SteeleKizz, Inc

Sean – Acceptance Letters

Cara and Sean diligently worked toward accelerating their senior year. She had high hopes of going to a premier business school. He had the high hopes of exploring the eastern seaboard of the US. Getting to see what they missed out on, regardless of how much time had passed since they were last in Atlantic Beach.

Not long after Jaxon had left from his weekend tour of their home town and gifting Sean with the ability to tag along with his sister on her college endeavor not additional expenses needed, Sean wrote and rewrote him a letter accepting his offer. He couldn’t quite find the appropriate words without sounding like, well, a giddy teenage girl getting her way. AKA Cara.

Cara likewise, had written her acceptance letter of the scholarship to the college near where they lived. She took her precise time and worded it with professional execution so as not to seem overly excited or needy. She wanted them to think that she had offers left and right from here and abroad wanting her so badly, extending all sorts of benefits, for her only to accept this one. She was cunning and deliberate, Sean was impressed with her letter. It was written much more eloquently than he had with Jaxon. He sought out her expertise and finalized a letter he was a bit more proud of. She joked about how excited he seemed comparative to the girly giggles she often heard in school about how much more mature and grown up he was looking and acting. Making the lower grade girls weak in the knees when he passes by and flashes them a charming smile.

He brushed it off her explanation as they mailed off their letters simultaneously.

Sean and Cara had talked about everything that Jaxon had offered, a place of their own, jobs, and that he would be nearby as well. They just had to think about how to break it to their grandparents on this grandeur adult-like move.

That evening, they fixed a Mediterranean themed meal. They’d researched through many of their grandmother’s cook books from her youth and found just the right foods to fix to commemorate this special moment.

The food fixed and set on the table, they four of them held hands to pray for blessing. Soon plates were filled and normal conversation carried on.

“So, Sean, Cara,” said their grandmother kicking off the 1000 questions. “So, what is this occasion for?”

Sean and Cara exchanged glances, Sean smirking between bites. Cara had received her packet for the college she accepted the scholarship offer to and had both of them waiting to show under the table.

“Well, Grampa, Grandma, you know that I’ve been receiving a lot of letters in the mail from various colleges and universities applying for a specialty degree in large firm business management. Well, after talking with Sean and his news, I found a college that I want to go to. I accepted their full ride scholarship and start the next school year.”

Grandma stood up so quickly that she nearly knocked the table onto it’s side. Grampa held down the table when he seen her move to Cara.

“I’m so very happy for you,” she said flooding her with kisses. A few happy tears were flowing down her cheeks. She reached around her hugging the younger female. “I knew your mamma and papa raised you two right. All your hard ships were not for naught.”

The two girls nearly in tears sat back down, Grandma grabbed a napkin from the holder and wiped her face. Grandpa smiled at Cara and nodded.

“I’m glad you took the time to research and find out what you wanted to do and chose what was right for you. But you said, it was along with Sean’s news that aided in your decision. Sean?”

All attentions turned to Sean and his face flushed realizing it was now his turn.

“Have you decided on something that we didn’t know about? Are you going to college? Military?” Grampa asked the latter part rather nervously.

“Not so much what I want to do with my life, but that I get to do whatever until I can find my niche. I still don’t really know, on that part.” Sean felt the heat rising from his chests heading straight for his cheeks.

“Then, what are you saying, Sean?” Grampa proceeded with the questions.

He took a deep breath putting down his fork ready for the explosion he felt like was going to happen.

“Remember when Jaxon came into town. I’d told him how Cara was excelling in school and that she was doing great. Both of us had mentioned wanting to go back to where we were at on the East Coast just to see what we missed out on when Dad had us under lock and key.”

Sean looked between the two elders gauging how much more he should go on. “I knew that Cara had applied to several colleges in the East, but I didn’t know the exact states or cities. When Jaxon heard about that, he too asked me what did I want to do. I couldn’t answer. I still don’t have an answer, other than, I don’t want to be locked into a job that keeps me away from family. I want to be there for you two, for Cara. Military isn’t for me. I saw what it did to Dad and know that’s not my path in life.”

Their grandfather breathed out closing his eyes. He seemed relieved. “Okay? Go on.” Grampa then proceeded to his next bite as he listened. It was like a great weight had been lifted from his mind.

“So, with Cara looking for schools in that area, he suggested that he could make it where we have a place to stay, no cost to us. All we have to do is pay our bills. Cara can go to school and he can look for jobs for me that doesn’t hold me down or back from exploring what’s out there. It’ll give us the chance to come visit you instead of saying we can’t because of school or work. Jaxon already has a house bought for us, a vehicle for each of us, all that’s left is for us to graduate. Jobs are knocking on his door for me, I just have to choose what best for me, for us.”

Grandma looked from her plate to Grampa who had smirk on his face. “This is what you want? Both of you?”

The twins looked back and forth between everyone and nodded together. “Yeah.”

“It is.” Sean followed up.

“Then we have a surprise for you two as well.”

Shocked, Cara and Sean turned in their seats to look at their grandparents. “Oh?” Cara asked curiously.

“You won’t be going to the east coast alone. Jaxon informed us long before he asked you. He said if we ever needed anything to let us know. He told us about what you just mentioned. As soon as you graduate, we’ll be moving with you. Where you’ll be staying, is the same house that your father had you guys living in.”

“I always wanted a home with a beach within walking distance,” Grandma chimed in, clearly excited as they are.

“Jaxon wanted to make sure that he didn’t step on any toes in the process of making sure you two were well taken care of. Mind you, it’ll be your house, under Jaxon. We’ll just be your elder roommates. Don’t mind us while we adventure out too.”

Sean and Cara sat back in their seats. Cara busted out laughing and Sean was so surprised he hadn’t a clue what to say.

“So what about here?” Sean mustered up the words to ask.

“We’ve already got a buyer interested. A young family has already pitched us a price. We’re just waiting for you to graduate. They are a military family wanting to buy outside of the base. I felt like it was appropriate.”

“Wow!” Sean said astonished at the background planning Jaxon had been doing. He was really a miracle worker. “I guess it’s settled then. We’re moving to Atlantic Beach.”

From that weekend on, the family of four, prepared their house to move out. Excessive furniture set to be auctioned off or already sold. Boxes shifting from one room to the garage preparing for the cross country move. Jaxon had explained to the grandparents that the house was already furnished and food would be delivered and readied when they arrive. They just have to move in and rest. He’d even paid for the movers. A few remodeler’s was at the new house making expansions the kids rooms more adult friendly. He’d installed an in ground pool outback removing the other items. He’d had landscapers come and tidy up the yard and trees so that a clear view of the beach from their front porch was available. He’d built a garage off to the side and a workshop for Grampa.

It seemed that Jaxon had it set in his mind that Sean would be closer to him than any one really realized. They’d grown close since they first met when Sean was younger. It was like Jaxon was making up for them not having any other siblings to look out for them. He wanted to be their big brother. Jaxon was definitely making strides. Sean wondered why the big deal was about, but figured when they had some alone time, Jaxon would explain.

Graduation time came and went. Jaxon had come to stay for the weekend to help them with anything left over, but seen that his additional aide wasn’t needed. The family were ready to go other than what they were using the past week.

He had elaborated on everything that he’d done and explained how he set up the house to be more like a home with a mother in law wing, but that it was all still unified. He genuinely loved the fact of how close this family was, often hinting at missing his own family and their closeness.

With the celebration out of the way, the five of them grabbed their luggage and took a red eye from their airport to Ellis airport. The majority of the flight most everyone slept. Sean and Jaxon were too excited to sleep so they sat in seats a bit further from the sleepers.

Amid a game of black jack, Sean decided it was time to ask his big question.

“Jaxon,” he said as they laid down a card.

“Yeah, Sean,” he said confirming his cards and tapping to Sean, the dealer, he wanted another card.

“Not that I’m unappreciative of all that you are doing for us, but can I ask. Why?” he laid down a card and got a groan from Jaxon who tapped out. Then he dealt himself another card and won that hand. Jaxon took his turn as dealer. He shuffled and dealt out the cards.

“Well, yes, and no. Sort of. I know you were having a rough time with your mom dying and your dad being well, gone, I felt bad that you didn’t have that male role model you needed during your hide out days. It takes a toll on a man’s heart to not be near his family. I know from experience. The other thing is something you gave to me when I left last.”

He handed out any extra cards and Sean won that hand too. Sean repeated those same actions.

“You mean the notebook?” Sean asked.

“Yes, that. Mind you, there are some things about me that I’ve not really disclosed to you. I will, in time, but not right now.”

Sean looked up at Jaxon who was eyeing the everyone aboard the plane.

“When I tell you, it’s not something I want you to be afraid of, but it may explain some of what you notated. There will be another person I wish you to meet, that will be able to tell us, even more. They are excited to meet you, too. Especially, after I showed them your notebook.”

Sean stopped shuffling and said under his breath. “You showed someone my scribbles? Why?”

Jaxon took an exasperated breath. “Because, it tells of stuff that should never have gotten out, but did. This person, that I want you to meet, can tell you everything. Your mom, was onto something and that, in part, may have what gotten her killed. I researched her accident, and it wasn’t an accident, Sean. I can’t explain how, but it wasn’t. I think she learned and researched something that got her into trouble. That is also why your dad got you out of California as quick as he could. It was for your and Cara’s safety.”

“Okay, so this person, that you want me to meet,” asked Sean. “Is she your girlfriend? Wife? You’ve never talked about any one else, just about you.”

Jaxon sat back in his seat lacing his fingers chuckling. “No, Sean. I personally wouldn’t date her, but she, changed me. She is well different, much like myself. That’s all I can say, for now.”

He looked at the time and tapped his watch. You might want to catch some zz’s yourself, seeing it’s almost 3 am and we’ll be landing in an hour.”

Sean got up from his seat, but turned to look at Jaxon. “You promise you’ll tell me, all of it?”

“Sean, this is something I wouldn’t dare to keep from you. I think you’ll be surprised, when it’s all said and done. Go now.”

Sean nodded and Jaxon watched as Sean took his seat next to Cara and rested his head on top of hers.

He couldn’t wait for Nessa to meet Sean. She was a bundle of excitement knowing that Jaxon and Sean had finally reunited.