The kids at your camp would disagree.
Sighing, I adjust my hat and run a hand over my jawline, feeling the uneasiness of her painting me as this white knight when all I ever feel are the flames of the dragon.
As soon as I got my first big paycheck from playing hockey, I knew I wanted to do something good with it. I started a charity that funds all the equipment and fees for kids to play hockey who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it. It’s more than doubled in size and now offers summer camps as well.
If I had something like that when I was younger, then my mom wouldn’t have had to take that second job, and maybe it would have bought her some more time. Either way, The Grace Stone Foundation has helped a lot of kids within a family and in the foster system be able to achieve their dreams, and if any of them are like me, then it’s also saving them.
Sunshine
If no one has told you before. Your mom would be proud of you.
Gripping the phone tight, I let the sadness and guilt in. It’s a question that haunts me every single day of my life. It’s what drives me to push myself harder and not waste what she sacrificed herself for.
I finally type out a response as my thumbs move slowly over the keyboard.
Knox
I hope so.
Three dots appear immediately as I wait for her response.
Sunshine
I know so. I’m proud of you, too, and I know my family is as well.
Emotions too thick to swallow swarm around me. She pulls things from me I don’t allow myself to feel, and it scares the shit out of me.
Sunshine
Just take the compliment, Stone. Don’t overanalyze it. Even if you don’t believe you deserve it, I just wanted you to know other people do. Now, what I’ve been dying to know…do you guys really take off all your clothes when you board the plane, or is that just a rumor?
God, this girl.
She knows exactly what I need, as I feel some of the anxious thoughts melt away.
Chuckling, I type back.
Knox
Seeing as how I’m in grey sweats and a hoodie right now, I would say the rumors are true.
Sunshine
I knew it! So, you just drop everything right there in the aisle? The flight attendants must be in heaven with all of you taking off your clothes.
Knox
We’re not waiting in a long line to change in the bathroom, so yeah, right in the aisle. Most of the flight attendants are used to it and don’t even bat an eye.
Sunshine
I highly doubt that. Trust me, it’s the highlight of their day and something they think about later in bed.
Knox
Are you thinking about it right now?
Sunshine
