Efflorescence (ON HOLD DO NOT READ YET)

III - Goodbyes

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Shaye helped me finish packing my things which was kind of a big help for me. As soon as we're done, the last thing Shaye placed on my duffel bag is a photo of me and her on my seventh birthday. I smiled at the photo; Shaye was still a brunette and I was a kid with freckles. We were both smiling with two front teeth gone. "God, I love that photo." I say.

Shaye smiled a bit. "Yeah, it is. Things are going to be different now that you're going to be far away."

"Hey," I said. "hey, I'm still your bestfriend. Nothing is going to change. Nothing." I assured her. Shaye nodded and we embraced each other. This bond between me and Shaye is just strong. She's like a sister I never had, vice versa. She's the only child. 

"I know. I'm just going to miss you and all the crazy parties and crazy habits." 

"I'd miss it as well." I carried my duffel bag. "Let's go." Shaye held my hand as we jolted downstairs where my mom greeted us. She is sitting across a couple in the Living room, I recognized their faces; Mr. and Mrs. Longwood. "Look who paid us a visit." Mom said, smiling. I cringed, I don't know why.

"Is this real!?" I gasped. "It's been years!" 

Mrs. Longwood, Natalia, looks like she never even aged! She was just as the woman I saw when I was seven; big brown curls, petite and dresses like a celebrity. Mr. Bryce Longwood, on the other hand, is just like his wife. He is the epitome of a hot action star. "Oh my my, stop growing!" Mrs. Longwood pinched both of my cheeks. I can smell her cherry perfume sprayed on her wrist. "You are insanely lovely!"

"Thanks, Mrs. Longwood." I say "You never grew up as well. I mean, look at you!" 

She flapped her hand dissmissively making her charm bracelet chime like bells. "Oh dear! Do not call me Mrs. Longwood, just Natalie." We both giggled. Shaye rolled her eyes. 

"Happy to see you again, Nina." Mr. Longwood said as he rose from the couch. He embraced me which made me blush. He is really handsome tho. 

"Same here." I muttered. "Where have you two lovebirds been?"

Mr. Longwood wrapped his arm around Natalie's slim waist. She kissed him on the cheek. "We've been travelling around the world. Together." Natalie said, but she wasn't looking at me, she was gazing at her husband's eyes. Both are in love. I've seen this kind of love to mom and dad. Their affection for each other is unfathomable. Like they are each other's achilles heel. Do I have an achilles heel?

"That is wonderful." Mom says "But surely, Shaye always misses her folks." 

"Not really." Shaye said in disgust. She playfully sat beside my mom and hugged her. "I have a family. Right here. But now they are leaving."

Mom held her hands. "Oh darling, after Nina and Myles finishes high school, we will probably go back here in Stanton. So don't worry." 

Shaye smiled sweetly and hugged my mom once again. I feel sorry for Shaye, no wonder why she's rebellious. Her parents never seemed to care for her, only themselves. And I am glad she considers us as her family, because she will always be family to me. "We can always call each other." I said. 

"I believe that is impossible. Crossbow only allow students to call their parents or guardians, to friends, you have to write them letters." Natalie said, still clinging on Mr. Longwood like they have their own secret world.

"What a pile of bullocks!" Shaye exclaimed.

"True." I agreed. I am never a fan of letters. Neither is Shaye.

Dad joined us in the living room. He gave a cold stare to Mr. Longwood. What is his problem? "Van is ready if you are." He said to us. Mr. Longwood's face stays relaxed. 

"Of course, you better get going." Natalie says, clapping her hands together. "I hope you have safe journey. And have fun in Crossbow, but not too much fun." 

I scoffed. "Thanks, Natalie." I turned to Shaye who looked upset. "I'm not going to live there forever, I'll be back." 

She embraced me. "I know. Just stay safe."

"Thanks." I felt like crying.

We said our goodbyes to the Longwoods except Dad. He never even bothered saying hi to Natalie and Bryce. It is just so rude. 

Yet, I gave one last look to the house where my real father left me. Abandoned me. This place, Stanton, where I have visions my brain can not explain. Still, I call this home. Because I know I am loved by people who do not even have the same blood as my veins contain.

I am leaving for good, I know.