Salty Licorice

Chapter 89

Marisa's POV

We are finishing up loading the last of the boxes onto the bed of Avery's truck. It was a joint decision that we take her truck to Georgia, and leave my blazer here with my dad. Granted my blazer would probably be a better choice initially, but then my dad said something about the mileage and other mechanic talk virtually ruling in Averys f150 as the choice for this trip. Jokes on her I'll be the one in possession of her truck 90 percent of the time where in Atlanta. She'll be too busy with her team and school to need it.

Avery pushes the last box into place before throwing a tarp over it and straps the tie downs on. Dad got her a toolbox in her bed that locks and has her tool kit he got her for christmas securely inside. We cleaned out her truck, and by we I mean I watched Avery do it because there's no way I'll be riding in this truck with her slow growing pile of wrappers and bottles rattling around in the rear of the cab.

As we get ready to drive off Avery seems to be wasting time as if waiting for something, or someone. I hug my dad and brother goodbye, they can't follow us to help move us in because dad has work and Mateo cant drive or be left home alone overnight.

I just get into the passenger seat with the door open making sure I have all I need for the drive at arms distance. Most importantly my snacks and drinks, then my books. I hear the crunch of gravel and look up to see Liz's mom's SUV pulling up into the driveway. That explains Avery's loitering. Avery rushes up to meet Liz as she gets out of the driver's seat. Hugging her tightly.

"I'm going to miss you so much, how will I survive without my beautiful girlfriend," Avery groans excitedly.

I notice a look on Liz's face and feel slightly intrigued to listen but also know it would be inappropriate to eavesdrop, so I decide to put in my headphones and open my book. But I don't play any music and just pretend to be reading. At least this way they won't know I'm listening. Does this make me a terrible friend? No, I'm just trying to prepare myself for what conversation will probably happen later when I'm alone with Avery for hours.

"Avery, I've been meaning to talk to you about that," Liz has a sorrow filled face as she speaks.

"What's wrong," Avery questions clearly blindsided.

"I don't think it's a good idea for us to continue dating, it's not that I don't want to be with you. We are just at two different points in our lives and I don't want either of us to stress over this," She gestures between themselves. "You need to focus on school and Volleyball, and I have a goal of mine I need to achieve here and I cant handle a long distance relationship."

"What about me, don't I have a say in this," Avery snaps, clearly defensive.

"Yes," Liz sighs.

"I don't want to lose you, do you expect me to run off to college and forget the girl who has my heart? Because I can't just forget you Elizabeth."

"I don't expect you to do anything, I'm just asking for you to live your new life without holding onto this place. You need a new start and this is that new start. If we are meant to be we will find each other again. Please," Liz says finally.

"I'm in love with you," Avery's voice was so quiet I almost couldn't understand it.

"I love you too," Liz says just as softly.

Avery wraps her arms around her and they stay like that for a while. I look back down at my book to not be caught spying. But glance up just as they pull away from a kiss. Liz pulls away from Avery and that's when I notice the slight shimmering against Liz's cheeks as she walks back to her mom's car and drives off. Avery slowly makes her way back to the truck and gets into the driver's seat. I get into the passenger seat fully closing the door and watch Avery for a second.

"If there's one thing Liz has taught me, it's that if you love her you have to learn to let her go," I say in a soft voice.

"The hard part is I was thinking the same thing, I just was so determined that we could and would make it work. I didn't expect her to be the one to say it," Avery admits in a hollow voice. She turns on the truck and pulls onto the road.

We didn't speak for most of the day after that, just the stereo playing whatever Avery had put on and the sound of the road running under our tires. I read to keep from disturbing Avery and her overactive mind. At some point I fall asleep and only wake up when Avery pulls into a diner.

We get out and walk inside to be greeted by a happy old lady who sits us down in a booth and gets our drink order. I agree to drive the rest of the way so Avery can sleep. After we eat and our back on the road Avery just sits with her head on the window looking out at the dark trees looming over the side of the road.

"What if she falls in love with someone else?" Avery asks out loud.

"And what if you do? Avery there are many what ifs in the world, please don't lose your mind obsessing over the infinite possibilities," I tell her.

"How do I move on from her if all I want to do is have her with me, how does she expect me to enjoy my college years without her in it?"

"You will," I say. "I learned to move on from Jace, and Liz."

Avery looks at me and drops her head a little. "I'm sorry, I forgot."

"It's okay, Jace and Liz broke my heart and yet I still learned to enjoy what was left of highschool. Though Liz was easier, because I learned something about myself and I don't regret anything."

"Jace was a dick though," Avery growls next to me, making me want to laugh at her protectiveness.

"That he was," I nod in simple agreement.

"It will get easier, and she's not wrong either. You will be busy with classwork and practice and games, you won't even have time for me and I'm gonna be in the same city."

"Don't say that, you will be at every home game. I'll reserve you a ticket, so you can't bail on me," Avery says with a smile.

"Great, more sporting events," I sarcastically state. Truth is, even if she didn't ask I would have gone anyway.

"Don't abandon me," Avery whispers to me, with a drowsy voice.

"Never, you're my sister," I admit as I watch her close her eyes and drift off.

"Love you Risa," She mutters before her breath steady's.

"Love you too Aves," I smirk at the nickname she detests.