Unconditional Forbidden Love

Leaving the Nest

MY ROOM LOOKS REALLY BIG without my things. Today I'm leaving this old room that I have lived in for the past 20 years since I was born to be more precise. It seems that not so long ago I was standing in a pink room with dolls in every corner of the room. Princesses were printed along the walls and on the curtains. The curtains were white so when the sun shone the whole room would be blinding. Now all my things are either in a garbage bag sealed in the attic, with my little sister or in my car. I spin slowly looking around my empty old room. I end up facing the door where I find my mom standing and looking around like me but with tears in her eyes. No mom, please don't cry... not now, I thought.

-Mom, please don't cry. I will visit you soon.

-Promise?

She asked me with her pleading eyes. It's going to be so hard to say bye.

-Only if you promise me not to cry.

-Okay, I promise. I'm sorry, it's just so hard to see my baby girl leave the nest.

-Mom I promise, I'll visit you soon, I promise.

-Yeah, you're right, okay. I'm so-

I give her a small smile. She replies with a sad smile. I see Alison standing next to mom holding her favourite teddy bear Pepi. She's already ready for school even though school starts at 9:15. Ali is so punctual, I'm impressed.

-Sue?

-Hey, Ali! How's Pepi? I see you're already ready to go to school.

-Do you really have to go?

She asks me with a sad look. Poor child, she never had any friends. I'm basically her only friend/sister and I'm leaving her behind. I hope she makes some friends because I don't want her to be sad.

-Listen, Ali. When you grow up, you have to leave your old life to start a new one. All your childhood memories stay with you and the rest you leave behind. I'm not talking about friends and family, I'm talking about things that if you hold on to it, you might fall. Now my time to leave these things have come. Ali look at me, please. I'm not leaving you, okay? I'm only going for a while. I promise I'll be back.

Alison lifts her head up. I can see tears in her eyes. Why do I feel like I'm at a funeral? It's so sad. I can't leave them like this.

-You promise you'll visit us? Don't leave forever Sue. Who will I play with?

-Ali! Just think of it as, Sue is gone on a long vacation and she'll come back soon with lots of surprises!

I could see, in Alison's eyes, she was happy about that. Yes, it's working, I thought.

-Ali, why don't we go prepare your lunch for school?

-Okay, mom!

I stand up and watch my mom and Alison go downstairs. Alison was easy to convince but mom, she'll be harder to cheer up.

I take one last glance at my deserted room and I step out. I walk slowly down our hallway and look at the pictures on the wall. There's one where we're all in Cuba. It was fun, I thought. That's where Ali got Pepi. She was so happy. I stop in front of a picture where Ali and I are burying my dad in the sand. I don't quite remember but the pictures help me remember. I'm now in front of a picture where Ali and I are swimming in our new pool. I'm going to miss swimming in the refreshing clean water. I did hear that there's a lake near my new house. So many memories in pictures. Like I said, time to make new ones.

I go downstairs and I see my dad sitting in the living room with his laptop open. I walk toward him and when he sees me he closes his laptop and hugs me really tight.

-Dad, not you too!

-Haha, don't worry kid. I won't cry.

-Good, because I really need some words of encouragement.

-I remember when I was your age, I never wanted to leave the house because I was afraid that my mother and father passed away early and I wouldn't be here.

-Isn't that what happened?

-Yeah, but I managed to stay strong and build my own family. You know, to keep our generation alive. I was the only child so, it was all up to me. But you kid, don't worry about us we'll be fine. Okay? Thanks to my worries, they died early.

Dad was now looking at the ceiling, probably remembering what happened. I was only about 2 months old when it happened. But my dad told me what happened so I know. I would tell you but... it's too much and right now is not the right time with everyone almost crying and everything. I'll tell you later.

-Dad?

-Uh? Oh hey, kid. Sorry, I kinda got lost in my thoughts.

-It's okay. Are all my stuff in the car?

-Yes! They're just waiting for you.

He seemed so cheerful for someone who went through so much and is seeing his daughter leave. There's a saying that says "Sometimes the people who act the happiest are the ones who are going through the most". I feel bad for my dad, but he always tells me not to. Wow, look who's hungry all of a sudden, I thought.

I walk to the kitchen very slowly so that I can admire my house one last time. Once I reach the kitchen I see mom and Alison making sandwiches.

-Looking good and delicious!!

-Thanks! Mommy and I made them.

-I noticed you're very good. Mom...

I nod my head and make a sign for her to come over.

-You're leaving now, right.

-Mom, I am but I promise I'll be back.

-I know, I know, don't worry.

I look at her straight in the eye. This time, she gives me a happy smile. The whole family is happy, I think I should go now before things change.

Mom goes to get Alison and I walk towards the front door with my dad. I look back and wave, they all wave back. My car is there, waiting for me to get in and drive away. Dad wasn't lying, all my things are there. I guess I should get going. I look back again, mom is about to cry. Is this how birds act when they leave their nests? I don't think so, but my family does. I start the car and drive out the driveway. A tear finally escapes my eyes and fall on my hand. About 2 hours later I see the sign that says "Thank you for visiting Londris".