Someday, Who Knows?

Chapter 30: Someday, Who Knows?

It was the day of her departure. Ellie's heart raced as she walked through the busy airport, her suitcase rolling behind her with a steady clack. Travelers rushed by, their voices blending into a constant buzz, while the rich scent of coffee mixed with the sharp smell of jet fuel.

The airport felt both familiar and strange, like a doorway to a new part of her life. Bright lights and shiny floors surrounded her, a stark contrast to the warm, cozy feel of her town, where she had spent the last year. Every corner and every face in the crowd reminded her of memories she was about to leave behind.

Ellie looked around and saw families saying tearful goodbyes, couples sharing sweet farewells, and friends making last-minute promises. Each scene echoed the feelings inside her—bittersweet and heavy, filled with both the thrill of new beginnings and the sadness of leaving what she had always known.

As she walked, her eyes landed on her father, Robert, who was beside her at the security checkpoint. He stood with his hands clasped in front of him. His uniform was neat and clean, a reminder of the strength and dedication he had always shown her. But his eyes were soft and vulnerable, a big change from his usual serious look.

Ellie pulled her suitcase closer, gripping the handle tightly as she moved through the crowded terminal. With every step, she felt heavier, as if the weight of her choice was pressing down on her. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions—a blur of packing, goodbyes, and thoughts about the life she would embark on.

As Ellie walked up to the check-in counter, she took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She still couldn't believe this was happening—she was about to board a plane and step into a new, unknown future. Her heart ached at the thought, especially the memories that felt like a part of her.

She caught a glimpse of herself on a nearby glass wall. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and she noticed her lips trembled as she fought to keep her emotions in check. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her boarding pass, feeling the smooth paper as a reminder of the journey ahead.

As she neared the departure gate, her eyes widened in surprise. Standing there with a sign that had her name on it was Miss Luna, her favorite teacher. Around her were some of Ellie's classmates, and to her shock, she saw Jeremy and Charlie too.

"Miss Luna! Everyone!" Ellie exclaimed, her voice trembling.

Miss Luna stepped forward, her eyes twinkling with warmth and affection. "We couldn't let you leave without a proper goodbye, Ellie. You're classmates insisted we should properly send you off." Miss Luna shared.

Ellie's classmates rushed around her, wrapping her in a flurry of hugs and warm wishes. Their arms felt like a cozy blanket. Laughter and cheerful voices filled the air, making the moment feel both joyful and heartbreaking.

Who would have thought I'd grow so close to them? I planned to fade into the background this school year, but look where we are now. 

Ellie thought as she felt tears well up in her eyes, the reality of leaving sinking in as she realized how much she would miss them all. The joy of seeing them one last time was bittersweet.

"Thank you, thank you, everyone," she whispered. 

Jeremy and Charlie stood a little apart from the group, their faces serious. Ellie spotted them and walked over, her heart heavy with the goodbye ahead. 

"Hey," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Thank you for sending me off."

Jeremy, usually full of jokes, looked at her with a deep sadness that was hard to miss. "Hey, Ellie. We couldn't let you leave without seeing you one last time."

Charlie nodded, his quiet nature even softer than usual. "We wanted to wish you luck and... to say goodbye for now," he emphasized.

As Ellie looked at them, tears spilled down her cheeks. "I'm going to miss you both so much," she whispered.

"Hey, don't cry. We'll see each other again, I promise," Charlie said, trying to reassure her.

Jeremy's usual snarkiness was gone, replaced by sincerity. "I'll miss you too, Ellie. Just remember to have fun and keep smiling, okay?" His voice was steady, but his eyes revealed the depth of his feelings.

Charlie struggled to find the right words too. He cleared his throat "Take care of yourself, Ellie. We'll be rooting for you from here."

The three of them stood in a quiet hug, their bodies close together. Ellie could feel the warmth of Jeremy and Charlie, their familiar presence bringing her comfort. But the thought that this was a final goodbye made her heart ache, like a heavy stone inside her chest. She wanted to hold onto this moment forever, not wanting to let go of the friendship they shared.

As they slowly pulled away, Ellie looked into Jeremy's and Charlie's faces. Her voice trembled as she said, "I hope we see each other again someday."

Maybe by then, I'll know who my heart truly belongs to. She added to herself.

Jeremy gave her a small, hopeful smile. "Someday, who knows?" he echoed softly, his voice filled with the promise of future possibilities.

Charlie, standing beside him, nodded. His gaze was steady. "We'll be here, waiting for you Ellie."

Ellie turned to her teacher and classmates, giving each of them one last hug. Miss Luna handed her a small, wrapped gift. "For the journey ahead," she said with a knowing smile.

Just then, a rush of movement caught Ellie's attention. Mae, her face flushed and breathless, came running toward them. "Wait! Wait!" she called out. When she reached Ellie, she panted, "Thank God I'm not too late."

Ellie's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry, Ellie. I... I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye." she said and Ellie smiled at her.

Mae's presence was unexpected, yet oddly comforting. Their recent reconciliation was still fresh, and this final goodbye added a poignant touch to the moment.

"Take care, Ellie," she said and hugged her tightly. 

Robert watched with a warm, proud smile as Ellie received so much love and support from her friends. His heart swelled with emotion as he saw his daughter surrounded by people who cared about her, their heartfelt goodbyes showing how much she meant to them.

As the group of friends, including Mae, began to break apart, Robert took a moment to walk over to Miss Luna and the other classmates who had come to say goodbye. He shook Miss Luna's hand, his gratitude clear on his face.

When the final boarding announcement rang through the terminal, Ellie stepped back, ready to board her flight. She glanced at her friends one last time. Jeremy, Charlie, Mae, and her teacher were all etched in her memory. The uncertainty of the future lay ahead, but so did the hope of seeing them again.

"Ready?" Robert asked and Ellie smiled.

"Yes, I am," she responded.

With a deep breath, Ellie stepped through the gate, and her heart swelled. The airport buzzed around her, with people rushing and announcements echoing, but in her mind, the words "someday" and "waiting" played over and over, reminding her of future possibilities.

As the plane took off, Ellie gazed out of the window, her thoughts drifting to the two boys who had meant so much to her. The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: her story with Jeremy and Charlie was far from finished.

As the plane climbed higher into the sky, Ellie couldn't help but smile. She knew that her heart would find its answers in time, and she believed that their paths would cross again, someday.

THE END!