Bandmate ||Ricky Garcia||

《f o r t y - s i x》

The news was that Ricky would be released today at 6 o'clock meaning 60 minutes away, and I was at home trying on the options in dresses for my graduation in 3 days. My eyes kept on glancing at the white dress Ricky got for me, a dress that was meant to be worn for the party. But now that party has to be forgotten.

That talk with Peyton 5 days ago left me dry. I'd come to realize just how much I needed Ricky. There wasn't a moment I didn't feel the urge to call him, stare at his photos like a stalker just thinking that I will never go with him. As I stared at myself in the mirror a buzz comes from behind me. My first assumption is Ricky, but the screen said, Jocelyn.

Picking up the phone I answer that call, ''I'm so sorry-''

''Woah Audrey, relax I forgive you.'' After almost a month the high pitch of her voice sounds sweeter.

''I wasn't there for you when that happened. You're my best friend, you are my priority.'' I felt breathless, however, a ball of energy bursts within the sound of her voice.

''I know and that's why I called. My mom made me feel guilty and she's right, me ignoring you was unfair and childish. So I saw the news... How do you feel?''

''There's so much going on,'' I went on and told her everything that's been going on, from the time Ricky almost said the L word to me agreeing to leave him alone.

''Doesn't that mean that Jon and I will never meet again? Audrey, you can't do that to me.''

''Jos as much as I'd love to see you both together I can't talk to them anymore. Peyton is better for him.''

''You really are delusional. You can't just become another girl, you're the girl.''

''Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I had never accepted that competition.''

''One word, miserable.''

I'm would be miserable anyways, with my half family gone. ''You received news about any colleges?'' I asked her.

''So far I got accepted to two, and one of them is BSU. You still thinking of applying right?''

''Yes, I am.'' Even with my mother's protests, I feel a need to attend. For the rest of the night until my mom got home we used the hours to catch up. Saying my goodbyes I stroll down the stairs to meet my mom who had a wide smile on her face.

''What's wrong?'' I asked, my ability to distinguish the difference between a genuine smile and a forced one had started to fade.

''I have great news. Dennis called and he said that they'll be able to fly up here for your graduation! They'll be here the day right before.''

''Does that mean grandma is coming too?'' My chest rose up.

''Yes, the whole family.'' She cheers.

Well, not all of it.

-----------------

Sitting here as my mom went to look for a bathroom I think back to the last time I was at the airport. Liam appears more tolerable now than a few weeks ago. Last night as we arrived from the mall with new shoes for the big day tomorrow, I received a message from Ricky. He said come over, but I didn't. I haven't answered.

He'll soon forget me, just like I'll soon forget him. A new cluster of people start to pass by and my neck cranes up to see if my family was in the mix. The first person I saw was uncle Dennis who still had a neck pillow on. Getting up I wave my arms until they see me. He taps on Grandmas' shoulder and her glasses soon reflect my face.

As they start to walk I see my uncle's new wife pushing grandpa's wheelchair in our direction. Running towards them I first give grandma a hug, followed by Dennis. ''You ready for tomorrow?''He asked me as I waved at his wife.