Below the Sky

Chapter 30: Abigail

 I've always thought that love is a really beautiful thing. I've also always been extremely grateful that I found love with Caleb. The love that I've noticed between Lila and Riana though, that love is special.
Their love is raw, and pure. Me and Caleb dated so long, so by the time we broke up it was like the normal for us to love each other. Riana and Lila though...well its like their feelings for each other are new, fresh, but also not. It's like they just fell in love, but act like they've loved each other for their entire lives.
I was laying in the grass, during midday after lunch, thinking this. It had been maybe two weeks since Lila and Riana had showed up on our doorstep, and over time I had realized that Lila and Riana weren't just friends. That was for sure.
I didn't really mind that two women for in love like women are taught to love men, but it still wasn't normal for me to see. I had never really been introduced to people like Lila and Riana, so it was just, different for me.
I assumed that they were kicked out because of their relationship. I knew that some people weren't always supported of people who love the same sex, and I guessed that Lila's parents were some of those people. Still, it was a shame. I looked up to Lila and Riana. They clung to each other like if they let go, the other person would disappear before their eyes. It was sweet, beautiful, something I aspired to have someday.
I had had something like that, with Caleb. With Caleb though, it was different. We were just so comfortable with each other to the point where I didn't get little butterflies in my stomach when I saw him. I wanted something like that, where I still got nervous whenever I was with my person.
"Abby!" I glanced up from my spot in the grass. Luke was running towards me.
"Ya?" I asked.
Luke stopped in front of me, panting. He was slightly sweaty, and dressed in a grey t-shirt and simple black shorts. His blond hair was slicked back with perspiration, and I assumed that he had just gotten back from a run.
"Abby, I have some news," Luke said.
My heart sped up. What did Luke have to tell me that was this urgent? I was nervous, but anxious to hear what he had to say.
"Lila and Riana...." He stopped what he was saying for a second, collecting himself, "Lila and Riana are gone."
My heart stopped. My breath caught in my chest, and I felt faint. Lila and Riana, gone? I hadn't known the two young women for that long but I had grown attached to them, to their relationship. But they had just up and left like that?
"What do you mean they're gone?" I asked Luke.
He stared at me, pain in his expression. "I mean, they're bags are packed and they're not here anymore. They just, left. They left a note though," Luke reached into the pocket of his shorts and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. He handed it to me, looking away.
I took the paper, unfolding it. There was small scribbling on the inside.
Dear Davis family,

Me and Lila are truly grateful that you have so generously welcomed us into our home in our time of need. There aren't enough words in the English language to express our gratitude. I know it's hard, but me and Lila can't stay here any longer. We want to live our lives, and though you have been so kind to us, we cannot fulfill that from where we are.
With much thanks, Lila and Riana
I set down the letter. I hadn't noticed it as I read, but tears had formed and were now dripping down my face. It was just hard to believe, Riana and Lila were gone. It's like they occupied the blink of an eye in my life, but they would impact me for as long as I lived.
"I guess, they're really gone," I said to Luke. He looked somber, sad too.
"Ya, I'm sorry Abby," then I was wrapped in his arms. Luke smelled of rain, and the forest. His arms were strong, and I felt warm and safe wrapped in them. Luke held me for a long time, but eventually he let go.
When we pulled away, I stepped back, wiping my eyes. The rest of the summer would pass in a blur, then I would start college. Riana and Lila would have been with me for so little time, but I would never forget them. Even more, I would always look up to their relationship, admire it and aspire to have that kind of love someday. The kind of love that last until you breath your last breath.