I sat up straight and tried changing the subject to distract myself from the need to touch her again. “So, how was your date?” I forced a smile. The thought of her going out with that douche made me crazy, but we were friends and friends talked about that kind of stuff.

“My what?” Her eyebrows pulled down, confusion spreading across her face. She was so distracted, I didn’t think she heard me.

“Your date. Didn’t you go out with that guy from the party?”

“Peter? I had to cancel. This exam has made me a nervous wreck all week and I didn’t have time.” She dismissively waved her hand before focusing back on the book in her lap.

I bit my lip to keep my smile from spreading. I was ecstatic that she had blown him off, but I was keeping that shit to myself.

She looked at her watch and slammed her book shut. “Shit! I gotta go. I’m going to be late.”

I got to my feet and helped her gather her notes. She headed toward the science building and I ran to catch up to her. “Meet me at the Brew after, okay? We can celebrate the end of exams.”

She sighed. “Okay, but I may need something stronger than coffee.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I winked, watching as she headed into the building.

***

Red dropped into the armchair next to me, letting out a long breath. I closed my book and looked at her. She sunk down into the chair, dropped her head back, and looked up at the ceiling. Her eyes were a little wild.

“So, how did it go?” I asked.

“Thank God that’s over,” she said.

I handed her a coffee cup.

“Thanks.” She took a long sip, then choked, almost spraying liquid all over me. “Gah! What is this?” She coughed.

“Something stronger.” I grinned.

She laughed and took another sip. “Why did you want to know what I was doing this weekend?” She sank deeper into the chair, seeming slightly more relaxed.

“I wanted to see if you were up for a road trip.”

“A road trip? With you?” Her eyes widened.

“You can try to sound a little less horrified.” I chuckled. She started to say something, but I stopped her. “Sean is coming too.”

“Is that supposed to be better?” she asked. “Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“Home? Like, to see your family?”

“Yeah.” I took a sip of my coffee, the warm, sweet taste filling my mouth.

“Why do you want me to come?”

I blinked, a little surprised by her reaction. “I figured you could use a chance to blow off some steam, have some fun.”

“With your family?”

“Yes, with my family.” I narrowed my eyes at her. I knew she’d been feeling disconnected since her parents died. I figured spending time with my family would be just what the doctor ordered. Her reluctance to go surprised me.

She stared at me, searching my face for something. “Aren’t they going to think…?”

“Think what? We’re friends, Red. I bring Sean home with me and no one thinks we’re dating.”

“You guys do make a cute couple.” She giggled. Good. Giggling was good.

“Come on, it will be fun. They will all think you’re too good for me anyway.” I shot her a wink.

She smirked and considered it for a moment. “Okay. Yeah, I’m in!”

***

“I gotta take a piss,” Sean said from the back seat. We were only an hour into the three hour trip.

“Jesus dude, you have the bladder of a gnat,” I said, flipping on the blinker to take the next exit.

Red sat next to me in the front seat, her long legs curled under her as she read quietly, ignoring Sean’s whining.

“Look, man, we have two more hours. This is the last stop.”

I pulled off the highway and into the nearest gas station. It was a little run-down. No doubt the bathroom would be less than sanitary. I guess crabs would be his punishment for a small bladder.

Sean took off for the bathroom as soon as we parked. Red and I got out to stretch our legs. She leaned against the hood, watching Sean disappear into what was basically a glorified outhouse.

“What are they like?” she asked without looking at me.

“Who? My family?” I took a seat on the hood next to her.

“Yeah.” She looked down at her hands, nervously picking at the skin around her fingers.

“They’re great. You’ll love them.”

“I’m sure, but will they like me?” She finally looked at me, and I was a little shocked to see the genuine fear in her eyes. My stomach clenched. This trip was supposed to make her happy, to give her a chance to relax, but it seemed like it was just stressing her out more.

“Are you kidding? Of course they will. Is that what you have been worrying about?”

She shrugged her shoulders and looked away.

“Red, you’re worrying about this too much. If they’re cool with Sean,” I pointed a finger toward where he emerged from the bathroom, “then you’re good.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been surrounded by family, anyone’s family.” The sadness in her voice made my chest hurt.

Determined to get her to relax, I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and led her back to the passenger side of the car. “Trust me, Red, they’ll love you.” I didn’t doubt it for a second.

We pulled into my parent’s driveway a few hours and three more stops later. I felt like I was going to end up killing Sean on the way back. I was sure Red would help me bury the body in the woods somewhere.

I got out of the car and glanced up at the old, two-story house I grew up in. The paint on the siding was faded and peeling in some places, but it looked cheerful, as usual, with its bright red shutters and Mom’s garden so full of life and color even at this time of year. Dad must have been keeping it up for her since it’s been hard for her lately.

I took a deep breath. Home.

I grabbed me and Red’s bags from the trunk and stepped up on the porch. I was about to reach for the doorknob when it turned and opened.

“Mom,” I said a wide smile spreading across my face.

She opened the screen door and stepped out, reaching for my face with a tired smile. She was thinner than the last time I saw her. Her fingers were cold against my face, but her eyes told me that Mom was still somewhere inside that tiny frame. The green scarf I got her for Christmas was wrapped artfully around her head.

Mom had been diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago. She had already been through two surgeries and five rounds of chemo. Her body was frail and slowly giving out, but her spirit never broke. She was a fighter and the strongest person that I’ve ever known.

I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing her against my chest, wishing I could keep her safe if I just held her close enough. I reluctantly let her go and turned to see Red standing on the steps behind me, eyes wide. I should’ve told her about Mom’s diagnosis, but I couldn’t figure out a way to say it.

Sean bounded past her. “Hey, Mom.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek as he headed into the house. Sean had been a part of the family for years now. That is how we Collins work. Once we claim you, you’re ours for life. I just wished I could get Red to understand that. I hoped inviting her home with me would help to convince her.

After Sean disappeared, Mom, Red, and I stood awkwardly on the porch. I cleared my throat, gesturing for Red to come closer. “Mom, this is Red.”

Red shook her head at the mention of my nickname for her, extending her hand to Mom. “Alex,” she said as mom took her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Collins.

“Oh please, that makes me sound old. Call me Emma.” Mom smiled. “Well, come on in and meet everyone.”

Mom waved her fragile arm toward the door. I picked up our bags and followed Mom into the house with Red following close behind.

As soon as I stepped inside, my childhood rushed back to me. I was lucky. We weren’t rich, but we had enough. My dad owned a bar not too far from home and Mom was a second grade teacher until the cancer progressed too far for her to keep working. Dad worked a lot, but he always made it home for dinner before heading back to the bar every night.