The spirit was gone from the house when Jackson returned home from celebrating with friends and family. On his bed resided a large bag with a blue bow on top of it, with a small package encased in ice (atop a plastic sheet so his bed would not dampen) with a note displayed before it.
Dearest Jackson,
Congratulations on your success!
I am not entirely familiar with the whole process of high school to college since I did not go through the experience myself, but I have seen how happy a time it can be to end this part of your education and advance to something more. A happy and sad time.
I have things to do, to prepare for and to heal a bit, so I’ll be gone for the night when you get this. I know gifts aren’t completely customary, but I wanted to give you something for this achievement. I’m so very proud of you and aside from any affection I might bestow, I wanted you to have a few things.
This bag is for you, and I found some of your favorite food: English Soup Gelato. Boy, it was hard to come by and I did get plenty of weird looks. But, it’s in the small package. Good thing my notes turn to ice, huh? It should still be nice and cold and in good shape by the time you get it. I’ll make sure of it.
My mother would always tell me never to give a bag empty. So, there are a few other things in there as well. I wish I could see your face when opening them, but I suppose I might have to get used to you not being around anymore. You’re off to bigger, better things in the world, and I couldn’t be prouder or happier for you. Enjoy this time that you have with your family, enjoy your success, enjoy everything you can.
I know you’re going to be great, Jackson.
Yours Truly with love,
Lulu
P.S.
I’m still figuring out that phone, but if you need to get a hold of me before I return home, I did save your number and I put my number on the fridge.
Inside the bag, there were three boxes within, of different sizes. The largest box held an assortment of brownies, with the attached note:
For that sweet tooth of yours. I found a wonderful gourmet bakery I think you’ll love. We should go together sometime.
The middle held a tie, with another note attached.
I know you may be going in for formal events or even job interviews. Not sure if this will help you, but it is something that struck me as entirely you. I hope it becomes useful in your future.
The smallest box held a small silver compass with small, elegant script on the back that read, “The path you take shapes the way you grow.” There was a chain linked to it as well as an attachment for a key ring.
Jackson, this is for you. When you get lost and things just seem at their darkest, I hope this can lead you out of it. There may be times when I’m not around, especially in the near future, because I want you to live life. I want you to be happy, and I hope this can point you towards that joy that you deserve.
My dad used to tell me this whenever I was in doubt about my choices. I hope his words can be useful to you as they were to me.
He might have actually liked you if you had the chance to meet him.
Cup in hand, she thought of the list of things she could be doing at that moment instead of attending her university’s frat party. Johanne was never one for parties but made the exception for an acquaintance that had ended up leaving her alone once the party started, much to her annoyance. So many things on her to-do list could have been done that evening, but here she was.
With a sigh she took a sip of her drink, wrinkling her nose at the taste and setting it aside. So that’s how it’s goin’ ta be? Nothin’ but cheap beer?
“Tsk...” Her shoulders sagged and she leaned her back onto the wall behind her, looking out into the crowds. At this point, she’s simply people watching and it felt somewhat depressing. More so due to the fact that she could just get up and dance with the others, but didn’t feel like it.
Snow sprinkled ground was nearly always the calling card for Lucille to return to Burgess more frequently than other parts of the year. Her affection for Jack no longer the beacon for her trip, but merely nostalgia of her own life, both alive and otherwise.
Things has changed from when Lucille had been living there; Children who had once flitted around throwing snowballs were older now, growing into young adults past an age that Lucille had stopped at. She did not mind it, but it made her curious.
The spirit fell from the high perch of a building, Wind guiding her down in a gentle, graceful manner. Bare feet touched the Burgess Community College plaza grounds, her blue eyes flirting with the scenery as she scanned faces, to see perhaps if anyone might be able to see, if not believe in her.
Jamie couldn’t keep from grinning as he exited the Student Center. Finally, the paperwork was done! He was officially a college dropout. Although, what might make a parents’ disappointment - maybe not something to brag about - Jamie was ecstatic, overcome by a sense of liberation. Now he could really get his life going; now he could begin working on his career.
Once having stuffed the papers into his messenger bag, he looked around to absorb the scenery one last time. He couldn’t wait to forget it.
Taking a deep breath, even the air smelled fresher, and watching the snow flutter about thrilled Jamie all the more. Past experience told him that was a sign of someone waiting to celebrate -
- just maybe not with who he expected.
Prepared to sprint home, he hesitated, gaze finding its way to white, flowing hair, its owner surrounded by a mystical aura that the teen was quite familiar with.
Snow. Longer white hair. Frosty appearance. Maybe, just maybe...
