"Damon. Rose." Carol calls our names from the kitchen, her voice easily travels into the living room.
Standing up from our place on the floor, Brandon and Dave groan since we have to stop our game after Brandon's round is over. It's a simple game of dice, but if you put your roll into the wrong category, it can cost you points later.
"Can you two set out the blanket in the back? It is a beautiful day out. It would be a shame if we sat in the air conditioner all day."
Wordlessly, we grab the red and white checkered blanket and head outside. As soon as we open the backdoor next to the kitchen, a woosh of heat comes in the room with the faint wind. Goosebumps rise on my arms from the new temperature. It feels amazing. Air conditioning is nice, but being in the natural heat is something else.
"We should set it up next to the Weeping Willow. We can get a cool breeze from the lake to cut down on some of the humidity."
Looking over at Brandon, he is already looking at me. "Good idea."
We quickly set up the blanket a safe distance away from the edge of the lake. I don't want to fall in again. Putting rocks on the edge of the blanket so it doesn't move, we wipe the dirt off the surface of the rocks and then gently place them, careful as to not tear the thin material.
After that is all done, we sit there for a few minutes, facing the water. Damon's arm goes around my waist and I lean my head against his left shoulder. This is so peaceful. The water calmly ripples and reflects the sun's streams of light that pushed through the thick trees. It's beautiful.
"Are you ready to graduate?"
"Yes. Actually, I was hoping we would be able to talk about that for a quick minute. They are your parents so if you don't want them to come, it is totally fine. But, I was wondering, well, hoping that I could ask your parents to come to my graduation. Amelia will be graduating too, so the only people there will be you and Brandon. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited for the both of you to come and I am grateful either way, but I would like your parents to come too."
"Of course you can ask, Rose. You are a part of their family. I know that they would love to come. When did you want to ask them? Graduation is in two weeks."
"When we were all eating? I was going to casually bring it up, although I am super excited if they would come."
"That sounds like a great idea. But, don't plan out how you want to say it. Be frank."
Hearing the backdoor open, we both quiet down. I don't want them to overhear us so I have some time to prepare. Despite what Damon said, I want to make sure I ask them the right way so they want to come. They don't know me well and aren't obligated to go. I want them to want to go.
Carol glides down the wooden basket in her hand. Her light pink outfit contrasts from the dark green grass. Dave and Brandon walk slightly behind here, their bulky figures treading heavily.
"No, no. Turn around, you two. I want a picture!"
Laughing, we look out at the water again. Damon's arm holds my waist a little tighter than before and I can't help the goofy smile on my face. I know the picture won't capture it, but I will remember how happy this family has made me.
The shutter of the camera clicks and we turn back around. The picnic basket is placed in the center of the blanket. Dave and Brandon are already sitting on either side of Damon and me and Carol sits directly in front of us.
"Everyone join hands so we can say Grace."
Taking Brandon and Damon's hand, we all drop our heads and close our eyes as Carol thanks for the food and for all of us sitting here. When she finishes, we open the basket and take out all of its content. Similar to the basket Damon first made, there are potato and macaroni salads, finger sandwiches, cut fruit, chicken, deviled eggs, and vegetable and steak skewers. For dessert, she packed some homemade cookies and brownies, and some pita chips with garlic hummus. My stomach growls at the sight of everything. It has only been a couple of hours since breakfast, but I am starving.
Everyone grabs a plate and starts loading it with food. Even after everyone has a full plate, there are plenty of leftovers.
A couple of minutes into the meal, I decide to ask them about graduation. I cross my fingers and decide to stop being a wimp. The worst they can say is no, and if they do, I still have Brandon and Damon who will be there to support me.
"Uh, Carol? Dave?" Hearing their names, both of their eyes turn to look at me. They both have kind looks on their faces, but I still gulp.
"I-uh- I was wondering if you both would want to go- go to my graduation. It's- it's short notice because it's in two weeks, but I didn't know you before. Now, that I have met you, I would really like you both to come."
"Of course, honey! We would love to come! What day and time is it?"
"It's on Friday. I have to be there by noon, but it doesn't start until 2."
"We will be there, kiddo," Dave says joyously.
Quickly getting up from next to Damon, I rush over to Dave and Carol and give them both a hug. I feel so relieved and elated. They said yes! I didn't think anyone would show up to my graduation, but after these couple of months, I have my whole family, a family that I chose for myself, coming. It's the best feeling in the world.
Rounding the blanket again, I am all smiles as I sit next to Damon. He whispers "I told you so" in my ear and for once I am grateful that he was right. Not that I would ever tell him that.
"Do you have a job lined up for after graduation, Rose?"
"Yes, I did an internship this year and the publishing house decided to keep me on. I have the day before graduation, the day of graduation, and the day after off, but then I am full-time on the editorial team with my mentor as my new boss. I'm really excited about it, plus it's nice that I don't have to scramble for a job now."
"What about you, Brandon? How is the workforce treating you? Are you still working for the same company?"
Brandon looks at his father, a proud gleam in his eye. "I am doing great. I am working my way up the corporate ladder and I hope to make CFO by the end of the year. The current CFO plans on retiring and the spot is open. He said that if I keep up the quality of work that I've already been doing the job is mine."
Damon's grip on my thigh tightens when he realizes that his parents are going to ask him next.
"Damon?" His grip becomes almost painful. I put my hand over his and rub his knuckles to reassure him that I am right here.
"I haven't found a job yet. I have been living off of the money from the 'transaction.' I will get a job eventually, but I want to lay low for more time. I don't want to jeopardize anyone's safety."
His parents look at him, sympathetic looks on their faces. "Son, you need to get back out there. Your mother and I want you to take over the family business. We think it will be good for you to work there again. You did a good job last time and we know you will keep the business running."
Everything is deathly quiet, even the birds have stopped singing their tunes. Tension joins the humidity in the air. No one dares to move a muscle. Damon's grip on my thigh is slack, but I continue to rub his knuckles.
Why would his parents ask that of him? Especially when he just said that he wanted to stay under the radar so we can all live normal lives?
"Son?"
Damon clenches and unclenches his hands into fists, his breathing is heavier, chest rapidly moving up and down. I have never seen him like this. Is he upset?
Obviously, that's a dumb question to even think about.
Is he mad? Is he about to blow up and storm off? I don't know how to react so I don't. My fingers just keep soothingly moving over his, hopefully, the motions calm him down, but it doesn't seem to.
"How can you ask me that? How can you ask me to work for the company that I almost lost my life for when the same men who tried to kill me the first time are still out there?!"
He opens his mouth to say more, but closes it and shakes his head. Getting up, he walks away from me. I stare at his retreating back, unsure of what to do.
Making up my mind, I throw a small "sorry" over my shoulder and rush after my hurting man.