Until We Meet Again

Chapter Twenty-One Until We Meet Again

Summer flew in and flew right back out. The gang had spent most of their summer together, inseparable. Allison's family had improved greatly—her father had completely moved back into the same room as her mother, and they had begun to work on their marriage. He was also making small strides toward figuring out his faith in God. Though there were still unresolved issues, Allison had done her best to give her father another chance, knowing it would take time to rebuild their relationship.

The community started coming together more often. Neighbors and friends would drop by, and Mrs. Hayze, Mrs. Gingers, and Mrs. West had become close friends, spending their days sharing coffee and conversation. Their husbands were also getting along, bonding over shared interests. Luke and Eliza were still happily together, their relationship blossoming further. As for Kyle and Allison, they were still best friends as promised, though there was an unspoken closeness between them. Now, it was time to part ways and embark on their own journeys in life, and Allison knew she had God to thank for getting her here.

The Hayze and West families stood together while the Ginger and Rogers families stood across from them, all gathered to say goodbye to their children. Mrs. Hayze reached out and gently grabbed Allison's hand, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I love you so much. Please be safe!" she said, her voice trembling.

"I love you too, Mom!" Allison said as she rushed into her mother's embrace. The tears they both fought to hold back finally fell as they hugged. At the same time, Kyle did the same with his mother, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"You and Allison are going to be so far away," Mrs. West said, trying to hold back her own tears.

Kyle chuckled softly and took his mother's small hands into his. "Mom, we'll be home for holidays and breaks. This isn't goodbye."

"You're right. I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," Kyle replied before turning to his father.

Charles West patted his son on the shoulder, his voice proud but soft. "I'm proud of you, son. I love you."

"Thanks, Dad. I love you too." Kyle shook his father's hand before the older man pulled him into a tight hug.

While Kyle finished saying goodbye to his family, Allison found herself caught in another round of hugs from her mother.

"I promise I'll call and tell you everything. Please pray for me," Allison said, her voice muffled against her mother's shoulder.

Mrs. Hayze nodded and reached into her purse, handing Allison an envelope filled with money for the road. The gesture reminded Allison of a song, and she began singing softly, Don't Forget to Remember Me by Carrie Underwood. Mrs. Hayze smiled through her tears, knowing that her daughter always found a way to relate to Carrie Underwood's songs.

"I love you, sweetheart," Mrs. Hayze whispered.

"I love you too," Allison replied, her voice thick with emotion.

Finally, she turned to her father. He looked composed, but she could see the glint of tears in his eyes.

Despite the anger, hurt, and confusion her father had caused over the years, Allison still loved him. Sometimes love was just there, because it was.

She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. "I love you, Dad. I forgive you."

Her father's arms came around her tightly, holding her as if she might slip away. "You have an amazing gift, and you deserve to use it to the best of your ability. Even if it means getting slobbered on and smelling like dog treats all day," he said with a soft chuckle, his words of support more precious to her than he could ever know.