Prompt - A Quiet Summer Sunday
Brian sat on the rickety lawn chair, sipping occasionly at the beer sitting next to him on an old wooden crate. Kids voices filtered up from the street, mother's voices interspersed as they called for or yelled at one of the various youngsters running out on the street. He thought of his own family, how often Moms would call for the three to come in, stop bickering, or just finish a task. He had not been home in ages, the distance between Minneapolis and home too far and expensive for occasional trips. He missed his parents, his siblings, his nieces, and the Bob-Whites. His apartment was too quiet after his roommate had left. Jim, Trixie and Bob had visited a few months ago, catching a ride on Wheeler Enterprises corporate jet. That had been nice but he had only been able to take a couple of days off.
He was beginning his last year of residency. Loyola Kevins had already finished and was now working in Sleepyside with Dr Ferris. The practice was large enough to need two full-time physicians. Brian was scheduled to meet with them this Christmas and discuss working there. Now the question was "Did he want to?" The only reason for not going was huge. If SHE found someone and married, they would have to live there. Sleepyside was growing but you could not avoid someone even when you tried. Hiding his feelings over a three day weekend was one thing. Hiding them on an everyday basis?
Brian shook his head. Today was a day to relax. He finished his beer and grabbed the basketball by the door. He took off, planning on showing the kids downstairs how to play New York basketball!
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Mart and Dan stood in the driveway, admiring the morning's work. Their project hung on the garage, centered to the drive, net swinging proudly.
"Now that's a perfect addition to your house," Dan grinned as Di came out to inspect their work. She rolled her eyes even as Mart came over and gave her a quick one-armed hug. "We'll teach your girls how to play right after I teach Mart."
"I played right along side you on Varsity. I remember outscoring you a few games too," Mart replied indignantly as he picked up the ladder to hang it back in the garage.
"True, but those were the games I had huge assists."
Diana laughed. "Yes, guys. We know. The two of you were the greatest thing since the Frayne-Belden combo two years before you."
"Hey, Sleepyside took state six years in a row, five of those years with a Belden on the championship team, in both girls and boys." Mart kissed his wife. "And our girls will just have to carry on the tradition since Bobby's team took it when he played."
Diana looked over at Dan and mock-scowled. "No pressure there."
They moved toward the house where the girls were sleeping on the living room floor. After checking to be sure they were still asleep, the three walked into the large kitchen. Dan pulled glasses down as Mart took the pitcher of lemonade from the fridge. They set everything down and took a cookie from the plate Di had sitting on the wooden table. "So, are we planning on having any future boy players?"
Mart and Di looked at each other and then Dan, faces impassive. Dan gave them a guestioning look back and Diana smiled. "Well, you are the only one who knows. So, shhhhhh. We just found out I'm pregnant."
Dan leaned over and gave Diana a quick peck on the lips. "Congratulations, Di."
Mart punched his friend lightly on the arm. "Hey. I had something to do with it."
"Oh, yeah. Sorry Di. Should I offer commiseration?" All laughed as the two men shook hands.
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Reaching around to put the last of the sunscreen on the back of his neck , Jim looked out on the lake where his blonde fiancee lay on the deck. His lips curved up as he thought about how his life was turning out. He had his special girl, his school (well, not "his" school, but he ran the school without having to be the administrator), a loving family and friends that could not be better. He could wish his one friend home, but that most were here was good enough for now. A wedding in a few months would make his life complete. He noticed that his fiancee had now looked up at him and crooked her finger, inviting him over. One good dive off the board and he swam his way over to her.
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The party was over. One more of her friends was getting married. She was happy for her, for them. Her college roommate was marrying......a doctor. When Honey met him, he mentioned that he had gone through residency in Minneapolis. She wanted to ask if he knew HIM but felt strange about asking. The soon to be married couple would be living in New York City, as he had taken a job at one of the hospitals there.
Honey picked up the garbage bags and set them by the door to take them out later. She turned to the kitchen and began putting the last of the food away. As she closed the refrigerator, she stared at the informal picture of the Bob-Whites hanging from a magnet. Had HE found someone new? Last she had heard, no, but everyone was so careful talking about HIM around her still. She knew she had done the right thing those years ago, but it didn't stop her from wishing that maybe things could change.
Looking around the apartment to see if anything else needed to be put away, she was satisfied. She took her glass of wine and walked onto the deck, looking toward the east. It was so quiet and clear she wondered if he would hear her ask "Do you miss me?"