The Exchange Student || n. j. s.

|| twenty five ||

*Melissa's P.O.V.*

My decision was final. It took me an abundance of thoughts and tears before I finally made up my mind.

I accepted the offer.

There were many more pros than con on all of this. The only con I can think of is leaving the Sykes family and the friends I made here; the rest was all a positive factor – education, travel, socialization. (And in some way, be with Jireh and not let her be with her uncle). Always chose the things that is better and will make you better.

That means, only a few weeks remaining.

I got up of my bed and went down the stairs, seeing Nathan eating on the table. He grinned a little as a greet.

"Good morning," he spoke.

"If it's a good morning, I would still be sleeping." I replied, pouring a glass of milk.

"Well then, Morniiiiiin." He got up and moved his way so that we were facing each other. A table sandwiched between us.

I was going to tell him my decision. And right now I prayed that he isn't smiling right now because I know that soon that smile would disappear. And it would be because of me.

"Nathan..."

His smile disappeared and sighed. Like he already knew.

"You're leaving,"

"I'm sorry..." I looked at the milk that is colorfully white.

"I knew it, if I was you, I would choose that too," he stood up, "then you better make the most of what's left, Melissa." Then he was upstairs.

I didn't know if it went better than expected or worse than unpredicted. But now he knows. And I felt better.

But what he said was true; I have to make the most of what's left.

***

I told them all, my grades, the letter, the thinking, the telling Nathan. Trixie's reaction almost made me cry, she was so sentimental and tearing up; I wonder how she'll be when I'm actually leaving.

"You're a good student, Lissie, damn I wish I was like you." She sobbed.

Like me? A parentless student who will leave all of her true friends?

"Be careful what you wish for," I closed my locker, she did too.

"Sorry, but um," she shook her body, "on the bright side, studying in other countries, that's so cool."

"I know right!" We forced a smile and went to the next class – with not much lessons to teach since it is the finals.

All that was in my mind was how (slightly) well this announcement is going to everyone, and thinking that they are okay with me leaving. Which I know is not true.

As the period before lunch came, I rushed to our lunch table, wanting to hear all of what they are going to say; making 'the most' out of our last lunch bonding together.

While walking, I took a glance at Andrew's table on where he and his friends (that I only knew for a few weeks) sit. All of them complete, except him. I sighed and continued walking.

I was the first one to sit there; which was unusual since Jay was always the first followed by Nathan then me then Trixie and Luke. I guess I was so eager that I went here so early.