My Hometown Love

Chapter 31 – House Hauling

Lexie’s P.O.V

I started sneezing as soon as I made my way up the ladder to the attic. I haven’t been up here and ages, and from the look of it, no one has.

I looked around at the room filled with boxes in every corner, covered with big sheets. I walked over to the tiny window and pushed it open.

Ah, finally some fresh air.

I put my hands on my hips as I looked around, wondering where I should start first. I finally decided to pick the corner which was closest to the window. I sat down on a sheet and dragged a box towards me as I read the label.

Jake’s trophies and medals.

Of course, it was. Jake was a jock and a great athlete. I opened the box and dug around for something interesting. A photo frame caught my eye just as I was about to give up searching. I picked it up and used the ends of my sleeves to wipe off the dust on the glass.

It was Jakey’s senior year football team homecoming game picture. Jake was squatting in the corner and there next to him was Kevin. They both looked like babies and rebel teenagers at the same time. Jake has a steak of blue hair besides his brown hair while Kevin had his smug look plastered on his face.

I laughed to myself as I pulled out my phone to take a picture of them. I carefully placed the frame back in the box before taping up the box with some cellophane tape and pushing it towards the center of the attic.

And so, I repeated this cycle as I went through all the boxes, isolating the ones that belonged to Jake. Soon, there were about 6 boxes in the center of the attic.

Just when I thought I was done, my eyes fell on a single box, standing alone in the corner, with a label. I moved closer to it as my eyes squinted to read the faded writing. 

Jake and Lexie’s Childhood Memorabilia

I was super excited at reading this that I planted myself on the floor right there in the dim light as I carefully opened the box, ready to see the treasures laid inside.

As soon as I opened the box, I saw the faded Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls. I don’t know what overcame me, but the minute I saw her, my impulse was to grab her and hug her.

Aww… Hi Annie.

I remember how I and Jakey used to play with these when we were young. I put them down as I continued my hunt in the box. I found my Easy Bake Oven toy and Jake’s mini guitar, among other of our keepsakes.

“Lex? You up there?”, I hear Jake call out from below.

“Yup. I’m here. Come up here. You’ve got to check this out.”, I reply.

Within a few seconds, Jake was seated next to me as I watch him look so longingly at our childhood memories. It seemed like just yesterday that we were jumping on the bed and sneaking chocolates into our bedroom, and now, Jake is someone’s husband who is moving out to his own home.

I looked at Jake longingly as I pictured our childhood memories in my mind. I must have been so deep in thought that I didn’t realize what Jake pulled out of a small bag that was in the box.

“Oh wow. I remember this.”, Jake said as he pulled out a small white veil.

“You used to walk around in this while wearing Mom’s heels and pearls, picturing your wedding day.”, Jake said as he tried to put the veil on me.

“I can’t believe I used to do that. What was I thinking?”, I said as I try removing it from my head.

“That you were getting married, duh!”, Jake said as he pulled out a polaroid from the bag and showed it to me.

I looked at the picture to see a 6-year-old me in the same veil, Mom’s white heels, and her pearls.

I found myself smiling emotionally at the mini-me as I ran my fingers over the faded photograph. What I would give to be that innocent, responsibility-free child again.

I neatly folded the veil and tucked it in the bag along with the picture and placed it inside the box again.

“Time flies so fast, doesn’t it.”, Jake said as he closed the box.

“Yeap. It feels like just yesterday you were pulling my braids and now here you are, someone’s husband and moving into your own home.”, I said as I leaned back against the wall.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t still pull your hair.”, Jake replied as he gently tugged on my loose side braid.

“Jake! I’m serious. I can’t believe it.”, I said as I sadly pout my lips and cross my arms in front of my chest.

Jake quickly scoots to sit next to me.

“Hey, Lex. Don’t worry. I’m just 10 minutes away and I’ll visit often. You’ll see me almost every day. Plus, you’re always welcome to drop by. No matter what happens, I’ll always be your big brother, okay?”, Jake said before putting his arm around me and kissing the top of my head.

I nodded my head as I leaned it on Jake’s shoulder, absorbing this moment and wishing it lasts forever.

“So, these boxes here are all mine?”, Jake said after a while, pointing at the boxes in the center of the attic.

“Yup. What about this box?”, I reply as I put my hand over our memorabilia box.

“I think this box belongs here. In our childhood home. Where we will forever be children.”, Jake says as he stands up and extends his hand to me.

“Wow. That was beautiful Jake.”, I say as I take his hand and pull myself up.

“Okay, you wait here. I’ll bring these boxes down to the truck.”, Jake said as he pulled his pants up and bent down to pick a box.

Jake started picking up a box and carefully stepping down the ladder. I just stood there staring at the lifeless boxes and I thought how much faster we could get this done if I carry the boxes as well. My stubborn-self took over and I bent down to pick up the box.

I gently carried the box in one hand as I used the other to climb down the ladder. I was feeling very accomplished and a little smug as I made through the majority of the ladder. This only lasted for a minute before my foot slipped and I stupidly focused on stabilizing the box instead of myself. I was mentally preparing myself to brace the fall when I felt a palm on my upper back, supporting me and pushing me up.

“Phew. Thank God, Jakey.”, I said as my feet touched the ground and I gently laid the box on the floor.

I turned around to see Kevin instead of Jake.

“Oh, Kevin. I’m sorry I didn’t know it’s you.”, I said sheepishly, pondering on how stupid and clumsy I must look to always have to be saved by Kevin.

“You know if you like falling so much, you should try sky-diving.”, Kevin said before trying to stifle a laugh.

I glared at him but quickly changed my face as Jake appeared.

“Wait, did you bring this down? I told you not to, it’s too dangerous Lex!”, Jake asked angrily.

I secretly put my finger to my lips and shook my head, begging Kevin not to tell Jake what had happened, knowing well that Jake knew, he would bite my head off.

“Oh no no Jake. She passed me the box from the top and I caught it. Chill bro.”, Kevin said as he slapped Jake’s back playfully and winked at me.

I just responded by smiling back and carrying the box to the truck. Soon enough, the truck was loaded with the boxes and ready to be hauled to the new house. Jake stood in front of the house as he took it all in for the last time. His eyes slowly came down to me and he stepped in front of me.

“I have one last piece of advice before I leave this house.”, Jake says as he puts his hands on my arms.

“Okkayy?”, I replied curiously.

“Don’t let a good thing slip through your fingers. Grab it while you can.”, Jake says as he pats my head and turns around to get into the truck.

I stand there speechless and confused at what just happened. That was when my eyes fell on Kevin as he locked up the truck and prepared to get in. He turned around to give me a smile before getting in and driving away.

I stood in the doorway of my house pondering deeply. I asked myself if it was finally time to let Kevin into my heart. I started pacing up and down thinking about Jakey’s advice and Kevin. I looked up to see my reflection in the mirror, determined with a decision.

I picked up the remaining luggage bags and piled them into the car before driving towards Jake’s new home.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V

We had just finished unloading the truck when my phone beeped with an email notification. I leaned against the truck as I pulled out my phone.

I stared fixated at my phone. I had just received an emergency email requiring me to report to the hospital as soon as possible. I quickly dialed the number of my attending and waited for him to answer the call.

A few minutes later, I hung up the phone and hurried inside the house to inform Jake. Jake was very understanding and walked me out to the car. As we were walking down the stairs towards the car, I saw Lexie pull up. Jake squeezed my shoulder and nodded at me before he went towards Lexie and volunteered to carry everything up to the house.

I watched Lexie walk up to me smiling away like she was going to say something. My phone vibrated with another message from my attending, with more details and a notice that I need to get to the hospital within 45 minutes. 

I heard the sound of footsteps stop as I look up to see Lexie in front of me.

*************

Lexie’s P.O.V

“Hey, Kevin. Can we talk?”, I said to the nervous Kevin.

“Hi, Lexie. I’m sorry but listen, I don’t have much time. I’ve got to go now.”, he replied as he gripped my shoulder gently.

“Wait, what? Where?”, I asked confused and worried.

“There’s been an emergency in Salem and there need us to go set up a medical camp.”, Kevin said solemnly.

“When do you have to go?”, I asked as I felt my heart break ever so slightly.

“Now.”