Childhood Friends

1.

1958
It was my 14th birthday and I celebrated it with my family, James and his mother. They practically were a part of our family

„ James, we have to go!" His mother Patricia screamed.
„ I'm coming mom!" He ran downstairs and I followed him.
„ Do you have to go already?" I asked his mother.
„ I know it's you birthday dear, but it's already late. You both have to go to school tomorrow." She said.
„Alright" I said annoyed and looked at Jimmy.
„Goodbye Y/N. See you tomorrow at school." He hugged me tightly.
„ See you tomorrow" I said and walked upstairs in my room to my window to wave at Jimmy. He looked up sadly.
I couldn't see a lot because the windows were stained with raindrops. Every time he left me I felt empty. He was my second half, the brother I never had. But this time the goodbye was different. I could clearly see the pain in James eyes.

I got hungry so I got up to eat the leftovers. I took a slice of pizza and wanted to go back to my room when my mum stopped me.
„Honey we have to talk." She said.
„If it's about my bad grades, I swear I'll study and they'll get better." I said.
„No but we also have to talk about that. I don't know how to break it to you. This was the last time we celebrated your birthday with the Pages. It was also the last time you and Jimmy hung out. They are moving to London in a few days. Tomorrow will be the last day of school for him and-"
„WHAT? James is moving?! And you all didn't tell me until now? This must be a big joke." My voice broke and I bursted out in tears.
„Honey I'm so sorry but I can't change it. We waited so long to tell you because we didn't want to cause you much more pain."
She gave me a kiss on my forehead and hugged me. I cried into her shoulder.

What about our friendship? He's gonna forget about me. What about our little jams where he plays guitar and I sing? He's gonna throw everything away. No,no,no,no!

This thoughts were killing me. I eventually got up and went to bed. Fuck, what's gonna happen when he's gone? I cried the whole night and expressed my feelings by writing songs. I probably didn't even got 1 hour of sleep so I was really tired when I got ready for school. How am I going to react when I see James? Pretend as if nothing happened? Be angry? Ignore him? Ignore the fact that he's leaving? I don't want that.

My mother drove me to school.
„Have fun darling."
„Thanks mum." I said tiredly and stressed.
I must've looked horrible. The looks of the people said everything but I had to ignore it. I was looking everywhere for Jimmy but I couldn't find him, so I just went to my locker where I found a letter.
It said: To Y/N from James
Dear Y/N
You probably can't find me at school. That's because I already left. My dad has to leave earlier for his job and takes us with him. Believe me I tried everything so I could stay and see you one last time but they wanted me to go with them. It truly tears me apart because I'm not able to give you a real goodbye. I'm sorry for not telling you but I didn't want things to change between us in our last weeks. You were, are and will be my best friend forever. Nobody can ever replace you. You are the prettiest, smartest, funniest and most talented girl I've ever met. Just try to catch your dream. If the fate wants us to be together, we'll meet again. I'll never forget you. You were always the sister I never had.
I miss you and love you
Forever yours
James.

I immediately broke down again. He left already? I didn't even get to tell him what I love about him. I couldn't say how much I love him. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks and left mascara stains on my face. I sat alone in the hallway because the lessons had already stared. I pressed the paper at my chest and cried even more. Suddenly my teacher sat in front of me.
„ Y/N what happened?" She asked concerned.
„ He left. I couldn't even say goodbye. He's gone. I miss him. Why does he do that to me?!" My voice was breaking.
„ Who are you talking about?"
„James."
„ Y/N I'm very sorry but you still have to come in the class ok? After that your mother can come pick you up." She tried to calm me down but it didn't work.
I walked to the classroom and sat down on my table. I drifted off into my thoughts. All the memories played on my head and I just watched them. I'd do anything to get James back here.
After the lesson I called my mom and she picked me up.
„ Honey what happened?" She asked concerned, stepped out of the car and hugged me.
„He... already... left." I stuttered.
„ Everything is going to be okay. I promise." She said and we got into the car. The whole ride was silent. It was raining again and I watched the drops fall down. I remember the day Jimmy and I danced and sang in the rain. All those memories made the pain worse. I want it to stop.
As we got home I ran to my room and locked the door. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I read the letter over and over again until I eventually fell asleep. But even in my dreams he showed up. I just wanted one second of peace without having to think about him. I woke up still crying at 3 a.m. and fell asleep again.

My mom knocked at my door.
„ I'm not in the mood to talk, it's still early and I want to be alone." I said annoyed.
„ I don't want to talk darling. And it's around 1 p.m. so I think you should get up. A packet arrived for you." She said.
I got up, opened the door, took the package and closed the door again. I opened it and couldn't believe my eyes. There was a letter, a picture and something wrapped in paper.
I immediately knew who sent it to me:
James.
I opened the letter first.
Dearest Y/N
I hope you're doing well. I am okay but with you by my side it would be easier. I don't know anybody here. Here are some things I want to give you. I hope you enjoy it.
Good luck
James

To my surprise, I didn't cry. I was a little but happy. I looked at the picture. It was the last photo we took together at my birthday. I started crying again. I admired it a bit longer and finally put it away to unwrap the other thing. It felt soft.
The first thing I saw was a piece of paper on which he had written:
I know you love them. They are yours now so you have a piece of me and remember me.
I put the paper a way and saw his favorite sweatshirt and t shirt. The sweater was black and there was a guitar on the front. I always tried to steal that sweater for him. I chuckled and cried. The shirt was white had Elvis Presley on it. I always loved Elvis and so did he. I threw on the sweater because it was cold. Shivers ran down my spine because it still smelled like him. I went downstairs and ate something. Luckily tomorrow was Saturday so didn't have to go to school.

James and I always wrote letters to each other and sent us some presents. It always made me smile. On a day in 1960 I sent a letter and didn't get one back for weeks. So I sent another and another and another one but I never got an answer so I eventually gave up. On that day I had a bad breakdown like on the day he left. It was awful. I felt empty and didn't leave the house for weeks.