”

  “I wish I could. I wouldn’t let him go.”

  Kaden kissed me and kept holding me; tightening his grip. I had my face buried in his chest crying my eyes out. Soon enough my eyes didn’t produce any more tears. I eventually fell asleep.

  When I awoke Kaden was knelt down beside me. “Lets go to the roller rink,” Kaden suggested.

  “Oh, Kaden, I don’t feel like it,” I replied moaning.

  “Well, start to because we’re going.” He said while helping me up off the couch.

  “What time is it?” I quizzed as I stretched.

  “Five-fifty. Come on get dressed. Lets go.”

  “Alright.” I dressed then Kaden and I drove to the roller rink.

  There were only a few cars on the parking lot. Once we put on our skates we went onto the rink and skated. We laughed and acted silly. I finally started to feel happy again.

  Kaden stopped me and took my hands.

  “This will make you feel like you’re flyi
ng over clouds,” Kaden claimed.

  “Huh?” I quizzed confused.

  “Close your eyes and hold my hands, lean back some and relax while we skate around.”

  I did as he said and it was true I did feel like I was floating; it felt so great. Once we stopped I kissed Kaden.

  “Thank you for bringing me here. You’ve made me feel better,” I claimed.

  “That’s what my intention was. You want to eat?” Kaden questioned.

  “Definitely” I smiled.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Kaden quizzed as we sat at the table to eat.

  “I’m sure. My dad never leaves my mind and it rips me apart.” I replied.

  “Why don’t you put that past your mind and enjoy the time he has left here with you,” he said as he took off his skates and put his shoes on. I did the same.

  I sighed. “I’ll definitely try. It just hurts, you know?”

  “I do know.” He smiled and kissed me. “I love you, Sara; I’m always here for you whether you want me to be or not.” He chuckled.

  I grinned. “I want you to be there.”

  We kissed. “Good. Now with that said do you want to head home?”

  “I sure do. It’s pretty late. Good thing tomorrow is Saturday.”

  “You’re party is Sunday.”

  “I know, it’s here already. Seems like my years are rolling by.”

  “Your years. How do you think I feel?”

  “You’re nuts. That is what explains your aging.” I giggled.

  He laughed. “I’ll pay you back for saying that.”

  I smiled. “Really? I don’t think so.”

  “I’ve paid you back before when I told you I was going to.”

  “That wasn’t payback that was jealousy.”

  He laughed as he smiled. “Really, I sure thought it was payback.”

  “No, it was jealousy for sure.”

  “Okay, if you say so. This time around I’ll make sure you know I’m paying you back.”

  “I’ll count on it.”

  “Oh, you will.”

  We turned in our skates. Then we got into the truck and drove home.

  I peered out of the window thinking about my dad and what my mom was going to do when he passed away. There would be no one to watch Riley, unless Mom found a trustworthy sitter.

  “Hey, Look at me, Beautiful,” Kaden said as I turned my head in his direction.

  “Yeah?” I quizzed.

  “You’re too pretty to cry.”

  I felt my checks and yet again I was crying. “I can’t help it.”

  He smiled. “Just remember what I said back at the rink.”

  “I remember.” I grinned.

  Once we arrived home I got under the covers and let my mind float back to my dad. Kaden stepped in the bedroom with the pugs. They jumped up on the bed with me and kissed my cheek; they made me smile. I petted them both then they lay down at my feet. Kaden joined me in bed pulling me close to his body. “Are you okay?” Kaden quizzed.

  I smiled trying to playoff my sadness. “I’m good, just tired,” responded.

  “Okay. I love you.”

  “I love you too.” We kissed.

  He rolled over and fell into a deep sleep. I heard him snoring and giggled. I stayed awake for some time thinking about my dad. My eyes soon closed and made me feel like I was floating.

  The next morning I woke up late with a stiff face from crying last night. I rushed straight to the bathroom to wash my face before Kaden could see.

  Just as I was drying my face he strolled into the bathroom and kissed my check.

  “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” Kaden greeted.

  “Hi,” I replied quickly.

  He chuckled. “What a great morning greeting.”

  “I’m sorry. Good morning,” I said as I went into my closet to dress; he followed me.

  “That’s better.” He kissed my cheek.

  “Are you feeling alright today?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine, you?”

  “I’m always good.”

  I laughed. “You lie.”

  He chuckled. “No, never.”

  I grinned. “Everyone tells a white lie sometimes,” I said hoping he wouldn’t realize I just gave myself away. But he just laughed.

  After I dressed we ate lunch because it was about twelve when I woke up. After we ate we went out to the pool and sat side by side with our feet in the water.

  I sighed heavily. “Is there any way I can get your mind off your dad? It seemed to work last night, but I guess I’m wrong. The more you think about it the more it’s going to upset you,” Kaden stated.

  “He’s my dad. I’ll never have another dad. What about Riley? She’s little and won’t even remember Dad,” I replied sadly.

  “She’ll remember when she sees pictures.”

  “I don’t know, this just really sucks,” I replied angrily.

  “I’m sorry, Sara, I wish I could help. I really do.”

  “I wish I could too.” He put his arm around me and hugged me tightly while I laid my head on his arm; he rested his cheek on my head. I sighed. “He’s going to miss my wedding.” Kaden didn’t say anything. Not knowing what to say to help me feel better.

  After a while we headed back inside. I started cooking dinner. After we ate we cuddled together on the couch as we watched a movie.

  “You’re birthday is tomorrow. Cheer up. Be happy that you’re having a party,” Kaden said.

  I didn’t say anything not caring about anything, but my dad. It’s going to hurt me so much to see him tomorrow. I knew I would cry. I would have to walk away to get a hold of myself. I was going to try and have a fun party tomorrow. Especially, being by my dad’s side the whole time. That put a smile on my face.

  “I’ll have fun tomorrow by my daddy’s side the whole day,” I stated.

  “If that’s what you want then so be it.” He grinned.

  “That’s definitely what I want.” I smiled.

  My party was at twelve. Kaden and I had been busy all morning. Thank gosh we had caters and party people come set up everything. Once everything was completed. The caters stayed to pass out finger foods. Kaden and I greeted our guests as they began to arrive early. Kaden was wearing Khaki pants with a light and dark blue striped shirt. I wore a pretty sun dress with white high heels. Heather even came. Once my dad, Mom and Riley arrived I waited impatiently for them to reach the door. My dad was in a wheel chair because he was too weak to walk. While my mom pushed him to the door Riley ran up and hugged me. I hugged her then I knelt down to her level.

  “How are you pretty girl?” I quizzed.

  “Sissy!” Riley replied.

  “Awe. I’m going to greet mommy and daddy now.”

  Riley ran to Kaden who picked her up in his arms and carried her outback where the party was being held.

  “I’m so glad to see you guys!” I exclaimed as I hugged and kissed them both.

  “We are too, Sweetheart,” Mom cheerily replied.

  “I’m glad to be here, Sara,” Dad said in a low voice almost so low that I could barely hear him. That made me want to start crying, but I bit my bottom lip to hold the tears back.

  “Let’s head to the party,” I insisted.

  Mom and Dad sat together in the shade while I mingled with everyone and played with

  Riley. After we ate everyone sung happy birthday to me which made me blush.

  After we ate a slice of cake I opened my presents. I mainly received gift cards and birthday cards with money inside. I thanked everyone separately for my gifts.

  I noticed my dad was sitting by himself so I went over and sat next to him. After we got a couple of pictures taken together I loo
ked at him wanting to cry. My dad didn’t look like he did when I last saw him. He looked worse.

  “So, Dad how have you been?” I asked.

  “I’ve been good. Missing you,” Dad replied softly as he smiled.

  “I miss you so much Dad.” I smiled to keep from crying.

  “Do you remember when you were little and you made me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?”

  “I do. It was a mess. I forgot to put it in a baggie and squashed it when I put the heavier things in.” I laughed.

  He chuckled. “That was cute.”

  “Remember when I was ten. You, Mom and I went to the ice skating rink and you tried to cheer me up by acting goofy and ended up busting your butt.”

  He laughed. But he laughed too much and coughed. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m okay. That was really funny.”

  I sighed. Even though my dad and I had a rocky relationship we still had fun times. “Do you think you’re going to make it?”

  He took in a deep breath. “No, I don’t. I know what’s coming to me and I’m not ready, but I have no choice.”

  I started crying. “I don’t want you to go, Dad. I love you. Please don’t.”

  He stared crying too. “I can’t help it, Sara. I love you. You’re Mom and Riley too. I’ll be in your hearts forever.”

  “You won’t see me get married.”

  “Yes, I will.”

  “How?”

  “On your wedding day you make sure you pay close attention and I’ll send you a message.

  “I’ll be waiting for it.” I really started crying. “I just want you to be there daddy. I want you to walk me down the aisle. I want you to see your grandkids. I want you to see me get older. I want you to stay here,” I claimed chocking on my tears. I could see Dad was really crying. He gestured for me to hug him and as I did I felt like I never wanted to let go. “I love you, Daddy. I will never let go.”

  Dad hugged me tightly with what strength he had left. “I love you, Sara.”

  I was still crying as we hugged when mom came over and gestured for me to let Dad go.

  Mom and I hugged. “It’s okay,” Mom whispered in my ear. I kept crying chocking on my tears.

  When we stopped hugging I sat down. Mom pulled up a chair and sat beside me. We wiped away our tears and tried to act happy for his sake.