Drifting Apart

Part 1

We followed our usual schedule during the first week of summer. But the following weeks were different. Mom decided to visit my uncle living far away. It would take us 3-4 hours traveling in a van to get there. Mom told me that we'd be staying there for 2 weeks. The next morning, I went to Riley's house and told her the news. At first she was disappointed since we already planned everything and it turned out to be a summer tradition. This is the first time that we'd break tradition. But she was optimistic.

"It's fine Joshua. I'll just be here waiting till you return. Don't take long ok? And bring me a souvenir when you get back". She said she he tapped me by the shoulder, smiling. And out of nowhere she gave me a quick smack on the cheek.

She always knew what to say. Although, I could still feel the sadness within her. I thanked her for understanding and bid farewell since we'd leave in a couple of hours. After bidding goodbye I felt kinda bad since it was our first summer apart. Even if they'd travel to somewhere, they'd arrive late in the evening. I don't get worried of being alone. But this time, I'm the one who's leaving.

Then, I went home and started packing my things and preparing to leave. After lunch, mom and I head out to wait for the bus in the nearby station. Dad didn't come with us since nobody would stay and keep the house safe and clean. Plus dad wasn't much of a traveler. He'd enjoy an entire day watching movies at home. On top of that, he still needs to work too. He can't just ditch work. A lot of busses kept passing by but they werent air-conditioned. After 15 mins of waiting, an air-conditioned bus finally arrived. We rode it and went on.

* After 2 Weeks *

2 weeks had passed and I'm starting to enjoy it here in my uncle's house. I also got to know the teens around the neighborhood. So, I made a lot of new friends during my stay. But I still couldnt forget about my bestfriend. I also don't know if she's doing ok since we didn't have phones back then. There wasn't any Internet service in my uncle's house either. So we didn't communicate for 2 weeks.

"Mom. I was wondering, we've been here for 2 weeks. When are we going back?". I asked mom.

"Josh, we're still gonna stay for a couple more weeks. It's been a while since I last saw your uncle. Might as well spend more time with him". Mom explained.

I couldn't retort back and just nodded in agreement. I couldn't get it out of my head that my bestfriend is waiting for me but I'm not coming back soon. I just put that behind me since I couldn't do anything about it. I just tried my best to enjoy my summer vacation in a place that I've never been before.

* After a month *

Weeks had passed and nothing changed. We were still at my uncle's house. I couldn't help but wonder as to why mom doesn't plan to leave yet. So I approached mom again and asked.

"Mom. When are we leaving?" I asked frankly. Mom took a few minutes before replying.

"Son, we're going to extend our stay until your birthday. Your uncle's been planning to spend your birthday here. He already made the preparations for next week. We'll be leaving after your birthday ok?". Mom explained.

Once again, I nodded in agreement. Then, I thought about Riley again. One of the plans in our summer bucket-list was to celebrate my birthday. But I guess we'll break another tradition. I couldn't decide between stayin or leaving but the choice wasn't for me to make. I was helpless. I already enjoyed staying but I also wanted to leave.

My birthday came to pass and I've come to enjoy my stay more and more to the extent that I almost forgot that I had a someone waiting for me. My birthday was fun, a lot of people came. My uncle knew a lot of people so my birthday was also a get-together party. There were more adults and less teens but I didn't mind. I just kept on playing with my game boy. Days came and finally it was our time to leave. Mom told me that we were leaving tomorrow. So we packed our stuff and prepared to go back home.

Just the thought of coming home makes me excited. I couldn't wait to see Riley again. I couldn't wait to tell her how important she is. I couldn't wait to tell her... How I really like her.