Chapter15
Katelyn
“You packed your uniform?Cleats?What about sandals for the shower?”I ask as I stand in front of Thomas.The sky is still dark overhead, but despite the early hour, my boy’s eyes are wide and bright.
At least two dozen other teenage boys are also standing here in front of the school bus, saying goodbye to parents who are likely far less neurotic than I am.
I can’t help it.This is the first time since he was born that Thomas will be away from me for longer than a few hours.Six nights and five full days.
How am I going to survive?Lord, please protect him.
“Yes, Mom,” he replies with a laugh.“I triple checked everything.”
“Okay.”My stomach is a pit of rocks, and I’m doing everything I can not to let the tears fall.Not until he is on that bus and out of sight of me.As soon as I’m alone, all bets are off.“I got you something.”Reaching into my purse, I withdraw the cell phone I’d bought for him as a surprise when he’d been at school on Friday.“On an actual plan, no hours needed.”
“Seriously?”His eyes widen, and he takes it from me, pressing the power button on the side.The screen illuminates, and he stares down at it like I just handed him the keys to the city.
“I thought it was time.Especially with this trip.But, you’d better promise me you remember everything from our internet safety talk.No social media and absolutely no photographs shared anywhere or to anyone, deal?You use it to call and text me or play games.That’s it.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replies and pockets it, then withdraws the simple flip phone I’d purchased at a gas station last year.After handing it to me, he pulls me in for a big hug.Even at thirteen, he’s nearly as tall as I am.Another few months and he’ll likely pass me completely.
My sweet boy is growing up, and I have to be okay with that.
Grateful for it, even.
So why does my chest ache?
“Thanks so much, Mom.”
“You’re welcome.”My treacherous eyes fill, and I quickly blink the tears away.
“Are you going to be okay?”he asks as he pulls back.
“Oh yeah.”I force a smile.“I’m going to be just fine.You go and have the best time.”
“Mom, I can sta?—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.”I grip either side of his face, my thumbs stroking his cheeks.I don’t care that his friends can see; this ismyboy.My wonderful, smart, strong son.“You go and have fun, Thomas Ellis.Do you hear me?”
He grins at me again.“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good.”I plant a kiss on his forehead, then release him.
Thomas hoists his duffel bag up and steps away.“See ya, Mr.Holt!”he calls out, waving at someone behind me.
Garrison?What is he doing here?
“See ya.Have a great time, Thomas,” he replies.
Garrison’s voice shouldn’t have brought me comfort.
It shouldn’t have made me feel less alone as I say goodbye to my only child.
Yet, it does, and it did.
I band one arm around my waist, then wave to Thomas as he climbs onto the bus.He takes a seat near one of the windows, already chatting happily with the other boys on the bus.
Swallowing back tears that are searing my throat, I close my eyes.