Saving Mira-Jean (Hiatus)

Prologue

"So this is it huh?"

I looked away from the moving van and at my best guy friend, Chase Hammond. We stood there, hands stuffed in our jean pockets as the adults ran around finalising everything.

I ran my hand through my blond hair. "I guess," I mumbled.

Chase turned to face me. "Soon you'll be one of those Cali boys, surfing every day and BBQs every night. You'll forget about us here in Bridgewater," he said. I knew him well enough to know this was an attempt at bravado.

"Never thought you'd be one to believe in stereotypes," I commented. "But how can I forget my best friend?" I knocked his shoulder as we grinned.

"I hope you meant to say "one of my best friends"." Chase and I turned around to see the owner of the voice. Mira-Jean stood with her hands stuffed into her hoodie and grinning at us. "I'm going to pretend that you didn't mean to exclude me."

"I would never," I said in mock fear making her laugh. "But I should, I was hoping for a teary goodbye."

Mira-Jean scoffed jokingly, giving me some massive side eye. "Not from me, sorry."

"Really? You're the one who cried her lungs out when Rex moved for college," I reminded her.

She raised an eyebrow at me, "Yeah because he's worth it."

Chase let out an "Oooooooo" as a booming laugh caught our attention. The three of us looked up at the towering figure that was Rex Sawnson.

He grinned, "Glad to know where I stand with you sis." Mira-Jean smiled at him. Though Chase and I weren't related to him, Rex was our older brother too.

Rex pulled me in for a brotherly hug. "Have fun there squirt. Don't be afraid to show them who's boss." He turned to his sister and identical hazel eyes locked. "Mom's making our favourite pasta tonight, don't stay out too long or it'd be gone."

"Along with your Pokémon card collection," Mira replied in the same threatening tone. Rex's eyes opened in fear before he smiled and ruffled Mira's black hair, a stark contrast to his blond. He waved a good bye before heading back home.

Chase, Mira-Jean and I had known each other since birth. Our families were super close and we were thick as thieves and it didn't help that we all lived on the same street. But now with my father's new promotion, the Vega family had to move.

"Chase!" Mrs Hammond called from their porch. "Dinner!" Mira stepped back, letting Chase and I hug. We watched as Chase walked away, rubbing his eyes to stop himself from crying.

"He's right you know," Mira's eyes were focused on the movers as they closed the back of the vans. "You're going to forget about us."

I reached for her wrist and pulled her so she was facing me. "Really? You think I could ever forget a pain in my ass like you?"

Mira laughed but when our eyes met I saw the worry and sadness she hid. Mira was never the type of girl to wear her heart on her sleeve.

"Hey, come here," I wrapped my arms around her as she did the same to me. "You know I won't forget you."

Mira sniffed, "You sure?"

I chuckled, "I'm sure."

She looked up at me dubiously, "Think about it, the time difference, new friends, the work load that comes with high school. It's going to be difficult."

"It is but we'll make it work," I replied. Mira continued to look at me doubtfully, her eyes were rimmed with thick black eyelashes that somehow made her judgement seem harsher. "Still don't believe me?" She nodded. "Alright, I turn 18 before our senior year, I'll come back and we'll graduate high school together."

"Really?" Mira breathed and I smiled when I heard the hope in her voice. "You would do that for us?"

I nodded as my mother called my name. I released Mira and turned to join my parents when she grabbed my hand.

"Promise Ry?" she said softly. My chest hurt when I heard the name only she was allowed to use.

I smiled and faced her sadly before squeezing her hand and letting it go.

"I promise."