Chapter 32
School was practically over for the seniors. They got to leave one week early because they didn’t have to take the final exams if their grades were good enough. Most of seniors, then, had two weeks of a break before the actual graduation ceremony.
“So, I thought maybe you guys could all stay at my house on the beach. Whadu you think?” They were all walking home after their last day of school.
“I don’t think we can.” Rebekah looked at Rip. “Our parents kinda planned a little vacation those two weeks. Kinda like a pre-congratulatory gift.”
“Oh. That’s okay. Have fun.”
“It sounds pretty fun. We’ll see, I guess.”
“If we get back early, we will definitely pop in to say hi.” Holidee smiled.
“You can count Tom and I in.”
“Yeah. Got nothing else planned.”
“Awesome.” They reached the corner where they all separated. Tom and Rebekah kissed good-bye. Then he watched as she and Rip walked away.
“I’m gonna miss her.”
“You’ll see her in two weeks.”
“Two weeks is an eternity without her.” Holidee smiled.
“I’ll see you guys soon!” She waved and walked toward her house.
Holidee, Crix, and Mer went to stay at the beach house during Holidee’s two-week break. Zeke and Tom were going to join them in a few days. Crix was sitting on the beach, enjoying the sea breeze. Holidee walked casually down to the beach to join him. She sat down next to him in the sand. He opened his eyes and glanced sideways at her.
“What’re you thinking about?”
“You.” Holidee looked at him. “And how much you’ve grown.”
“You’re not gonna cry when I accept my diploma, are you?” Crix laughed.
“I’ll try not to.” Crix sighed heavily and looked to the ocean. “I just can’t believe how fast time has flown by.” Holidee couldn’t either. Just two years ago, her life had ended and now she was in love and happy. She had four great friends and two great godparents. “I mean…it’s been two years since Gre-your parents died. I just cannot grasp that. Two years…”
“Yeah. Time has flown by. I’m graduating in two weeks. The school will be done in a few years. Then I have to be the head of a school for the rest of my life. Time is going by too quickly.”
“Yes it is.” They sat there in silence for several minutes.
“Crix?”
“Yes?”
“Is the pain still there for you?” Crix turned his head to look at Holidee.
“What pain?”
“The pain of loss. The pain of emptiness.” Crix nodded and looked back at the ocean.
“Yeah, it’s still there. It’ll always be there, but it’s the good memories that get me through each day. The memories of us together. The memories of teaching you. The memories of the past.” The sea breeze ruffled their hair. “But don’t be sad, Holidee. This is your time. Your parents’ time and my time have all passed. It’s your time to shine. Your parents couldn’t be any more proud. You’re going to open a school for Oceains. You’re going to build our race back up. I don’t think they ever imagined their little girl doing such great things. I know they’d be proud of you.”
“I know they would.” Holidee stared at the ocean as two waves rolled onto the shore and the wind lifted her hair again. How content she felt just sitting there, next to Crix on the beach. She knew her parents were proud of her, but was…?
Crix put an arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head. “I’m proud of you too. If I had had a daughter, I would’ve wanted her to be just like you.” Holidee smiled through teary eyes and hugged Crix.