Since the Beginning

SayingGoodbye

{Astella's POV}

Rrrrrriiiiiiinggggg. Ugh. I look at the alarm clock. 5:00 am. We slept over in Jon's house. Christine, Reagan and I shared one guest room, my parents the other, and Gabe shared with Jon. We had packed all the stuff we needed and the boxes were already on their way. I throw the covers and sit up. I dig into my bag and find the little purple box. I open it and smile. The bluebird feather and beautiful shell are still here. I put the lid back on and stuff it back in my sling bag. That's what I'm bringing as my carry-on.

I use the bathroom first. After taking a shower, I put on my clothes. Skinny jeans, a maroon 3/4 shirt, a brown vest matching my brown boots, and my gold earrings. As I finish changing, Reagan starts changing and Christine starts taking a shower. Once we're ready, we take a double look over. "You have everything?" Reagan asks. I check my bag. Phone, earphones, handkerchief, wallet, hand sanitizer, purple box, doggy organizer with biscuits and plastic bags, and sun glasses. "I think this is everything." I say zipping it back and throwing the front over. "Not everything." Reagan says handing me two envelopes. I smile and give them a hug. Christine braids my long black hair into a French braid. "Okay then. Let's go." Christine leads the way out and we meet up with everyone in the Grays' living room. "We'll leave in about 10 minutes." Joanna says. I nod. The girls, Julie, Gabe, Jon and I walk outside and I take last minute pictures. "Ooh. I'm gonna miss you so bad." Reagan says squeezing me. I squeeze her back. "Same here." I say. "Sure I live in Florida. But we still sorta have the same timezone and I can always visit and you visit me. But in Paris? I don't know..." Christine says hugging me. They hug Gabe too. We've all become as close as family no matter how far we are and no matter how many years apart we are. Julie comes up and hugs me. "I'll miss you so, super duper much. You're like my np big sissy." She says. I smile. "I love you, Stella." She says. "I love you too." I reply hugging her back. She cries. She goes to Gabe and he swings her around. Jon hands Gabe something and they "man" hug.

Jonathan approaches me. He hands me an envelope. "You can open it later." He says. I nod. We hug. His grip tightens and I squeeze him back. "Goodbye Astella Love Philips." He whispers. I look at him. "As Peter Pan would say, don't say goodbye. It would mean we'll never see each other again." I say with a small smile. They all smile back. "Well then, until we meet again, my lady." Jon says bowing and kissing my hand. I laugh. "Until next time, Sir Jonathan Matthew Gray." I say curtsying. He smiles. "You two aren't coming?" Gabe asks. Jon shakes his head. "Julie and I are staying. See ya guys!" He says waving to us as we walk inside the house.

We enter the Toyota van and we speed off to the airport. I take the time to enjoy the scene before me. We reach the airport. After everything is checked in, we say goodbye. When we start boarding, Ash and Comet whimper. Not only are they in carriers, but they're gonna go on a plane. "It'll be okay." I say patting their heads. "You reassuring them or you?" Gabe asks me. "Both I guess." I say shrugging. He smiles. "Don't worry Stell. We'll make it. Especially you." He says giving me a light punch. I punch him back. We sit down in our respective seats. Mom and dad share a row in front of me and Gabe. As the plane takes off, I open the envelopes and start reading.

Dear Astella,
You are like, my bestest friend ever. And even if you'll be gone for just 3 years, I'm gonna miss you so bad. 3 years seems so long now. But don't worry, I'll be here for you. As we say, whether near or far, you are forever close to my heart. I will never ever regret being friends with you. All those years, from kindergarten to now, you have been there for me and I'm here for you. I am so blessed to have you in my life.
Keep being you. Keep being that kind, helpful, respectful, responsible, humble girl you are. You are attractive that way. You're beautiful. I can't write everything I feel. But know that I love you. God bless! ~ Reagan

I smile. I continue reading.

Dear Astella Love,
We've been friends since kindergarten. I moved in high school, but we're still as close as ever. I sure do hope that never changes. This move may be temporary, but it can be life changing. I will never forget you. I love you to infinity and beyond. Our friendship is forever and always. I am so blessed to have known you. I will wait for you to return and we'll have a lot of fun times together. I hope you enjoy your time there in Paris. Be that beautiful person you are, Stella. Shine bright, and give them all that beautiful smile of yours, keep smiling and never forget who you are. You are a child of God. Precious and loved. I love you, Stella. We shall keep in touch. God bless!
Yours, Christine

My eyes start to get teary.

Dear Aster,
Hey. I was so shocked to hear that you would have to move. You're my sister. My twin. You know me inside, out and I, you. I can never ask for a better best friend than you. I'm so thankful that God made our families, friends and so we've been together ever since. You've always made a big impact on other people's lives. Mine too. Keep being that beautiful girl you are. You are a shining star in the night sky. I could never forget that. Never change for the worse. Change for the better. You know that. Continue to do good, wise girl. I shall miss you terribly. I promise. I will keep in touch, but we are going to college. I just hope that you do enjoy your time there and never forget me. I shall wait for your return. I will be there when you come back. I'll take care of your things here. I'll remember all the memories we had. I will always be here for you. Never forget. I love you, my lady. I always have and always will. God bless! -Jonathan

P.S. Hope you like that charm;)

I find a charm in the envelope. Half a heart. No chain attached. Just the charm. It's red with something engraved on the side and the back. On the side it says, forever and always. On the back it says, our friendship will last for infinity and beyond. Jonathan and Astella.

And that's when the tears run.