wander

59|the end of the end.

"Whatever. Chiara we are leaving." My mom states.
"Okay." I don't bother fighting back.
"What?" Rose, Romeo and my Dad say in unison.
"It's the end." My voice has no emotion to it. 

I turn back to my Mom and she has a sly smirk covering her face.
"Let me pack my things. I'll be ready soon." I state and begin to walk to the stairs. Romeo tugs on my hand. I walk him out to the hallway.
"Chiara you can't leave. You can't! You're everything I've ever needed. I'm happy. You're happy!" He sobs. His voice cracks and I can't even feel sorry for him. I knew something would break us apart.

"Chi please! For me! You can't let your mom split us apart. It doesn't work like that. You're 18! She can't make decisions for you Chiara. You don't understand. She's no different how she was before. You'll run away again. You know how the process works!" He rambles and I watch his eyes as tears stain his cheeks.

"Romeo.... she has a point. I came here like it was nothing. I disrupted everything and it was wrong of me. There's someone better for you. Someone who doesn't have to ruin you with their problems. Enjoy life when I don't hold you back." I'm at my bedroom door at this point. I take one last look at him and lock the door. 

His knocks eventually die out and I hear him slide down the door. I don't let anymore tears spill and I reach under my bed for a backpack. I rumage through my wardrobe and shove a few of my favourite clothes in it. Searching my room, I take my phone charger and a pair of shoes. While frantically looking, my gaze ends on a photo frame with me and Romeo. I pause admiring the photo. It was from the lake. 

I take a final look and turn the photo down so I can't see it anymore. I'm pretty sure I cracked the glass but I didn't bother to check. I took a deep breath and turned in a circle. It was time to leave my bedroom with the memories of sleepovers with Rose. Romeo next to me as I woke up. The smell of french toast in the morning. The end of my happy beginning. 

I edged open the door and Romeo was still slumped outside. His view shot up to my bag in hand and shook his head in disbelief. He brought his hand to my cheek but I avoided his touch. I can tell this hurt him; his face dropped and he then knew it was over too. Stepping past him, I made my way downstairs for the final time. I was at the bottom of the stairs when my Dad also laid eyes on my bag. 

"At least let us all say goodbye." My Dad pleads to my mom.
"Be quick!" She snaps.

My Dad rushes over to me and takes me into the kitchen. His big arms wrap around me and his tears fall to my shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I'll get you back here. Just wait for me. For us." He moves his head up and down, promising to me. I did want to come back here but I'm not sure how it would all turn out so I nodded my head in response. 

"Chiara, please know I love you and I wish nothing could have ever happened. I failed, I tried to keep you away from her but I couldn't. I'm so so sorry." He sobs into my shoulder.
"Don't be sorry. You made me happiest. You're the best. I love you too." I choke against my sobs.
"When you get home, text me, ring me. Tell me you're safe. I'll get you back here. I'll do all the paperwork so you can live here forever!" He tells me.

I nod one last time and he pulls away. My eyes flicker back to the door where I see Rose peeking in. I motion for her to come in. My Dad takes me into one last hug and leaves me to say goodbye to Rose. She comes over and it's her time to say goodbye. Her arms wrap around me and I don't hesitate to hug her back. She's trying to hold back her tears but she fails.

"Thank you Chi. For everything. You made him happy. Both of them. Leo and Romeo. And me. You saved us all." My numb wall is breaking down as her kind words attack at me.
"Leo will get you back here. I know it. He's literally a famous lawyer!" She chuckles, "We'll all see you again soon. I know it." 

"I will I will." I confirm to her and she nods with a sad smile. She looks from the floor to the door and I follow her gaze. Romeo is stood watching our moment. 
"Can I have one last goodbye?" He sounds so broken but I nod. Rose slowly lets go of me and when she's out of sight he runs up to me and hugs me. I feel myself melt in his touch and I know I'm going to miss him like crazy. 

I pull out of his hug and my thumb traces his bottom lip. A flash of hope in his eyes and he watches my movement. I press my lips against his and I feel his shock. He doesn't wait to kiss me back. I take in every moment until I feel ready to pull away. Once I step back, his eyes search mine for a change of mind but once he realises it was a goodbye kiss, a silent tear falls down.

"I need to go. Thank you Romeo... for everything. I'll never forget you." I saw with a final sad smile. I walk slowly into the hallway where everyone else is waiting. Romeo stands next to Rose and they exchange a look. Rose knows it's done by just looking at him. 

"Finally. Let;s go Chiara." She pulls my arm and takes a step forward. I copy her and take a step so I'm outside. 

"Chiara." His voice stops me.

"I love you."