PERCIE
“Wow! Who owned this place? Or are we trespassing?” I saw the amazement in Hailey’s eyes as she wandered to the property of my grandparents.
The two-story stucco house had a huge front lawn, beautiful landscapes, and a deck to the lake at the back of the house that Hailey was about to see.
Grandma loved this place so much and had been with them for a long time. As a real estate business proprietor, they knew clients would put big money into a property like this.
“We would not trespass on our first date, Lee. This belongs to my grandparents.” I was holding her hand as we marched to the front door.
The last time I visited this place was my last summer with Emma before we started our senior year. Nothing had changed with the interior. Our family pictures were mounted, then the last picture I had with Emma and my grandparents was just above the fireplace. The living room had the same furniture. One thing has changed, I came back without my family, but with Hailey.
I fulfilled one Emma’s favor, to live my life like how she wanted me to be. My heart still ached from losing her, but I had Hailey with me now to start making memories. With her, I felt like I wanted to be alive again, and my heart started beating again.
I placed our bag on the couch. “Have a seat first, Lee. Let me check what we have here to take something to the deck.” I faced her, tucking her loss strand behind her ear. “Or you want a tour first?”
She was gripping my free hand as she widened her eyes. “Wait, there is a deck?”
I chuckled. “Don’t get too excited. Nothing fancy, but yes, there is. Why do you think I brought you here if we would only stay here in the house? We could have just went to see a movie or have dinner in the restaurant. I thought you’d love to see a new scenery instead.”
“You just surprised me.” She pouted.
I lifted her chin. “Hey, sweetheart. I just want to make our first date memorable and special. Then one day, you have something to tell to your grandkids.”
Now she just rolled her eyes at me. “You’re making fun of me.”
“I’m not, but I don’t wanna screw this up.”
the kitchen. Then we can see the deck. Thank you, Percie.”
should be the one thanking you, Lee. You chose me
some soda, juice and
of others. And your wit, you being you, reserved, kind—that’s what I love most about you.” I went upstairs to grab a blanket. When I went down to hand
the basket with me, held her hand as we
thought you’d know me well
a very
every summer when our family chose to spend our vacation here. Hailey’s brown
tell me you’ve
playfully.”I saw lakes, silly, but I thought we just
disappointed?” I knew
her arm to me. “Can we get there already? No ‘gator in there, is there?”
‘gators. I
Her sweet voice echoed
renovated. There were still traces of wood debris.
things. I spread the blanket while Hailey
the basket on the side and the two
The weather was good for a weekend getaway. The smell of fresh air from the lake made
I was putting myself back together. Hailey has saved me from destroying my life.
the wind, and the birds chirping—I would not replace them with anything as long as I was with the person I
voice jabbed me
looked at her. Her eyes laced with
The peaceful and quiet air breeze created waves as they touched the water, making it wonderful
her, do you?” Hailey