Clear Blue Skies {completed}

11. Leaving

The ice rink was practically empty. We walked over to some seats and I went to get some ice skates whilst Liam put his hockey boots on. I used to figure skate when I was younger but I stopped after my mom told me I'd never make it far.

Tying up the laces and putting them behind the hooks on the boots sent a feeling of nostalgia flooding through me. I hadn't skated for 1 and a half years. We walked over to the ice and the music on the speakers started playing. I took of the guards for the blades and stepped onto the ice.

"You're good at skating." Liam said from behind me.

I skated around the edges a few times to get the hang of it then walked into the middle. That's when the song switched. Yuri On Ice started playing, a song from one of my favourite anime's. Before thinking I started skating to my old routine. Muscle memory helped me out and I landed my Double Salchow perfectly.

The music stopped and Liam stood at the side of the wall. The other skater there joined him in clapping. How did I remember that whole skate?

                                         ❣️

Liam had seen his friends along the seafront and had gone to the pier with them so I was left to go home by myself. I walked upstairs ignoring everyone saying hi to me in the kitchen.

Skating today brought back memories of New York and my best friend Mina. We figure skated at the same rink and had done for most of our life. I started when I was 2 and finished when I was about 14 but Mina was still skating when I moved. My whole body went numb and I felt tears roll down my cheeks. I missed her.

Susanna came upstairs and knocked on my door. I sat up straight on my bed and wiped away my tears.

"Hi sweetie." she said with a smile.

"Oh hi" I replied.

"There's something important I need to talk to you about. It might upset you but just know it's okay." she placed her hand on my shoulder.

"What is it?" I asked.

"As you know, I've been fostering you for a while now. And fostering isn't a permanent solution." she started.

I felt more tears in my eyes. My heart stopped.

"Sadly you'll be leaving Miami in a few days. I recommend you start packing soon." she finished.

Miami? So I'm leaving Miami... But my friends. Liam. Ryan. Penny. Aracelis. Everyone. I cant go. But Dad would want the best for me...

"Okay" I forced a smile. "How long have I got left here?"

"2 days." she said. "I'm sorry Aria."

❣️

I woke up to the sun shining through my windows. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth.

In the kitchen everyone was still there, staring at me. Liam walked over to me and tried to stop me but it was no use. I ran out the door with my bag and walked to school.

At lunch in the cafeteria I sat with Penny and Aracelis like I usually would.

"Hey Aria are you okay?" Penny asked me.

"Not really. I have to tell you something... I'm moving foster homes tomorrow night. And I'm leaving Miami." I said with tears in my eyes.

"Oh no! We have each others contact details right?" Aracelis said.

"Yeah. But it won't be the same" I said.

They pulled me into a group hug that made me feel a little better.

"I'll miss you guys.." I said between sobs.

"We'll miss you too" Penny and Aracelis said.

❣️

Is it normal to feel shit? Is it normal to want everyone in your life gone so you don't hurt them anymore? Those were the words flowing through my mind as I picked up my last box to head to the moving truck. I stood back for a minute and I felt tears flood my eyes. Today my friends came to say goodbye and drop me off at the airport. Aracelis and Penny were crying and Liam and Ryan were there too.

In the departure lounge I was sat at a coffee table watching the planes land and take off outside the window. I felt the couch I was sat on get heavier at the other end and I looked up to see Liam. His face was sad and he was tearing up.

"I'm really gonna miss you Aria..." He said.

"I'll miss you more. Remember I'm only a skype call away" I said, faking a smile.

I was the only one who knew where I was going, which made me the most sad out of all of us. I walked off and once my passport was checked I'd realise that would be the last time I'd see the others for a while.

Once I had sat comfortably in my seat, I heard the pilot's voice over the speakers.

"Flight 370 to Inverness Airport now taking off"

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A/N ~ ty for reading this book. Sorry that it's quite short but there's another book in the works which I feel more motivated to write. Thankyou to everyone who read even just one chapter, voted for a chapter or gave me ideas for anything. Later I might think about making a part 2 to this book but for now this is where I'm gonna leave it.
-maia