Beside You | Jemi

Sixteen

Soon enough Joe and Demi's grade had done all their exams and summer had started, they both admitted it was strange to think they never had to go to school again. Joe would be working on the job training to be a chef like his mother always knew he would be and Demi she was moving away back to Texas where she too would train in a day care centre. She would be living with her Gran taking care of her as well, cooking meals and cleaning for her. Her Grandfather had just passed away and the whole family including Demi saw her going as an opportunity to keep Gran, Susan, out of a care home. She was now sat in her room packing her room up, she would be taking most of her belongings with her so it still felt like home to her.

"Are you sure this is what you want to do Demi?" Eddie questioned Demi nodding her head gently taking in a deep breath.

"I-I don't know how much longer I can be around Joe and Emily, they are getting closer together and it's heart breaking." Demi admitted.

"He's a stupid boy Demi, if he just opened his eyes he'd realise that you're a better girl then that Emily chick." Demi cracked a small smile hugging her step father before he left again. She would be setting off early the next morning and had to get everything ready tonight so they could get off as early as they could. Demi wanted to get settled over summer before she started working and training to be with children. It's what she wanted since she was little.

"Hey." She soon heard a voice looking up seeing Joe. It was hard for him to see all the boxes knowing that his best friend was moving away.

"Hi Joe." Demi greeted back as he entered the room.

"You're really leaving then?" Demi sighed nodding her head.

"Of course, my Gran needs me." Demi replied putting a stack of books in the box, it was getting hard to continue knowing she was leaving everyone behind.

"I'm going to miss you." Joe admitted as he sat down on the floor opposite her the two of them now facing one another.

"I'll miss you too Joe, we've been friends for years though and if we really were meant to be best friends then we'll stay in touch." Demi answered.

"I guess so, I still remember meeting you for the first time in kindergarten. My parents still tease me now because I'd come home everyday telling them about you," Demi giggled. "And you were my first kiss remember! I know it was lame but." Joe shrugged his shoulders gently.

"You caught me off guard there! I know it will be hard to leave everyone behind including my parents but this is what I've wanted to do for a while and with my Grandpa passing away my Gran needs someone there more than ever.

"I understand completely, if it was my Gran I'd be over there in a heartbeat. Just stay in touch alright? You'll always be my best friend even if we're miles away." Demi smiled looking up at him, she hoped being apart from him for at least two years if not more would be what she needed to get over him. He was in a serious relationship with Emily having dated her for a year and a half by now. She was still awaiting her first real boyfriend.

"Will you come see me off tomorrow?" Demi questioned.

"But it's early and summer!" Joe groaned laughing as Demi smacked a paperback book over his head. "Of course I'll come see you before you go Demi, even if I have to get up at two!" Demi smiled as he moved over giving her a hug. She laid her head on his shoulder, she was excited about the future in Texas and with her Gran but she hoped she didn't miss too much while she was away. It was a new opportunity for her and she couldn't wait.

"Hey you never know I might see you on telly in a year when you're a TV chef." Demi grinned as they pulled away laughing when she saw Joe roll his eyes.

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