Since getting back, Boyd was staying over more and more these days and my mind was at ease about his mom. It wasn't like we were living together, and he would be gone for a week or sometimes two at a time sadly, but he did at least call me when that happened. He kept a small supply of plasma fruit at my house, but I kinda enjoyed when he fed from me. It seemed to bring us closer in a way. Mom was out of town on a set when the winter festival came to town.
Boyd went with me and we had a fun time, until he abruptly told me we had to leave. I had just gotten back from getting hot chocolate when he took my hand and lead me from the park. When I asked what was up, he just said he was bored and ready to go. He'd never been so short with me before, but I didn't push it. I was getting cold anyway so going home wasn't a terrible idea. He felt bad for how he acted, so he made it up to me in great ways that night.
A few weeks later I asked him to come with me to Grams' house for the feast party. He declined so I went alone. (I have no clue why Graham threw a pool party in the dead of winter) I was a little bummed, but had a great time with family.
I learned that Graham and Ichelle were expecting finally. They'd been trying since they got married. It was a good thing for the house since Grams had been still sad over Alan's death. Her new grandchild would bring some joy back into her life. She was already planning to revamp Graham's old nursery for the baby. The kid was going to be spoiled. My paintings were selling well, I'd had a few people commission some from me. Even though it was my 'job' it never felt like work since I was doing something I greatly enjoyed. With dad retired, we got together often for dinner or just to hang out. He promised to let me paint him one day.