Jason stirred in his bed as the mid-morning sunlight made its way into his bedroom. His mind was a jumble of random thoughts; graduation, 18, his future, virgin (still).a Across the room lay his cousin Matt. In the stillness Jason could hear the rhythmic, steady breathing of a deep sleep. No words spoken yet, but Aarons lingering wicked smile revealed the mystery surrounding the previous evening's events.
Last night was the graduation ceremony and the fateful party, one of many across their town. Matt and Jason, born only days apart, grew up more like brothers than cousins. Their homes had adjoining back yards, and a well worn gate was evidence that they traveled the path often. Years of baseball, neighborhood buddies, summer vacations together and the adventures of adolescence. Jason was accepted and well liked among their friends, but Matt was always the attention-getter. He had an unusual flair and magnetic appeal. This became evident with the fairer sex in the later years of high school. During late nights together of TV and pizza, Matt would share tales of his conquests to Jason. Matt never bragged or put Jason down for not matching his vigor, as the two seemed to have an unspoken bond and enjoyed the time together. Jason nevertheless secretly wished and dreamed that he could be like his cousin, and share in the fascinating exploits. Maybe it was because he didn't have a dad in the house, or maybe it was because Matt was following the example of his own dad, who had quite a reputation as a ladies man in his younger days. Some questions just don't have answers.
Julie, Jason's mom bought a house near her sister many years ago when Jason's dad left unexpectedly. It was always hard for her to understand why he left, as only a short note found on the kitchen table when she awoke to an empty bed. "See ya" the note read. That wasn't much explanation for leaving a seemingly happy and normal marriage of five years, a small child and a future. Julie, like Jason, also believed that some questions don't have answers. But instead of wallowing in her sorrow, she chose to take control of her life. Julie went back to school, and took a modest position at a local business. She knew she would never be well off like her sister Paula, but her dignity was something of greater value. Julie gained the respect of her employer and peers over the past 15 years, and made a good lie and comfortable home for Jason. As a single parent, much of her leisure time was anything but leisure. She kept herself occupied with Jason and the house. It was a comfortable home with a pool, big expanse of tended grass. A place to raise her son, which soon became the place where everyone young and old wanted to gather. Hours of pool time, BBQ and just hanging out became the summertime tradition. This year would be different, and the guys would be starting college and considering careers. But for Matt and Jason, it would hopefully be the start of their best summer ever if they had their way.
Julie's sister, Paula and her husband Stan always had the best of everything; cars, boats, toys and a very well furnished home. Paula didn't work, and even had the luxury of a housekeeper. The place looked spotless every time Jason visited. Almost too clean, like they really didn't "live" there. And yet, the two families shared a close bond, set apart from material things. Paula and Stan took care of Julie during the early years, both in time and resources, something she will always be grateful for. They also made special accommodations for Jason; like the times when Julie was in school or just starting her job and couldn't afford child care, school clothes, and even extra gifts under the Christmas tree. Paula and Stan had never been through hard financial times, and they didn't judge Julie for her situation. To them, their generosity was just what family does. In fact, they had invited Jason on several summer vacations at the cabin. But most of all Stan and Paula had invited Jason to accompany Matt on his graduation trip to an island report. Julie was doing well in providing for them, but this is something that was way out of her financial ability. She was glad for the offer to take Jason, and in some ways wished she could go. But, she appreciated their generosity and knew the trip was for the boys. "Maybe someday" she promised herself.
Jason stirred again with that heavy feeling following a restless night's sleep. He was well aware of Matt's romp with Danielle at the graduation party last night. Jason wished that his girlfriend Megan would have the same idea, but his hopes were dashed early in the evening by the dreadful and all too common post-graduation speech of "now that we're going off to college, I think it's important that we see other people. It's too hard to keep up a long distance romance, and we're still so young... blah,blah,blah..." Her voice turned to ice and all he could hear was his mind screaming for release. He tried to keep the always cool and "nice-guy" exterior that he was always known for. But, "No more Mr. Nice Guy" he thought, and casually dumped his beer in her lap, before heading for the door. The night air helped him clear his thoughts and gain direction and control of his destiny. Finally.
Moments later, Megan left in a flurry of tears. Jason went back in and only moderately enjoyed the rest of the evening with his friends. Although his original plan did not materialize, he felt comforted by the crazy antics of his schoolmates and thought, "Well, there's always college days to look forward to. I'm sure to get lucky then". Jason soon relaxed and let the past be the past. The guys headed home in Jason's car about 4AM, and their late arrival home was something to be expected. Jason poured his cousin Matt in the twin bed, dropped his own pants and climbed into the other twin bed. He expected sleep to overtake him, but in spite the late hour, he laid there staring at the ceiling trying to figure out the evenings events.
