A Summer to Remember

School was out for summer, and the scorching sun beat down on Newcrest when Stryker Hayes decided it was the perfect time to visit his old friends, Connor Cameron and Jackson Kershaw, in San Sequoia. Along for the trip was his youngest daughter, Indigo Blu—Indie for short—the only one of his five children who was still in high school. Stryker hoped this journey would provide some much-needed one-on-one quality time and give Indie the chance to meet the people who had once saved his life, while also giving Indigo Blu some fun trip for her summer break to tell her friends about.

His wife Sophie and their eldest son Spencer stayed behind, busy running Sophie’s popular restaurant. The three middle children were scattered across different college campuses, and only two of them still technically lived at home for the time being, Keanu had moved out already, all three were currently diving into their own adventures. Having faced death’s door several times and spending years fighting to regain his independence, Stryker had embraced the role of “Mr. Mom.” Despite turning his life around, he remained steadfast in his dedication to being a loving husband and father.

As the plane began its descent into San Sequoia, and the clouds parted, revealing that the landscape below had transformed from the dense, sprawling streets of San Myshuno and Newcrest to the shimmering coastline of their destination. From the windows, the passengers could see the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out to the horizon, the water’s surface glinting in the sunlight. Seagulls darted through the sky, their calls faintly audible even over the hum of the aircraft.

The familiar sights of Newcrest and San Myshuno faded away from everyone’s minds, replaced by the picturesque beauty of San Sequoia’s coastal scenery. The salty tang of the ocean breeze became more pronounced as the plane’s cabin pressure adjusted, mingling with the distant sounds of the city below. The excitement among the passengers was palpable as they caught their first glimpses of the beaches and the iconic landmarks of San Sequoia, most notably the hard to miss red bridge.

As the plane touched down smoothly on the runway, Connor and Jackson were already at the airport with Connor’s teen son Chris in tow, waiting eagerly at the arrival gate. Their smiles were wide and welcoming, a perfect reflection of the warmth and hospitality that awaited. They waved enthusiastically as father and daughter disembarked, their excitement contagious. The adventure in San Sequoia had officially begun, with the promise of new experiences and cherished memories ahead.

While their fathers and Jackson reminisced about the good old days, Chris found himself irresistibly drawn to Indie’s unique charm. Indie, the youngest child of a former musician, carried the weight of a tumultuous family history. Her father’s musical aspirations had twice been shattered—once with the band Stryke 3, which he founded with friends, and then again as a solo artist. Both attempts were derailed by severe addictions and terrible choices that nearly took his life multiple times, the last of which occurred when Indie was still in grade school. The ordeal not only led to much heartbreak for Indie’s mother, but also to her parents’ very public divorce which also stripped the family of everything, including their home at some point.

Throughout this turmoil, Indie’s soft-spoken yet strong mother, Sophie, fought relentlessly to rebuild their lives. Meanwhile, her father, Stryker, had gone to live with Jackson for over a year, barely clinging to life and a mere shadow of his former self. Jackson, a no-nonsense yet kind-hearted young horse rancher, did the seemingly impossible. Through patience and care, he helped Stryker become a fully functional human being once more, allowing him to dive into his second chance at life alongside his wife, Sophie.

Stryker took this last chance seriously and never missed a beat to show Sophie his full love, dedication, and gratitude. They finally made it, and even an unexpected financial windfall after his mother’s passing didn’t change them. They remained where they were, maintained their lifestyle, and used the financial blessing as a cushion.

These experiences left an indelible mark on Indie and her four older siblings, shaping them into individuals quite different from most other kids. The same could be said for Chris. With a father who was the Chief Medical Officer at one of the largest, most state-of-the-art medical facilities in the country, a mother who was an artist with her own gallery, and a grandfather who was part of one of the world’s most famous grunge rock bands, Chris came from a long line of famous career musicians. He was not just another kid either.

Because of his family’s prominence, Chris learned to be cautious about new people he met, always mindful of their intentions. Despite their diverse cities and backgrounds, Chris and Indie felt an instant connection, a profound and unspoken bond that neither could easily explain. It was as if their shared struggles and unique upbringings had forged a link between their souls, bringing them closer in a way that words could scarcely capture.

Most of the time, Chris and Indie were under the watchful eyes of their parents, making it challenging to find moments alone. Connor and Keira took Stryker and Indie sightseeing, introducing them to the vibrant sights and sounds of San Sequoia. They dined at charming seaside cafes, explored hidden gems around town, and visited Jackson and Bri’s new therapy ranch. Of course they also got an exclusive tour of Keira’s Art Gallery and of the medical center where Connor worked. Chris was a constant presence, tagging along and sharing in their adventures.

On one occasion, Connor and Jackson took Stryker, Indie, and Chris out to the Kershaw ranch in Chestnut Ridge. This was the place where Jackson had once nursed Stryker back to health. The ranch was now home to Jackson’s dad, Jack, stepmom Izzy, and teenage half-brother Cody. The rustic charm of Chestnut Ridge, with its sprawling fields, rustic barns, and the rhythmic cadence of crickets chirping, was a far cry from what Indie and Chris were accustomed to. They shared giggles and whispered jokes about the endearing drawls and quirky habits of the locals, finding humor and joy in the quaint simplicity of ranch life.

One balmy summer afternoon, with the sun shining bright and the distant sounds of the city providing a gentle backdrop, Chris decided to host a teen party at his home. The backyard, with its shimmering pool, bubbling hot tub, crackling firepit, and the scent of BBQ wafting through the air, became the perfect setting for the gathering. The yard also featured a treehouse that Chris had built with his dad when he was little, a nostalgic hideaway that now served as a popular hangout spot for him and his friends. He thought the party would be an ideal way to introduce Indie to everyone, unaware that the girls in his clique, would be less than thrilled about the newcomer. The way how teen boys didn’t fully understand teen girls was legend for a reason.

As the party began, the air was filled with laughter and music and the occasional splash from the pool. Chris, the quintessential jock at his high school—athletic, smart, fun, cool, and attractive—introduced Indie to his friends. His tall stature, blond hair, and blue eyes, combined with his reputation as the son of a Chief Medical Officer and an artist mother with her own gallery, made him a standout in his social circle. Indie, with her striking blue eyes and dark hair, caught the attention of everyone around her. Craig, Chris’ best friend, was there with his girlfriend Penelope, who grew up just down the street from Chris, and he was excited to meet Indie and make her feel welcome. However, Chris immediate neighbors and daughters of his mother’s best friend Janelle, sisters Noelle and Zara, along with Craig’s sister Juliette, were not as welcoming, kinda put out by the uninvited add-on to their group, Cayla Collins was neutrally reserved, while her brother only had eyes for his crush Zara. Feeling threatened by her presence, the girls began to trash talk Indie behind her back.

Throughout the evening, Chris made a special effort to include Indie in conversations, games, and dances. They hung out by the pool, played music live, and enjoyed the warm summer night. At one point, Chris smiled at Indie and said, “You know, you totally give young Cher. Has anyone ever told you how much you look like her? My mom is like obsessed with Cher, so I grew up with the full collection.” Indie blushed, feeling flattered by the compliment while Chris looked around and called out to his mother, who was standing with some of the adults, partying as they often did. “Hey mom, check it out, we go Cher in da house tonight.”

“Oh my God, you are right! Love it! Love the makeup, Indie!” Keira called back, cheering, while Stryker grimaced. “Why is my daughter wearing makeup at some BBQ?”

“Oh jeeze, chill you boomer!” Noelle and Zara’s mother Janelle, Keira’s bestie nudged him, and then chimed into Keira and Carolina singing some old Cher songs at him.

Inspired by this, Chris suggested his parents’ karaoke machine, then chose Sonny and Cher’s classic duet, “I Got You Babe” for himself and Indie. Chris being from a musician family and Indie as the daughter of a former musician of course had a reputation to uphold. As the music started, their voices harmonized perfectly, and they couldn’t help but laugh and smile at each other. They swayed to the rhythm, their chemistry palpable. Indie, with her makeup on, looked radiant and confident, her voice blending beautifully with Chris’s.

Halfway through the song, Chris, ever the showman, decided to add a playful twist. As they reached the final verse, he stepped closer to Indie and, with a mischievous grin, hugged her from behind. Indie giggled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but she went along with it, their voices melding together in the closing lines.

The audience cheered, but beneath the polite smiles and fake applause, Noelle, Zara, and Juliette were shooting eye daggers at Indie. Unbeknownst to Chris had Juliette been crushing on her big brother’s best friend for months now, and jealousy simmered, hidden behind a mask of politeness. Chris and Indie, however, were too caught up in the moment to notice, their connection growing stronger with every shared experience.

Chris, oblivious to the fangirling and jealousy around him, was just happy to spend time with Indie. His genuine interest and kindness toward her only fueled the envy of the other girls who felt replaced. Sensing the tension, Craig discreetly gave Chris a heads-up, mentioning that some of the girls might be feeling left out.

Feeling a bit awkward but determined not to ruin the night, Chris found a way to balance his attention. He made sure to interact with all his friends while still making Indie feel included. This subtle approach helped ease the jealousy for the time being.

As the party continued, Chris decided to take Indie up to the treehouse he had built with his dad when he was little. The climb was nostalgic, each step bringing back memories of his childhood. They found a cozy spot to sit and talk. The treehouse, illuminated by fairy lights and filled with the distant hum of crickets, became a perfect sanctuary for their conversation. They talked about their dreams, their families, and the challenges of their respective backgrounds. Chris admitted that he’d never felt so connected with anyone before, and Indie confessed the same. The mood led to them sharing their first kiss, a tender, heartfelt moment that sealed the connection they had felt from the start. It was a kiss filled with promise and the beginning of something new to both, something that felt truly special.

Unbeknownst to them, Juliette witnessed the kiss from a distance. Fuming with anger, she decided to come up with a plan to humiliate Indie and put Chris off her for good. Since they all knew Indie’s dad Stryker’s background, Juliette enlisted Noelle and Zara to help, and together, they devised a scheme to embarrass Indie at the next gathering.

Rumors

The following day, during another get-together, this time at the Tallier’s house, Noelle and Zara’s home next door to Chris’, the girls put their plan into action. They spread a rumor that Chris had a cheerleader captain girlfriend and had already gone all the way with her. Indie, who had been told by Chris that he was single and she was his first real kiss ever, was crushed by the rumor. Since Chris looked and seemed like the guy who could have any girl, she believed the rumors, assuming his friends had no reason to lie, and ran off, right as Chris and Craig were about to rejoin the group carrying boxes of soda cans.

Overwhelmed and hurt, Indie ran back to the Cameron’s home, straight to the room she was staying in on the second floor and locked the door, refusing to come out. Chris, finally getting the scoop from another member of the clique, Jason, realized what had happened. Determined to make things right, he didn’t even bother to say their usual goodbyes and ran after Indigo Blu. When knocking at her door yielded no results, he climbed up to Indie’s window, using his athletic skills to reach her. Indie, startled to see him outside her second-story window, worried he might fall and hurt himself, reluctantly let him in.

“Indie, can we talk?” Chris asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Go away, Chris. I don’t want to talk to you right now,” Indie replied, her voice trembling.

“Please, Indie. Just at least tell me what happened,” Chris pleaded.

“Ask your friends! You lied to me and I don’t understand why you did and that just isn’t okay. It doesn’t matter, don’t worry about it, I just am not feeling a party right now. Just go back and have fun. I don’t want any drama.” she unlocked the door, opening it, gesturing for him to leave, but he pushed the door shut again instead.

“Indie, come on now! I didn’t do anything wrong, so I feel like I at least deserve the full scope here. You were all about the party and then suddenly you run out as if your hair was on fire? Jason said you were talking to the girls, and then suddenly acted strange, then just ran. Do I need to ask them? I will! But it won’t be pretty and probably start serious drama when I do, and that entire party will be over just like THAT.” he snapped his fingers.

“Why did you lie to me about being single?” Indigo Blu demanded

“I didn’t lie.” Chris’ reaction seemed genuine and gave Indie’s anger pause.

“Well, someone is, and I don’t see why your friends would.” Indie sounded hurt.

“What the …?! Seriously now? Sounds like the girls and I got some catching up to do. Why the hell would they tell you such BS?! Indie, I swear to you, I don’t have a girlfriend, I am not dating anybody. Telling you again now. Maybe you misheard them or misunderstood something. They all know I am not dating at the moment. You gotta understand, my friends and I spend a LOT of time together, so they would KNOW if I date. I am sure you misunderstood something.”

“No, I heard that redhead loud and clear, Juliette I think is her name. Why would she lie? She’s your friend. They all are,” Indie asked, her eyes filled with confusion and hurt.

“I don’t know why, and you better believe I will find out, but I promise you, it’s not true. I wouldn’t lie about something like that, Indie, why would I? Having a girlfriend isn’t a crime, so come on now. Or do you think I am THAT guy that tells you shit like that to get in your pants or whatever? I mean, honestly, even if I were like that, what do you think my parents would tell me? If you haven’t noticed, they are pretty up in my business all the time, even though I know I have a lot of liberties, but the reason I do have them is because I have proven myself to them. If I were to pull that kinda shit it wouldn’t go under their radar and they would have a serious talk with me, especially mom. They are cool with me dating, but only one girl at a time, I guarantee you that! Not to mention, I am just not that guy. Please, believe me,” Chris said earnestly.

“You really mean that?” Indie whispered, her voice softening.

“Yes, I do. If it wasn’t obvious enough, you’re special to me, we have a connection, we talked about all that, I meant every word of it and I thought you knew that,” Chris reassured her.

Indie gave him that look, so with an inviting smile Chris opened his arms, tilted his head and made a funny sound, which made Indie giggle and lean into the hug.

“Thanks Chris. But that was seriously crazy, climbing up your house like that. I get it, you’re athletic, but you could have fallen and broken several bones.”

“Trust me, wouldn’t be the first time. I think by now I am partially rubber,” he chuckled.

Whispering, they talked about what had happened. Chris apologized for the behavior of his friends and reassured Indie that he wasn’t dating anyone and that she was special to him. He explained that the rumors were completely false. Their conversation brought them closer, and they shared another tender kiss, solidifying their bond even further.

Toxic

When all attempts to run Indie off and dissuade her from Chris failed, and only led to unpleasant confrontations with him, Juliette decided to take things a step further. Her jealousy mixed with a thirst for revenge, so she researched online and concocted a plan, hoping to discredit Indie in front of the adults—but especially Chris—making them think Indie was following in her father’s footsteps.

During another party at Chris’s house, Juliette snuck into Connor’s home office, stole a small vial of a sedative from his emergency medical bag, then spiked Indie’s glass of fruit punch with the sedative, a ground-up edible she had stolen from a classmate’s stash, and some alcohol from tiny bottles, like those on airplanes and in hotel room bars, she had found in her father’s travel bag, which he carried for business trips to help with his fear of flying. In Juliette’s mind, that should be plenty to humiliate and scare the unwelcome intruder away.

Indie, unaware of the tampering, didn’t even notice the punch tasted off, attributing it to a different recipe. In the flow of dancing and swimming along with the summer heat making everyone thirsty, she drank enough of it until she started to feel dizzy and disoriented. She tried to shake it off, but the effects only worsened. She stumbled, her vision blurred and eventually collapsed. The guests panicked as Chris, Craig, and the others rushed to her side.

“Indie? Indie! Are you okay?” Chris’s voice was filled with worry as he gently shook her, rolling her into a stable position as part of his first aid training, courtesy of his doctor dad.

“Duuude, she smells like a refinery!” Craig shouted.

“Yeah, I can smell it too. Someone go get my dad! Hurry!” Chris called out to his friends, patting Indie’s cheeks.

Connor, who was attending a gathering of the adults inside, quickly came running out when he heard the commotion. The sounds of hurried footsteps and frantic voices filled the air as he assessed the situation and sprang into action when his wife Keira brought him his bag.

“Everyone, move back! Give her some space! Keke, call an ambulance,” Connor knelt beside Indie, checking her pulse and breathing. She was only partly awake, foaming at the mouth. “Stryker, does she have any known allergies?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” Stryker responded, his voice filled with concern.

“Does she drink? Alcohol?” Connor asked urgently.

“What?! No! No way! Connor, you know I would never allow that! You know I taught my children not to repeat their father’s mistakes.” Stryker was adamant.

“Dad, I was with her almost all the time, no way. I know, I smell it too, but something’s wrong here, I swear it!” Chris’s voice trembled with anxiety.

Connor instructed, “Chris, figure out what she was eating and drinking, put it into Ziploc bags, and bring it to the hospital. We need to run tests.”

Chris’s hands shook as he gathered the items and rushed to the hospital with his dad following the ambulance, while Stryker worried sick about his youngest daughter. At the hospital, Connor ran tests and discovered that Indie had been drugged with the sedative, had notable amounts of THC and CBD in her system, as well as mild alcohol poisoning. He pulled Chris aside, his expression grave as he told him about the missing vial from his bag.

“Chris, I don’t know who did this, but this is not a coincidence. This is severe, not to mention illegal. Just a few milligrams more could have killed her, especially mixed with alcohol and drugs, none of which she seems used to. We ran a hair sample and there is no history of this. I should report this to the police, but I don’t want to ruin someone’s life before it even begins if I don’t have to. Do you know anything about this?” Connor asked, his voice serious.

“Are you kidding, Dad?! NO! I swear this wasn’t Indie, nor me. I mean duh!” Chris was shocked.

“If she didn’t do it herself, then it had to be someone at the party. I’m going to go out on a limb and say it wasn’t any of the adults, I know it wasn’t you, so…” Connor’s words were a clear insinuation.

As the realization dawned on Chris, he remembered Craig’s hints about his sister’s odd behavior and the reasons why, as well as the last drama she had started. Fueled by a mix of anger and urgency, he turned on a dime, ran out of the hospital, and all the way to the Douglas’ home, his heart pounding. The streets were quiet, with only the distant hum of traffic and the occasional bark of a dog breaking the silence.

Bursting through the front door, he found Craig and quickly recounted everything, his words tumbling out in a rush. The aroma of dinner cooking in the kitchen filled the air, contrasting sharply with the tension that was quickly building in the room.

Together, they confronted Craig’s sister, Juliette. The room was filled with tension, the air heavy with unspoken accusations. Juliette’s face turned pale as they approached her, her eyes darting around nervously.

“Juliette, what did you do?” Craig demanded, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief.

Juliette’s defenses crumbled as she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Through her tears, she confessed her deeds. “I… I was jealous. It wasn’t fair that Chris ignored me while Indie got all his attention. I thought… I thought if I scared her away, maybe he’d notice me.”

Chris stood speechless, his mind struggling to process her words. The betrayal cut deep, leaving him reeling. Craig, however, laid into her so loudly that their father came running, his footsteps echoing through the house, followed by his wife, Craig and Juliette’s mom.

Their parents found out about Juliette’s actions on the spot. Chris felt like an observer to the unfolding drama, his head spinning with shock and disbelief. Craig’s father, aghast, quickly called Connor to explain the situation and beg him not to involve the police.

In a daze, Chris was driven back to the hospital by Craig’s dad, who apologized profusely to Stryker and Connor for his daughter’s behavior. Connor confirmed that the Douglas’ were solid people, as were both their kids, so Stryker decided not to press charges after Craig’s dad assured him Juliette would receive a stern talking to, be grounded, and severely punished for her actions. Since she was a minor, and Stryker had first-hand experience with how a criminal record could ruin someone’s life, he let it go.

The next day, Craig’s dad dragged Juliette to the hospital to apologize in person to Indie. The hospital smelled of antiseptic and echoed with the faint sounds of beeping machines. The awkwardness in the room was palpable, making it one of the most uncomfortable moments the teens had ever experienced. Craig was super-upset with his sister and tormented her whenever their parents weren’t watching. Chris couldn’t look at or talk to her, and Indie was taken aback by the forced apology, which Juliette clearly wasn’t giving of her own accord. Juliette kept glancing over at Chris, her eyes pleading for forgiveness, but Chris remained resolute, his hurt and anger still fresh.

Healing and New Beginnings

After a few days of recovery at the hospital, Indie was finally able to go back home with strict instructions to rest, so Stryker and she added a few extra days to their visit. One evening, as she sat outside in the golden twilight with Chris, he handed her a tray laden with sandwiches, cookies, and lemonade until she laughed, telling him to stop.

“Chris, stop treating me like I am royalty or something. I know it wasn’t your fault. I get it, someone you thought was great made some bad choices. I am okay, we’re okay. You don’t have to treat me like a toddler,” Indie said, her laughter ringing out softly.

“Yeah, I know, too much, but I swear I don’t know what’s gotten into her. We grew up together. Her brother is my ride or die. Never in a million years would I have imagined any of my friends would do this, let alone for those reasons. And I told you they are solid. Guess not,” Chris replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Don’t beat yourself up. I know how that goes. I grew up with four older siblings and they are all awesome, mostly, but so hard to live with as well. I could tell you stories… some of the stuff they came up with… none of which my parents even know about. We all make mistakes,” Indie shared, her tone lightening the mood.

“Well, maybe it’s because I’m an only child, but I would never do this to people I don’t like, let alone my best friends. I know Juliette isn’t really like this, but I just can’t with her right now. Sucks, because I don’t remember many times Craig and I spent an entire day without seeing or at least talking, and now all he is on about is how he hates his sister. I just really don’t even want to hear her name right now,” Chris admitted, frustration evident in his voice.

“Yeah, I get that. I had this best friend until last year. She copied my homework without telling me, submitted hers first, and I got in trouble for supposedly copying hers. Detention, grounded, and minus a bestie was all I got from it. I just couldn’t stand for it, so I told my parents, who went berserk. They informed her parents, then the school, and it escalated all the way to the school board. Well, she got into even worse trouble. I’m not sure what all that was for. The truth didn’t make anything better. I got the rep of being a rat, and she got labeled as a cheat. Even now, almost a year later, we don’t even acknowledge each other’s existence. This feels a little like that. She could have saved me by owning up to it, but she just acted like I was trash. So, I get how you’re feeling better than you might think,” Indie explained, her voice tinged with sadness.

Chris, now a bit somber, asked, “Will you still stay in touch? Even after all this?”

Indie smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. “Of course. And if you are ever in San Myshuno or even Newcrest, don’t be a stranger. I’ll give you the VIP insider tour. Just remember, I have four siblings who come and go as they please, no telling who might be there and when. Fair warning, I am the nice one,” she added with a playful grin.

“Oh yeah, I can’t wait to get sent to the hospital by your friends or beaten up by your brothers for not protecting you from my insane friends. I mean, what’s fair is fair, right?” Chris joked, making them both laugh.

As the laughter subsided, a long gaze followed. Indie shimmied closer to Chris, trying to be inconspicuous about it. He turned slightly towards her, and then both suddenly tried to go in for a kiss, which ended with Indie’s head hitting Chris’s nose, making it bleed.

“Ow! My nose!” Chris exclaimed, holding his nose as blood trickled down.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Indie gasped, grabbing a tissue and pressing it to his nose.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Chris reassured her, his voice muffled by the tissue. “Just a little blood. No big deal.”

When they finally managed to stop the bleeding, they both looked at each other and burst into laughter.

“Well, I guess that’s one way to get back at me for my friends sending you to the hospital,” Chris joked, grinning.

Indie giggled, “Yeah, payback’s a…well, you know.”

They both laughed, the tension easing away, and leaned in again, this time more carefully. Their lips met in a sweet, successful kiss. It was tender and heartfelt, a perfect moment that made them forget all the drama and challenges they had faced. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the garden. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the scents of summer—freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, and the faint aroma of barbecue from a nearby house.

As they pulled away, Chris looked into Indie’s eyes and said, “You’re really special to me, Indie. I’m so glad we met.”

“Me too, Chris,” Indie replied, her heart full of warmth and happiness. “You have no idea. All the boys at my school are just… I don’t know. Immature little boys with deeper voices than before. All my friends have or had crushes and I can’t be interested if you paid me to be. I honestly started worrying something was wrong with me. Turns out I just hadn’t met anyone interesting enough yet.”

“Oooooh! Was that a confession, Miss Hayes? Somebooooody likes me, loves me and wants to maaaaaarry me …” he teased, making her blush and shove him off his seat. In his attempt to hold on to her, he ended up accidentally pulling her down with him and both ended up rolling into the grass, lying next to each other, both laughing so hard they snorted.

Unbeknownst to them, Connor and Stryker were watching from a window inside. Stryker saw the kiss and attempted to interrupt, but Connor held him back with a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Relax. Let them be, Stryker,” Connor said softly. “They are at that age where they start being curious about relationships. It’s only natural. They’ve been through a lot, and they deserve this moment. Trust me, Chris is a good kid. He won’t hurt her. He knows if he even thinks about unsavory nonsense, he’d have to answer to me. I raised him better than that. Indie could do much worse than my kid. And he definitely could hardly do better than your Indie.”

Stryker hesitated, then nodded, understanding the wisdom in Connor’s words. “You’re right. I just… I worry about her. Man, for a while there, all my old sins were right back, in my little girl, drugs, booze, all I thought was crap, and my entire life flashed before my eyes. I feel like the worst dad cos it didn’t even occur to me that someone else could have slipped her that. Ever since I was finally sober enough to think straight, I worried my children could follow down that rathole. I would not survive it.”

“I know you worry,” Connor replied. “But sometimes, we have to let them find their own way. Clearly, Indie has no interest in booze or drugs. She’s a good kid. Just like the rest of your brood.”

“No thanks to me, all credits go to my wife,” Stryker chuckled slightly, turning back to where Indie and Chris were clearly still flirting. “None of my kids have been interested in all their father’s many vices, thank God for that, even though I gotta say, I figured Keanu, my second oldest, was coming close, kid loves to party and has a new girlfriend every month it seems. I don’t know how you did it, but you and the wifey made a perfect carbon copy of you, another genius who can do no wrong, and now THAT is what my little girl is addicted to,” he laughed, making Connor smirk.

“Nah, he’s better than me. I made plenty of mistakes, don’t you worry, too outgoing, my nose up in everyone’s business, trying to solve everyone’s problems, which is not always a good thing, but he’s got enough of Keira in him to calm that down to more acceptable levels. And he’s proven it to me again. In the face of first love and adversity, despite his young years, he never strayed. I don’t know for sure that I would have handled the situation as mature as Chris has. And I think he’ll forgive Juliette. Trust me, I have known his friends since they were in grade school together, some of them even longer than that. Juliette is not a bad kid at all, her brother Craig is our bonus son and Chris is the same to the Douglas’. Jealousy is a bitch, Stryker. Keke and I had noticed that some of Chris’ childhood friends, especially the girls, were looking at him differently over the past few months. Chris was completely oblivious, but we saw this coming. Now, none of us expected something of this magnitude and neither did her parents. I’d almost say it was worse for them than for you, I can tell Juliette feels awful, tried to come over to apologize, she’s called us even because Chris refuses to see her or talk to her, he’s still butthurt. And you know Juliette’s brother is his best friend, so that’s super-awkward now cos he sides with Chris and I wouldn’t wanna have to sit at their table during mealtimes now. Having grown up with little sisters myself, I am not proud to admit that I am sure Craig tortures poor Juliette sufficiently for her to have learned her lesson.”

“Oh, I believe it. I have gotten to know you pretty well back when I was closer to death than life back when, and I know you don’t associate with trash, aside from me that is.”

“Stryker, do I need to call Jackson over to give you his lecture on how you are not trash, just didn’t have enough guidance as a child and made bad choices?”

“Please no! Knowing that a guy who could be my son fixed me, when all those fancy clinics threw in the towel is bad enough, having to take lectures from that kid is too much. I don’t know how much I have grown as a person, cos I am standing right here, jealous as hell of your son, after seeing how my youngest daughter is looking at him. I used to be her prince, that look is kinda how she used to look at me, as if I could do no wrong, even though we both know I have done a lot of wrong. Somehow, because of you and Jackson and most of all Sophie, all my kids turned into decent people, not one even tried drugs, none of them drink more than a glass of booze socially, like New Year’s Eve. So, I want Indie to be happy. I know I have to step aside and let her learn how to eventually become an adult, but I thought I’d have a couple more years. I thought I’d make the best and coolest daddy ever list by taking her here, to San Sequoia, so she can show off to her friends, but instead I took her straight to her first teen girl crush! And I can’t even hate on that kid like a normal dad might, ‘cos he’s the son of one of the two men I owe my life to.”

“Oh, come on, Stryker.” Connor chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. “I think it’s still fairly harmless, and we both know our kids are at that age where they start dating more seriously. I’d rather it be a girl Keira and I can get behind. So, prepare yourself, ‘cos if one or both of them haven’t begged for a visit before you and Indie pack your bags to fly back home, then you can shave my head, wax me up, and use me for a surfboard.”

“Shave all that pretty blonde mane off, Mr. GQ? Keira would have my hide.” Stryker laughed, nudging Connor.

“I got a suggestion for you… get on the phone with Sophie and see how she’d feel about my son coming to Newcrest for a week at some point this summer. He’s never really seen that side of the county much, last time was as a small child, and especially Newcrest, cos my parents have history there. My mom was born there, we still have family there, Uncle Grady and Aunt Giulia and some of my cousins. He could stay with them; they live right off Main and Parkview.”

Stryker started laughing hard, met by puzzled looks from Connor.

“Dude, I didn’t know your mom’s maiden name was Hanson! Your uncle is our direct neighbor across the street unless there are more couples with those first names on our street. They live right by Avalon Park, don’t they? That is right across the street from us. Soph’ restaurant is next door to them.”

“No way?! Yes, they sure do. That park is where my parents used to sneak around as teens, well at least when my dad wasn’t climbing into my mom’s bedroom windows. See, our parents were much worse as teens.”

“Your parents, maybe. My mother had a stick up her rear all my life, and I didn’t even know my father. Fine, let me call Soph and see what she thinks. You go talk to Keira and then we’ll see if the kids even want that.”

With a smirk, Connor turned Stryker’s head to face the backyard where the kids were now in a full kiss. “I think I can guess that answer…”

Stryker’s eyes grew wide before he turned away. “Oh jeez. I am not sure I am ready to support whatever that is out there. My poor little girl. Poor little old me!”

“It’s called first love, Stryker. It is bound to happen, and without tooting my own horn, Indigo Blu could do much worse than my Chris and vice versa. Keke and I raised him right, and he’s proven that again with all the drama of late.”

“Yeah, I know. Sophie never dated until her early twenties. I literally tumbled into her life after laying down my motorcycle, drunk off my butt, outside her home. Man, I was a wreck back then, but she took me in and cared for me like nobody ever had. I was hooked but too dumb to realize it. You know how that story went. If I had parents like you, I would have used my brain, listened to my heart, and married her the moment she told me she was pregnant with Spencer. But I had to ruin everything for everyone a few times before pulling my head out of my rear.
Anyway, Soph always hated being a wallflower in high school. All her siblings dated at Indie’s age too. I started even before that, but Sophie never did until me. She always felt like she missed out big time, so she supported every single crush our kids had, almost pushing them to date. Meanwhile, I’m over there trying to get them interested in Barbie and video games again, just so they stay kids a little longer.
How can you be so cool about Chris… you know… kissing? And he’s your ONLY kid at that! I went through this exact thing with two boys and two girls already and am STILL not used to it.”

“Cos of the way Keira and I were raised. Our parents were cool about all that, with us and our younger siblings and it never backfired. No teen pregnancies, and just the usual amount of drama I guess everyone goes through at that age in one way or another. To be honest, my entire family ships Chris and Indie. You know Keira and I talk about all that with our parents and siblings, so it’s got everyone’s stamp of approval. And most of us have some experience with long-distance relationships, even at a young age. Both my sisters did that.”

First Love and Fireworks

The goodbyes at the airport were downright heart-wrenching. Stryker ran out of ideas to stop his daughter from sobbing on the plane and had to endure the sympathetic yet judging glares from other passengers questioning his skills as a father.

A few weeks later, Chris flew to Newcrest to spend time with Indie, accompanied by his grandparents Chase and Hailey. They wanted to visit Hailey’s younger brother Grady and his family again and revisit the house where they started their lifelong love, which happened to be across the street from the Hayes’ home. While the grandparents strolled through Avalon Park reminiscing, Indie and Chris experienced their first love together.

As the 4th of July approached, Indie’s family hosted a big BBQ party at their home. Her mom and older brother, both chefs, prepared an unforgettable feast, and all the neighbors joined in, making it a big, joyful crowd. The aroma of grilled meats and homemade sides filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses.

As the evening progressed, the night sky lit up with fireworks. Chris and Indie watched in awe, their hands intertwined, feeling the magic of the moment. The party ran late into the night, with sparklers lighting up the backyard and lively conversations echoing around them. Eventually, everyone started heading home, tired and happy. Chris’s grandparents told him they were too old to stay up any longer and joked that he was too young to keep going.

Later that night, still high from the joyous celebrations, Indie received a text from Chris:

“I can’t stop thinking about you. Are you still awake?”

Her heart raced as she replied:

“Yes, I miss you so much.”

Suddenly, she was startled by a gentle knock on her window. Chris had climbed up, just as he had done once before. She let him in, her excitement and nervousness palpable.

They shared quiet whispers and soft laughter, savoring the stolen moment. Wrapped in each other’s arms, they felt a deep connection, a blend of love and trust. It was then, in the intimacy of the night, that they decided to take their relationship to the next level.

The next morning, as they lay together in the soft glow of dawn, Chris held Indie close, both processing the new and profound feelings of adulthood.

Indie looked up at him, a soft smile on her lips. “What are you thinking about?”

Chris smiled back, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Just about how important these moments are, and how much you mean to me.”

Indie snuggled closer, feeling the warmth and security of his embrace. “I’m glad I went with my dad to see yours and Jackson. I wasn’t gonna, when he first offered it I thought it would be lame flying across the country to watch my dad sob about his rough past with two other men. I didn’t think I would like you. I had no idea you’d be like … this.”

“I know, I mean, we have people staying with us all the time, my parents and grandparents are constantly throwing parties, always have, so I am used to it, but I told Craig that if you were too intense, I’d be staying with him for the week. Man, had I known you are … you.”

“Me? I am nothing special. I know I am kinda boring. I always wanted to be like those girls at my school, they are like literally those girls in the movies, you know, like, they walk into a room and EVERYONE looks in awe. They only reason anyone looks at me is if I stumbled or dropped something, which has happened.”

“No. You are very special and really pretty. You are amazing, Indie, never ever change.”

They fell asleep together, wrapped in each other’s arms. Morning came too soon, and they slept in, savoring every last moment. Chris barely made it out of the window before Indie’s dad demanded to be let into the room to drag his “sleepyhead” daughter down for breakfast. “Since when do we lock doors in this house?!” Stryker complained but received his answer as he turned to leave, following Indie out of her room, and noticed Chris running across the street to the Hanson’s home in his peripheral vision. Then, his eyes caught a tiny piece of wrapper on the floor.

With a sigh and a frown, he closed his eyes, picking up the sliver of plasticky paper, and just knew he was right about his guess of what that belonged to as he threw it into a trash can. At least he was reassured that they had made responsible choices.

When school started again, Indie was a nervous wreck. As she was about to face the usual disses from the popular girls who liked to talk trash to everyone’s faces, she received a text.

“Aw, mommy already checking in on you?” one of them mocked, but Indie just smiled back.

“Nope. My boyfriend wishing me a great first day,” she retorted, turning her phone to show a couple’s selfie Chris had texted her of them kissing. The girls were left speechless while Indie floated on clouds to her classroom.