Once Upon a Return...

Prologue

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I stuffed the last of my things into a cardboard box and sealed it with some packing tape. I wiped some sweat from my brow, but I wasn't sweating because I was hot or tired. I was nervous. Today was my last day in California. I was moving to Michigan with my father on business.mi sighed, I planned to tell my three closest friends the news today. I was wearing a comfy pair of sweats and a teeshirt for the long plane ride. I called them up and asked them all to meet me at the park in five minutes. I knew that they were suspicious of something. I called up the last person, Connor.

"Hello?" His mom answered the phone.

"Hi, this is Jackie, is Connor there?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, Jackie, he's actually on his way to your house," just as she said that I heard three little taps on the door.

"Thank you," I told her before hanging up and answering the door. Connor was standing there, breathing hard. Did he run all the way here?

"Jackie, I have something important to tell you," he blew a stray strand of his light brown hair out of his face.

"Oh... What?" I asked nervously.

"I really like you Jackie!" He bowed his head in embarrassment. I gasped. That's sweet and all, but we're only eight years old. I smiled.

"I like you to Connor," he smiled brilliantly, "but, I'm moving to Michigan," his smile fell.

"You're kidding," his missing tooth gave him a bit of a lisp as he spoke.

"Nope... I'm heading to the park right now to tell Elli and Chad right now," I held out my hand, "come with?"

He grabbed my hand and nodded, tears brimming in his eyes, "Sure thing..."

As we started heading to the park Elli and Chad came running towards us, both out of breath. Elli saw us and he balled up his tiny little hands, "Is this what you had to tell us? You and Connor?"

"Don't be stupid," I took my hand from Connors and ran up to Elli, patting his shoulder. He smiled a toothy smile.

"Then what is it?" Chad asked, still out of breath.

"Guys," I started and I couldn't help but let myself start to cry.

Elli let out a little shriek, "Don't cry! Mama told me when girls cry a cat will lose one of its lives!" He embraced me and Chad patted my head. Connor stood there awkwardly.

"What is it?" Elli asked.

"I'm... I'm moving to Michigan,"

"WHAT?" Elli pulled back and looked at my face, "No! Don't lie to us!" I could see that he was about to cry too. Elli was always so strong... I didn't ever think that I would see him with tears in his eyes. Chad seemed calm as usual, though sad. He was a year older than all of us after all. I don't know how long we all stood there before my dad came out and told me it was time to go. I hugged each of them, and Connor kissed my cheek.

"Stay in touch?" He tried

"I'll miss you guys," I turned and ran in the house. Dad told me to wait in the car while he grabbed the luggage. I stared out the window when I saw a small orange cat collapse on our lawn. I ran out.

"Are you OK little guy?" I asked him. He was so skinny, and his left paw was all bloody. I ran inside and grabbed some fish we were leaving for the neighbor. I grabbed that and a bottle of water and ran back outside. I shredded up the fish and let it eat some out of my palm. I then poured the water over its paw. "Get better quick kitty," I said and I gave it a small hug.

"Time to go," we started our journey to Michigan.

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Prologue part 2

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I sank further into the seat of the plane and let my mind relax. I was finally headed back to California. I'd stormed out on my dad in a rage and took all of my work money. I'm using that to move to the only place I ever loved, California. Technically I was 17, but as long as I could locate my mom, I would have somewhere to live. I sighed. Oh yeah, I wonder how Chad, Elli, and Connor are doing? I smiled to myself, picturing them individually and wondering how they'd changed. I bet I'll recognize them as soon as I see them. Chad with his wavy black hair and serious face. He was such a worrywart and so polite and shy too. Then there was Elli, he was so cute. He was always trying to act tough, even though he was shorter than even me. He always seemed to have a bandaid on his face. I can still see his tousled blonde hair hiding his blue eyes. His cheesy grin that he usually his behind a tough scowl. Lastly, I remembered Connor perfectly. His round chubby cheeks and missing front tooth. His short brown hair and green eyes. His warm presence. He always made me feel safe.

I sighed, I hope they remember me. I was such a tomboy back then, with a boy haircut and not a single skirt. It's not like I have a big chest or anything, and it's not like I wear skirts all the time now either. But I grew out my hair now. It's longer, darker, and curlier. I sighed again. I really hope they don't forget their best friend.