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giedinghagen90

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I saw my mom standing, waving, and crying. I ran into her arms. We held each other, glad the year was over, wishing it could keep going. I didn’t want o leave her alone at the end of the summer. I didn’t trust my dad. But my little brother Jason was getting older. I knew if he had to, he could and would do anything to protect our mom. Even though jay was just eight, he was already under my chin, and growing fast. I loved the little bugger, and showed him just how much by planting a big, wet, slobbery raspberry on his cheek.

“EEWWWW!!!!! That’s gross, banana!!” he yelled at me while trying to wipe off the spit. I just laughed.

“You know you just rub it in when you do that.”

“Nu-uh.” He grinned suddenly, and threw his arms around me. “You look pretty. Are you gonna come home and play the Wii with me?”

“Not tonight. I’m going to project grad. I won’t get home until around seven tomorrow.”

Jason frowned and did his best to give me the puppy dog look. I laughed again and gave him a hug as my dad came up to our little group with the rest of the family. Carson put a protective arm around me, knowing my feelings of being around family. I just hoped they wouldn’t want to hug me. I loved my family; they were just a little too touchy-feely for me. My mom sent me a sympathetic smile and faded into the crowd. Instantly, the fam swarmed me. I couldn’t breathe!! Cars scooted me back a little, just enough so I wouldn’t feel smothered, but still in the circle. I smiled and nodded graciously as their “well-dones” and “we are so proud” bombarded me. What were they proud about? They had nothing to do with the way I had pushed myself through high school. They weren’t there for me when I needed them. Why should I be their toy, their trophy? Who were they to walk like turkeys, puffed and proud? It infuriated me. Cars noticed my tense shoulders and quietly whispered “it’s almost over.” What would I do without him? I never wanted to find out.

They didn’t go away. Thankfully, Carson’s parents were just outside the huddle, wanting in to see their son and his girl. We excused ourselves and made our way to his family. I loved them!! They didn’t smother, but they supported and let you know how they were so thankful for you and everything you did. His mom told me at least five times how “if it hadn’t been for me, Carson wouldn’t be near the man he was.” I was so embarrassed by their words of praise. If they only knew how much he affected me in my growth. I literally wouldn’t be here, except he pulled me through. I hope I never forget the night he first said “I love you, Hannah. Don’t make me go through this life alone.”