Where We Should Be

Chapter 8

Zoe's P.O.V

I pour out Ariana's favourite cereal, coco pops. I know she tries to eat healthy but after that upsetting dream she deserves a bit of a treat. She was so upset as if she believed I'd actually forget her - I guess she's just paranoid. I think we both are. I hate seeing her cry, haha as soon as one of us starts the other is crying too.

My light blonde hair is in a messy French plait from last night but at least we remembered to take our makeup off so we don't look like pandas. Ariana will have to borrow my makeup if she wants - she doesn't need it but I know it makes her feel a lot more confident - I feel the same but sometimes I just don't care so much about what other people think of me, they can think what they want. Today I will put on a normal amount of makeup though because I want to show Ariana one of my new foundations that I'm loving so, so much.

I know today is a sad day for both of us but it's mostly bad for poor Ari because she has to tell our friendship group and Livvy and Jess about moving to New York and I know they all love her dearly - who wouldn't? She just has this thing about her... She makes people around her happy. Maybe people feel the same about me? I doubt it.

I turn around to see Ariana put down her bowl next to the sink, only half finished. "What's wrong?" I ask her, worried straight away about my precious best friend - as always. She replies with a sad tone in her voice, "I'm sure they'll have enough coco pops in stupid New York". I feel so sorry for her; at least when she's in New York I'll still have everyone else, even if it doesn't feel like enough. She'll have no one. Nothing. I feel my throat tighten - my warning sign for when tears are coming but I fight it back and try to be strong for my best friend... This is all much harder for her and I shouldn't be selfish.

We say hi to my mum and dad in the front room and Ariana finds the strength to whisper a, "thank you for letting me stay" and my mum smiles at her sadly and replies, "It's ok, honey. We're gonna miss you!" We smile and go upstairs to get ready for school.

***

Walking into school, I can still see tears glistening in her eyes and my heart feels heavy but we're gonna have to get over it sometime, aren't we? It's happening. And there's nothing we can do.

As we walk into our form room, earlier than usual, Jess and Livvy are already there and the second they look at us they know something is up. They exchange looks and I see out of the corner of my eye that Ariana looks at the floor and hides are hands up in her sleeves nervously. I do the same without even thinking of it.
"Girls? Are you alright?" Asks Jess in her polite voice and Livvy adds slightly louder, "yeah you look like your dog just died"

"Not really and thanks Livvy, really helps" says Ariana, rolling her eyes jokingly. I'm surprised she has the motivation to joke right now. I don't.

"Ariana has something to tell you. Come sit down" I say and I notice them both frown. They know somethings really up and they're right. If I was Ariana I'd just tell it straight, she's probably sick of going through it by now, it must be painful.

"I'm moving." She says suddenly. Wow I didn't expect her to tell it that straight!

The first reaction isn't what we expected. They look kinda sad but knowing them, they are trying not be selfish, "ooh where to, is it too long of a drive away?" exclaims Jess, and Livvy nods with some enthusiasm but I can tell she doesn't like this and I bite my lip in anticipation for when it hits them. It's more than just a long drive but I leave it to Ariana to tell them - it's her news to tell, after all.

"Erm.." She begins and I see the concern growing from Livvy and Jess's facial expressions.

"Spit it out, Ari!" Says Livvy, worry in her voice.

"I-It's N-New York,"

"WHAT?!" They exclaim together and then get straight up out of their chairs to wrap her in a hug and I join in. It feels so emotional and I'm almost immediately overwhelmed.

I feel like we aren't the only things smothering one another right now; sadness is too.