The Golden Rule 2: The One That Got Away

Greenish Gray Eyes

Ari couldn't remember the last time she felt happy until that moment.

She stared at her parents seated across her at the dining table and grinned.

They asked her about school. They asked about her jobs. And Ari was happy to fill them in with everything that they missed in her life.

" We're happy that you finally found your way back, Ariana, " her mother said as she reached for her hand from across the table.

" I've missed you both, " Ari said squeezing back her mother's hand. " So much. "

" We've missed you too, sweetheart, " her father smiled at her.

" I can't wait to show you around my campus. " Ari started beaming happily at them. " It's exactly how I envisioned law school would be. You've got to see the school's front steps, it's epic! Just like in the movies! The library is amazing, it's so huge and I think I could live the entire semester in there. There's also-"

" Ari, " her father cut in clearing his throat.

She looked at him expectantly, the smile never leaving her face. " I know, I know, I need to stop talking and just show you around. "

Ari saw her father swallow hard and glanced at his wife before speaking again.

" We can't stay, Ari, " he said quietly. " We have to go shortly. "

Ari felt her throat and chest tightened when she heard her father's words. Her heart dropped to her lap and she heard it fell with a loud thud.

They were going to leave her. Again.

" I-I thought you're back for good, " Ari stammered as she pulled her hand away from her mother's grasp.

" We can't, Ariana, " her mother said in a soft voice. " You know we can't. "

" But I need you here, " Ari protested in a pained voice as she her averted her gaze to her mother. " I need you here with me. "

" I'm sorry, Ariana, " her mother whispered lowering her eyes to the table.

Her father heaved a long sigh and placed an arm around her wife. " We're sorry, Ari, We're sorry that we have to leave again. "

Ari's mother lifted her eyes to her husband and nodded. As if on cue, they both stood up from their seats.

" Where are you going? " Ari asked in alarm as she stared at the two of them.

" We have to go, Ari, " her father said in an apologetic voice. " We can't stay. Not another minute. "

Ari pushed herself up from her seat and looked at the two of them pleadingly. " But you can't go. Please not yet. Please. "

" I'm so so sorry, Ariana, " her mother repeated as they slowly retreated towards the door. " Remember that we love you. "

" Mom, dad, please don't go. Please. "

Ari felt tears dropping from her eyes as she stared at them. She wanted to chase after them and stop them from leaving. But her feet were glued to ground and she couldn't move.