Chapter 5

Mom and I drove in silence. It was about a six hour drive to Macon from the camp. We were about halfway home when Mom finally spoke.

"How are you doing, Brody?"

I started and glanced at her. How was I doing? Overall, I was doing well. I still had some confused emotions, but not nearly as many as the day before. When I thought about my two lovers heading the opposite way across the country, back to their daily lives, I felt a mixture of sadness, fear and maybe even a little jealousy. But underneath all that was a stronger feeling, kept wrapped neatly in Mia's words and enthusiasm. I would never forget her, or Shay, and I was sure they wouldn't forget me. Maybe things would turn out differently than any of us hoped right now. People change, you know. But for now I was content to live with the promises of what might be.

I realized Mom was still waiting for an answer. I smiled. "I'm good, Mom. I'm really good."

She smiled back at me, then turned her attention back to the road. I few minutes later, she spoke again. "They're pretty girls, aren't they?"

"Yeah, they are." I looked at her out of the corner of my eye, but she still had her eyes on the road. The way she said that made me think she suspected something. Her next words confirmed it.

"I can tell you have a ... unique ... relationship with them. Whatever happens in your future, you make sure to treat them both equally well. Traditional relationships are hard enough. You make sure you talk often about feelings, because it's easy to hurt people without realizing it."

"Yes, Mom."

She looked back at me, her expression soft. "You really are a remarkable young man, Brody. They will be two very lucky young women if you end up together."

"Thanks, Mom. I'd feel pretty lucky, too."

"I'm sure you would." Her tone drew my attention, and I caught the smirk on her face. I blushed.

"Mom! I didn't mean like that! Jeez..."

She laughed. "I know, Brody. I'm just teasing you."

We were quiet again. Ten minutes or so passed before I spoke.

"Do you remember what I asked from you yesterday, Mom?"

"Ummm, no. I'm sorry, I don't." Her face didn't give any hints as to whether she really did or not.

"I asked you to start focusing on yourself. I want you to start dating."

"Brody, I'm not going to promise anything. We'll just see what happens." I could tell she wouldn't give me more than that. I sighed and turned back to watch the passing countryside.

"Brody?"

"Yeah?"

"What would say to going on a trip during Christmas break?" Mom and I always spent Christmas morning, just the two of us. We'd never traveled over Christmas break, though.

"I guess. Any place in particular?"

She was quiet for a long time. I could see her mind working, and I began to get concerned that maybe she forgot she was driving. But she still kept the car on the road.

"Well, I was thinking it might be nice to spend the holidays with friends or family. What would you think about going to Arizona?"

My ears perked up and my mouth dropped. Mom laughed at my expression.

"Really? Arizona?"

"John and Shelly invited us to stay with them for a couple of weeks. Are you interested?"

Was I? What kind of stupid question was that? I didn't say anything. I just grinned stupidly at her. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, and let my dreams carry me away to memories just lived and those that might soon be.

Life was good. Very good.