The Year Of Goodbyes

Part One

The squeaky sound of the pen touching the whiteboard echoed around the silent classroom. Our professor twirled around every moment or so to give us an approving look to confirm we were all following the task.
Everyone was. Except for me.

I gazed out of the immaculate square window and watched the fog of winter gradually shift from the left side to the right.

'Natalie?'
'NATALIE FOREMAN?'

I jerked my head away from the view and we met eyes.

'tell me, what is the square route of 60 divided by the 5th prime number?'

I noticed the 15 pairs of eyes fixing onto me. Some of them rolled. Some people tutted. A wave of sickness fell against my stomach. I looked at my best friend who had scribbled something on a Post-it note.

'YOU CAN'T DO THAT DUMMY. SHES TRICKING U LMAO'

I smirked and turned back to Miss Broshi.

'You can't do that miss. The question? It's impossible'

'Good. Foreman, see me after class'

I sighed out a breath of relief. It's on Friday. 3 more weeks until half term. 3 more weeks until I see him.

The remainder of the class I struggled to pay attention.
I tried.

The bell droned for 15 seconds.
Chairs were left scrambled around the class, sheets torn from books lay scattered all around. The class was empty, with just me and her.

'Come and sit over here Natalie.'

I obeyed and pulled over a seat opposite her desk.

'Now, miss foreman, we seem to be having this conversation every build up to half term. Just because it is almost the end of school, does not, and I mean DOES NOT mean you can give up on your schoolwork'

I had no words. I was speechless. I felt so defeated because if I told her the reason why I get extra day-dreamy, shed think it's ridiculous...

'Why is it, Natalie? We seem to have this conversation every time we're about to end school for the term/semester'

I bit my lip and stayed silent. As I panned my view so that my eyes met hers, a salty teardrop spilled down my cheek, making my mascara run.

'I just miss him. Seb. I'm about to go to college and I'm going to be so busy, I won't get to see him a lot. He's flying over to here again this term, and it will be the last time I'm going to be myself. Without all of the pressure of school.'

She nodded unhurriedly.

'I see..and he's your boyfriend?'

'yes,' I felt so foolish. Like I was a big clown, made to entertain the circus.

'ill pay more attention, I'll try my best anyway. I am truly sorry.'

She chuckled to herself.

'ah, young love. It can make you another person. Stay true to yourself Natalie. I'll see you on Monday.'

She gestured her hand to the door, and I walked out, wiping a tear from my eye.

3 weeks.
Just 3 weeks.
Then I could see him again.

My phone pinged.

'LoveOfMyLife🥰😉' Displayed across the screen.

'I hope you felt better today. I hope you know I love you. Seeing you every year is what's keeping me sane. I've purchased a plane ticket. I can't wait to see you. I love you to the moon and all of the way back.
🥰❤️🌎💫'

I couldn't wait to see him again. I'd seen him every year. Nothing has changed.

And nothing ever will. No boys in my new college will overrule him. He's perfect.

College boys won't want me anyway...right?

Writers note:
Hey everyone, thank you all so much for reading this part of The Year Of Goodbyes. It is my first instalment. If you were here all the way to the end, please give it a vote, as I've tried very hard :) Give me feedback so I can improve and make you all more captivated in this novel. Love you all. Keep smiling:)
~ neqtuna X X X X

[WORD COUNT: 670 WORDS]