LAKEN   By the time lunch comes around, I haven’t seen Blake, even in the halls, so I’m anxious to see him. I walk into the cafeteria and grab my tray of food before walking to my usual table.   Except when I get to my table, there’s someone I don’t know sitting in the seat across from where I always sit.   I stop and stare at him, and when he notices me, he looks up, and the beauty of this

BLAKE   I don’t know what to make of the newcomer. Dirk is...well, I don’t know what he is yet. As long as he doesn’t come for my girl, then we will be just fine, but I’m still going to keep an eye on him to see if I can figure him out. He seems like he wants to be friends, but I don’t trust easily.   He did seem honest when he said he just saw Laken as a sister, though. And Laken seemed to like him okay. Especially after he sent Tillie out of the cafeteria amid a toddler fit. That was some prime entertainment, and the fact he was sticking up for Laken

BLAKE   I park in the driveway and see that Grams is home. Good, I really want her to meet Laken. I would have thought that something like this would make me nervous, probably have me breaking out into a sweat, but I’m not. I can’t wait for her to meet Laken. I know she will love her, and I think that Laken will love her as well.   Laken could use someone like Grams in her life. A positive and caring adult. Everyone could use Grams in their life. She’s something special, and it makes me hate my dad, even more, knowi

“Of course, I will be your Grams, Laken! I always wanted more grandkids, especially a girl,” she says with a smile. Oh my god. This is the most fabulous Grams in the history of Grams! I adore her! Maybe I should be horrified like Dirk and Blake, but I can’t be. That was the funniest shit I’ve ever heard. And I actually would love to sit down with her and hear some of her stories.It sounds like she knew who she was and what she wanted and took it with no fucks given. I wish I could be like that. I’m not saying I want to go out and have threesomes because the only man I want right now is Blake. But to feel the freedom of who you are and fly your freak flag and not care is inspiring. Mrs. Delilah Parker is definitely one of a kind and something special. Blake is fortunate. He has blown me away today with his words and actions. I’ve never felt this way with anyone before. No one

After our tears slow down and we gather ourselves, Mom looks at me with determination and vows, “I’m going to get help, Laken. I’m trying to figure out how to do this because I don’t want to go to rehab and leave you alone with him. I can’t watch you from there; I can’t be here if something happens. I would never forgive myself. So, I’m going to talk to the rehab place just out of town and see if there is some way I can do an outpatient program. That way, I won’t leave you alone with him.” This sounds nice, but one main thing is on my mind. “