What If?

Chapter 16

Its 15 minutes until 10 in the morning. Rue and I sat on the bench outside our dormitory while waiting for Mom to arrive. Josh and Chase also promised that they'd be here to bid us their "temporary" goodbyes. Dozens of cars have come and go, parents exchanging hugs with their kids and driving them to wherever their homes are. I envy them. I wish Mom would arrive here sooner. It's been 2 months since I've seen her and Sophie; I've missed them so much.

"You okay Stella?" Rue asked.

"Huh? Uhh, yeah. Sorta. It's just that. I envy some of these kids. I just wish Mom and Sophie would be here sooner. I've missed them so much." I pouted.

"Well, you're not the only one. And trust me, 15 minutes of waiting is a whole lot better than having to wait months to meet your parents." Rue smiled.

"I'm sorry Rue. It's just that, it's my first time being separated with them. This is all still so new to me, you know?"

"Yeah I know. No worries. I've dealt with my separation anxiety issues way back in high school. So I understand and know what it feels like, but don't worry, you'll get used to it someday though. It's part of the growing up process." And this time Rue gave me a toothy grin and patted me on the shoulder.

"And I wish sometimes it's just better being a kid, rather than an adult. Its way more fun back then - not having to care about what you look like or having to worry about what to eat or wear, there's just fun and innocence."

"Yeah. And not to mention having those freshly baked cookies for recess and even playing outside all day. Ahh, those were the good ol' days my dear."

"Tell me about it."

"Tell you about what?" Chase asked.

I looked back and saw him standing behind me, grinning at me like an idiot. I still hate him for ruining my supposed-to-be-first-kiss-with-special-moment, but I still couldn't help but feel giddy inside. Like all the butterflies inside my stomach were fluttering because they're finally free after being kept inside a cage for a long time.

"It's for us to know and for you to find out." Rue winked.

"It's our secret," I rolled my eyes at him.

"What about our secret Ella?" He smirked.

"What secret?" I asked, feeling my cheeks turn red. Dammit Chase, you better not  tell them or I swear I'm really gonna ignore you for the rest of our lives.

"You know? Our secret." He winked. What the hell. If he actually tells Rue about this even before I do, I swear I'm gonna kill him.

"You mean our supposed to be secret, secret?" I said innocently.

"Yes, the secret of all secrets."

"Guys, what are y'all talking about?" Rue asked. Poor Rue, she's confused just like a kid who just heard a tongue twister and was asked to repeat it.

"Hey y'all! Sorry I'm late. What's going on here?" Josh asked, still catching his breath from all the running. Josh just saved your ass there missy, said the voice inside my head.

"Thank heavens you're here! I've had enough of these two." Rue joked.

"What secret bro?" Josh asked Chase.

"Don't worry guys. It's just a lame joke that Chase told me earlier. Trust me, been there and regretted that."

"Oh, c'mon, let's just give this poor guy a chance. Okay Chase, shoot." Josh said.