Never 18

Chapter 3

"I'm going to miss you, Linda," Sarah says, wiping a tear from her eye. Her voice cracks a little, showing the feelings she's trying to keep in. Her long, brown hair falls around her face, framing her teary green eyes.

"We're all going to miss you," Larry adds, sniffling. He runs a hand through his short, spiky black hair, a nervous habit he's had since freshman year. His usually happy brown eyes look sad today.

"You guys are going to make me cry," I say, trying to hold back my own tears. I feel a lump in my throat, making it hard to talk.

It's the last day of our senior year, and my friends are saying goodbye. The thought that I might never see them again hits me hard. This really feels like the end of an era, the final chapter of our friendship.

Adam, always the cool one in our group, lights a cigarette. He takes a long drag before blowing out a perfect smoke ring. He looks at me, his blue eyes sharp under his messy blonde hair. "Promise you'll send me pictures?"

"I'll try," I say.

"Good..."

"You should quit those," I say, pointing at the cigarette in his hand.

"Why?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

"They're bad for you," I reply, chuckling. It's kind of funny—I'm the one dying at seventeen, and I've never even smoked.

"Whatever," Adam says, rolling his eyes.

Larry, never afraid to ask tough questions, speaks up. "Are you scared?" His voice is soft, almost hesitant.

"No, I'm not."

"Wow," Larry says, surprised. "I'd be terrified."

Sarah snaps at him. "Larry, don't be a jerk." Her green eyes flash with anger.

"What? I'm just saying," Larry replies, holding up his hands.

"It's okay," I say, taking a deep breath. "Actually, I'm scared. Really scared. But I have to keep going, you know?"

They nod. The air feels heavy with all the things we're not saying.

"I'm going to make the most of this," I add, trying to sound cheerful. "I'm going to have the best time ever."

Dana, who's been quiet until now, finally speaks up. "Yes, we are," she says. "This road trip is going to be amazing."

"I've always wanted to travel across the country," Adam says, taking another drag of his cigarette.

"Me too," Larry says, staring off into the distance.

I look around at my friends. "I wish I could take you all with me. But it's just going to be Dana and me. And Dad, of course."

Sarah squeezes my hand. "Don't worry," she says, smiling through her tears. "We'll be with you in spirit."

"Yeah," Adam says. "You'll be in our hearts, Linda."

"Thanks, guys," I say, sniffling. The tears are back, ready to fall. "That means a lot."

Larry frowns. "It's going to be weird without you."

"Yeah, it'll be really quiet without you always talking," Adam says.

"Jerk," Larry mutters.

I laugh. "Oh, I'm going to miss this," I say, looking at all of them.

"You can always text us," Sarah says.

"And send pictures," Larry adds.

"Yes, please," Adam says.