The Resurrection of Aubrey Mill

Chapter Thirty-Four

After Linda passed in May, I registered for classes at Titan for the summer in hopes that I could get back on track. Junior year was a huge year for me personally, emotionally, and spiritually. Most of it has been covered, but there were a few new firsts I managed to squeeze in over the summer:
The first time I actually attended summer school, taking eight hours both summer semesters and aced all of them. 4.0 in all my classes. Biochemistry, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Zoology, all with their associated labs. Two of those were retakes from the previous semester. I attended every class—mandatory requirement and all.
The first time I welcomed Quinn back to Titan. Both she and her therapist continued to plea with her parents, explaining the crucial need for her to get back into the real world. Quinn came back to school at the end by the summer, ready to start anew. I recognized the determination and self-assurance in her eyes giving me no doubt that Quinn would be just fine. We rented a new apartment together, signing a six month lease.
The first time I met the infamous Tommy Larkin. If I thought Quinn’s eyes lit up when she spoke of him, seeing her by his side, well she positively glowed. He was a perfect gentleman, always opening her doors, giving her the gentlest of kisses all the time, touching her constantly. I never thought it was possible to see love, its essence in a physical sense, but I can honestly add that to this lists of firsts as well. Because there was a constant radiance that beamed all around them when they were together.
The first time I’m literally tackled and brought to the floor by Walter. After I got over the initial shock of how much he’d grown since I saw him last, we played for hours, Kaeleb leaving us alone for much of the reunion. After several hours of tug-of-war, we both eventually passed out on the floor.
And just when I thought there were no more firsts left for me to experience, Kaeleb of course gave me a big one. But that didn’t happen until the middle of my senior year.