Across the Pond

Chapter 58

After a long and hard conversation with my parents and weighing the pros and cons of the prospective job in England, we came to the conclusion that it is best if I go.  When dad agreed, I started to cry--happy tears of course-- but still.  Harry was out with Ryan during this conversation because I didn't want him to be around to sway my parents one way or the other.  I jump out of my seat and run to hug both of my parents.  I know how hard this is for them.

"Oh my Gosh, I love you guys so much!"  Mom has tears in her eyes too as she caresses my cheek.

"My little girl isn't so little anymore.  You're moving continents, ya know?"

"Yea" I smile through my tears.

"If you don't like it, you can always come back here.  I'll even pay for your plane ticket" Dad reminds. 

I hug him tighter, "I love you."

Harry and Ryan walk in on our love fest, "Woah, what is going on in here?" Ryan asks from the front of the room.  I look over my shoulder and see the boys standing there--especially Harry. 

My smile grows even wider as I stand up and turn around.  "I'm moving to England." I drop the bomb.  Harry drops the bag he was holding and crosses the room in two long strides. 

"Like for real?" he chirps excitedly.

"Like for real" I giggle through my overly radiant smile and tears and he embraces me tight and spins me around.

When he puts me down, he rushes to my parents, "Oh my God, this is incredible!  I can't thank you guys enough for all you've done for me this summer I've been here.  I will take the absolute best care of your daughter.  I--" he's rambling like an idiot and dad stands u and claps him on the back.

"I know you will, Harry.  That's the only reason I'm letting her go."  Harry's smile widens and he looks over at me.

"What the hell?" Ryan says slowly, still from the front of the room.

"Surprise!" I giggle.

"You're moving countries?" he says, still in disbelief.

"Who's moving countries?" Kira asks cautiously as she enters the room.  I look at mom quickly for a sign of what to do.

"Tori is." she finishes for me.  An ear piercing shriek of horror rages through the house and she flies upstairs. 

"Kira!" I run after her.  She slams and locks her door before I can get to her.  "Kira, listen to me, please" I plead from outside the room.

"No!" she shrieks.  "This is exactly what I knew would happen.  You go away, fall in love, and move.  But you're not just moving neighborhoods, you're moving countries!  You're my only sister!  We do everything together and now that you have Harry, you don't care about me anymore" she screams through the door.

I start crying again and this time, not happy tears.  "Kira, no.  That's not true at all!" I plead through sobs and try wiggling the door knob. 

"This is the only job I was offered.  I can't help it; I have to work.  I never wanted to be this far away, but this is just what happened.  I will still talk to you everyday.  We can use skype for me to tuck you in at night.  You can come and visit me when you can, I'll come back as much as possible." This reaction from her completely breaks me.  Maybe I shouldn't go. 

Silence is met on the other end of the door now.  I slide my back down the door frame and let my left legs drop down the step.  "Kira please" I plead and roll my head towards the door.  A touch on my leg causes my head to jerk back towards the stairs.  It's Harry; he's sprawled across half the flight of stairs.