The Hill Scene

A tearfull goodbye

Ophelia awoke early, it took a few moments before she remembered the events from yesterday. She didn't regret it, of course she was sad about how her mother reacted, in fact she was more than sad, but all she needed to do now was focus on herself and Alice.
Alice woke up late, she didn't get much sleep that night. She had so many emotions flowing through her last night that she just couldn't put her mind to rest. On the one hand, Ophelia had told her mother about them and that made her so happy and relieved, they didn't have to hide anymore. However on the other hand, Alice had gotten some very bad news that day, news that could ruin everything. Things were finally looking brighter for her and Philly and now the same thing that always happens happened. She didn't tell Ophelia last night, how could she? Ophelia was so happy and Alice was so proud of her, she couldn't take that away and ruin the moment.

Ophelia started walking to school earlier than she needed too, she was desperate to get there and see Alice, it would be the first time hanging out where they were actually themselves and that was such a big thing to her. She practically sprinted there and waited, the class slowly starting filling up with people but at time went on, Alice still wasn't anywhere to be seen. Thoughts started rushing through her mind, maybe I scared her, maybe she didn't like me in that way. She rested her head in her desk. "Sorry I'm late." She heard a girl say, she instantly lifted her head smiling, however her smile quickly faded when it was just another student she saw...not Alice. Ophelia spent the rest of the day wandering around looking for her, it wasn't like her not to come to school, she valued her education and she definitely didn't like to be late. Something was definitely wrong, she just didn't know what.

Alice obviously hadn't gone to school that day, she spent the day walking around the field and up on the hill, trying to avoid what she had to do at home. She regretted not going to school, she could've seen Ophelia and explained to her the situation, but she was scared. Ophelia spirited out of the front gates before her last class, skipping class wasn't like her but it wasn't like Alice either. She ran as fast as possible over to Alice's house and frantically knocked the door, hoping that everything was okay. Alice's dad opened the door, which was strange as he usually was away working. "Alice..I'm looking for Alice." She said out of breath. "You must be Ophelia, I've heard a lot about you. We were just packing."
"Packing?"
"Yes we were just-" Alice's fathers voice faded out as a sinking feeling arose in her stomach. Completing ignoring him, she ran to the back of the house and into the field. She'd never ran so fast in her life, she just hoped that Alice was actually on the hill and not in her room, she hoped that Alice was waiting for her. She frantically ran up the hill, not stopping for even a second to catch her breath. "Alice!" She yelled out. "Alice!"
She finally stopped at the top and rested her hands on her knees as she tried to slow her breathing, looking down at the floor. "Philly?" A voice full of sorrow softly called out. Ophelia slowly lifted her gaze to find Alice sat on the grass, her cheeks, nose and eyes were all red and tears were rapidly falling out of her eyes. "I'm glad you came." Ophelia walked and slowly sat down besides her. "Why weren't you in school? I thought something had happened to you." She said gently, trying not to upset her even more than she already was. "I was scared to say goodbye." She could hardly get her words out, she was crying so much she could hardly speak, "I'm leaving." Alice didn't look her in the eyes. Ophelia felt tears start to form in her eyes but she didn't want to cry. Ophelia didn't know what to say so instead of saying anything, she carefully put one arm over her shoulders and the other across her chest, softly hugging her silently.

They had to leave around 4:00 and it was currently 3:56. "just four minutes to say goodbye." "Don't you have to pack your things too?" Ophelia asked her, still sobbing. Alice shook her head. "My dads doing it for me, I wanted to wait here for you. Though I didn't think you'd make it, I would've left before school ends. I'm guessing you left early." Her voice sounded thick with hurt, it made Ophelia glad she left school early, she wouldn't of been able to live with herself if she had missed her. They continued to hug for a few moments before Ophelia noticed a sketch pad sitting next to Alice. "This yours?" She asked reaching over for it and the pencil besides it. Alice just nodded, she couldn't bring herself to speak through the tears. "Well, this is my address." She said opening the page and Scribbling down her address. "Now, oh so great writer," they both chuckled, "you can write to me." Ophelia smiled as she handed back the sketch pad. Alice didn't say anything, she just hugged Ophelia tight for as long as she could, only pulling away from the hug after hearing her father call for her.
The both stood and smiled at each other, Ophelia held out her hand which Alice took, holding it tightly. They both ran hand in hand down the hill and across the field, they reached Alice's house and stopped outside. Alice had no more tears left to cry, she'd completely worn herself out. "Usually..." she hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Usually when I leave friends behind, even if I get the chance to come and visit...they move on from me."
"You don't really think I could ever move on from you, do you?" Ophelia let out a soft chuckle as she shook her head, the last few remaining tears she had falling from her eyes. Alice shook her head, of course Ophelia wouldn't forget her, she was different from all the rest. They stared at each other for a moment. "So, will I ever see you again?" Ophelia asked hopeful. "Hopefully yes, I really hope you will." She smiled. "You better write to me." Ophelia said, her voice cracking a little as she was about to start crying again. "I will, I will."
"Good, don't be a stranger."

They smiled at each other once more, both trying to hold in their tears until they couldn't anymore. They fell into each others arms and let out sobs, it's okay, we're still together, and we'll stay that way Ophelia thought as she hugged her frien- girlfriend, for what could possibly be the last time forever. It was obvious they weren't going to end the hug themselves, Alice's father had to lightly pull Alice away as she cried. They waved goodbye as she got into the car and Ophelia watched her drive away. And just like that...she was gone.