My girl Neighbor

55

The days went very slowly as expected.

Even though I was texting Emma all the time, it was not enough.

I miss her. I miss her touch, her kisses, her laugh, I even miss bantering with her.

In a month I will be 18.

Finally.

I haven't told Emma, that my birthday is coming up. It shouldn't be a big deal but it was the time that I planned on telling my parents about Emma and me.

I will be away for college. I will probably stay in a dorm or I don't know.

I could get a job and get my own apartment maybe? But then it should be close because I don't want to stay too far from Emma.

I can't help but think of the future. Yes, I'm thinking about it. It was a big deal for me that Emma came out to her parents already, it means we will be going a long way, and we will have a future together. So, yes, I need to think of what I want to do in the future.

There are state colleges near my place, I could still live with my parents and Emma will still be my neighbor.

But you want to go away. My mind shouted.

Yes, I do. I want to go away, explore and be away from my parents, but that means I will be leaving Emma here as well. Now that everything is going well with us, everything changed.

I know it is 6 months more before graduation but a lot of my classmates know already where they will go. Even Sam.

Some of them sent their early application and my Mom was actually asking the same from me.

What do you want to do in college?

Where do you want to go?

You know that we will pay for it, as we did with your Sisters. You just have to tell us where.

Those echoed in my head.

I don't want to feel pressure but I actually am. I have a lot to consider and the number one on my list is Emma.

Just thinking that I will be far away from her, not see her every day, just makes my heart ache.

But then, my long-time plan which is to go far from here will be compromised.

One day more before my punishment is done. It is Thursday today, surprisingly my Dad is joining us for dinner.

"You don't have work, Dad?" I asked him, I was helping Mom to set up the table while he was already seated browsing his phone.

"Oh, I do. But I haven't seen you for a very long time so I figured, I'll have dinner at home every night from now on."

I smiled at him sweetly. Even my Mom did.

"Also, just 6 more months and you'll be away for college so, we won't be seeing you every day then. Our youngest is going to college, Sue. I feel old."

My dad dramatically held out his hand for my Mom to grab who was now about to sit beside him.

My Mom took his hand in hers and let out a soft laugh.

"You are so dramatic. She doesn't even know where she's going."

"You don't?"

Both of them are staring at me waiting for me to open my mouth. I sat in front of my Mom while my Dad was beside me.

"Well..." I stared back at them.

What am I gonna tell them?

"Honey... This is not about our neighbor, is it?"