The Path Back To You

Prologue

It was a normal day. The sun was up but it was also a bit windy so it was neither too hot or cold. Two girls can be seen playing at a garden full of sunflowers with a small pond at the center of it. Their laughter can be heard all over the place while telling stories of what they did with their last summer together. With that thought, the girls quickly became quiet as they knew that their separation was imminent in just an hour.

"I'll miss you. I'll miss you so bad, I don't know if I'll even find someone as funny, imaginative and clever as you.", the taller one of the two whispered.

"I'll miss you too. I'll miss the way you make me laugh, your overprotectiveness and even when you both get us into trouble.", came the reply

"Hey! You wanted to do it as well!" huffed the brown-haired girl.

"Well, yes. (laughs) but it was always your idea.", the black-haired girl retorted.

"Fine! Hmp! You're arguing with me even though you're going away in about 30 minutes!", and with that Shannon turned to her side while trying to hide away her tears.

Zea, sensing the other girl's sadness, hugged her from behind and said, "You'll write me letters, right? And send me texts, as well? Promise me?"

Shannon turned around and hugged her back. "I promise. I can't imagine not going a day without talking to you. I love you that much."

"I love you, too. Sooooo much babe." came the soft reply. A sniffle was heard and Zea started crying. "I can't do this. How can I go for months without seeing you?"

"Gosh, you're such a crybaby!" Shannon teased with tears starting to fall from her eyes as well.

"Look who's talking!" Zea tried to get out of their embrace but Shannon held on tight.

"We love each other. That's what matters. "

"But we're too young. Can we handle this? I mean grown-ups break up because they're far apart. What makes us different?" Zea asked

"There you go again with your smart brain. Are you really eleven?" Zea slapped Shannon's shoulder and Shannon laughed. "Kidding aside, babe. I know we're young but we can do this." Zea was about to talk but Shannon interrupted her. "I know that we're both girls and I know it's a sin to the eyes of God and to our families as well but we can do this. Just believe in us. Please."

Zea was quiet for a while and Shannon feared the worst. She was able to sigh in relief when she heard Zea's reply

"I believe in us. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

With that, the two girls kissed and they forgot where they were and why they are both sad. All that mattered was that kiss. They broke the kiss when Shannon accidentally bit Zea's lip.

"Ouch! Why did you bite my lip?" Zea frowned.

"I was shocked when you shoved your tongue inside my mouth!" Shannon explained.

"Well, that was a sloppy kiss for beginners." Zea laughed.

"Isn't that how it's supposed to be?" Shannon winked at Zea. " Why don't we try again so that we'll learn?"

"Might as well." Zea agreed. They were about to lean in for a kiss when they heard Zea's mom call her name.

"Zea? Where are you? Our plane's leaving in three hours! We need to go to the airport now."

The girls sighed and tears started to fall again. It was heartbreaking and they were afraid but they made a promise to stay together against all odds and they will make it work.

"Zea!!! We really need to go!"

"I'm here, mom! I'll be out in a few!"

Zea stood up and pulled Shannon with her. She wiped her tears and Shannon's as well and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "I love you", she whispered.

"I love you too." Shannon replied with a sniffle.

"Zea! I'm serious!!" Zea's mom shouted

"Yes, mom! I'm coming!!" Zea shouted back.

"Coming? We didn't even do anything." Shannon said out of nowhere.

"What? What do you mean--- ewwww! Why are you thinking about that! Stop it!" Zea blushed while Shannon laughed out loud.

"God, I'll miss teasing you." Shannon said.

"You won't miss God. You'll miss me." Zea replied with a wink. "Now, let's go before my mother starts shouting again."

The girls walked out of the garden while holding hands. Their parents saw them and no one paid attention to their hands because after all they are both just best friends to their eyes.