Jesus, time really does fly. It seems like just yesterday that Rebecca and I were getting re-married. Yet, there we stood, seeing Max off to college.

   He took after Rebecca in a lot of ways. He was smart and kind. Funny when he wanted to be and undeniably loyal. I was proud to call him my son.

   Rebecca released the death grip of a hug she had him in. "Just remember to call us once you're in your dorm."

   He smiled. "Of course, mom."

   Then, I stepped up, raising my fist. "We're proud of you, kiddo."

   He tapped my fist with his. "Thanks, mom."

   We stood on the front porch, watching him hug Anna goodbye, before hopping in his car, taking off after one last wave.

   Rebecca took my hand in hers. "You should go check on Anna... I'm gonna get lunch started."

   I nodded, kissing her on the cheek, before stepping off the porch, approaching our daughter.

   My old, leather jacket hung from her shoulders as she leaned over the engine of her 1976 Pontiac Trans Am.

   While Max resembled Rebecca in more ways than one, Anna seemed to take after me over the years. College wasn't in her future, and I was ok with that. Rebecca pushed her a little harder then she probably should have, but that's only because she saw Anna's potential.

   "Hey, kid, how's it looking?" I asked.

   She stood up, wiping her hands on a greasy rag. "Damn throttle linkage keeps binding up."

   I smiled at my daughter. She was like me in so many ways it was scary sometimes. "Here, let me take a look..."

   After helping Anna solve the problem with her carburetor, Rebecca called us inside for lunch.

   We washed our hands before sitting around the table, Rebecca handing out the food.

   "I really wish you were going with Max, sweetie." Rebecca said, joining us at the table.

   Anna let out a light sigh. "I'm sorry, mom, college just isn't for me."

   "You're a bright girl, Anna... If you would just apply yourself-"

   I put my hand over Rebecca's. "Babe... Cut her some slack."

   Rebecca looked to me, something shifting behind her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry, sweetie."

   Anna gave her a little smile, she was definitely a heartbreaker, just like her mom. "It's ok, mom..."

   After lunch, Anna returned outside to finish up a few things on her car, while Rebecca and I sat in the living room. "I know you want what's best for her... But, she's a kind, beautiful young woman. You should be proud."

   Rebecca smiled a little, looking down. "I am... She reminds me of you, sometimes..."

   I kissed her cheek. "And? Is that a good thing, or..?"

   She smirked, kissing me back. "Very good... Why don't you take her up to see Blake today? She's been twenty-one for a few months now and I'm sure Blake won't hold that job opening forever."

   Blake had promoted me to a management position years ago and we've been working through a revolving door of bartenders ever since. The latest girl just didn't seem to be working out. I had suggested Anna for the spot and Blake liked the idea. Knowing Anna, though, I couldn't force it on her. So, we thought if Blake offered it to her, she would be more accepting of the idea.

   I stepped outside as Anna closed the hood. "All done?"

   She nodded, wiping her hands.

   "Wanna head up to Twist with me?"

   Anna pulled her keys from her pocket. "Only if I get to drive."

   I smirked, ruffling her hair. "Just, keep it under the speed limit."

   We hopped in and Anna cranked the car to life, the sound of my old Metallica cassette blaring through the speakers.

   I smiled a little to myself as she pulled out of the driveway and took off towards Twist...

   Blake greeted us as we walked through the doors. "Well, if it isn't my favorite mother and daughter."

   We let out a laugh as we sat at the bar. "Don't let Wendy hear you say that. She'd kill you."

   Blake chuckled in return. "Two beers?"

   I nodded and Blake handed them out.

   "So, what brings you ladies here?" Blake asked, leaning on the counter, giving me a knowing look.

   "Well, I was curious how the search for a new bartender is going."

   Blake took a quick glance at Anna. "I have a feeling it'll turn out ok."

   Anna set her bottle down. "I know what you guys are doing."

   I raised my hands. "Whatever do you mean?"

   Anna rolled her eyes. "C'mon, mom, I'm not that dumb."

   Blake patted her shoulder. "Hey, kiddo, it's just an offer. Your mom's just looking out for you."

   Anna let out a sigh. "I know... I just get the feeling you guys are disappointed in me sometimes..."

   My face fell. How could she think that? "Sweetie, we could never be disappointed in you."

   "It sure seems like it sometimes. Especially since Max got into college." She replied, lowering her head.

   Blake and I shared a look. "Listen, I know Rebecca is pushing you a little harder then she should, but it's only because she knows you could do it. But, it's your life to live and we'll be proud of you regardless of what you choose."

   Anna let out a sigh. "I know... Thanks, mom."

   I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a soft embrace.

   She sat back up afterwards. "Alright, Blake, you're on..."

—————

Wendy and I sat at the bar, Anna taking orders while Blake looked on, silently impressed.

"She's good." Wendy said.

I nodded, giving my daughter a little smile. "I think we made the right choice."

Just then, Jen and Patty came strolling in. Wendy shot up, pulling her daughter into a tight hug. "Hey, kiddo, I've missed you."

Patty's in college as well. She's studying to become a doctor and took a week off to visit her parents.

"I missed you to, mom." She said, pulling me into a hug afterwards. "Hey, aunt Skylar."

I smiled at her. "Hey, kid, how's college treating you?"

We all sat back down as she answered. "Ok, I guess... Stressful for sure."

Jen patted her shoulder. "Hard work always pays off in the end."

Wendy had a look on her face I couldn't quite read. "Yeah... As long as you're ok."

Patty forced a smile, nodding. "I'm great."

Blake whispered in my ear then. "Did that seem like a lie to you?"

I nodded discreetly.

Anna suddenly rushed over, pulling Patty into a hug as well. "Hey, stranger, long time no see."

Patty smiled. "Way to long... You working here now?"

Anna looked down at her apron. "Yeah, started a few days ago."

A sad look crossed Patty's features. "That's so cool... I wish I could get a job here... I'd get to be around you guys all the time."

So, she was definitely homesick. I don't think Jen realized it, though.

Jen herself spoke up. "You only have three more years and you'll be set for life."

Wendy stood up, then, pulling me up with her. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

I nodded, following Wendy outside.

"So, you noticed it to?" I asked.

Wendy nodded, biting her nail. "Jen's pushing her to hard."

"I think Patty is just homesick." I replied.

Wendy shook her head. "It's more than that... It was Jen's idea that Patty go to that college. Jen had connections there. She wanted to become a doctor, but her mom talked her out of it."

"So, you think Jen is forcing her missed aspirations on Patty?"

Wendy nodded. "She's been doing it since Patty was a kid. She signed her up for the biochemistry club, even though she wanted to join the soccer team. Forced her into summer school even though she wanted to get a job like the rest of her friends. She still picks out Patty's outfits for Christ's sake-"

I raised my hand. "Ok, slow down. What're you getting at?"

Wendy sighed. "She's trying to control her life. Patty's never been able to make her own choices. She's never been independent."

"Why don't you say something?" I asked.

"I've tried, but Jen just turns it around. 'I'm only trying to make sure she's successful and happy when we're gone.' I just gave up after a while... But, seeing Patty today... I... I need to do something."

   I rested my hand on her shoulder. "Just relax for a second, ok?"

   Wendy let out a long breath, nodding.

   "I'm gonna go grab Jen and you two are gonna talk this out." I said, heading back inside to grab Jen.

   "Is everything ok?" Jen asked as I led her in front of Wendy.

   "Yes-" I started, but Wendy cut me off.

   "No, it's not. I love you, babe, and I don't want you to take this the wrong way... But, you gotta lay off Patty." She said.

   Jen rolled her eyes. "I thought we were past this."

   "No, you're past it. I'm not. Can't you see what you're doing to your own daughter?" Wendy said.

   I stepped between them. "Ok, I think we're getting a little to heated. Jen, Patty is really homesick. We can all see it. Wendy is just looking out for her, that's all."

   Jen looked between the two of us, letting out a sigh. "I... I saw it to... It's only three short years, though and then she can do whatever she wants with her life."

   Wendy stepped forward, taking Jen's hands in hers. "She's nineteen... She should be able to do whatever she wants now... I know your mom forced you into a business you didn't want and that was awful... But, you're doing the same thing to Patty... You've been doing it since she could walk... She's an adult now and I know you want what's best for her, but sometimes you just have to let her figure it out on her own."

   Jen looked down. "What if she doesn't figure it out? What's she going to do when we're gone?"

   "She won't stand any chance at all when we're gone if you don't let her be independent now." Wendy said.

   Jen nodded. "You're right... I'm sorry..."

   Wendy pulled her into a tight hug. "Don't be, you're an amazing mother and Patty loves you so much." She pulled back then, looking into Jen's eyes. "We both do."

   Jen smiled, pressing her lips to Wendy's. "I love you guys to."

   I held my hand to my chest. "Oh my God, you guys are so adorable."

   They let out a laugh, Wendy shoving me. "Whatever... Thanks Skylar."

   I gave her a nod. "I'll leave you guys to it." Then, I headed back inside.

   Anna looked up. "Everything ok?"

   I nodded, pulling her into a quick hug. "Yeah, everything's great. I'm gonna head home, though. I gotta talk to your mom."

   Anna nodded. "Ok, mom, I'll see you later."

   I gave her a wave. "See you, sweetie..."

   Rebecca looked up from the kitchen table as I walked through the front door. "How's she doing?"

   I gave her a quick kiss, sitting down next to her. "She's doing really good. She really likes the job."

   Rebecca smiled a little, looking down. "That's good..."

   I took her hand in mine. "She's an amazing young woman, Rebecca. And she's so happy."

   Rebecca looked up at me. "I know..."

   I pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "You should show her more often."

   She nodded, smiling. "I will..."

   As the months passed, Rebecca stayed true to her word. We got to watch Anna grow and flourish and we were so proud of her.

   And then there was Max. He was loving his time in college. He was passing all his classes and was on track to becoming the most successful of the family.

   Plus... He met a girl there. Her name was Karen... Not a great start... But, he says he really loves her and that she might be the one.

   We would be meeting her today for the first time over dinner. Speaking of, I should be helping Rebecca set up...

   Rebecca sat at the kitchen table, fiddling with the silverware, adjusting the flowers in the vase, moving plates around. Clearly she was nervous.

   "Five bucks says she hugs the new girl." Anna said.

   I snickered. "I'll take that bet."

   "How does it look?" Rebecca asked, wiping some dust from the table.

   I took her hands in mine. "Relax, babe, everything looks great."

   "Yeah, mom." Anna added.

   Rebecca nodded. "Alright-"

   A knock at the door cut her sentence short.

   She perked up, leading us towards the door. "Alright, remember to be on your best behavior."

   She smoothed out the front of my dress. "Especially you."

   I smiled, giving her a quick salute before pulling the door open.

   Max stood on the other side, a beautiful, young woman standing next to him.

   Rebecca put on a huge smile, pulling the girl into a hug. "You must be Karen. We're so happy to finally meet you."

   I rolled my eyes, handing Anna a five as she chuckled.

   "Please, come on in." Rebecca said, leading Max and Karen into the house.

   I gave Max a fist bump before turning to Karen. "Nice to meet you."

   She smiled, sticking her hand in my direction. "You as well."

   I stuck my fist up. "I'm not much of a hand shaker."

   She smiled a little wider, tapping my fist with hers.

   As Rebecca led them to the table, Anna looked after them, jaw on the floor.

   I leaned over, whispering in her ear. "Easy now, that might be your new sister-in-law."

   Anna swallowed hard. "I wish you wouldn't have said that."

   We shared a laugh, joining everyone else at the table, Rebecca setting everyone's plates. "So, Karen, I must say you are absolutely gorgeous."

   Karen smiled and Max sighed. "C'mon, mom."

   She raised her hands in fake surrender. "What? I'm just saying, you could do a lot worse."

   "Anyway, how're you liking college so far, Karen?" I asked.

   She smiled at me. "It's so fun. Plus, it led me to my Maxie."

   Max blushed as she pinched his cheek.

   Maxie? What the fuck is a Maxie?

   "Right..."

   The rest of dinner went by relatively smoothly. Karen seemed nice enough. A little to bubbly for me, but as long as Max was happy then I was ok with it.

   Rebecca and I sat on the back Patio, listening to the kids chatting happily, catching up, talking about the future. It soothed me.

   Rebecca took my hand. "It's so nice having everyone home again."

   I looked over to her. "I might actually miss it."

   She laughed. "Pretty soon we're gonna be empty nesters."

   I felt my heart sink a little at the thought. Since Anna got the job at Twist, she's been looking for an apartment. And, Max would most likely move in with Karen after college was over. It was bittersweet. On one hand I was so proud of them. But, on the other, they were still my babies and I wasn't ready to give them up.

   "Maybe we should adopt another." I said.

   Rebecca chuckled. "Please, we're way to old to start that shit again."

   I turned to her. "C'mon, we can adopt a teenager."

   Rebecca shook her head, smiling. "As fun as that sounds, I think I'll pass."

   We shared a laugh as I took her hand in mine, kissing the back of it. "I'm gonna miss being a mom..."

   Rebecca's features softened. "Oh, Skylar, you'll always be a mom."

   I looked down, sniffling a little. "I know... But, there won't be anymore skinned knees and warm soup. No more school plays to watch. No more bullies to threaten..."

   Rebecca stood up, sitting down in my lap, wrapping her arms around my shoulders as a couple tears rolled down my cheeks. "I know, baby... But, just think of all the new memories you can make now that they're all grown up. Besides, once the grandkids come around, you can threaten all the bullies you want."

   I let out a sob. "Oh my God, I don't wanna be a grandma yet. I'm not old enough to be a grandma yet."

   Rebecca laughed lightly, running her hand through my hair, just as Max and Anna joined us outside.

   "Are you ok, mom?" Anna asked.

   I stood up, pulling her into a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you so much, sweetie."

   Anna patted my back. "It's ok, mom, I'm not going anywhere... I'll always be your daughter..."

   Max patted my back as well. "Yeah, mom, no one can ever take us from you."

   I pulled him into a hug next, just as Karen stepped out. "Maxie? Is everything ok?"

   "God, I hate that name." I said to Max.

   He laughed, pulling back. "You'll get used to it, mom."

   I laughed a little back, wiping my eyes as Rebecca took my free hand, smiling up at me.

   I returned it, looking from her to our kids. "I love you guys so much."

   Max and Anna shared a smile of their own. "We love you more..."

The End