Story 20 - Part 1 - Taking Forever

--Thanks for helping me move,-- Tech signed.

“I’d sign back,” Carmine said. “My hands just happen to be full. What’s in this box anyway?”

“I think it’s his video games,” Jordan said as he shifted the box so his left hand was taking all the weight.

--And the console,-- Tech joked as he popped the trunk of his car.

“You do realize that you’re going to college and not a gamers’ convention, right?” Jordan laughed.

--I’m going to be a freshman with Don as my roommate,-- Tech signed. --Isn’t that about the same thing?--

Tech was pretty excited. He and Don had applied to a lot of different colleges, but just to be on the safe side they applied to a local college. They had both been accepted to several different schools, but none of the same. After some debate, both teens had decided that they would do their generals at the local college just so they could be roommates and typical freshmen for a year. Or maybe even two years. Neither boy was in a hurry to graduate and so they were making great use of scholarships.

“You better come and visit every weekend,” Vire said as she threw her arms around her son. “And not just to do your laundry.”

--I promise to do my laundry at my dorm room at least once a month,-- Tech agreed. --All the other times I’ll bring it over here, though.--

“I thought you were going to college to be an adult,” his mother teased.

--No,-- Tech signed. --I’m going to college so I can hack and play video games all the time.--

“You fail your first semester and I’ll revoke your laundry privileges,” Vire warned.

--I won’t.--

“So, is this actually going to be the last trip?” Jordan asked. “I’m pretty sure you’ve been back here twenty times to pick up something you forgot.”

“Oh,” Vire sighed, “I’m sure he’ll be eternally coming back and forth to find something he forgot.”

--This is the last.--

Tech sighed, but smiled. It was not like he was in another state, so forgetting something was not a big deal. Maybe he would attend another college out of town, or even out of the country, but for now Tech was happy where he was. He cocked his head as he heard someone opening the door to the apartment complex’s underground parking garage. Without turning his head, Tech accurately guessed who it was.

“Sorry to interrupt the happy farewell,” Mr. Owens said as he walked toward the group.

“Oh, we’ve done this farewell all day,” Jordan said, teasing Tech. “We’ll probably be doing it for the rest of our lives at the rate we’re going.”

“Well, before you go, do you want to help the agents with some interrogation?” Mr. Owens asked. “Though, Dev did suggest you not blow up an orange this time, Vi.”

“Sure, go and ruin my fun,” Tech’s mother laughed. “I thought it had a great affect last time.”

“The guy looked like he was going to pass out from fright,” Jordan laughed.

--I never did get to see the exploding orange,-- Tech signed. --I only saw the mess.--

“I still think nothing will beat the exploding drinking fountain,” Carmine said.

“My dear,” Jordan said as he grabbed Vire. “You have a very explosive personality.”

“That’s why I married a bomb squad boy,” Vire teased.

They kissed and Tech rolled his eyes. Some days that was all right, and other days it was just plain weird. Still, he knew his mother was happy. She had waited for Tech’s entire life to find a person who could blend into their family now and forever. Jordan definitely was a great addition to the Morgan clan. Of course, that meant that Tech had to find a girl who did not find exploding oranges, a mind-reading uncle, and a still plaid car driven by an ex-military man. That was going to be a challenge.

“So, is it a yes or a no?” Mr. Owens asked again.

--Always a yes.-- Tech grinned.