Why I'm Not A Wallflower

This Isn't Happening

"What did you say, Dominic?" I ask confused.

"I said: we're moving," he responds.

No! No! No! I refuse to believe it. Dominic is pretty young. Maybe he just got confused. Maybe he heard his parents incorrectly. Maybe... maybe it's true.

Nope! It isn't! I absolutely refuse to believe it!

I laugh nervously.

"Are you sure, Dominic?" I ask him.

"Of course I'm sure!" He says nonchalantly.

"I have to use the bathroom," I mumble.

I get up and leave. I don't actually have to go to the bathroom. I just need a place to call Jessica. I know she's at work, but I don't care.

I pull my phone out from my pocket and call Jessica as quickly as possible.

The line strts ringing.

Once.

Twice.

Then she picks up.

"Hello?" she answers.

"Oh my Gosh, Jessica! Dominic told me you guys were moving. I know it's probably not true, but I just wanted to check with you becau-"

She cuts me off before I can go on a rant.

"No, Julia. It's true."

"What? Why didn't you tell me? How long have you known this? When are you moving? Where are you moving?"

Somehow, Jessica managed to understand what I'm saying, regardless of how fast I'm talking.

"I was gonna tell you today, when I got home. We've known for about a month. We are moving in two months. The house is in the next town over."

There's an awkward silence. Jessica breaks it.

"I'm sorry, Julia! I wanted to tell you sooner, but I never got around to it."

"It's fine. Really it's no big deal. I-I was just confused," I lie.

"Okay. I'm so glad you understand," she says relieved.

"Uh, yeah! Bye!"

I hang up.

The truth is, I'm not fine. I'm the opposite from fine. I love the kids and they have become apart of my life. I'm not ready to let them go.

It's unfair that Jessica didn't tell me sooner. I wanted her to tell me; not Dominic.

I walk back into the kitchen and keep myself calm for the kids' sake.

"Julia, are you crying?" I hear Trish ask.

I wipe my eyes. I guess I am crying. I didn't even notice.

"No, it's just allergies," I lie. 

We all sit at the table for the rest if lunch, eating our sandwiches in silence.

To pass the time we just sit around and watch TV until Finn gets home. 

I don't feel like doing anything else. I'm still in shock about my conversation with Jessica.

Finally, after what seems like forever, I hear the keys in the door.

Finn.

He opens the door and finds us in the living room.

The kids go and give him a hug.

"Thanks for watching the kids, Julia," he exclaims.

"Oh, uhhh... no problem," I reply.

I don't mention anything that happened today. There's no need.

I''m about to leave when Finn asks if I want to stay for a while.

"No thanks," I mumble.

And with that, I'm gone.

I start walking home. I don't know if I should be sad, mad, or scared.  I'm not gonna see the kids very often and they were a big part of my life. On the other hand, Jessica decided to keep this information from me. She didn't even seem sorry about it. What if kids bully Trish and Dominic? What if the people in their new neighborhood are mean? Humans can be cruel sometimes.

When I get home, I go straight to my room and bury my head in my pillow. 

I have completely forgotten that tomorrow is my first day of high school.