The sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon, painting the sky with soft hues of orange and pink. The fresh morning air caressed my face as I finished breakfast in silence. My parents had already left early for the hospital, leaving the house calm. Although I knew today would be an important day, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and tranquility at the same time. I had agreed to meet Sack by the lake.
I got ready carefully, choosing something comfortable yet elegant. I didn't want anything too formal; I just wanted to be there for him. I knew Sack had had a difficult conversation with his father the night before, and although he hadn't told me the details, I sensed that he needed space to process it all. However, I also knew that my presence could be a silent comfort, as it always had been between us.
When I arrived at the lake, I saw him immediately. He was leaning against a tree, hands in his pockets, his gaze lost in the still water reflecting the morning sky. His posture was relaxed, but there was something in his expression that betrayed the internal storm he was likely still facing. I paused for a moment, watching him from afar, before slowly approaching.
I didn't say anything when I reached his side. I simply extended my hand and intertwined my fingers with his, giving him a light squeeze. Then, without words, I hugged him. Sack responded instantly, wrapping his arms around me and holding on as if I were his anchor in the middle of a turbulent sea. We stayed like that for several minutes, not speaking, simply sharing that moment of deep connection.
Finally, I broke the silence with a calm smile.
"You know, Olivia is already planning our wedding," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
Sack raised an eyebrow, looking at me incredulously.
"Our wedding? Already? I thought it was agreed that we still have… what, three years?"
I nodded, laughing softly.
"Exactly. But you know how Olivia is. She says we can't pass up the chance to book a castle with a sea view in Scotland. Apparently, she has a whole list of extravagant ideas."
Sack shook his head, though a small smile formed on his face.
"Of course, because a castle is absolutely necessary for a wedding. I just hope there aren't any helicopters involved."
I looked at him, pretending to be surprised.
"How did you know?"
Sack gave me a disbelieving look.
"Wait… seriously? Does Olivia want to use a helicopter?"
I nodded, holding back laughter.
"She says it would be epic. Imagine arriving by air to your own wedding. Though… maybe we can convince her to forget that part."
Sack burst out laughing, and for a moment, the tension in his face disappeared.
"Only Olivia would think a helicopter is a good idea. Though, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she manages to organize everything by then."
We fell silent again, enjoying the calm of the lake and each other's company. After a few minutes, Sack pulled away slightly and looked at me with a warm smile.
"Thanks for coming. I needed this."
I returned the smile, squeezing his hand.
"I'll always be here, you know."
Sack nodded, then gestured toward the path.
"Would you like to go grab breakfast? I know a place that used to be my favorite years ago."
Intrigued, I agreed. We got into his car and drove for a while until we arrived at a small roadside stand. It was a modest restaurant, almost hidden among the trees, with simple tables and a worn sign that read "Home-cooked meals." Although I had never been there before, I noticed that Sack seemed nostalgic as he parked.
We went in together, and as soon as we crossed the threshold, an older woman behind the counter greeted us with a wide smile.
"Sack! It's been so long since I've seen you, boy!"
Sack smiled faintly, though I detected a hint of discomfort in his expression.
"Hello, Mrs. Carter. It's been a long time."
The woman led us to a table near the window, where another man, probably her husband, served us two glasses of water with a kind smile.
"I remember when you used to come here after fighting with your schoolmates," Mrs. Carter said, laughing softly. "You always ordered the same thing: scrambled eggs with extra crispy bacon."
Sack chuckled, though I noticed his laugh carried a melancholic tone.
"Yeah, those were complicated days."
Curious, I chimed in.
"Fighting with your classmates? Why?"
Sack sighed, looking down at the table.
"They used to tease me about my mother's death. They'd say cruel things, as if it were my fault or something. I… well, I didn't know how to handle it back then. So I responded with punches."
I looked at him tenderly, taking his hand under the table.
"But now you control yourself so much better. You've changed so much, Sack."
Mrs. Carter nodded, visibly moved.
"It's true. I always knew this boy had a big heart. He just needed to find a way to channel it."
Sack smiled, though it was still a shy one. We placed our orders, and as we waited, we chatted about trivial things. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, and I could see Sack gradually relaxing.
After eating, we said goodbye to the owners with promises to return soon. On the way back to the car, Sack looked at me with a thoughtful expression.
"Thank you for being with me today, Lindsay. It means a lot to me."
I smiled at him, feeling a wave of affection.
"You don't have to thank me. I'm here because I want to be."
As we drove back to my house, I thought about how much we had grown together. Despite the difficulties and external pressures, we kept finding ways to support each other.
After arriving home, we decided to relax by watching a classic movie. We chose The Godfather , one of my favorites. We sat on the couch with blankets and popcorn, enjoying the peaceful moment. Just as Michael Corleone was about to make a crucial decision in the plot, my phone buzzed. It was a group video call from Olivia.
When I answered, we saw Olivia with a big smile, and next to her, her cat Lord Whiskers dressed in an elegant outfit that looked custom-made. The usually lazy cat looked every bit the gentleman, with a tiny tie and a hat that barely stayed on his head.
"Guys! Look at Lord Whiskers!" Olivia exclaimed, bringing the camera closer to the feline. "I took him to a photoshoot, and trust me, this cat is a natural model."
Sack and I exchanged an amused glance.
"A photoshoot? Seriously?" Sack asked, trying to hold back laughter.
"Of course!" Olivia replied, feigning offense. "Lord Whiskers has talent. Besides, someone has to keep the glamour alive in this group."
Lord Whiskers, oblivious to everything, yawned and settled into Olivia's lap, as if he knew he had already done his part.
"Well, thanks for interrupting our movie," I said, pretending to be annoyed. "Maybe next time you could warn us before doing this?"
Olivia made a dramatic gesture.
"Oh, come on, I knew you needed a break from all that seriousness. Plus, I miss you guys. How are you? Everything okay?"
Sack smiled.
"We're fine, Olivia. Thanks for asking. And by the way, Lord Whiskers looks very elegant."
"I know, right?" Olivia said, stroking the cat proudly. "Anyway, I just wanted to say I miss you. Come visit soon."
"We will," I promised, feeling warmth in my chest at how much Olivia loved us, even in her most extravagant moments.
After hanging up, Sack and I laughed a little more, but soon returned to the movie.