Teacher's Pet; BE

19.

Today is the last time aria will see Billie for an entire year as Billie is taking a new job and going to Europe to pursue her career.
Aria was of course heartbroken that that'd be apart for so long but she knew Billie needed this.
   "Hey. Stop crying. I'll be back before you know it." Billie embraced the young girl and took a deep breath.
   "I'm serious aria... you're gonna make me cry. I'm not a softie." Billie giggled quietly.
    A smile tugged at the corners of arias lips, though she tried to hide it.
   "We can call for the entire weekend while I'm grading papers. I'll even help with your homework. I'll fly out on Christmas break just to see you."  Billie raked her fingers through arias loose curls and smiled, placing a small kiss on her lips.
   "It's going to be okay. If you ever need to call me during the week don't be afraid okay? I'll happily answer as soon as I can." Billie interlocked her pinky finger with Arias, making sure Aria knew that she could call Billie whenever.
     "We'll sleep on call right? At least for the first week. It's gonna be really hard." Aria sniffled.
   "Of course ma. I love you alright? And I'll see you again in 7 months." Billie embraced Aria once more and then looked at the time.
    "I gotta go now. Here's my house keys. Feed Tommy, take my mail in, sleep in my bed..." Billie trailed on and on making aria let out an airy laugh.
   "I will. I love you Bil.. I'll miss you."
"I love you more."
   

And just like that she was gone.
  Aria went inside and sat in the couch crying.
That was until her mom came downstairs and comforted her.
    "Being attached to someone does hurt Aria. But when the time comes nothing will ever come to separate the two of you again." She said quietly while hugging her daughter.
Aria didn't say anything. She sat there in utter silence, mourning the loss of the source of her complete happiness.
"I'm going shopping. Do you want or need anything while I'm out?"
"No thanks mom. I'm fine. Thanks anyway." Aria gave a half smile and hugged her mom tightly before she went up to her room.
   Aria consistently checked her phone, hoping she'd get a message from Billie but still nothing.
   She lied on her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep waiting for Billie.
   But a few hours later when she awoke she had three missed calls from Billie.
   She called back and it was pushed to voicemail.
Aria felt a lump in her throat when she realized that the distance between the two would cause them to drift apart and slowly become strangers.
   She took a deep breath and tried to tell herself that everything was going to be okay but a part of her felt as if it wasn't going to be okay.
   That was until her phone rang profusely.

  I'm sorry I missed your calls I took a nap.

No it's okay. I just wanted to hear your voice before the meeting. How did you sleep?

Fine I guess. I miss you Billie. How am I going to wait a whole year to see you?

You'll see me for Christmas love. I promise. I miss you more, I'd do anything just to hug you once more.

Christmas is far away...

Two and a half months away.

See. Far away. I already got you some gifts. I really hope you like them

As long as they're from you I'll cherish them forever. I have to go inside for the meeting my love I'll call you tonight before bed. I love you

Yeah, I love you more Billie. Good luck

Aria took a deep breath and rolled over onto her back, allowing her brain to process the thought of being away from Billie for so long.