Don't forget me

Coordinates to a Heart

The next week seems to fly impossibly fast. I spent every moment I can hanging out with either Blake, Kia, Jake, or all of them. Blake and I clearly spend the most time together and even when I began to feel guilty about this Kia seemed to swoop in just on time to remind me that she didn't mind and was over the moon to see me so happy with a guy. My Mum, Tyler and I spend as many evenings together as possible, balancing Mum's workload as we both scour the town for a top-notch babysitter to replace me for a few months. The thought of my 'replacement' alone awakens my anxiety but with so many supportive people behind me I know I can't go back on my choice.

My impending departure tomorrow feels heavy on my shoulders as Kia and I finish the final touches for my little going away party.

"What time is everyone getting here?" Kia asks as she hangs another set of streamers along the garden fence, I giggle as she huffs in frustration as it falls down yet again.

"They should be here at about one, so that gives us another hour." I answer, picking up the streamer and lending her a hand as we finally get it stuck up.

I can hear my Mum cluttering around the kitchen as she hurries to prepare food for everyone,

"I'll be right back." I say to Kia as I hear yet another loud clash from inside.

"Hey Mum, everything alright?" I call out as I enter the kitchen, her back is turned to me as she chops furiously.

She doesn't turn around and so I continue towards her and place my hand softly onto her shoulder,

"Mum?" I repeat. A soft sigh is emitted from her mouth as she places down the knife onto the counter and stills.

"I'm going to miss my baby girl so much." As she turns to face me, I watch as teardrops race each other down her cheeks, fighting to be the first to drop from her chin. I wrap her up tightly in my arms, battling my own tears bravely knowing Kia would kill me if I was to ruin the makeup, she took so much time over this morning.

"I'll be back in no time Mum, I promise." I tell her.

She pulls back and holds me at arms-length, taking in my appearance,

"Look at my beautiful girl, gosh you've grown up so fast. Your Dad would be so proud." She smiles and soft crows' feet form at the side of her eyes, a clear sign of her ageing body.

"You know how much I love you right?" I remind her.

"Of course, I do darling." She finishes. We are silent for a few moments before she wipes her tearstained face and turns to return back to her knife and food prep.

"You better go finish up with the decorations before everyone else arrives." She reminds me and I smile at her before making my way back outside to help Kia.

As I stand by the backdoor, I watch peacefully as Tyler runs circle around her as she attempts to untangle some old fairy lights. Giggles fall easily from my lips as Kia gives up and instead joins in on Tyler's imaginary game, Tyler screeches as he scrambles away from her and Kia gives chase. When she finally catches up with him, Kia scoops him up and spins around madly before they both flop onto the floor, exhausted by their games.

A quiet thought seeps into my mind as I ponder on the idea of Kia replacing me for the few months that I'm away and babysitting Ty a few nights a week. Tyler already sees her as his adopted sister, and I can't imagine Kia saying no to spending time with her favourite five-year-old.

Storing the idea for later, I finally find my way to the pair and chuckle to find them still panting in exertion. This is definitely something I'm going to miss.