Forever Young

Chapter 4

After the funeral me, James and Kelly drove back home. We sat in the car in silence, quietly letting each other grieve. I was thinking about all the things I would never get to do with my parents. My dad will never be able to walk me down the aisle, they won't get to see me graduate, I'll never be able to take my kids to say "hi" to grandma and grandpa. My thoughts were interrupted my the car door opening and Kelly telling me that we had arrived home. I got out of the car and entered the house. I went straight up to my room and closed the door. I changed into a comfortable pair of leggings and a sweatshirt. I sat on my bed and buried my face in a pillow. I screamed and sobbed and cursed at the world. It wasn't fair. I looked around my room and realized that I had already packed most of my things and we were leaving the day after tomorrow. I got up and looked at myself in the mirror. I had a tear-stained face, red, puffy eyes, messy hair and a slightly pink nose.
"I'll be okay," I thought.
I picked up my phone and checked the time. It was 10:32 pm. I turned of the light and slipped under the covers. I closed my eyes and after a few minutes, I was out.
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I woke up the next day feeling a bit better. I pulled my phone from under the pillow and checked the time. It was 9:45 am so I hopped out if bed, and tiptoed down the stairs. I quietly checked the house to see if I was the only one up. As it turns out, I was. I make my way to the kitchen and grab the milk, Cheerios, and a bowl. I pour the cereal first, then the milk grab a spoon and quietly walk back up the stairs while scrolling through my phone.
"Morning." A sleepy voice croaked.
I choked on my cereal.
" Holy--" I scream/ whispered. I was with my back on the wall trying to swallow the piece of cheerio that I nearly choked on.
"James! You scared me." I gasped.
" Ha ha sorry." He chuckled.
"Is Kelly up yet?" I whispered.
"Not sure. I haven't seen her." He replied.
"I'll go check her room." I said, making my way towards the guest bedroom. I opened the door just a crack with my free hand and peeked through. I saw a mass of blankets and an arm hanging over the bed so I assumed that was her.
"She's still sleeping." I confirmed.
"Okay. I'm gonna go get some breakfast." He replied.
I nodded my head and headed to my room with my now slightly soggy bowl of Cheerios. I mixed around the cereal and ate a spoonful. I picked up my phone and started scrolling through my various social media apps such as Instagram, Twitter, snapchat, etc. Realizing that we were leaving for our new life in California tomorrow, I decided to hang out with my best friend Shannon. I pressed the phone icon and scrolled through my contacts until I found the name "Shannon💟🌚🍓." I pressed call and the line started ringing. After about 5 seconds, I heard the familiar voice at the other end.

"Taylor?! Oh my god. I heard about your parents. I'm so sorry. If you need me I'll totally be there for you."
"Aw thanks Shan. I love you so much. I honestly don't know how I'll survive this without you." I sniffled as a tear escaped the corner if my right eye. " What are you doing today? I thought it might be fun to hang out." I continued.
"Of course I can hang out! What kind of best friend would I be if I wasn't there for my best friend when she needs me the most." She reassured.
"Awesome. I'll meet you at your house. Be there in like half an our. Love you."
"Love you too Tay."
I hung up the phone and before anyone thinks anything, Shannon is my best friend of 12 years and yes, we say " I love you" to each other and no, we aren't lesbians, although I have nothing against gay people. I scurry to the bathroom, take a quick 10 minute shower and get dressed. Since it was still summer vacation, the weather was pleasant. Today it was about 85 degrees outside so I decided to wear a pair of jean shorts, a muscle tee that had what looked like a faded England flag on it with a pair of white converse. I applied a bit of light pink lip gloss, slipped on a silver Alex and Annie bracelet, grabbed my purse and headed out the door.
"I'll be back soon. I'm heading out to Shannon's house." I informed James.
" Got it. I'll tell Kelly when she wakes up." Answered James. I closed the door behind me and walked to my car, a small, black Toyota Avensis 2014. It was a nice car in good condition. I started the engine and drive off.

I arrived at Shannon's about 10 minutes later. Shannon lived in my general neighborhood, but in a section called Blue Diamond and I lived in White Oak. Her house is two stories, like mine and it was big. It had 5 rooms and 3 bathrooms, a living room, enormous kitchen, a pool and a loft. It was pretty amazing. I knocked on the door three times and was immediately greeted by Shannon's mother, Laura.

"Taylor! How wonderful to see you sweetheart." She said as she gave me a loving and warm hug. I've known Shannon's mom for most of my life, since I was about 5. Her and my mom were best friends in high school and adulthood. " I heard about you mother and father." She said tearing up. " Just know that we will always be here for you."
"Thank you Laura." I said with a reassuring smile.

"Oh and Shannon is upstairs." She added.

I tiptoed up the stairs hoping that Shannon wouldn't hear me. I love giving her a good scare and getting her heart rate going. When I reached the edge of her doorway I stood there for about 5 seconds.

"BOO!!" I screamed as I burst into the room.
"AHHHHH!!!!" She shrieked as I burst into laughter.
" Oh my god! You scared the shit out if me!" She laughed. Meanwhile I was crying with laughter.

"Hey." I said as soon as I stopped laughing.

"Hey. How have you been?" She asked as she got up and gave me a hug.

"I've been coping, I guess." I replied.

" Well, I don't want to make you sad, so if you don't want to talk about it, we don't have to." She smiled.

"Thanks Shan." I said. "Shan" was my nickname for Shannon just like "Tay" was her nickname for me.

"So, what would you like to do today?" She asked with a mischievous smile.

"Hmmmm. Let's see... How about we stay home, watch Netflix, eat and then go for a run so we feel healthy." I suggested.

"Perfect." She responded.

She went over to her desk, unplugged her laptop and bought it over to her bed. She placed it near the foot and we both lay on our bellies in front of it.

"What do you wanna watch?" She asked.

"Either Arrow, Vampire diaries, or The Originals." I responded.

"Hmmmm. Vampire Diaries?" She suggested.

"YES! Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley are so hot." I squealed.

"Forreal man." She agreed. "I'll go bring the food. Chips? Cookies? Juice box?"

"Bring all of them." I laughed.

She disappeared through the door and reappeared after about 2 minutes with her arms full of food.

"Did you start the show?" She asked.

"I was waiting for you." I explained.

She set the food on the bed and lay down in her spot again.
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We watched about 7-8 forty-five minute episodes of The Vampire Diaries. We finished the bag of chips, had two juice boxes each, and ate half a box of cookies. We did all of this in like 5 and a half hours.

"Shannon, I have to tell you something." I said quietly. I decided that now was the time to tell her that I was moving to California.

"Sure Tay. What is it." She smiled.

"Well since my parents are you know, gone, my aunt is our legal guardian so-"

"Wait, doesn't your aunt live in California? Your not saying..." She started.

"Yes... I am. I have to. Kelly just can't give up her education to take care of us. Me and James can't do that to her. It wouldn't be fair. I'm so sorry Shannon. I wish I didn't have to leave." I said. I started bawling.

"No, no, no Tay, it's ok. I understand. We will always be best friend. I love you so much." She whispered.

"I'll be back every summer." I sniffled.

"Awesome."