“How about we all go around and introduce ourselves first and say what we hope to gain from the group?”
Nods and a few smiles met me, and I relaxed, gaining my footing. I looked to Jude when no one started, hoping he’d help me out. He rolled his eyes but sat up.
“Hi, I’m Jude, and well, I hope to get everything Loren said. A place to connect with people who understand that life doesn’t always deal you the hand you expect. The youth center has always been an important part of my life, so I’m happy to be here and take part in what it offers.”
“Thank you, Jude.” I smiled, nodding to Imogen to go next.
“I’m Imogen; most people call me Immy. Um, well, I’m looking forward to making friends my age. I’ve been homeschooled most of my life, and this one here,” she nudged Jude, “is my only friend who isn’t over thirty. No offense, Lor.” She giggled, her face blushing.
Raising my hands, I laughed with her. “None taken.”
The next kid swallowed when he realized it was his turn. “Hi, I’m Chuck, and I’m here because the flyer said cookies.” He shrugged his shoulders, his cheeks blushing, but I liked his honesty.
“Welcome, Chuck. It’s nice to have you. Let me know if you have a cookie preference.” His shoulders relaxed at that, and he nodded, taking a bite.
“I guess I’m next,” Jill said, fidgeting slightly. “I’m Jill, and um, I guess I’m here because I’ve been trying to do things that are different from my normal routine, and my therapist,” she paused, briefly raising her eyes, “mentioned this place, so I thought I’d give it a try.” She shrugged, fiddling with a napkin, and I hoped I didn’t make it too uncomfortable for her.
“Welcome, Jill. It’s nice to have you with us.”
The last kid looked like he wanted to be anywhere but with us, and I hoped he wasn’t being forced. He sighed when we all stared, sitting up from his spread-out position. “I’m Elliott.” He didn’t share anymore, staring at me like he dared me to ask him to do so.
“Welcome, Elliott. I hope you find this place to be whatever you need it to be.” He nodded once, and I hoped it was an acceptance that I wouldn’t force him to do anything. This wasn’t that type of group.
“Okay, well, now that we all know one another’s names, maybe we could do one of those dreaded things called an ice-breaker?” I fake gasped as they all laughed.
Over the next twenty minutes, they seemed to warm up to one another, chatting and finding things they had in common. When it was almost time to end, I realized how quickly it had gone.
“Before we end, maybe we can say something we’re looking forward to this week? Having goals and positive things, big or small, are good ways to motivate us to keep moving forward. I’ll even start.”
They all seemed to sigh in relief as I thought about what I could share. It was odd being able to be this open with teens. “Well, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family this weekend and going to my husband’s fight match.”
Elliott seemed to perk up a little at that, and I wondered if maybe seeing if Wells could spare an hour a week to do a class would be possible. Perhaps he could move Jude and Immy’s training here so others could join as well? It was something to think about.
I was surprised when Jill volunteered to go next. “I’m excited about seeing two of my former skating coaches, Sawyer and Rey, this weekend. They’re coming in from Utah to compete in a competition. They’re so close to making the Olympic team. I’m excited to watch them and get back to skating in a way that I used to love.” Her smile dimmed a little, and I tried to give her a look of praise that I was proud of her for sharing.
“That sounds awesome. I’ve never been to an ice skating competition. I can’t wait to hear about it next week and how your visit went.” She nodded, some of her nerves leaving her as she settled back into her seat.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my third favorite dad… Well, I’m looking forward to going to a fighting match. And just so everyone knows, Loren is my mom. It feels weird not saying it,” Jude provided, slumping back into his chair, and I laughed, smiling at him.
“It’s true, but no favoritisms. If anything, I’ll be sterner with him,” I said, looking at the others. No one seemed to care, so I relaxed. Jude gave an enthusiastic nod, making the other kids laugh.
“Um, I guess it’s my turn,” Imogen started, “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and boyfriend. My pseudo-little-brother wants to make pancakes this weekend, so I’m looking forward to that.” She smiled, her face a little red, and I nodded at her, smiling at what she said.
Chuck cleared his throat, shuffling his feet a little. “Hm, well, I guess I’m looking forward to not being in school.” He shrugged his shoulders, but it was a start.
“That leaves you, Elliott. Anything you’re looking forward to?”
“Nope,” he said, laying his head back and closing his eyes. I could tell he’d be difficult, but I had hope that this group was exactly what he needed.
“That’s okay, maybe next week you will. Well, that’s my cue to head out and let you guys hang. This room will be open to socializing for another hour. I hope to see you all next week.”
They all hollered their goodbyes, and I walked out, feeling happy with the progress. This could be the start of something amazing and a new venture for our family, giving back to others who felt alone and in search of somewhere to belong. We could be that for them, or at least let them not feel so alone until they found their own family.
When I turned the corner into the open rec area, I wasn’t surprised to find someone waiting. What was surprising was that all of my husbands were there.
“Um, hi. Don’t you all have things to do? We have the fight coming up tomorrow?”
They all smiled at me, melting my insides, and I was surprised when it was Monroe who spoke up and not Atticus.
“We’re here supporting you, Lo. That’s where we needed to be. Come on, we’re having a date night. Jude and Immy will be taken back to the house by Topher and they’ve agreed to watch Levi. I’m not sure who’s more excited, him or the teens. We haven’t had much time for all of us in a while, and before everything goes down, we thought it would be nice to spend time together. You can tell us all about your group over dinner.”
Tears welled in my eyes, and I nodded, realizing how desperately I needed this. “You guys are the best.” I didn’t know how I got so fortunate to meet them when I needed them the most, but I was glad I had.
That night as we ate dinner, I shared with them how the group went, and they all gave me updates on their days. I’d felt our bond before, knowing we could make this work, but that night, it felt transcendent and like anything was possible if we were together.
As we stepped into Upswing the following night, I prayed that it was enough.