Stay

One

"So it's gonna be a while, I guess" I say, breaking the silence. "Sorry?" Brook looks up from his phone. "It's gonna be a while till I see you again, isn't it?" I put down my phone, and so does Brook. "Yeah, but it won't be as long as before, this month is just really busy for us with tour and all the other exciting things we're planning for the year." He was trying to make light of a situation we both didn't want. Leaving each other.

"I waited 2 months to see you and all I get is a few hours then you're off again, doing your thing. I'm proud of you, I really am. I just miss how it used to be, how we used to knock for each other and go to the park or go to the cinema, do whatever we wanted because we had all that free time an-" Brook stood up quite abruptly which caused me to stop rambling on. "Bry, I'll be back soon. Come and give me a hug." He put out his arms and squeezed me tightly, I miss this. I missed knowing I could hug him when I wanted. Now I'm lucky if I see him once every couple of months.

"Stop." He squeezed me even tighter. "Stop what?" I managed to say. "Crying. I can feel your body shaking. Please stop crying Bry, I'll end up crying." I tried to calm myself down but I couldn't, its always so hard when he leaves. "I'm sorry." I say quietly. "Don't apologize! It's okay, honestly. I'm going to miss you so much, B." "I'm also going to miss you too, B"

We let go of each other when his mum called him from downstairs. "We better be going now Brooklyn!" As soon as I heard those words I let out another little cry but Brook quickly pulled me in for another hug. "Please babe, please don't cry. I promise when I come back home I'll spend time with you, I promise." He kissed the top of my head as I'm just a little smaller than him. "I'd like that" I say and show him a smile, he always gestures for me to smile when I'm sad. It's a thing we've always done.

He put on his hoodie then looked at me for a few seconds, I done the same. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I furrow my eyebrows. "I don't need this." He takes his hoodie off and pushes it towards my chest. "No, Brook. This is yours, keep it." I put my hands out to give it back, he puts his bag down and sighs. "Look, I know over the many years we've been friends you seem to have gathered a pile of my clothes..." He laughs a little which causes me too also "...but I really do want you to have this. Think of it as an 'I miss Brook but I'll see him soon', hoodie" he smiles and moves a few strands of hair from my face. "Why are you so cute? I'll probably be wearing this all the time." I laugh and Brook smiles. "Keep that smile on your face, okay? I love it when you're happy."

"Brooklyn, are you ready?!" His mum calls again. "Hang on, mum!" "Brook, you better go!" I just wish you could stay" I say and my face drops again. "Um what do you think you're doing?" He says, I look up at him and he's doing the 'smile gesture'. I smile and give him a hug. "I love you lots Bryony. Never forget that. I'm always here for you, even if we aren't physically together and I'm going to miss you so much." "I love you so much more and thank you for everything."

Brook and his mum got in the car, I stood at the door with my mum and dad. I was dreading this. I just want him to stay but I know he's doing amazing things. His mum beeps as they start driving off, Brook mouths "I love you" and makes a heart with his hands. I do the same but I can't hold back the tear which has been hanging on my eyelash

I go up to my room to find my phone flashing, which means I have a text.

Brook💙
Hey, I told you to stop crying, didn't I? You made me cry a little, thank you Bry😂 I miss you so much already❤❤

Bryony
You saw? I didn't mean too, it just kinda happened. I miss you so much too😥❤

Brook💙
Of course I saw, how could I not notice my best friend crying? I'm gonna sleep, Bry. I'm sorry but I'm so tired, I'll text you when I'm back at the flat. I love you❤

Bryony
Aww!! And that's okay sleepy, remember to text me! I love you❤