Senior Year Box Set

We’d planned a family-only graduation party at my farm. Later, I would host an open party for my classmates. I’d told Lexi to organize something everyone would remember. She’d coordinated the two events with my mom and Scarlet. With my mom involved, I was sure it wouldn’t get too far out of hand.

When I arrived at the farm, I saw our farmhands setting up the five-acre field behind the house for tonight’s event. They had pulled in a flatbed trailer and run electricity to it. If I had to guess, it meant that a band would play tonight.

Bales of straw were being put around what looked like the beginnings of a fire pit. I spotted Scarlet supervising.

“What are the poles for?” I asked.

I’d noticed a big stack of them off to one side.

“They’re going to use them to hold lanterns so there’s enough light to see.”

There were long tables set up for us to eat outside. I made my way to the kitchen to see if I could snag something to eat because I’d started to feel ravenous. My early morning toast had departed my body earlier, along with the other contents of my queasy stomach.

Yelena took pity on me and made me a ham sandwich. She gave it to me with a glass of milk, then returned to cooking.

Everyone had started to show up. My dad and uncle came in the back door and spotted me eating.

“Where did you get that?” Dad asked.

I pointed to Yelena because my mouth was full.

“You boys want a sandwich, too?” Yelena asked.

“Yes, please,” Uncle John said.

They joined me at the kitchen table. As Yelena gave them their food, Grandmas Dawson and Felton walked in.

“What are you two doing goofing off? You’re in charge of the grill,” Grandma Dawson reminded them.

“We have plenty of time,” Dad said.

“Don’t make me find my wooden spoon,” she threatened.

My dad and uncle started to laugh until Yelena found it for her. Now it was my turn to laugh as they grabbed their sandwiches and made a hasty exit. If Mom ever figured out that worked on my dad, he would be done for.

“How’s my favorite grandson?” Grandma Felton asked.

I got a big grin on my face. Where was my brother when I needed him? Now I was the favorite of both my grandmothers.

◊◊◊

After I caught up with the women in the kitchen, I stepped outside. I quickly found out that it wasn’t just family that would be celebrating with us. Coach Hope arrived with both Cassidy and Brad, along with Moose and Coach Haskins. Everyone that Grace had brought yesterday had come as well. She must have gone back to Cincinnati to celebrate graduation with her grandkids who had graduated today. I knew Brook and her cousins were having a party later.

Pam came with her mom. To my surprise, Cora, Pam’s sister—and now former wife of Devin Range—had tagged along. When I saw her, my first thought was, ‘you can’t fix crazy.’

That bit of bad news was balanced when I spotted Mrs. A and one of my best friends. Beth must be back home from Purdue.

Finally, Tami Glade and her mom were here.

Both Tami and Beth came to me and gave me a kiss hello. Tami grabbed Beth’s hand, which had a ring on it.

“No. Say it isn’t so. Some fast-talking college boy clouded your good judgment,” I moaned.

“Ignore him. Tell me all about your guy,” Tami said.

“He’s studying to be an astronaut,” Beth said.

If I hadn’t known that many of our astronauts have gone to Purdue for college, I would’ve called bullshit.

“So, he’s a space nerd,” I said.

“When are you getting married?” Tami asked as if I weren’t there.

“We’re going to take it slow. It won’t be until we graduate next year. Matthew will have his master’s and plans to get his doctorate. I want to get my master’s,” Beth explained.

“Is he coming to the party later?” I asked.

“No. He flew home to see his family.”

It looked like someone I knew had their life mapped out. I was happy for Beth. She deserved to find a guy. I was a little surprised that she hadn’t found someone with musical abilities because she’d always seemed to like those types.

◊◊◊

Dinner was nice. I received a bunch of practical gifts for when I was off to college and for my travels to make my movies.

“We have one present left,” Mom announced.

Dad and Uncle John carried out a large rectangular box about the right size to hold a big-screen TV. They acted like it was heavy, so I had no idea what it might be. They placed the box on the table in front of me.

“Open it,” Grandma Dawson encouraged.

There wasn’t a card saying who it was from, but I guessed I would find out soon enough. I ripped the paper, opened the end of the box, took a peek, and then smiled.

“My painting,” I shared.

Part of my swag bag from the Academy Awards had been a portrait. On a recent trip to LA, I’d met the artist. She had examples of her work hanging on the walls outside her studio, and they were all different, style-wise. She tried to match the painting to the personality of the person she painted. A comedian might get one that looked more like a caricature, while someone serious would get a more traditional portrait.