Making Memories

Chapter 43

A couple years later, when our kids have now turned to teenagers, times have really changed. Cora is having issues with boys, Brett has a girlfriend, but they're having problems. I wonder why. This is what Cora looks like now:

This is what Brett looks like now:

I go to Brett's room to see what's been bugging him. He came in from school very upset and had slammed his room door. I knock on his door.
"Go away, mom!" Brett exclaimed.
"I just want to know what's wrong." I said.
"I don't wanna talk about it!" Brett said.
"Please, whatever's bothering you, I'll help you get through it." I said.
Brett sighs and gets up from his bed. He opens his door and plops down on his bed, his head in his hands.

I take a seat next to him. I rub him on his back. He looks at me. His eyes are bloodshot from crying.
"Tell me what happened." I said.
"Okay, you know my girlfriend and I have been having some problems." Brett said.
"Yeah, go on." I said.
"Well, she just wants to take a break, but I didn't want this to end. What do I do?" Brett asked.
"Sounds like you just need to take some time apart. Once everything blows over, you guys can try again. Or, you can ask what you did wrong." I said.
"Okay, thanks mom." Brett said, hugging me.
"Where'd you said she lived again?" I asked.
"Germany." Brett said.
"What? You're dating a girl from Germany? Long distance is very hard, honey. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" I asked.
"I really love her, mom. I will do anything to stay with her." Brett said.
"Well, maybe ask if she can visit sometime. I'd love to meet her. How did you meet her?" I asked.
"We met on Bumble. Then, from there things kinda took off." Brett said.
"Typical, wait you have to be 18 to use that app. Brett Levi Demars, did you lie about your age?" I asked.
"A little bit. I mean 16 and 18 isn't that far apart." Brett said, smiling.
"And how old is she?" I asked.
"She's only a few months older than me. She's also 16." Brett said.
"You've got one thing in common, lying. I didn't raise you like that, but you'll pay for your lies later." I said.
"It was only a little lie, plus she really likes me, she just can't handle the distance very well." Brett said.
"Think about it. You guys are 5,641 miles apart. It's quite the distance." I said.
"How do you know that?" Brett asked.
"I've had my fair share of flings of long distance European boys." I said.
"Was this in high school?" Brett asked.
"No, during college. If you want some extra help with getting your girl back, I know some German that's charming." I said.
"Text her for me." Brett said, handing me his phone.
"Not right now. Give her some time." I said.
"Alright, fine." Brett said.

I leave his room and go check on Cora. She's in her room, playing a song on piano. I tap her on the shoulder. This scares her and she plays the wrong chord.
"Ugh, mom. . ." Cora said.
"Just checking on you." I said.
"I was in the middle of Lost In Japan." Cora said.
"That's a nice song. So, how's your love life?" I asked.
"Did you seriously just ask that. Horrible, thank you very much." Cora asked.
"Any boys you interested in?" I asked.
"Mom!" Cora exclaimed.
"Just wondering." I said.
"Yes, his name is Jacob. He's a foreign exchange student from Sweden." Cora said.
"Describe him to me." I said.
"He has the most dreamy blue eyes, fluffy blond hair. His accent is everything." Cora said.
"Why don't you talk to him?" I asked.
"It's not that easy." Cora said.
"Just go up to him like 'hey, I heard you're new here, would you like a tour around the city with me.' I'll text you what to say. Your mother swooped your father off his feet, so I got this in the bag." I said.
"You might get me a date. Thanks, mom." Cora said, hugging me.

I leave her room and go hang out with Woods in our room. He's strumming a little song very familiar to me: Use Somebody. His voice is literally angelic. I love it so much. I could listen to him sing all day. I begin singing with him, harmonizing with him. Soon, Brett and Cora notice and walk in to have a little listen. Cora claps for us. Brett runs to get his bass. Yes, Brett plays piano, guitar, and bass. He comes back and starts playing bass along with us. Cora sits next to me to sing with us. Now all the whole family is sitting and singing songs together.

By the evening, we all part to do our own thing. I watch some shows on TV and Woods is writing some new songs. Cora and Brett are doing their homework like good kids. I'm so proud of them. Around 10, I go to bed. The next day, Brett and Cora go to school as usual. Woods and I go to work. After an amazing work day, Woods and I are feeling inspired to create even more.

Cora walks into my room, telling me that she talked to this Swedish guy. She's shaking me and telling me that they're going out together. She's already got a date with him? She didn't even need my help. My girl did it. Then, she explained to me that his name is Lucas, but is mostly called Luke. I'm so happy for her. To see her so happy makes me happy. I wonder what their relationship will take them. Maybe they'll get married and live happily ever after. We all know that isn't reality though. This is only a high school fling that will probably only last a few months. I won't think so negatively though. I know Cora and Luke will work things out and be happy together.