Red Witch

Chapter 6

After talking to Tia, who seamed way too happy for my liking, I made my rounds to break the news to everyone. We were planning on leaving the next day around lunch time to a small town in Nevada called Pine Nut where the average age is 53. The population is even worse and I don't even know how I'll be able to make that adjustment.

I slowly made my way over to the younger girls room dreading this moment the most. I cracked open the door to find that most of the girls were sleeping and I crossed my fingers in hope that Cali was too. Creeping in to the room, I made my way to the corner where Cali slept. Sure enough there she was, curled up in a tight ball clutching her favorite stuffed bunny. She made small noises when she breathed in and it was the most adorable thing I ever heard. I breathed in a ragged breath and choked back tears at I stared at her soft, slightly chubby face. Gosh I'm gonna miss her the most. I sent her one last sad look before making my way out. I'd talk to her when she woke up. 

Right after I closed the door I ran into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean too." Jake whispered. I grimaced as I rubbed my nose.

"Come on Jake, that was the second time in one day. You're going to end up breaking it." I moaned

Jake chuckled, "Right. So what are you doing still up?" He asked with  a small smile.

"I...ummm...I have something to tell everyone that I kinda just found out about." I said my earlier amusement disappearing.

"Oh, okay. Wanna go in my room to talk?" I nodded and followed him to his room. We climbed the few steps to the third floor where the older girls and Jakes room was. The three other older girls, around 15 and 16, were asleep but I'd tell them in the morning. He opened his door and I was immediately hit with the strong smell of lemons. I wrinkled my nose and looked at Jake.

"Sorry, it was a gift from one of the girls." I nodded my head in understanding. One thing about the other older girls is that they adore Jake. From the minute he walked in they wouldn't stop bothering him and flirting with him, it literally made me gag. To be honest I was a little jealous because I knew I would never get the chance to be with a guy like Jake, or any guy for that matter. That's why when Jake told me he liked me I was shocked.

"Well, what is it you wanted to tell me." He said, looking at me with curiosity. I took in a deep breath dreading saying this to him just as much as I did to Cali.

"Ummm, I-I don't know how to say this but-"

"Your leaving aren't you?" I stopped and looked at Jake in pure shock.

"H-how did you know?" He just laughed sadly and shook his head.

"Lucy told me that you might be leaving soon the night Tia first came." I frowned a little upset that Lucy had told him and knew before I did.

"I was hoping it wasn't true but....." Jake mumbled moving 

I stand there speechless as I watch him walk over to his bed and plop down. I had something prepared when I found out about what was happening, I was planning on telling everyone the same thing but right now I had no idea what to say.....

"I-" I start.

"No, just stop." Jake frowned. I clamp my mouth shut and swallow a large lump of guilt and sadness. I walked over, taking small steps till I reached the bed. My whole insides were telling me to leave and let him be, especially since he already knew but I couldn't find it in me to move. Taking a deep breath, I slowly sat on his bed, a loud creek spreading through the quiet room.

"I know you don't want to here anything I have to say, but in order for me to leave I have to say something or I might never make it anywhere. I would hurt to much if I didn't say anything." I let out a shaky breath before continuing, giving him plenty of time to interject, but he didn't.