Chapter 3

That first week of college was very interesting as Adam, Jack, and I had to get into a routine getting to our classes on time. All three of us during the evenings fixed up our rooms, and the living room we shared. It was nice having them as friends. Because each one brought something to the friendship. Adam was quiet and more laid back, while Jack was the joker at always catching Adam OFF guard. He also made it clear he liked the attention as well as a good party. I though tried to keep to myself as to not bring up my past to either of them. That week I was approached by a few young women, but turned down their offers to have lunch or a fling as they called it. I wasn't ready to be with a woman as my heart was still running cold. Some told me it was ok no problem as a few called me a few names that I ignored. I focused on my classes that week once I got into the groove.

Friday had finally came as I told Adam and Jack my plans around 5 p.m. that evening. They both told me to have a good weekend as I left with a smile plus nodded walking out the door. I made my way to a florists picking up some lilies to take to my adoptive grandmother. It's was a 20 minute drive in which felt longer. I pulled up in the drive parking next to her F100. I got out of my truck grabbing the lilies as I did. Making my way to the door I noticed it was 5:45 p.m. as I had to fill my truck up with gas on the way. Once to the door I was about to open it just to see it open. On the other side was a very happy woman.

"Oh Heath you did come like you told me. Come in honey and give me a hug." May tells me as I smile

I step in to give her a tight hug in which she returns just as tight.

"I missed you had to spend the weekend with you." I exclaim feeling a nod against my chest

"You even brought me flowers how nice, and my favorite." May says breaking the hug to just take the flowers before continuing " Have a seat while I put these in a vase then return with some tea. Have you had anything to eat yet honey?"

"Actually no as I was hoping for some of your great cooking." I answer getting a concerned, but loving smile

"I think your spoiled to my cooking. Be right back honey." May says making her way to the kitchen

I look around to see nothing had changed, but as I looked at the mantle above the chimney I see a new picture in a gold frame. I take a few steps over to look at the picture the frame holds. I smile as it's the same picture in the locket I gave May. I stare at her smile knowing that was a good day. I feel a poke at my side to only turn to see May standing with two glasses.

"I wanted a bigger picture then the small one of you and I. I wanted the very few people that come over to see my grandson." May tells me as I keep my smile

"You sure they didn't go blind seeing my face?" I ask chuckling only to get a playful poke to my ribs

"Your a handsome young man so none of that negative talk sonny." May tells me handing me a glass of tea

"Ok Grandma I was just kidding jeez." I tell her being led to the couch

"Now tell me all about your week. Have you met some friends yet or a lady?" Grandma May asks as I follow only to sit by her

"Yes on the friends and no on the ladies as I am not ready to get with someone." I answer as she nods

"Well one out of two isn't bad. So what are your new friends like?" May asks as I explain the two

I tell her about Adam and Jack as each have took me as a friend they can trust as I did with them. I tell her how Adam is quiet, but easy to talk to while Jack is a joker and likes to get attention, but is there if Adam or I need him. She listens intently with a smile to my words. It's a nice conversation as May tells me how she's been hoping I would come and visit her. Seems she has missed me as much as I have her. About 30 minutes later May and I are in the kitchen. I decided to help her with dinner. We talk enjoying the moment together while making steaks, fried potatoes and carrots. It's a enjoyable evening as dinner is ate in wonderful company.

As the evening passed May and I sat on the couch enjoying shows we watched over the summer together. As night came May fell asleep leaning against my left arm. I smiled as I turned to pick her up in my arms.

"Just five more minutes sweetie." May says talking in her sleep

"No grandma your going to beddie bye." I tell her picking her up

Her arms go to her lap as her head goes to my left shoulder. I carry her up the stairs just to walk down the hallway. Once to her bedroom taking steps to the big bed she has. I place her down softly placing her head on the soft pillow. I pull the cover up over her body so she stays warm. I lean over to kiss her forehead to hear her speak with eyes closed.

"I love you my grandson." May tells me as I smile

"I love you my loving grandmother." I say to her hearing her soft breathing fill the room

As I make my way out of her bedroom I think of this feeling of having someone that took me in as her family. I smile getting to the door stepping into the hallway leaving the door at a crack. After tucking May in I make sure the house is safe with locked doors. I don't want some idiot to come in to hurt the only woman I have come to call my only family. Part of myself knew I still had family on the west coast, but as the summer went by May was the closest I had around. I went to bed not long after locking the house up. Laying in bed I closed my eyes knowing this new life I was on would be one of new friends and a woman that one might say saved me. As I fell asleep my lips showed a smile that would last a nights sleep.

That weekend went by with me helping May with the lawn front and back. When I say help it was me doing it all as she made sure I didn't pass out from the heat.I helped with some cleaning also that needed to be done. As the weekend went by May spent every moment with me. May would once in awhile tell me she loved me as her best grandson. I would tell her I was her only grandson, in which made her comeback be exactly that is your the best. As Sunday evening came I had to head back to college. It was rough on us both has we became close in a summers time. We said our love you's as I promised to be back the following weekend. May gave me a smile saying she couldn't wait to see her grandson. Making my way back to my second home I smiled with tears as I did that past Monday morning knowing I had a place to go to that held such love from a woman that held a part of my heart as my grandmother.

As the days turned into weeks then months. My classes got more and more interesting. I was making good grades in which May was happy about when I called telling her. I still went to visit her on the weekends in which was our time to be family. Adam, Jack and I were growing closer as well. By the middle of October we all called the other brother. I still never told them my past as I wanted to leave it there. The weekend before Halloween May asked me to invite Adam and Jack for Halloween as to have a small party. I asked if she was sure in which May told me she was. I smiled at knowing she wanted to meet the two that I called family also. When I went back to college that Sunday I told my two best friends in which they accepted saying they wanted to meet the woman that I called my grandmother. As that week went by Adam and Jack kept asking what to wear as if they were going on dates. I rolled my eyes each time telling them to just wear what they do as May was a down to earth woman. They both understood with nods and smiles. As the weekend of Halloween arrived that Friday Adam and Jack followed me to May's. Once we arrived around 6 p.m. May was already out front waiting. As we pulled up me in the drive with Jack parking behind me. We got out making our way to where she stood on the porch. I gave her a hug as I always did just to break it to introduce my friends.

"Grandma May please meet Adam and Jack. Guys this is my grandmother May." I stated as they gave her a hug out of respect

"It's nice to meet you both as my grandson has told me so much about you." May says catching the two with smiles

"As he has told us about you ma'am. You have a nice place." Adam says breaking the hug

"Yeah it's nice to finally meet the woman that helped our brother this past summer." Jack exclaimed with a smile

"Well thank you both now come in and relax. I made sure to get enough party stuff for us all this weekend." May says as the guys start in followed by May and I

Once in Adam and Jack are amazed by the inside as the living room is big. Jack goes to the back double doors to look out.

"Why did you have the beach blocked by the 6 ft. fence ma'am." Jack asks as May giggles

"Jack man maybe she had her reason to." Adam says as I chuckle

"Adam, is right jack I had my reason as to keep teenagers and party animals out of the pool. Plus my house have you seen that John Candy movie of the people going into his house?" May says as Adam shakes his head as Jack laughs

"Yep I have that was one of his best. Adam bro you have to see it." Jack exclaims as Adam shrugs

"And please call me May or grandma ok." May says as the guys looked at each other

"Ok May, but out of respect of my brother Heath I can't call you grandma as he feels that close to you." Adam says getting a nod

"I can respect that Adam and thank you for being very kind. So you boys hungry I am sure my Heath is." May says as they nod

That evening was filled with May and I cooking as the guys sat waiting. Jack told May some of his jokes making her laugh something fierce. Adam just shook his head while drinking on the tea I got him. As dinner got done May and I sat across from each other as Adam and Jack in opposite chairs. Both my best friends enjoyed the food saying it was the best they had in a long time. We talked and laughed during dinner. After dinner Adam as well as Jack offered to wash up so May and I could relax. Grandma tried to protest only to be asked. After a few minutes she agreed taking my hand to follow her. Once in the living May smiled telling me she liked my friends knowing I was in good hands at college. I agreed hearing Jack laugh only telling me he got one up on Adam. After my adopted brothers were done they joined May and I, but not before Adam refreshed May and my glasses. We all sat watching t.v. as the movies May chose for the weekend. I sat back watching as my grandmother, Adam, and Jack were getting along. I thought nothing except this was the start of a new family, and one I would protect with my life. That night May showed Adam and Jack where they would sleep. May's house was a 15 bedroom 5 bathroom so she had plenty of room for us. That night before sleep May came to my bedroom to give me a big hug and kiss on my forehead only to sit on the edge by me.

"Heath I love you son and hope you know how much." May tells me getting a warm smile

"I do Grandma as I love you just as much." I answer as she smiles

"I know so get some sleep as tomorrow is going to be fun. The most we have had in awhile." She tells me as I nod with a smile

That night my dreams came with happiness and love as they were filled with the other three people that were asleep in the house.

That weekend was filled with fun as we watched movies, played games, and listened to music. Grandma May wanted to dance with us each. I guess she hasn't in a long while as this moment felt right. There was nothing sexual or out of the ordinary about the dancing as it was just us all being a family. After all the dancing was done May thanked each of us with a kiss on the forehead. Adam, Jack, and I told her she was welcome and anytime. That night around 11 p.m. May fell asleep on my right arm again. And like the very few times I took May up to her bedroom. Adam and Jack asked if I needed help as I shook my head no. After I placed May on her bed she held onto my neck pulling me down to kiss my forehead. She let me go to look in my eyes.

"Heath you mean so much to me. I can't thank you enough for coming into my life. I love you so much grandson." May tells me as I smile

"As you do to me grandma May. I love you just as much. Now close those beautiful eyes and get some rest." I tell her getting a nod from her with a smile

As every other time I listen to her soft breathing making my way out to the hall leaving the door at a crack. That night I sat up with my two friends talking about nothing that important. Both tell me they like May saying she is a very cool woman. Adam makes a point as saying she is a very loving person with a big heart. Jack agrees as I do looking up at the hallway. It's around 1 p.m. when we go to bed. Jack decides to crash on the couch saying the idiots are out making me know he will stop anyone from getting in if they try. Adam helps me make sure the doors are locked to keep grandma safe. That night as I slept I dreamt of my father. I don't know why he came to be in this dream, but I was glad as I knew he was still with me after all that has happen in my life as thus this far. I felt a smile crept upon my lips feeling love from the smile he shown me.

After that Halloween weekend Adam and Jack took May in as one of us as Family. May also took them in as Grandsons into her heart. As the next week rolled by and the weekend came I went to visit May like always. And as always she would meet me at the front door with a smile, but this time she had a cold. I tended to her that weekend, but this time she wanted to have me sleep next to her. I did as she asked keeping her warm as I held her. I made sure she was comfortable fixing her soup as that night she feed me. Before I left that Sunday she was feeling a bit better as she walked me to my truck. Before I got in May suggested that Adam, Jack, and I come for Thanksgiving as it would be a family get together between us four. Smiling at the thought I exclaimed I would tell them giving her a tight hug. May gave me a hug back only to break it saying I better get or she would keep me hostage until Thanksgiving. We both laughed as I got in my truck.

The week before Thanksgiving was here as Adam, Jack, and I were looking forward to spending turkey day with May. It was a Wednesday as I just got out of my last class of the day. I had to make a trip to the store to get supper as it was my night. So as I got to my truck around 3:30 p.m. I had just put my bag in the driver seat when I heard a throat clear.

"Are you Heath Thompson young man?" The voice asked as I turned to see who it was

Standing there was a Sheriff, and his deputy I guessed.

"Yes, have I done something wrong officer's." I asked feeling scared all the sudden

"No son far from it so calm down." The Sheriff tells me as I nod

"So what is this about if I may ask?" I say asking him as he looks at his female deputy

"Heath, do you know a Ms. May Griffin?" The female deputy asks getting a nod

"Yes, she is like a grandmother to me. Why do you ask is she ok?" I ask not liking the looks they both had

"Is there anywhere we can talk son?" The sheriff asks as I shake my head

"Sir if it's all alright could you just please tell me what is going on." I say seeing him debate about my request

"Heath, she was found dead this morning by a neighbor. The neighbor told us about you going to school here." The female deputy tells me as my heart sinks

"No she can't be as I just talked to her last night. She never shown any signs of bad health." I exclaim as I back up to sit

"Son we know this is hard, but we are just doing our duty. She named you her sole heir so her attorney asked us to give you his card." The sheriff tells me as I numbly take it

"If you need anything from our station give me a call." The female deputy tells me getting a nod

They give me their condolences as they walk away leaving me there. I look at the card to see the attorney's name and number. He put a time for me to see him which was next Wednesday. I shake my head back and forth feeling tears come to my eyes. I stop to see two familiar faces looking at me very concerned as I cry.

"Heath bro what is it? Why are you crying man?" Jack asks me as I stand up to hug him

"Jack I don't like this one bit." Adam says standing by Jack

"Me either Adam, Heath what is wrong man? As this isn't like you bro." Jack says as my tears continue to fall

"It's May she's ... she's..." I say trailing off as he breaks the hug having me sit in the truck

"She's what heath? Look at me she's what?" Jack says trying to stay calm

"SHE'S DEAD OH GOD SHE"S DEAD!" I yell feeling my self lose control

"Come on Heath you need to calm down. Jack help me get him to our dorm." Adam says taking my left arm as Jack gets my right

"She's gone Grandma's gone." I say feeling hurt and lost again as I did before summer

"Calm down bro you have us to help you through this. We are not going anywhere." Adam tells me as they help me to our dorm room

That evening goes slow as I sat on the couch. Both my friends help me the best they can. After I finally calm down Adam suggest I call the attorney to get more information as to May like if there is a funeral or what. I nod knowing he is right on that note as I didn't know what to do. I got my phone from my jacket and with card in hand dialed the number. The phone rung a few times until a woman answered. She told me her name being Susan. I told her I needed to speak to Mr. Erik Goldsteen. She asked what it was about in which I said grandma May's name. Susan told me to hold for a minute. It was just a few seconds that he got on the phone.

"Is this Heath Thompson?" He asked with a calm tone but curious

"Yes sir, I am Heath, the reason I am calling is the sheriff didn't tell me of how to get ahold of a funeral home or anything of that matter." I exclaimed to him as I heard a sigh

"Heath, I already have that taken care of. She isn't having a funeral as she didn't want one. She wanted to be cremated. I know this is hard for you as May has told me so much about you. Look come to my office next Wednesday and we will talk. If you need anything between now and then just call me. And please accept my deepest condolences." Mr. Goldsteen tells me as I have tears

"Thank you sir for explaining it to me. I will see you next Wednesday then." I say as we hang up

Adam and Jack look at me very intently as I try to calm myself for a moment to explain to them. Once calmed I tell them of what May wanted. Adam can see the reasoning, but Jack doesn't at first until Adam explains it better. Jack just sighs accepting what grandma wanted before going to get a beer. He came back with three in which I waved off.

"I still have to head out to pick up supper." I stated as Adam shook his head

"Sorry bro but your not going any where in your state of mind. There is cold pizza still in the fridge we will nuke some slices when we get hungry. So take the beer, and relax." Adam tells me with authority as I see Jack agree nodding

Jack hands me the beer that I accept from him. They both take a seat on either side of me. We sip on our beers for awhile in silence. I start to think of my life now as May was a big piece of it. Out of the corner of my eye I see Jack raise his beer.

"To a woman who had a big heart of gold. To a woman who loved those around her with a smile. To a woman that could cook with a soul so pure. To May as she will be missed." Jack says holding back his tears

"To May." Adam says also holding back tears

I think for a moment as I raise mine up.

"To Grandma as I will always love her." I state with tears falling

We clank our bottles together taking drinks from them after. The evening turned into night as Adam as well as Jack keep a eye on me. I don't know what to think as my mind still can't grasp the loss of some one close to me again. I keep thinking why does things always happen to me. That night sleep hardly comes to me as my dreams are filled with May in a casket. She doesn't move or speak to me. I see my father stand by the container that holds her, but he says no words except show tears. I feel myself cry as I see her being lowered into the sand as my father fades walking away. I shake my head as to not believing she is gone. It's at that moment a look up into the sky of my dream and scream for her.

"GRANDMA PLEASE NEVER LEAVE ME!" I scream so loudly that next I feel my body being shook

"Heath wake up bro it's Adam wake up." I hear him say as I open my eyes

"Adam what ... why are you in here?' I ask as he sits on the edge of my bed

"You were screaming man. I had to shake you awake." He tells me as I remember my dream

"Sorry I guess it was a nightmare." I exclaim as he nods

"I understand Heath believe me. Just try not to let her death eat you alive as you still have Jack and Me. We care about you too." Adam tells me as I nod agreeing with him

"I know Abs it's just hard as she helped save me." I tell him as he nods

"I know so remember that and don't go into that dark void you have in your heart." Adam tells me with sincerity

"I won't, why don't you go get some sleep. I will be alright man." I tell him as he stands up

"You better be as I will stomp a mudhole in your ass." He tells me getting a chuckle

I watch as he leaves just to close my eyes knowing I will be alright, but not for awhile as him and Jack don't know the extent of my hurt or pain as May wasn't the first I lost.

As the days that followed went by I kept being distracted by the coming Wednesday and not believing that such a sweet, caring woman was gone. That weekend I stayed at college as to not be alone at the house that stood by the beach that I grew to love. Adam and Jack stayed with me saying they were my brothers, and brother's don't leave each other. I cried to those words as my own brother left me. Although with these two that stayed by my side I could tell they were true.

Wednesday finally came as I sat in the attorney's office around 4 p.m. He sat across from be pulling out a file that I assumed was May's. He looks to be in his 40's, 6'0, 220 lbs with muscle, short brown hair with brown eyes. Mr. Goldsteen once organized looks at me before speaking.

"Heath first I want to say how much I am sorry for the loss of May. She was a very caring woman." He tells me as I nod before he continues " Now May came in about two months ago to have her will changed. She made you the sole beneficiary of her estate. May left you the house, truck, and bank account with the sum of two million dollars."

I sat there stunned to all that he exclaimed to me until that last part was what shocked me.

"Wait ... what ... what was that last part?" I asked as he smiled shaking his head

"She left you two million dollars that she invested through the years. That was a mixture of what her husband left her as well as her sons. She had it also invested all these years." He tells me as I just look down at the table

He slides over the papers for me to sign in which I wait to sign.

"Mr. Goldsteen you sure May doesn't have any other relatives?" I ask getting a nod from him

"I am sure Heath as I checked a month ago to make sure nothing would come up on you later. Look I know how this must sound to real right now, but May made it very clear that she wanted you to have all that was hers. She loved you as a grandson so please accept all that she has given you." He states to me as I slowly nod to sign the paper's

After I sign the papers and show my license to show who I am. He has copies made for me. Mr. Goldsteen hand's over a folder with all the documents that are mine. He has me stay for a moment while reaching in his desk. I watched as he pulled out what looked like a dvd holder. He looked at me before handing it to me.

"What's this if I may ask?" I asked as he nodded