The day finally arrived, from different perspectives, it was exciting for one part and the other it was gloomy. On Jai's perspective, it was exciting. She was finally leaving, for her i was a new start. A new surrounding and new school. She knew it would be a hard start but she was fine with it. Her absence would change the people she'll leave here and she just hoped it would be a good change.
On Paolo's perspective, it was a gloomy day. It was the day his team would play. After months of training, exercising and ignoring his reality, he would finally play. He told everyone who was dear to him. He was so excited to tell his parents but when he asked them to come, they declined saying, "We have something important to do that day." Going home helpless, he told Jai's parents knowing that they always come to events like this to support him but then again they declined saying, "Sorry kid, we have to send someone off that day." Disappointed he went home. Lastly, he texted Jai and asked her to come but he didn't get an answer from her which got his hopes up. Thinking that Jai would surprise him, he was smiling wide. After their team was announced, his eyes went to the usual seat Jai took whenever they were training before, only to find it occupied by another person. He ran his eyes through the audience hoping to spot Jai's soft eyes, only to be met with disappointment. Throughout the introduction of the opposing team he was wondering why everyone was so busy and why Jai didn't come to his game today, shrugging it off he focused on their game and aimed to win.
Meanwhile, Jai was getting out of the car with Lukas in tow. Moving towards the side, she waited for Joseph to take her luggage out of the trunk. Jaimie turned her head towards the entrance of the airport, she couldn't help but let out a sigh. She was leaving the world she grew up in, her little bubble with Lukas didn't last long but she knew he was fine with it. A hand intertwines itself with her hand, making her look at the boy beside her. Lukas offers her a soft smile which she gladly returns.
"Joseph! Jaimie!" A voice not far from them yells out.
Standing there was Paolo's parents, confusing Jai why they are there. She knew about the playoffs happening at the same time of her departure. Why was Paolo's parents in the airport and not on their son's game?
"Michael, Vivienne." Joseph greets them, giving Michael a hug and kissing Vivienne's cheek, Ria doing the same as her husband.
"My dear, How are you?" Vivienne asks Jai.
"I'm dong well." She answers. "Not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing here? Did you know that Paolo has a game today?" She asks.
"Oh, we knew." Michael answers, confusing Jai a lot more.
"but we had to see our adoptive daughter off, She's starting a new life somewhere and this might be the last time we see her." Vivienne says, making Jai tear up.
Even when Paolo and Jai had cut off all their communication, His parents never treated Jai differently. In their eyes, she was their daughter. One that was their son's best friend. They loved her so much that they had to miss their son's game just to see her off.
Letting the parents chat with each other, Lukas pulls Jai to the side. He looks deep into her eyes, knowing that the girl is nervous. She lets a few tears down. She's scared, She's gonna be exploring a new environment and it scares her. There she wouldn't have her anchor to keep her steady whenever she breaks down. Lukas hugs her tightly and rests his forehead against hers. The both of them just stood there holding each other, letting them know that they will always be there for each other.
"You'll be okay, I'm only a call away. You know that." He says, reassuring her.
"Yeah, I know." She says leaning back. "Thank you for being here with me all this time. For holding me and being my anchor. For lifting the wait off my shoulder even for a short period of time." She says, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
"Jaimie, time to go." Joseph says.
"Goodbye, dears." Paolo's parents says to them.
"Goodbye, love." Lukas says.
"Goodbye, love." She returns. "You know what to do."
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"A three-point shot from number 17!" The announcer says.
Paolo thrusts his fist upwards. They had won. His Training had paid off. Everything had paid off but he had no one there for him. No parents, no bestfriends, No one.
After a short celebration with his teammates, Paolo heads to Jai's house hoping to find the girl there and talk about their problem. Getting down his car, Paolo clutches the trophy tightly in his hand. A huge smile etched upon his face. He was done with ignoring reality and letting Jai down. He heads up to her front door, breathes in and knocks. The door opens and standing there was Lukas, with an unamused look on his face.
"What?" He suddenly asks.
"Where-Where's Jaimie?" He stutters out.
"Gone." Lukas said, going out the door and locking it.
"What do you mean she's gone?" He asked baffled.
Lukas just shrugs and walks towards his car. His hands were stuffed in his pockets as he looks down, he was missing Jai already.
"Fucking, talk to me!" Paolo seethes out. "Where is she?"
"She left. Moved to another country." Lukas says, monotone.
"W-when?" He stutters out.
"This morning." Lukas sighs out.
"Why didn't she tell me?" Paolo whispers, tears flowing out his eyes.
"Look, She wanted to start new. A new surrounding and a new system. Her parents supported it and they helped her find a new place abroad." Lukas explains.
He turns around and walks towards Paolo. No matter how much he hated his guts, he still promised to her that he would deliver this to him. Jaimie made Lukas give Paolo a part of her soul. One that was wrecked by her childhood friend. He hands him a neatly folded letter with a wax seal on it.
"She wanted you to have this."
"Thank you."
