Safe And Sound •A Tobuscus / Toby Turner Fanfic•

I Will See You Again

   "We HAD to walk, didn't we!?" Kathryn complained for the millionth time.

   "Man up! It's fine out here!" I say.

   "Says the girl from the freaking Artic," Kathryn mumbles. I laugh.

   Because of my parents job, I moved around a lot as a kid. I was born in Florida. I hated how it was so warm all the time. Finally, when I was 4, we moved to Alaska in the dead of winter. I loved the cold. We moved around so many states I forgot which ones I haven't been to. When I was 8, we moved to Ohio. My parents loved it there. They thought it could be our permanent home. I even had a few friends. One, in particular, was my best friend.

   His name was Mark. At first, I didn't really like him. Nevertheless, I saw him a lot because our parents were good friends. My science grades sucked at the time, and he had the top grade in the class, so, of course, out parents set us up to study every Saturday. At first, it was awkward as heck. Then I figured, if I'm going to spend my Saturdays this way, why not get to know him, at least.

   The more we got to know each other, the more fun studying was. We would come up with funny tricks to remember stupid facts I was never going to use in life. That was, until I got the news.

     ***Flashback***

   "Stephanie we need to talk," my dad says at dinner.

   "/Uh oh. What did he find out about now?/" I think nervously. I prepared for the worst but there was no preparing for what I heard next.

   "We know this is going to be hard for you, but we have to move," my mom says. I feel like someone just threw a rock at my chest. Tears well in my eyes. My stomach twists and turns. I glare at my food.

   "Where?" I ask, refusing to look at my parents. "Where are we going?" It was silly to think there was hope this was just a move across town, but I held onto it with all I had.

   "A small town not that far from Chicago in Illinios," my dad says. I wince as if he had just hit me in the gut.

   Refusing to make a scene, I quietly say, "I'm not hungry anymore," and go up to my room. I was twelve then. Mark and I were close. I lock my bedroom door and curl into a little ball on my bed. The tears start flowing.

   "/I have a life here. I have friends. I can't just leave them behind. I just can't!/" I think as I cry myself to sleep.

          ***

   BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! My alarm screams in my ear. It's Saturday. I have my last study session with Mark today. I push the thought side and get ready.

   It was a beautiful fall day. The leaves on the trees were just starting to change color. The leaves on the top of the trees were a red velvety color. The bottoms were still green. It looked almost as if the trees were on fire.

   A cool fall breeze blows my hair out of my face as I walk out to the car. I wait impatiently for my mom. While I do, I check the little amount of makeup I have on. I decided to look pretty since it was my last time seeing Mark. The corners of my eyes were pink and my eyes were puffy. Screw that. I sigh as I lean back in my seat.

   When my mom finally gets in the car, I put my headphones on and listen to music while watching scenery I know all too well pass by for the last time.

   When I see Mark waiting for me on his front porch, I can't help but smile. Nobody could every replace him. His smile sends butterflies to my stomach. I give him a half-hearted smile as I grab my bag and walk up to him.

   "Hey you," Mark says happily as he walks inside with me. His parents were in the middle of an argument when we walked in. They welcome me. I wave and smile as Mark practically drags me to his room by the wrist.

   "Sorry about that," Mark sighs. I get that feeling like I'm about to cry my eyes out again. I don't know why, but I hug Mark as tightly as I can. He hugs me back, "Whoa, are you okay?" He rubs my back as I try to breathe right.

   I look into his worried hazel eyes, "N-no. M-my parents say w-we have to move ag-gain," I barely manage to get the words out. My voice cracks. I bury my face in his shoulder. He hugs me tightly. For a moment, we just stand there. Two twelve-year olds, trying to deal with the loss of each other.

   I pull away, "We have to study."

   "Yeah. Where were we?" Mark sighs and he sit on the floor leaning against his bed.

   I search for my book, "Uhh, chapter 8 I think?"

   I hear the rustling of pages, "yeah, chapter 8."

   "Crap!" I yell, kicking my bag. "I forgot my book."

   Mark laughs, "It's okay. We'll just share mine." I scootch closer to him.

        -Fast Forward-

   Mark and I are playing a video game as we wait for my mom to come. I beat him once again.

   "Dang it!" Mark tells as I laugh.

   "And I'm going easy on you!" I too on the floor.

   "One more rematch," Mark challenges. "All gloves off."

   I laugh, "Good luck. You'll really need it." The match starts. Mark pulls a move I have never seen him use before. It kills me instantly. "YOU FREAKING CHEATER!" I yell. He bursts out laughing. "You are SO mean to me!!!" It's his turn to roll on the floor. He holds his side.

   "I. Can't. Breathe." He tries to sit back up. "Dang. I have never heard you talk that loud, Steph."

   "Shut up," I say but I can't help it. A smile firms on my face but I hide it by buying mt face against my knees.

   "Aww, Steph," Mark rubs my back. "Don't be mad. Come on. I'm sorry."

   I push him, "You should be, butthole." We both laugh.

   Mark's mom walks in, "Stephanie, your mom is here."

   "Well, that's my cue," I sigh. Mark walks me out. I hug him.

   "I'll see you again. I promise," Mark whispers in my ear. I say goodbye and turn around. A tear rolls down my face as my mom drives away, but I know this isn't the end of our friendship.

        ***Flashback end***

   "Says the girl from the freaking Artic," Kathryn mumbles. I laugh. We walk into a restaurant and order drinks. I glance at someone sitting at the window.

   "Is that who I think it is?" I say before I can stop myself.