(NewsUSA) - Enhancing a once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a wedding proposal or ceremony, with the right song takes the experience to a whole new level. It adds a personal touch that makes for ongoing memories, as couples have the opportunity to play the song at anniversaries or other special events through the years.<br /> <br /> Just in time for anyone planning to propose on Valentine's Day (or any day), an original song called "The First Time," by Del Henry, makes its debut February 1, 2019, on multiple channels, including iTunes, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Music Store, Shazam, and many more.<br /> <br /> The release of the song coincides with a release of a video. The video version of "The First Time" being released is, in fact, the first time the song was performed live, at a wedding as a gift from the groom to the bride, and her reaction says it all.<br /> <br /> "How can I say, in a most simple way/My living started when you came that day/ How can I tell you when all's said and done/ My Heaven started with you as the one."<br /> <br /> Many couples can relate to these lyrics. The song stands out as an example of the power of music to capture a moment and move an audience, so it is both a personal and a shared experience.<br /> <br /> Many of the guests seen in the video of the song's debut are as emotional as the bride, because the lyrics evoke memories of their own shared lives and ongoing love stories.<br /> <br /> "It's truly a story about how and why couples come to the moment when they want to be together … 'eternally,' says David Shewmaker, the Minister conducting the ceremony.<br /> <br /> "As a Groomsman, I could see Brandon's live performance and saw the audience's response, which was electric and moving. I was hearing the song for the first time too," says Tim Delany, a 23-year-old college graduate.<br /> <br /> Lyrics such as "The first time I felt your eyes touch mine/The first time I felt your smile" can be part of the setting of a proposal on Valentine's Day or any day, but they are equally appropriate for an anniversary, whether a first or a fiftieth, or simply to thank someone for bringing joy to your life.<br /> <br /> Use the song to show your affection for someone who matters to you, share the heartwarming video, and appreciate the skill of 18-year-old musician Brandon D. Henry, who performed "The First Time" for its first time at the recent wedding shown in the video, accompanied by master guitarist Dave Murdy.<br /> <br /> Ref: Concerts - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly turned the "new normal" household into hubs for all daily activities, Summer 2020 now means moving parents' offices, kid's camps, vacation destinations, and virtually everything under one roof.<br /> <br /> Although this dynamic could forge family bonds, it can also ignite the already heated stresses and struggles facing many Americans during this difficult time - making optimal home climate control a critical key to keeping their cool as temperatures heat up this season.<br /> <br /> Recent studies show how our increased togetherness can significantly disrupt domestic bliss. In fact, research suggests that people forced to live in quarantine conditions face a greater risk of anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, insomnia and post-traumatic stress symptoms.<br /> <br /> And, despite feeling close to their children during the pandemic, 61percent of parents say they have shouted, yelled, or screamed at them at least once over the past two weeks, according to a University of Michigan study. Further, married and engaged couples in quarantine are fighting more, with only 18 percent of surveyed couples reporting satisfaction in communication with their partner, according to a survey conducted by the publication, "The Knot and app Lasting."<br /> <br /> When temperatures - and tempers - rise, a dreaded "Family Thermostat War" can ensue. Following are some useful tips to help you save money on utility bills and keep your family cool.<br /> <br /> With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use and air conditioner energy expenses costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year, small steps can go a long way.<br /> <br /> * Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia University's Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.<br /> <br /> * Get "Smart" About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create "smart" systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.<br /> <br /> * Voice Your Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.<br /> <br /> * Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned, ducted, or ductless system. That will allow you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don't spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as you're not only needing less cooling, but you also gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use.<br /> <br /> * Try Low-tech Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Try to use heat-producing appliances - stoves, irons and dryers at night or early morning. Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs - which consume 90 percent more power. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. And check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.<br /> <br /> Achieving a sense of peaceful co-existence in your increasingly crowded, multi-functional home does not need to make your family members hot under the collar. If a new system is right for you, many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government. To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Furnitures - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Fans of wholesome television have a double treat in store, as the UPtv network launches its new series, "Design Twins," on Valentine's Day.<br /> <br /> The reality series makes its debut at 8 pm Eastern time (ET) on February 14, and features twin sisters, Heidi and Heather, who team up to start an interior design business aimed at providing families with creative, beautiful and functional spaces. To get the new venture off the ground, the twins move their families in together to save money and increase efficiency.<br /> <br /> Viewers can empathize with their challenges as the twins, together with their husbands and a total of seven children under the age of 6, work to nurture both their families and their growing business, aptly named "Joyful Living."<br /> <br /> The Atlanta, Georgia-based UPtv makes it a full night of love for Valentine's Day this season by also airing the much-anticipated wedding of Josie Bates and Kelton Balka at 9 pm ET on the popular series, "Bringing Up Bates," following the premiere of "Design Twins."<br /> <br /> The wedding features a picturesque outdoor country setting and plenty of family participation in the festivities.<br /> <br /> "At UPtv, we celebrate family and life's biggest moments," says Amy Winter, general manager and evp. "We are excited to add 'Design Twins' to our Thursday night lineup as we continue to bring viewers uplifting and inspiring stories."<br /> <br /> Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and romance, but the network keeps heartwarming stories upfront year-round with new episodes of UPtv's hit series on Thursday nights, movie premieres on the weekend and fan-favorite acquired series throughout the week.<br /> <br /> UPtv continues the themes of love and family in 2019 with UP Faith & Family. The streaming service offers a variety of commercial-free, faith- and family-friendly entertainment anytime, anywhere. UP Faith & Family offers endless hours of movies, drama series and kids' programming. It's also the exclusive home for past seasons of UPtv originals.<br /> <br /> In February, UP Faith & Family will be adding the wedding-themed reality series, "Our Wedding Story," and "Crazy Beautiful Weddings," as well as other romance-themed programs, including the movies, "Bridal Bootcamp" and "Love's Last Resort." New titles are added monthly.<br /> <br /> Prospective viewers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of the service by downloading the UP Faith & Family app or visiting Upfaithandfamily.com.<br /> <br /> For more information about UPtv, go to UPtv.com or check for updates on Facebook at facebook.com/Uptv, Twitter on @Uptv and Instagram at UP_TV.<br /> <br /> Ref: Humor - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - More businesses and countries worldwide are embracing digital payments as a way to make e-commerce more efficient and create a smoother transaction experience for consumers.<br /> <br /> Digital wallets, such as uBUCK, offer a dollar-backed stable token built on Waves blockchain technology, one of the fastest blockchains available. uBUCK's technology allows for the management of both digital and traditional currency, and both online and offline purchasing power.<br /> <br /> "Piloted by an all-star management team, uBUCK is looking beyond carving out a niche to become a disruptive player in this ever-changing payments industry," according to the company's website.<br /> <br /> The uBUCK digital wallet allows for instant transfers of funds, and unlike some digital wallets, uBUCK is not limited to the United States. Transfers can occur globally, with no transfer fees and no cost to the end user.<br /> <br /> The elimination of transfer fees is one of uBUCK's strongest selling points, as it is an option for those who don't have traditional bank accounts, such as migrant workers looking to send money home, or for anyone else, such as parents sending money to kids at college who want to avoid the additional fees associated with some financial transfers.<br /> <br /> Users of uBUCK can transfer funds, make online purchases, or withdraw cash at an ATM, although reports on digital wallet use suggest that the expanded technology may ultimately replace the need for bank branches and ATMs.<br /> <br /> Sending money with uBUCK is a simple, four-step process:<br /> <br /> * Buy the voucher. Users download the uBUCK app and purchase a voucher.<br /> <br /> * Buy uBUCK cash. Users redeem a PIN to purchase uBUCK cash.<br /> <br /> * Select recipient. Users without a uBUCK account will be invited to the app via email.<br /> <br /> * Send payment. Users can then enter the payment amount, send, and confirm.<br /> <br /> "Our mission is to put honesty, transparency, and trust back into software," according to Ashik Karim, CEO of LiteLink Technologies, the parent company of uBUCK Technologies. LiteLink was recently featured in a Forbes magazine article, "10 Blockchain Companies to Watch in 2019."<br /> <br /> LiteLink is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange and OTC Markets. Their symbols are CSE:LLT and OTC:LLNKF.<br /> <br /> Ref: Electronics - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - For many of us, a cup of coffee is essential to starting the day off right. For your teeth, it sets the stage for stains. And for those who like to have a glass of red wine at night, you're also ending your day with a noted tooth stainer. Other culprits can include: tea, sports drinks, curry, berries, tomato sauce and candies.<br /> <br /> The Eroders<br /> <br /> Your enamel is not only vulnerable to obvious acids like citrus fruits, vinegar and white wine, but sugar can have an acidic effect on your enamel as well. Plaque bacteria use sugar to produce acid, which then eats away at tooth enamel. This means the sodas, juices, sports drinks and candies<br /> <br /> -- basically anything with sugar in it -- can be eroding your enamel.<br /> <br /> The Breakers<br /> <br /> It goes without saying that biting into something very hard can damage your teeth. Similarly, something extremely chewy can pull on teeth and cause damage or loosen a crown. The foods to be wary of include: hard candies, chewy candies, ice, popcorn seeds and corn on the cob.<br /> <br /> The Driers<br /> <br /> That horrible "cotton-mouth" feeling after you've had a couple of drinks is actually bad for your teeth. When saliva flow is reduced, you stand a greater risk of tooth decay, oral infections and possibly gum disease. Triggers that can cause dry mouth include: alcohol, coffee, tea, caffeinated beverages and any salty foods.<br /> <br /> Don't despair! There are plenty of food options that actually promote tooth strength, whiteness and freshness. Feel free to indulge in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables that stimulate salivation. Cheeses, milk, yogurt and other dairy products are packed with calcium, phosphates, vitamin D and other minerals that promote all-over health. Also, calcium mixes with plaque and sticks to your teeth, providing protection from acids and rebuilding enamel on the spot. Green and black tea (without sugar added) can slow down tooth decay and gum disease by suppressing bacteria. Use fluoridated water to brew your tea, and you've just added a powerful decay prevention agent.<br /> <br /> For more information and to locate an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry AACD member dentist near you, please visit www.YourSmileBecomesYou.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Eating - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Joanne C. was 74 when she had a stroke two years ago that left her paralyzed on the entire right side of her body. She refused to accept that she'd end up in a wheelchair and began rehabilitation, determined to get her life and body back to where it was before her stroke.<br /> <br /> Joanne's hard work paid off. She has regained much of her strength and movement and can walk again. In large part, she credits her SilverSneakers exercise classes - offered through her HumanaChoice® PPO, a Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) health plan - as key to her successful recovery.<br /> <br /> Being a SilverSneakers member helped keep Joanne in good physical condition before her stroke. "SilverSneakers helped me be familiar with many of the exercises they had me do in physical therapy and gave me the confidence and strength to persevere through a difficult rehab process," Joanne says.<br /> <br /> Numerous studies, including Tivity Health's SilverSneakers Annual Member Survey of 2016, confirm that exercising, especially with others, improves older adults' physical and mental health.1,2, 3<br /> <br /> However, there are challenges that prevent many Medicare beneficiaries from joining gyms and fitness classes.<br /> <br /> By offering SilverSneakers through its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Humana is working to overcome those barriers so more people with Medicare can benefit from exercising.<br /> <br /> For those on a fixed income, joining a gym can be expensive. SilverSneakers provides gym access at no additional cost to many of Humana's MA members across the country, including those in Florida and Texas. SilverSneakers has partnered with almost 14,000 fitness and wellness centers around the U.S. and, with national reciprocity, SilverSneakers members can go to any one of those facilities.<br /> <br /> The program is designed with the Medicare population in mind and taught by certified instructors who offer classes and modifications for all fitness levels. These instructors are specifically trained to help members avoid stress-related injuries to muscles and joints.<br /> <br /> There's also a wide variety of classes offered, including circuit training, yoga, Latin dance and even an outdoor boot camp. SilverSneakers members also have access to all of a facility's amenities, which can include a range of exercise equipment, weight rooms and swimming pools.<br /> <br /> "According to Tivity Health's annual survey, SilverSneakers has made a significant difference in the lives of many of our Medicare Advantage members, not only in their physical health, but also in their social life," says Lauri Kalanges, M.D., Humana's Medical Director of Medicare Products for the Mid-Atlantic Region.<br /> <br /> Tivity Health's Annual Member Survey of 2016 found that 91 percent of SilverSneakers participants reported an improved quality of life. SilverSneakers has had a substantial impact on the health of its participants, reducing hospitalizations and the risk of depression.3<br /> <br /> For more information about SilverSneakers, go to www.silversneakers.com.<br /> <br /> Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change each year. SilverSneakers is not offered on all Humana MA plans in all areas.<br /> <br /> 1. Nguyen Q, Ackermann RT, Maciejewski M, Berke E, Patrick M, Williams B and LoGerfo JP. Managed-Medicare Health Club Benefit and Reduced Health Care Costs Among Older Adults. Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(1).<br /> <br /> 2. Nguyen HQ, Maciejewski M, Gao S, Lin E, William, B, LoGerfo JP. Health Care Use and Costs Associated with Use of a Health Club Membership Benefit in Older Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008; 31:1562-1567<br /> <br /> 3. Nguyen, Koepsell, Unutzer, Larson and LoGerfo. Depression and Use of a Health Plan-Sponsored Physical Activity Program by Older Adults. Am J Prev Med 2008;35(2):111-117<br /> <br /> Ref: Dance - in Blogs

ODE TO SATURDAY MORNINGS<br /> <br /> Saturday mornings are meant for rest and relaxation….except in an African American household. Saturdays are meant for a deep scrubbing from the inside to the outside, usually to be completed by noon so we could go outside and ride our bikes and play until the streetlights came on, or in my case, piano lessons until early afternoon and THEN ride the day away all over the city of Columbus on my white 10-speed.<br /> <br /> Early mornings, we would wake to my mom’s homemade apple or cherry turnovers or Bob Evan’s recipe biscuits. My younger sister and I woud have the inside of the house and our brothers would have the outside. Once we all came together in the middle, we would eat, get dressed and head to piano lessons on 18th Street with the incomparable Vincent Walters.<br /> <br /> Music comprehension for one hour, hanging with some like-minded creatives (we really weren’t), and then home to Soul Train at noon and friends, kickball, garden hoses and Dixie cups and the creek for the rest of the day and night. Being a kid was so easy in the 80’s. My only stress was if the neighbor boy liked me more than he did Kim Cherry. That was it. That was all. Childhood and Saturdays was a blast! No cell phones, no child predators lurking the streets (we knew everyone who belonged). Just simple childhood fun.<br /> <br /> What is your ode to Saturday?<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Family - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Sports-related injuries are common and, when an athlete is hurt, care follows a proven, long-standing protocol of rehabilitation. But what happens when impact occurs to the head, face or jaw, and -- at the time -- no immediate injury is diagnosed?<br /> <br /> Weeks, months or even years later, many of these players begin to experience headaches, TMJ/D, migraines, vertigo or tinnitus -- estimated to impact 50 million people in the U.S. to some degree.<br /> <br /> "Undiagnosed head trauma from sports injuries -- or other types of impact, including minor car accidents -- is one of the most common causes we see of chronic headaches, migraine, tinnitus and vertigo," says Dr. Ben Burris, an orthodontist with 28 clinics in Arkansas.<br /> <br /> Now, these long-term and sometimes debilitating conditions can often be resolved with a painless, non-invasive treatment without drugs or needles -- and all at the dentist's office.<br /> <br /> "For over three years, we have been able to help patients with conditions caused by sports injuries," says Dr. Tad Morgan of Tyler, Texas. "If you damaged your knee or shoulder, you would go to the sports medicine clinic for rehab. With injuries to the head, face or jaw, rehab was unavailable until the advent of TruDenta care."<br /> <br /> Once diagnosed using a painless, digitally enhanced process, patients receive treatment through a proprietary combination of FDA-cleared, low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and other modalities. Each of these was originally developed by MDs in sports medicine to speed the healing of joints and force-related traumas. The TruDenta system can quickly resolve issues in the head, neck, face and jaw, which people may have suffered for years.<br /> <br /> "Many of our patients with chronic headaches and migraines are females who have played sports -- soccer, gymnastics or even cycling," says Dr. Richard Hughes of Sandy, Utah. "The common denominator is some form of undiagnosed head trauma which was not properly rehabilitated and resulted in long-term painful symptoms."<br /> <br /> TruDenta doctors report rapidly resolving these issues for the majority of patients with long-lasting results. Care is often covered by medical insurance, and TruDenta doctors provide a free consultation.<br /> <br /> "We are excited to help these patients in 12 weeks or less without drugs or needles," says Dr. Jeffrey Mastroianni of Glen Carbon, Illinois. "It is truly life-changing for many."<br /> <br /> To download the free e-book "Start Living Pain Free," visit www.TruDenta.com/NUSA or call 844-202-2651. <br /> <br /> Ref: Fitness - in Blogs

Just me writing my little story! It's a coming of age story about a girl graduating from high school and not being sure where to go from there. Her family and friends help her out with a little bit of chaos and a lot of luck!<br /><br />There are too many people here. It’s a boarding school, and yet, there are so many people and no places to sit. Hailey flutters past with Mouse hot on her heels, as they usually were, and I reach out to grab Hailey’s arm, causing her to do a funny little twirl thing and for Mouse to bump into her. <br />“Sorry!” Mouse squeaked and jumped back a step, their sneakers making a funny noise on the floor. <br />“Not your fault… Are you coming to the soccer party?”<br />“Nah, I’m gonna stay here. Hails and I are breaking up when you two leave this party so I figure I can’t really show up on her arm.” Hailey rolled her eyes as Mouse spoke, and I once again wondered how the two of them had managed to put an end date on their relationship and actually have it work out. They had sort of always known that they wouldn’t last outside of high school, so after the party they would just go back to being friends. It didn’t make sense to me, but whatever, I wasn’t either of them. <br />“Alrighty… I was actually about to ask Hailey when we were going to leave, but um, if you two want to stay? I don’t wanna rush out, but the band kids aren’t really my crowd…” Hailey grinned at me and blew a kiss as she grabbed Mouse’s hand. <br />“We can leave as soon as I say bye to everyone! Thank you for coming!” I rolled my eyes as they disappeared in the sea of people and I shrunk back to the corner and pulled out my phone. It wasn’t that I disliked the band kids, they were all pretty cool, I just didn’t know them well enough to party. <br />I had a text from Leo, Hailey’s older brother, a few from Evelyn and a good night text from Cardan, that simultaneously requested that I tell the theater kids he was sorry he couldn’t make it. More than likely, if I looked at their group chat, he had already sent twenty apology texts and there was no reason for me to do that. I shot Evelyn a quick text that said I would be leaving as soon as Hailey was ready, which we both knew meant I would not be leaving for at least a half an hour, then I settled against the wall to text Leo. <br />Leo has been best friends with my older brother Zebediah since he started going to school here, they even opened a cafe together. Plus, he and Hailey get along super duper well, so I’ve become friends with him. His current text was just reminding me to not stay out too late so I wouldn’t be exhausted and sleep through my alarms tomorrow. <br />T: I don’t sleep through alarms with Evelyn around haha. That girl would wake up to a pin drop :p <br />L: Valid. Have you made it to the soccer party yet, or is Hails still procrastinating her doomed relationship ending?<br />T: I wouldn’t call it procrastinating…. More like socializing so people don’t realize they broke up haha<br />L: I don’t think I will ever understand those two<br />T: You just have to remember Yolanda, and it all makes sense again<br />L: Tia, nobody remembers Yolanda like I do lmao<br />L: I lived with Hails that summer, remember?<br />T: Hahaha you live with her every summer goofus<br />L: I could be living with you every summer though ;)<br />I rolled my eyes and left him on read, sliding my phone back into my pocket so I could find Hailey and pretend that her brother didn’t just flirt with me. She knew he did though, and it wasn’t like I didn’t flirt back, we just didn’t actually like each other. It was still her brother though, so I was never allowed to mention it. <br />Pushing off the wall, I went to find her, sliding past kids I had known my whole life and trying to ignore the nagging feeling of doom about the fact that I would never again see all of us in one room. We would never be the same kids again, and we were all about to go live real lives, not closed up in a boarding school. <br />Hailey was in the middle of the dance floor when I found her, with Mouse wrapped around her, and they looked deep in conversation, so I backed away, but Hailey spotted me and held up a finger, so I didn’t wander far, just turned to say hi to Mae, a violinist in the band. <br />“You ready to be out?” She called over the music. I laughed and nodded, and she patted my arm. <br />“Tell your girls I said good job last week, and good luck in college! I like you all, but I am not about to go to a jock event with no alcohol!” She lifted her Solo cup with a salute-like gesture and then pointed over my shoulder before waving and walking away. If I hadn’t known the universal signal for “Hailey is coming, gotta go”, I probably would have questioned the quick exit. Some people just knew that she talked a lot and did not have the time. <br />“Ready, Freddy?” Hailey asked, slinging an arm around my waist, as though it was my shoulder. I looked down at her, and she grinned up at me, so I nodded. The breakup must have gone to plan if she wasn’t upset. She skipped out of the room, somehow dragging me along, despite me being almost over a half a foot taller than her tiny 4’ 10” person. <br />Once we were outside of the dorm collection that was hosting the band event, Hailey did a little twirl and grinned at me, stopping me where I stood. <br />“Are you ready for the best night of your high school life? Ready to say goodbye to all of your teammates and start your fabulous life as a rockstar?” A snort escaped me and I patted Hails on the head before tugging her down the hallway. <br />“I guarantee that I will not become a rockstar if I become anything. Not a rockstar, not a professional athlete, and definitely not an actress.” Hailey had started throwing random jobs at me this past week, trying to find one that clicked. Of course, she never threw out valid options, just ridiculous ones that I would never actually become. <br />A shriek and then my name being yelled alerted me to the presence of Evelyn about five seconds before she launched herself into my arms. <br />“Oh my god, you won’t believe what is happening in there! Gina is WASTED!” <br />“I thought real athletes didn’t drink?” Hailey cried as she shoved past the two of us to get to the dorm cluster that was hosting the “jock people”, which really just meant the kids who played sports, but we weren’t all serious jocks. <br />“Gina isn’t going pro, so she decided that she wanted to get wasted with us once before we all head our separate ways. Katrina, Lucy and Cam are a little tipsy, but most of us are sober.” Evelyn punched my arm on “us” like she was implying that I was part of the “real athletes” squad. I didn’t drink because I wanted to be in good shape for the sports and because I liked runner’s high, not because I was going pro like a lot of my teammates. <br />“And the guys…” I trailed off as Evelyn and I finally followed Hailey into the party and I found a horrifying scene in front of me. If Katrina, Lucy and Cam were tipsy, I did not want to see Gina. The three girls were standing on a table, doing the macarena and singing Sweet Caroline as the welcome committee and just behind them, I could see Parker, Isaac, Dominic and Justin lining up shots, all four of them shirtless and screaming. <br />“Welcome to Hell!” Evelyn cried as she pulled me past the alcoholics and into the main room. Gina was laying in the middle of the floor, but everyone else was mostly just mingling and hugging, a couple people were crying, and I relaxed at that. I did not want to drink and I was worried my friends had lost their minds for a second. We just weren’t those people usually. I normally felt okay about not drinking at parties with them. <br />“T! Come over here!” Veronica, our goalie, waved me and Evelyn over to a group of girls who were sitting on a couple couches and chatting. I headed over, glancing around for Hailey, but I wasn’t worried when I didn’t find her. She was probably halfway done with her rounds or caught up talking to someone. <br />I joined the girls on the couches and Bea Olsen pulled a bag of pretzels out from behind a pillow and offered me one. <br />“Gina tried to run off with them earlier,” she explained as Bea Klutz offered me a carrot from next to Bea Olsen. <br />“She did not try to steal the carrots though,” I laughed and relaxed into the couch, content to talk to my teammates for one more night.<br />A little while later, Evelyn tapped my arm and I nodded, grabbing one more carrot before standing up. The Beas simultaneously cried no and jumped up to hug us. <br />“Don’t go yet! You only have to be up in…” Glancing at her watch, Bea Olsen cringed, “four hours… Oopsie!” I laughed and hugged her back, biting my lip so I wouldn’t cry as a whole line of teammates that I had known my whole life and worked with, slept with, breathed with and basically lived in each other’s back pockets during soccer season hugged me and said goodbye. We would all see each other on the train tomorrow, but it just wasn’t the same. This was our last soccer night. This was the last time I would see the Beas, or Veronica for a very long while, since they had all been recruited to play soccer in America. A few others had made soccer teams, but more local, or just at a college, but I still wouldn’t see them as much. <br />“Hey, keep in contact, yeah?” Veronica asked as she hugged me, squeezing tight. I hugged her as tightly as I could, nodding even though she couldn’t see me. We held on for a little longer than the others had, and I buried my face in her neck before pulling back and letting her hug Evelyn as I pulled myself together. Evelyn grabbed my hand as we left the party, neither of us looking back. <br />The walk back to our room was pretty quiet, and when we got there, Evelyn squeezed my hand before heading to her dresser to grab pajamas. <br />“5 am, right?” There was a crack in Evelyn’s voice as she asked, but I replied just like I had everyday since seventh grade. <br />“Always,” I whispered as I grabbed my own pajamas and headed to change my clothes.<br /><br />The next morning, when my alarm went off and I looked at Evelyn sitting up, I bit my lip to hold off the tears as we changed into our running clothes and headed out. Evelyn offered me her earbud and I dug my nails into my palm so I didn’t cry. When Don’t Stop Believin’ played, I pulled my hair a little harder than usual into a ponytail so I would have an excuse for the tears welling. If we ran a little slower than usual, it was because we were tired, not because our lungs burned with the urge to sob. When the final notes of the playlist rang out through the earbuds and we just stood, staring at the doors to the school, it was because we were tired, not to remember every day that we had run that same path, chattering and getting to know one another, and giggling as we tried to keep quiet as we reentered and didn’t want to wake the people who put off getting up until the last second. If my hand shook as I handed her the earbud, it was from the lack of food before the run, not because I would never listen to that playlist with Evelyn on school grounds again. If my face was a little wet in the shower, it was from the water, not tears falling down my face. When I got out and pulled my pajamas back on, I curled into a ball because it was a good way to sleep, not because I was hiding tears. Evelyn didn’t go back to bed, she never had. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep, but I listened to her going through her morning routine. The one I knew she went through every single morning in the same order because she hated change. This morning, if she paused and took a rattled breath every once in a while, I tried to not flinch because she was just yawning. When Hailey’s alarm went off, Evelyn was gone, down at breakfast like usual, and Hailey walked over to shake me, but instead she pulled me into a hug, and for once, didn’t say anything. <br /><br />Breakfast was a weird affair. They had a line up of grab and go foods as everyone carried their luggage to the train. Underclassmen chattered about summer plans and who was rooming with who the next year and the usual end of year conversations, but I didn’t say anything as Hailey chattered about the parties she had gone to after I went to sleep. She hadn’t gotten to bed until 4 am the night before, and I wasn’t sure how she was functioning. Cardan was standing against a wall with an apple in his hand, his tall frame standing out, even if his blonde hair wouldn’t have defined him instantly. After I grabbed a muffin and a banana, I headed over to him, Hailey trailing behind as she spoke.<br />“Good morning, sunshine!” She greeted Cardan, wrapping him in a hug, which he quickly returned. “Ready to go home?” Cardan glanced at me as Hails asked the question and I giggled a little, knowing that in his head he was quoting Harry Potter at Hailey, who would never understand the reference no matter how many times the two of us had forced her into marathons. Plus, Hailey liked being home, unlike Cardan. <br />“Ready for you to visit.” He booped Hailey on the nose and I reached up to ruffle his hair. <br />“Smile, pretty boy. It’s two weeks. You’ve got this. I’ll call you everyday, and I might even be able to bully my brothers into calling you.” Cardan nodded stiffly at me as I spoke, and Hailey peeled herself off to munch on her own muffin. <br />“Hey, I’ll be there in one week, and if T isn’t hogging all of his time, I can get Leo to text you daily too,” Hailey said softly, offering Cardan a smile. He nodded again, but his hand was tapping away at his leg and he was chewing his lip already. <br />“One week,” he mumbled to himself before grabbing his bags and leading us all to the train. We didn’t talk much on the walk there, and I fell asleep with my head in Cardan’s lap on the ride, his fingers brushing my hair and Hailey chattering away, just like old times. The only difference was that when I woke up and got off the train, I knew I wouldn’t be getting on it again in a few months. <br />