Never Signing Off

Anne invited Hayden and Liz out to brunch just before mother’s day. It was an unofficial mother’s day brunch. Hayden had a theory it was Anne’s way of comparing the relationships her boys were in. She had expressed curiosity to Hayden. She refused to answer any of Anne’s questions. She felt like it was Rob’s responsibility to tell his mother what they did or didn’t do. She maintained that every time Anne tried to corner her and ask. It was becoming frequent. Hayden met Liz outside the restaurant. Liz was pacing back and fourth. Hayden had never seen her this nervous. It was even worse than the family dinner. It was just Anne. This was more intimate. “Hey.” Hayden greeted as she approached. Liz looked over at her. “Oh thank God. I thought I was going to have to go in alone!” She exclaimed. Hayden smiled. “I wouldn’t do that to you.” She assured. Liz nodded and the two girls walked into the restaurant. Anne, Brent and Rob were already sitting at their table. Anne stood up and w...

“Here, take a look.” Liz instructed, handing a small stack of photographs in her direction. Hayden took the pictures and flipped through them. “It looks like you had a really good time.” She observed. She pulled out a picture someone had taken of the whole family. Liz’s brother was old enough that he lived on his own with a wife and a baby on the way. He looked so different from the last time Hayden had seen him. She handed the pictures back. Liz put them back into the sleeve and put it on her dresser. Her family always had pictures developed of the family trips. Liz would put them into the photo albums. It was something her mom used to do, but it had become her job as she got older. “It was so much fun.” Liz confirmed, nodding her head excessively. Hayden raised her eyebrow. “Is something on your mind?” She asked softly. Liz looked over and bit the side of her lip. “Can I tell you something?” She sighed. “Of course.” Hayden nodded. Liz was quiet for a minute. “I’m pregnant.” S...

Everyone was looking forward to March break. Hayden was planning to read through a bunch of new books. Liz had plans to go skiing with her family in Switzerland. Her father had to make a nearby work trip. She expressed disappointment that she wouldn’t be able to see Brent. Hayden informed her that Brent and Rob were going away too. Anne had already told Hayden that she planned a trip to Valcartier for the March break. It was going to be their yearly trip as a family. There was an outdoor playground in Valcartier that Anne thought the boys would love. Hayden didn’t know until the night before that she was going with them on the trip. Anne had arranged everything with her parents already. Her mother brought a suitcase into her room and told her when she’d have to be up and ready. It was supposed to be a pleasant surprise, but Hayden was thrown off. She had never been on a trip with Rob’s family. She had only been in the car with them for short drives. She knew the drive to Valcartie...

“I’m so nervous!” Liz complained, covering her face with her hands. Hayden laughed from the bus seat beside her. They were meeting Rob & Brent at Golden Palace. They were celebrating their birthday with a bunch of extended family. “Why? Do you think they won’t like you?” Hayden questioned. Liz shrugged. “You didn’t like me at first.” She reminded. Hayden shrugged. “Then I got to know you. You just have to let them get to know you.” She assured. Liz nodded. “You know everyone already, right?” She followed up. Hayden laughed. “There are some people I won’t know either. I only know the immediate family members. Like, Uncle Al and Aunt Kara.” Hayden corrected. Liz was bouncing up and down in her seat. Hayden had never seen her so worried about anything. She was normally care-free. Apparently, meeting Brent’s family was a big deal to Liz. Hayden definitely had an unfair advantage. “I’ll help you keep everyone straight.” She offered. Liz nodded excessively. “Yes please.” She begge...

Hayden & Liz had the same birthday, so it was tradition to spend it together. This was something their families had come to accept. This year would be different with Brent’s attendance and the lack of any other guests. Hayden was excited and terrified. Then Liz made the suggestion to get a late lunch at Johnny’s. It meant taking the bus across Carling to the Westgate Mall, but it was worth it. Rockin Johnny’s was everyone’s favorite place to get a bite to eat. It was affordable food with great service, a relaxing environment and the best milkshakes in the world. The doors were retro and metallic. The interior of the restaurant was red, black and white. It brought the 50’s style diner to life. To Hayden, it felt like stepping into an Archie’s comic strip. There was even a jukebox by the counter. The girls chose one of the booths against the wall, with the boys just following along. The boys had no involvement in planning. No one ever did. Hayden and Liz would decide on something the...

A few days later, Hayden and Rob were sitting in the basement doing their homework. Rob had a lot of school work he had to catch up on. Although Anne would be a teacher when he skipped school, that didn’t mean anything to the school itself. He still had to catch up by their standards. “Was there any truth to what you said?” Hayden asked randomly. Rob looked up, raising his eyebrow. “When?” He asked. Hayden was quiet. “That you’re curious, about kissing Liz.” She mumbled. Rob pulled himself up and moved to sit beside her on the couch. He took her pen out of her hand and wrapped his hands around hers. “No.” He insisted, making direct eye contact. Hayden nodded. “Okay.” She sighed. Rob shook his head. “I was just being passive aggressive. I’ll watch it in the future.” He assured her. She let out a deep sigh. “You know, I would let you. If you really wanted.” She offered. Rob laughed. “I’m still adjusting to the idea of kissing you. I’m in no rush to kiss someone else.” He reminded...

Hayden waited until Saturday morning before braving her conversation with Liz. Hayden figured the easiest way was to wait until they were at hockey. Then Liz would be somewhat distracted and maybe wouldn’t have a bad reaction. Hayden didn’t really know what to expect from Liz. She wasn’t overly dramatic like Jessica, but she was going to have a reaction. Anyone would. Hayden knew to expect something. Liz didn’t ask why she wanted to tag along. She seemed happy to have the female companionship. Hockey was something her dad and brother did. She only went along because she had nothing better to do and wanted to know more about her brother’s hobby. That’s when she started talking to Brent. Liz told Hayden all about their first awkward conversation. They already knew each other, so it was hard to transition from strangers to friends to a relationship in less than a week. Hayden wondered if normal relationships were easier to manage. Even though she didn’t know much, she had a feeling h...