The Living Puppet

Chapter 15 - Saying Goodbye To Liam

The winter breaks fly by, before I knew it Christmas and new year were over and school was starting the next day. Did I succeed in losing weight. Yes. Out of the 25 pounds, I gained at the beginning of High school I lost 13. And my tummy was flat and my arms weren't flabby like they used to be. I was more toned. Liam said that I should continue the workouts, even if it won't be as intense as it was during the holidays.

My parents did get me a sewing machine for Christmas and as for Liam, well the mall was closed so he didn't have a gift for me but he paid half the price for mum's and dad's gifts. Later when I wanted to redecorate my room, He bought the paint, four white and green fur cushions, and a floor lamp from the second-hand antique store as a gift. Dad got me this really cute bean bag for my reading corner.

Before I knew it, I was at the airport saying goodbye to Liam. It was hard. Really hard. We had gotten really close. The last time he left I didn't hug him nor high-fived him and here I was in the middle of the airport hugging him really tight almost in tears, not wanting to let him go.

"Ok, you are hugging me a bit too tight."

'I'm sorry, Li. I hope I get accepted to Berkley. Then we can go together, even if that's for only a year."

"Yeah, it will be fun. Anyways if that Sophia or anyone else bullies you let me know, okay?"

"Yeah, ok. Take care."

"Sure, you too."

"Take care sweetie. And call us when you get there." My mum told him, giving him a hug.

"Oh and another thing Sash, just remember, don't do something just to prove to someone that you are capable of doing it. Do it because you know you are capable of doing it. You don't have to prove your worth and capabilities to others, and if you do, then that means you don't know your strengths and capabilities. 

And you are wrong. It's not about pleasing society, being accepted by everyone. You can't make everyone happy so, don't even try. Just make yourself happy, eventually, everyone will see what you see and be happy for you. And if they don't, who cares you're happy. Promise me that from now on you will not get those silly girls' nasty words and actions into your head. And also promise me that you will be confident and not doubt yourself?"

"I promise."

"Don't let anyone control you,"

"Okay," I said giving him one last hug. Dad then gives Liam a hug before he leaves. We stand there watching him leave until he turns a corner and disappears, before heading back to the car.

"Hey, Sash," Dad said as we reached the car.

"Yeah?"

"Wanna drive us home?" He said tossing me the keys.

"Sure, but I thought you and mum didn't want to be there anywhere near me when I'm driving?"

"Yeah, get in and start driving before I change my mind."

Dad sits next to me in front while mum sits in the back seat.

"You are a fast learner, your mum and I were joking, you know."

"Yeah, dad I know."

**************

As we were pulling up to my house I notice a car on the driveway.

"Ahh, looks like Stacy and Anna are here."

"Wait how do you know if Stacy is here?"

"Well, schools starting tomorrow. So, I'm pretty sure Anna wouldn't come here alone. Especially since she likes to discuss what three of you should wear on the first day after the break."

It's true. For the past few years that I knew Anna, after every break we had she came over and discussed what we should wear to school on our first day to school. We are usually color-coordinated.

"And it's good that they are here. I want to see their reaction." Mum added,

"Reaction to what?"

"You losing weight."

I roll my eyes and try to be cool, who was I kidding? I wanted to see my best friends' reactions to loss in weight and size.

I pull up behind Anna's car and hop out. I see Anna and Stacy coming running from the side of the house.

"Hey! What are the two of you doing on the side of the house?"

"We just went around the corner to see if the side door was open cos Anna wants to use the washroom," Stacy said

"Enough about me, what happened to you, Sasha?"

"Long and painful story," I told, as I hugged them.

"Why don't you girls come inside and talk over some hot chocolate and lemon cake?" My dad said.