here we are

"What are you guys gonna do?" Brit looked at Gage and then Halie.

Of course, Halie looked so grim as she hugged herself hard.

"I guess, we'll get married before we go." He knew they'd put it off long enough, but Halie's mother was in the hospital, again. They really needed to see her. She'd overdosed on painkillers, again.

Gage looked at Halie, knowing this wasn't the summer she had in mind. All he'd heard lately, was about the summer reading program at the library. She'd been so excited. And things were going so well, for the both of them.

He'd finally got his GED. And, they'd made plans to take Alec to Adventureland for a weekend in June, but Halie's step-dad called. Her mom was sick and in a lot of pain.

Now, Halie didn't want to talk about it. She stood in the center of the kitchen floor as if this was the only place she wanted to be, or the library.

"Well, you don't look like any summer bride, to me." Brit informed her this should be a happy occasion. "It'll be like a honeymoon, in England."

Gage remained even lipped. He highly doubted that, as he put his arm around Halie. He knew it wouldn't be any fun, but they weren't staying there, anymore than a week to visit her mother. As long as they remained together was the only thing that mattered to Gage.

He wanted to see Halie smile, again, but he didn't see that happening, anytime soon.