The Rhythm Within Us

One~ The Departure

"Flight 263 will begin boarding in 10 minutes."

" Well , that's my flight." I say to my father. Awkwardness fills the air as I look into his watery eyes. The kind of akwardness where you're not sure of what to say. Words can not describe the pain I felt of leaving home. The noisy streets of Detroit, the blaring sirens in the distance, the cool gust of air I felt when I sat on my balcony to write my music. I was leaving my home to live with my mother in Santa Monica. My father was to be deported back to Iraq next week.

"Living with your mother in California will give you a great opportunity to make new friends and get to know your mother better" my father explained a week prior when he first heard of the news. He believed that I would be safer living with my mother than going with him since he was my only living relative in Michigan. "I know you and your mother may have some unresolved issues to work out bu-" "How could you?" I cut him off. "How could you send me to live with a woman I don't even know? A total stranger? She never called me. She never sent me birthday cards. I'm 16 dad. She's alien to me. I've never even met her before. Just take me with you. I'm sure I'll manage" "Well," He chuckled "Stranger or not, she's still your mother. And not to mention your only living relative" He said with a tint of sadness. "She's not dead By the way." I said. My big sister Tara has been missing for 4 years now. Though her case has been closed for over 2 years. I still feel as if she's apart of me. Though you dad has given up, I know she's not dead. That's for certain.

"You're going to Santa Monica to live with your mother and that's final. I suggest you tell Taylor and start packing. We leave Saturday at 8 a.m sharp" He said. I left without a word. A whole new environment. I'd have to start anew. I've never been good at making friends and I'll also be forced to live with a complete and utter stranger, otherwise known as my mother. Since she left shortly after I was born, I never knew her and I feel as though she never wished to know me either.

Saying goodbye to Taylor was the hardest part. It was all discussed over a coffee at the local diner. "So how long will you stay there?" Taylor said while taking a sip of her coffee. The dark liquid reminds me so much of her. She likes her coffee black like her long shiny hair. She gives you life when you feel like there's nothing to live for. She's also a pick-me-up on those dreadful Monday mornings. "I'm not sure when my dad will return. It could be in a couple months. It could be a couple years." Taylor stared blankly into her mug. She began swirling it in a circular motion before taking another sip. "So just like that... you're leaving me?" She said. Her voice began to falter as she began to tear up. "Don't think of it like that. Think of it as me going on a vacation. I'll be back before you know it. When I come back we can finish our song and do whatever you want ok?" She nodded and looked at her feet. "Listen, Taylor, I leave tommrow. I wanted to spend a couple more hours with you before I left. I don't want any tears. Today is gonna be a good day." I explained to her. "Can I at least see you off?" Taylor said quietly. "Of course you can." I said

"Dad stop it, you're gonna make my cry too" I said. By now we were in a warm embrace in the middle of the airport. I felt his warm tears on my crimson shirt sleeves. I felt myself tear up as well. "Flight 263 will departure in 5 minutes. All boarding Flight 263 is asked to report to the gate immediately." I pulled away from him as he wiped my tears. "I love you so much Chardae. Promise me you'll call when you land." My dad said, eyes red from crying. "I promise. I love you too."
"I love you more."
"I love you most."

We held each other one last time. After we let go I sprinted towards the gate in fear of being left behind. I was the last person to board. I stood in line panting waiting for the attendent to check my ticket. I was a little sad. I had expected to see Taylor before I boarded. All of a sudden I heard heavy footsteps in the distance. "DAE-DAE WAIT UP!" A voice yelled. I turned around only to see Taylor running full speed towards me with a small silver box in her hand. She tackles me to the floor. Hard. "OMG I'm so sorry I couldn't stop my self!" She cried helping me up off the floor. "I thought I missed you. I nearly gave my mother a heart attack driving down the highway at 75 miles per hour." She laughed through quick breaths. She handed me the box. "Just a token to remember me bye." She said. Though she had a broad smile on her face I could feel a melt down coming on. I pulled her in addition she began to cry in your arms. "Ahem." The attendent cleared her throat. We pulled away from each other "Open it when you get on the plane. And hey," She grabbed my shoulder. "Don't forget about me" She said. We hugged one last time. Then I made my way towards the gate. "You're seat will be seat A13 please enjoy your flight." The attendent said emotionless when handing me back my ticket. I looked back to my best friend of 16 years and smiled. I'm leaving my whole life behind and beginning a new chapter. Goodbye Michigan, Hello California.