After their weekend getaway, Adam, Mia, and Oliver took flight to their hometown. Jane stayed back because she still had some work to do there.
On their journey back home, Oliver kept thinking about how things might change after what happened between them during their trip. He knew that his relationship with his mom and dad was forever changed now.
Yet, the affection between all three of them had grown stronger than ever before. And he loved that! Even though he didn't know what would happen from here onwards, he was glad that he got to spend time with his family like this.
It was as if they had broken through some invisible wall between them that prevented them from expressing their true feelings for one another. Now it felt like nothing could get in the way of their being together.
No matter what happened next, they would always be one happy family. One very close family.
Once they reached their home city, they took a cab straight to their house, and on the way back, Oliver exclaimed, "Oh my god! I forgot about my school exam starting in two days!"
"What?" Adam asked. "You didn't study at all?"
"I did... But I don't think it was enough..." Oliver said.
"Shit!" Mia cursed. "How could you forget about it! Why didn't you tell us about it before we went on a weekend vacation?"
"Well, it was supposed to be a fun family getaway. Plus, I thought of studying during the flight and in the hotel... But we were too busy having fun."
"Alright, alright... Relax, you two," Adam said to calm Mia and his son down. "We are already reaching home, and it will be nighttime soon. Oliver, you can study tomorrow the whole day before your exam begins. I am sure you will be able to do it."
Adam's words made Oliver feel slightly relieved, though he knew that he wouldn't have enough time to study everything needed for his exams.
But then he remembered something else.
His best friend Ron always got the highest marks in class, despite being a shy, introverted guy. Even though he never studied too much, Ron was an exceptionally bright student who could understand any topic without much effort.
"Wait!" He told his parents. "I have another idea!"
He took out his phone and quickly dialed Ron's number. The phone rang for a few moments until someone picked it up from the other end.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Ron! This is Oliver."
"Oh hi! I haven't heard from you in days."
"I know. Sorry for that," Oliver replied. "Hey, listen, do you think you can help me study for my school exam? I have forgotten about it, and I need to study as much as possible before the test starts."
Ron didn't reply right away, but after a brief pause, he said in a low voice, "Well... I don't know..."
"Please, dude!" Oliver pleaded. "I am desperate!"
Another long pause followed before Ron spoke again, "Okay... So, when do you want to meet? Tomorrow?"
"No," Oliver said firmly. Then he glanced outside through the cab window and saw that they were almost near his house. It won't be too long till they reach home.
"I want to start as soon as possible," he continued speaking into his phone. "I want to come over to your place tonight."
"Tonight?" Ron's nervousness was evident in his voice. "You know I have Nyctophobia, right? I don't feel comfortable with the idea of spending a late night studying together."
"I know you are scared of night and darkness, but it will be alright. We will stop before it's too late," Oliver assured him with a confident tone. "And we will be able to carry on in the morning without any issues. Come on! It's just for one night. I am sure you can manage that much for me."
He knew he could force Ron to do whatever he wanted. His friend was always timid, especially since Oliver was his only friend, and Ron never had any other friends.
So he would never refuse Oliver's requests because he knew it would hurt their bond and friendship if he did so.
"Alright... I guess we can do that... But we must start early and finish up before it gets too dark outside," Ron said after a momentary pause. Then he added in a nervous voice, "Okay, come over. My mom is also calling you for a dinner. So come over as soon as you can, and we will study afterwards."
"Thanks! That's great news!" Oliver exclaimed before ending the call. Then he glanced at his parents, who were listening to their conversation and looking at him.
"Seems like you are sorted now!" Adam said with a smile on his face.
Mia nodded in agreement and added, "Yes. And I am relieved that you won't have to cram everything at the last minute. Ron is such a sweet boy. I am glad that he agreed to help you."
"I know," Oliver agreed with his mom. "He has always been a very supportive friend."
As soon as they got home, Oliver changed his clothes and rushed out to go over to Ron's house with his bag full of books.
He took his bike and rode straight to his friend's home. It didn't take him long before he reached Ron's place.
Ron lived in a big apartment building with his mother, Maya. He didn't have a dad, as his mother had conceived him from a casual relationship and chose to raise him on her own.
This sometimes made Ron wonder about his father, but he knew it wouldn't make a difference. His mother had always been there for him and loved him dearly.
Maya owned a successful business, making her very wealthy. Because of this, she could provide everything needed for Ron's upbringing and education. She also had a hands-off approach to her business, so she was often at home or out shopping with friends.