Chapter 6

With all the exciting events that happened to him within a course of a few days, Jamie had completely forgotten that he had a long weekend coming up. The following Monday was Columbus Day, so he was off from school. He was elated because that would give him an extra day to settle in at Lynn's house permanently.

It was Thursday, so he was also nervous. His parents were coming home tomorrow, so he needed to get a game plan together on how he was going to tell them that not only was he moving out, but he was also in love with Lynn and they were engaged. He didn't quite know what to expect from either of them, so he felt like he needed some advice. During lunch he sat with Brandon, one of his closest friends, and explained his dilemma to him.

"Hey, Jamie. What's up? You look a little green," Brandon said.

"It's been a crazy week, dude," Jamie said, "but it's been the best week of my life."

"So what's the deal? I haven't seen much of you lately. Everyone's been asking about you, especially Amanda. You know how much that girl digs you," Brandon said.

"Amanda? Please! I wouldn't hit that if you paid me," Jamie said.

"Oh, so I suppose you know someone better?" Brandon asked.

"Yes, and that's why I wanted to talk to you," Jamie said with a serious expression.

"Oh, okay. Sorry, man. Go ahead, I'm all ears," Brandon said.

"Well, I'm not sure where to begin, so I guess I'll just come right out and say it," Jamie said. "I've met the woman of my dreams, and we're engaged."

"Huh?" Brandon said. "Did I hear you say you're engaged?"

"Yep, I am," Jamie said with a smile.

"Dude, that's cool as hell!" Brandon said loudly, but then lowered his voice when one of his teachers nearby turned her head in surprise.

"I mean, that's positively delightful young Jamie," he said, mocking the teacher.

Jamie laughed and said, "Yeah, it is. Her name is Lynn and Brandon, I'm telling you she is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"So, who is she? Do I know her?"

"No, but you've seen her before," Jamie said. "Do you remember when you came over to my house for the first time? We were outside shooting hoops, and you stopped to check out our next door neighbor."

"Yeah, I remember that. She was hot."

Jamie flashed a knowing smile, making Brandon realize who he was talking about.

"Her?!" he exclaimed. "She's the one you're engaged to? Damn, dude! You've struck gold!"

"Yeah, I know I have," Jamie said. "She is gorgeous, but she's even more beautiful on the inside. Her heart is bigger than what I've seen of the girls here. I'm so much in love right now, it's like nothing I've ever felt before. I know she's the one."

"That's great, but from what I can recall she was about the same age as your mother, right?" Brandon asked.

"Yeah, she is, but that's okay," Jamie replied. "Our age difference doesn't mean a thing to either of us."

"But Jamie, are you really sure about this?" Brandon asked, concerned for his friend. "Her age might mean something to you down the road. I know you're eighteen and all, but being with someone that's so much older than you could cause you some problems. I mean, I assume you want to have kids someday. Have you thought about the idea that she may not be able to have a baby when you're ready to have one? She's a knockout, don't get me wrong, but her biological clock must be ticking away like crazy."

Jamie thought about what he had said, and decided that it wasn't worth considering. He knew in the farthest reaches of his soul that Lynn was the one he was meant to be with, and said, "Yeah, I've thought about that, and it doesn't matter to me. When the time comes to have a baby, we'll try to have one of our own. And if it doesn't happen, then so be it. There are so many kids out there that need good homes, and I'd be more than willing to give them one. I want Lynn there to raise him or her with me. That's the most important thing, having her there to share in it."

"Well, okay then. If this is what you feel is right for you, then I'm happy for you man," Brandon said as he shook Jamie's hand. "So, what did Mar and Bri have to say about this?"

"That's another thing I wanted to talk to you about," Jamie said. "I haven't told them yet. They've been away for a week, and they're coming home tomorrow. I'm not sure how they're going to take it, especially the part where I tell them that I'm moving out this weekend."

"You're moving in with her, too?" Brandon said. "Whew, I don't know Jamie. They may have a LOT to say about it."

"I know, so I was hoping you could help me figure out the best way to tell them. I mean, they've been really good to me my entire life and I don't want to hurt them," Jamie said.

"Well, all I can say is, you're eighteen and you are old enough to make your own decisions. That's something every parent has to come to grips with eventually. It will probably come as a shock to them, and they may get really pissed at you, but what it all comes down to is you are their son and they've raised you to be a strong, independent person who's capable of taking care of himself. They should want nothing more than to see you happy, and I can see that you really are. So, my advice to you is to just come right out and tell them, and don't pull any punches. Stand firm, but at the same time be respectful of their feelings. They'll come around."

Jamie breathed a heavy sigh of relief and said, "Thanks, man. I knew I could count on you. You've been a really big help."

"Don't sweat it, big J. You know, around here everyone calls me the second coming of Dr. Phil," Brandon said.

Jamie smiled while shaking his head and said, "You are so full of shit, dude."

The bell rang, and as they walked to their next class Brandon teased, "You know, if you need help with moving this weekend, I'm free. If I can get a closer look at your hottie, then you wouldn't even have to pay me."