5 years ago
12 years old.
I ran my hands through my frizzy chestnut hair and tried not to cry. I stared at the lanky boy who stood before me.
“I’m really going to miss you, Brinsley” he said, his voice cracking when he said my name. His brown hair was so disheveled it looked more like a birds nest than actual hair.
“I’m going to miss you too, Liam” I mumbled. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat and for the hundredth time that day, I tried not to cry.
“Will you email me everyday?” he asked trembling and pushing his thick-rimmed glasses further up his nose.
“Only if you call me everyday” I answered, allowing my tears to flow freely now.
“I’ll only be gone for a year” he said, trying to lighten up the mood though he looked like he might start crying as well.
“That’s a year too long” I whispered.
He grabbed my hand and eyed the “best friends forever” charm bracelet he had given me for my birthday.
“Best friends forever, right?” he said
“Best friends forever” I repeated, using my free hand to wipe my eyes.
We both turned towards the sound of the car horn.
“C’mon Liam!” we heard his father call.
“So I guess this is it” I said, hugging myself
“This isn’t a goodbye, Brins. This is a see you later”
I nodded smiling. It was now or never, I told myself. I closed my eyes, leaned in and kissed his lips. I moved back and watched him blink a couple of times.
“Wha-? You just..? Why?”
I giggled softly and wiped my eyes again. He leaned in and pecked me on the lips, taking me by complete surprise.
“Me too” he said, answering my unsaid confession.
“Liam!” his father called out again, sounding impatient. “We’re going to miss our flight!”
“See you later?” I said, my lips trembling.
“See you later” he said. He hugged me and walked backwards towards the car.
I waved until I saw the car disappear. Even though I had had a couple of months to get used to the idea of him moving to California and even though I knew this was only a temporary move, it still shocked me when it happened: when he left.
