A Cup of Fate

3rd Phase: The Greeting Door

3rd Phase: The Greeting Door

“The weird thing about saying goodbye is that it never gets easier.” 

― Alyson Noel, Blue Moon

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“Passport, ticket, phone,” It is 10 PM already; two hours before my twelve midnight flight. I am making my last minute preparations as well as double-checking everything I need for London. 

“It’s all in here.” Gabby flashes a brittle smile at me. I'm finally done packing. I close all of my bags, zipping them in place. I slump myself to the couch and haul a huge sigh.

“Hey Maggie,” Gabby calls out to me in a wobbly tone.         

“Yes?” I shift my gaze to her as I press my back on the back of the couch. I see her eyes set on the ground. 

“I’m gonna miss you.” She bites her lip trying to supress her lips from quivering. I never thought I’ll be hearing this from Gabby. She’s normally not the sentimental type of person. That is why these things are rare- and these are the moments I treasure the most.  

“I’ll miss you too.” I reply frailly. She tries to force a laugh, but her eyes start to water. I begin to catch Gabby's emotional state which make me feel the same. My heart begins to tighten as it constricts. I stifle a tear from falling from my eyes- and God, I realize how hard it is to breathe when all your emotions are locked up inside a hollow wall that thumps as a sign of existence. I can’t cry now. I’ve left home two years ago and this should be of no difference. I can see the sadness on her eyes and I know she’s trying to do the same thing as I am. We're both pretending to be strong for each other- but we fail anyway. We just can't contain it any longer.

“And hey," Gabby's voice starts to crack. "-if there’s any chance at all that you would be seeing One Direction in London, please say hi to them for me.” A stray tear trails down from her eyes, flowing freely to her flushed cheeks as her lips quirk upward. I chortle a bit. I thought it was enough for us to stop feeling emotional, but it leads us both into more pool of tears. 

“Of course. I’ll do it even if I’m not a big fan. I can even bring you home some signed pictures if you want.” I am struggling to speak, my voice being guttural. 

“I love you Maggie.” She pulls me into a tight embrace. I burry my face on the crook of her neck as the tears trickle to my cheeks making her shirt damp. 

“I love you too, Gabby.” I reply weakly. After a few seconds of endless hugging, we both decide to pull ourselves from each other's grasps. 

“Don’t you dare look for another best friend when I’m gone.” She pouts, her cheeks covered with tears.

“I will never, ever, ever, dare to do so.” I assure her as I hold her hand, clutching it into mine. She squeezes it as our hands touch. I want to change my mind then and there- I want to stay. I miss this kid in front of me. I will miss this kid. It's hard to leave her again. I hate how I'm being such a terrible friend to her. I am still holding her hand, afraid to let go of it. I want to bring her with me in London. If only I could put her inside my suitcase just so she can be with me, I would- but that would be a terrible idea. 

“Anne Mary Margaret Carson, You’re going to be late for your flight. You can stop with all that drama now.” My mom's shrill voice startles both me and Gabby.

"Way to go, mom." I whisper to myself. I hate how my mom jumps out of nowhere and interrupts an immense emotional scene.

“Is everything ready?” She asks in a motherly tone.