Everyone is over 18.
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Day 1: Late Afternoon
"It's so nice today," he heard his mother say, just barely paying attention.
There are few things more wonderful than bright sunlight beaming through the deep green forest. It's been quite sometime since he has taken a walk, thanks to a drunk driver, and all he wanted was another chance to stroll through the trees.
A few miles from the nearest town, this one long and winding back road was the only access point to their destination. It's a dream of his to own a property such as this one day, but money talks and college was on the horizon with the shadow of debt looming over like a Cthulhu entity; American instead of cosmic, however.
Looking up from his game, he felt the car slowing and peered over his mother's shoulder to see a gate blocking the way. Not much has changed out here since he was here a few years ago. He went back to his phone and he could hear his mother dialing on her own.
"Hey, girl. We're here if you wanna let us through," she said, then hanging up.
The gate clicked and started to swing.
"That woman sounded like she had been running a marathon," she said. "Forty four and still going at it."
"Who? Aunt Amy?" he said, distracted.
The car was moving again and he stuffed his phone into his bag.
"Funny that you still call her that," his mom said with a smile. "She might not even remember."
Coming around a long bend, he looked across the massive lawn, perfectly cut with a seamless diagonal pattern and spotted what looked like a Porsche, bright red and gleaming. As they got closer, the car was confirmed and next to it was a cream-white Chevy Avalanche, shiny and decked with chrome detail.
"You see that truck, Mom?" he said with excitement. "God damn."
She hit him with a glare through the rear-view mirror. "Language, hey? She's surprisingly frugal. I would buy something way more expensive than that."
"Sorry, sorry."
The area was surrounded by trees except for a dirt road that dropped off from the yard and went around back. Who knows what kind of goodies were back there. He would have to make sure and get a full tour of the place when he was settled.
Just then, he saw fire red waves swinging back and forth as she descended the long wooden deck ramp. His eyes were glued to her fantastic body, taking an interest in her yoga attire. The light blue sports bra and tight pants were starting to make him breathe a little heavier and his mom popped the door open, interrupting his tunnel vision.
"Haaay!" Amy shouted, bouncing down the drive way, waving.
His mother did the same thing and he opened up while they embraced for the first time in a long while. Amy and his mom have been best friends for 20-plus years. Their careers started similar, but went in different directions. Instead of award-winning actress, his mom is an award-winning sound engineer. Both of them succeeded, so it worked out.
"So glad you guys made it safe. Bit of a drive," Amy said, heading towards the trunk. Passing by him, she caught his gaze and smiled big, her eye brows snapping up. "Hey, Tim!"
Amy took a step back and leaned in for a hug and there was nothing going to stop her. He was enchanted by those bright blue eyes.
"Long time no see, Aunt Amy," he said, wrapping his arms around her glistening back.
She pulled away and quickly pecked his cheek before letting him go. "My goodness, you're all grown up now. Time is flying!"
He felt the shivers from her kiss rattle him and he smiled back, "I'm old now."
Amy and his mom both scoffed and busted out in laughter, heading to the back of the car. "I'm not old, but your mother is," Amy giggled.
"Whoa!" His mom cried foul. "We are literally the same age."
The wheelchair was out and Amy rolled it next to him. Stepping up, his mom was there to assist, but he latched onto the door and lifted himself out into the chair with a small grunt.
"Good?" Amy said softly.
"Yea, all good," he replied, slamming the door in frustration.
The women glanced to each other with a frown and it got quiet for a moment.
"Well, you two, I have to get to LAX quick like," his mom said, pulling bags and setting them to the side. "Thank you so much, babe," she said, giving Amy a hug.
"Oh, you know that's no problem," Amy said, smiling. "I'm the only one here for the whole weekend. We're gonna have fun."
"Timothy, you call if you need anything," he heard, looking that way.
"Have a good trip, Mom," he said.
"See you soon, Mary," Amy waved.
As she backed out to turn around, Amy went for the bags.
"Got enough to get up that ramp, Hun?" she said, concerned.
"Yeah, I got this," he said, rolling that way.
Amy knew everything about his accident and she pushed his mother to sue the driver for everything he was worth. He hasn't seen her in many years and she acts like it was yesterday with the way she soothes him with her voice.
"I have pizza coming," she said, moving up behind him with his luggage, "I know Hawaiian is your favorite."
He looked away in disgust.
"We can't be friends anymore."
Amy pulled her large glass door and ruffled his hair before going inside, laughing. "You won't break up with me over pineapples."
He fixed his bangs and looked around in awe at her beautiful house. The wooden interior was the perfect match for the forest that surrounded them. He glanced over the pictures of her family and different animals stuffed up onto the walls. It was spacious with lots of room to move around.
"It's familiar, but so much has changed," he said, following her back to his old guest room.
"Aw, thanks. Not always worth the trouble, but hey, I'll sell it to you," she joked, sitting bags next to the bed.
