Midnight Adventures

Starting Over

"We're going to miss you, Chantel." Jesse said as he pulled me in for a bear hug. I hesitantly hugged him back, choking back the tears from flowing down my face. I looked at the rest of my friends and could see the sadness in their faces. This was the day I wasn't looking forward to.

Today was the day that my family and I would be picking up everything from the place I called home and move across the country.

I should be happy; I knew this deep down. My family has been struggling financially for the past couple of years. Luckily, my father got an amazing job in Los Angeles. Unluckily, this meant that the entire family had to relocate to Los Angeles from our small town in Georgia.

My entire life was here. I've been friends with the same kids since we were all in pre-school together. And now, after 17 years, I would be leaving them.

I didn't know if this was harder for me or my best friend, Olivia. While I was hugging Jesse, I could see her wiping tears away from her face. I promised myself that I wouldn't cry until we were driving away, but seeing Liv crying made me more emotional.

"Liv, you promised you wouldn't cry." I said after hugging Jesse. I walked over to Liv and pulled her in for a hug.

"I know, but it's really hitting me now." She replied as she squeezed me. Looks like I just broke my promise. I felt the salty tears begin to fall from my eyes as I squeezed Liv.

"I hate to break this up," My mom said as she placed her hands on both of us. "But, we need to head to the airport now if we're going to make our flight." She looked sad as well as she squeezed both of us before walking back to the car.

Liv, Jesse, and I all sadly looked at each other before Jesse brought us in for a group hug. "We're going to miss you, Chan." Jesse said as he hugged Liv and I. "I know you're going to love L.A."

"Think of the hot guys." Liv added, trying to lighten the situation. I couldn't help but smile. "Justin Bieber lives in L.A! Maybe you'll run into him!"

"Maybe..." I said as I broke away from the hug. I slowly began walking backwards towards the car. "I love you guys..."

"We love you too." Liv and Jesse said at the same time. Jesse began waving at me, but yet, I couldn't find the words to say goodbye to them.

"Bye, Chan." Liv called out. I waved goodbye to them as I got in the car. I kept waving even as we pulled out of the driveway. Before we pulled away, I took one last glimpse at my childhood home.

That old white house was filled with so many memories. From me learning how to ride a bike to me getting my first kiss outside on the front porch. And now, I was driving away from all of these memories and my friends.

My thoughts were interrupted by my dad honking the car horn at my friends and waving goodbye to them. I sadly smiled at them as we drove away.

Saying goodbye is difficult.

***

"Mommy!" My six year old brother, Chance, exclaimed as we boarded our flight pointing at the only plane outside of the windows. "Is that our plane right there?!"

"Yes, honey." My mom said as she rubbed his head.

I clenched my airline ticket as reality began to sink in. I was about to board the flight to travel across the country. This wasn't a fantasy.