Of Shields & Trees [BxB]

11 | Until We Meet Again

A/N: I didn't know there's a TV series with that name until I googled 'not really a goodbye' and stumbled upon it. I love discovering new shows to watch!

•~°•♤•°~•

I stood in front of Georgi, wondering if I should go for a bro hug or not. My ex-teacher and his wife were already waiting for me at a respectful distance, my backpack in Mr. Andonov's hands.

"See you around," Georgi uttered, hands in his pockets.

"I'll write!" I said, trying to keep the tears at bay.

Luke hugged me again with a pat on my back and just like that I was off, taking the few extra steps towards my new foster parents.

Mr. Andonov placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and led me towards their car. It was the familiar shiny brown I've seen near school but never knew it was his.

He held the door open for me with a bitter smile and I hopped inside, followed by my backpack.

His wife, Kalina, turned towards me after taking the passenger seat, about to say something, but closed her mouth shut just to open it again after finally deciding what a kid like me would actually like to hear in such a situation. "Do not worry! We don't bite," she said with a bright smile, her blue eyes observing closely my every move. It made me feel like an insect inspected under a microscope. "You already know Todor. He's not such a bad guy, is he?"

"No..." I hesitantly mumbled under my nose, not quite sure if her question was rhetorical or not.

Mr. Andonov got inside the car, put his seatbelt on and started the engine, manoeuvring with great precision out of the tiny parking spot.

Kalina kept eyeing me for a few more seconds with a creepy smile but eventually tucked her charcoal black hair behind her ear and faced forward, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the soft classical music that started playing on the radio.

I should've hugged Georgi. Why didn't I? I knew that he wasn't a fan of physical contact but this was a special circumstance. After all, you don't say goodbye to your best friend every day. Or did he not care about me as much as I hoped? He was so cold and reserved I could never tell what he was actually thinking.

I haven't been apart from him for even a few minutes and I already missed him. Just the thought of his beautiful green eyes was enough to make my soul weep. What if I never see him again? What if this was the last time I heard his husky voice? His last words were 'See you around'. Do I dare hope that I will?

The further away Mr. Andonov's car was taking me, the more I felt like I was leaving my friend behind. Even though it wasn't a conscious decision. I knew this was what was best for me, and yet... if I could just have Georgi by my side. I didn't need anyone else. Only him. It will always be only him.

Damn, this wasn't a mere crush! I loved this guy! Why did I have to leave in order to realise it?

I tried not to panic. I tried not to jump out of the car while it was still in motion... So I closed my eyes and breathed in. Then out.

I could do this! I will write him as soon as I get in my new home. We could make it work! I won't let him drift apart!

•~°•♤•°~•

Mr. Andonov lived in an apartment much bigger than what I was used to. But yet again, literally every apartment was bigger than my sperm donor's residence. Yes, I'm talking about my father. For some reason it felt kinda odd calling him my parent now. Especially since he never really acted like one.