Never Easy

Joshua was going to be my heir, and I knew nothing about him. It was sad, since he was almost 18, but I just had never connected with him like I had with Garret. It was time for me to make up for what I missed out on. I came home from fishing when I heard music in the living room.

I went in expecting to see Joshua jamming out to music, but was surprise when I found him playing an old guitar. His eyes were closed and he was swaying with the beat. I stood in disbelief, how could I not have known that he was so musically inclined. I stood back and watched him.

He ended a fast paced song, and then switched to a different one. His face got very serious, a pained look that I knew was honest. He began to sing and play.

“I hate feeling like this
I’m so tired of trying to fight it
I’m asleep and all I can dream of
Is being with you

Tell me that you will listen when I say
Your touch is all I need from you
And the more I hide, the more I realize
I’m slowly losing you…”

I was so amazed by his talent that I started to clap.

Joshua dropped his guitar and whipped around.

“Dad! I… uh.. how long have you been standing there?!”

“Long enough to see how talented you are. Why did you never tell me you were so interested in music?”

He looked to the ground and shuffled his feet. I had tried to bond with my son, but all I managed to do was make him feel awkward. I told him to keep it up, and I walked out. There would be other times to bond, besides, Garret’s graduation was going to be starting in a few hours.

We all went to the school to watch Garret graduate from college. He was awarded valedictorian of his class and also was voted most likely to save the world for his graduating class. He flawlessly gave his speech and everyone in the audience was cheering when he was done. His ability to move people made me even more proud in him. He was going to be a huge success in life, he already had potential employers calling him and sending him mail. Whoever he chose was going to be lucky.

After the ceremony, we went home to celebrate. He told us that he was leaving, he had accepted a job offer in Bridgeport. They were going to be getting him that night so he could be there by morning. Joshua got mad at him.

“How can you just leave like this? What about staying together as a family, you couldn’t take the job here in Riverview?”

Garret got upset.

“Why would I want to stay here? It’s not like you like me anyways. And since you are so nosey, I chose the job in Bridgeport because they offered to pay off my loans, buy me a house, and give me a higher salary. So why don’t you just stay out of my business.”

Joshua looked hurt. I don’t think he wanted Garret to leave. He had always looked up to him, and he probably had expected Garret would stay and take over the house when I passed on.

“I just don’t want you to go… You’re my big brother, I’m just gunna miss you…”

Garret was trying not to show any emotion, but it was obvious he didn’t really want to leave us all behind.

“I have to go now.”

With those last words, Garret ran out of the house.

Before he go into the car, he stopped and looked back.

 With a heavy sigh, he climbed into the car and was gone before I knew it.

Chapter Nine: Love Lasts Forever