Footprints in the Sand

Chapter 2: Goodbye

Chapter 2: Goodbye

            “Sarah! Come one, get up!

            “I’m up, I’ve been up.” I lied. “Jesus, Korynna, calm down.

            “Yeah right. You wouldn’t be awake right now if I didn’t call you.”

            I sighed, “Whatever.”

            “Look, I’ll be at your house in a half an hour.”

            “Okay.” I said then hit the end button. I set my phone down rubbing my eyes. My gaze drifted to the clock. Five-fifteen.

            What time was out flight again? I couldn’t remember. I pushed myself out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower.

For a while I just stood there letting the warm water run down my back. My thoughts drifted to the day I told Ben I was leaving.

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            Rain petted against the window. I shifted in the passenger seat of Ben’s car.

            “… and besides, at least you didn’t trip walking up the steps of the stage when you got your diploma.” I muttered.

            He chuckled. “You’re so clumsy.” He said as he pulled into my driveway. I rolled my eyes running a hand through my hair.

            “Well, anyway, I have to go pick up your birthday present.

            “What is it?” I asked.

            “You’ll find out on your birthday and since that’s the day you get back from Florida it’s also a welcome home- what’s wrong?” he asked noticing the look on my face. I stared at my knees.

            “I’m not.” I whispered.

            “Not what?” Ben asked confused. I lifted my head and looked him in the eyes.

            “I’m not coming home.” I explained.

            “What are you talking about? It’s only a month trip, your parents-”

            “Are killing me. Ben, I have to get out of here.” I said. He paused realizing just how much staying with my parents was hurting me. Ben nodded.

           “I don’t want to leave you.” I said softly. He shook his head.

           “Like you said, you have to get out of here. Although out of curiosity why do you need a trip to Florida to leave? I mean they’d obviously notice you aren’t coming back. Why didn’t you just tell them you’re leaving and go? Why trick them?”

          “Look.” I sighed. “The trip was planned before I decided to go.” Ben raised his eyebrows.

          “Okay, I don’t have enough money.” I admitted reluctantly. “They’re paying for the flight and I’m getting a ton of cash for spending money. That combined with the money I have now will be enough, at least till I get a job."

        “Won’t you parents be worried when you don’t come back? Wouldn’t they think something happened to you?” He asked concerned. I shook my head.

        “I’m going to leave a note. I’ll be long gone by time they find it.” I sighed staring out the window as lightning flashed across the sky.

        “I want to tell them in person,” I whispered. “But, if I do then they’ll try and talk me out of it. By then I’d feel too guilty to leave.”

       “Sarah” Ben said taking my hand. “Do what you have to do. Write that letter to your parents, get on that plane, and go to Florida. Don’t look back, don’t think twice. Okay?”

      “Okay.” I responded smiling.

     “And hey, If you ever need anything just call.”

    “I love you Ben.” I replied.

   “I love you too” he said then kissed me softly. I grinned, then opened the door and slipped out. I kept my head down as I scampered up the driveway, rain pelting my back soaking me from head to toe. I turned around as I reached the porch, watching Ben back out and drive away.

            I stayed standing there even after he disappeared into the storm. Why did it bother me that he didn’t ask me to stay? I should’ve been glad he was supporting me. Wasn’t that what I should have wanted? But I always thought he’d do anything to be with me. Now he’s just letting me go? Why?

            There was a crack of thunder and I laughed suddenly realizing how stupid I’m being.

            Was I actually considering, even just for a moment, that Ben doesn’t love me?  I thought. If you love something, let it go. That was the saying, right? That’s all Ben’s doing.

            That’s the only reason he didn’t stop me. I took one last look at the street, and then slipped inside the house.