It Had To Be You

Chapter 2: Teenager

Noella's POV

I got up to my blaring alarm. It was 8 in the morning. After using the bathroom and brushing my teeth, I went to the kitchen and started making some tea. I was never a coffee person. Occasionally? Sure. Every time? Nah!

 Yesterday, after coming home, I packed my belongings. I had a flight at 4 in the evening for California today. It was a 5-freaking-hour long journey. I really hated long dreadful journeys. But did I have any other option? 

The ringtone of my phone interrupted my thoughts. "Hello, college student! Is the plan of us meeting still on? It better be!" Violet said. We decided to meet today before my flight. I am going to miss her so bad! "Of course it's on! See you at 10 am?" I asked. "Sure. Please don't be late!" she begged.

 I was infamous for being late to all the meetings and events. Even if I got ready on time, I'd still be late. I just don't get it how! "Yup! I'll make sure of that. Bye." I laughed and hung up. Well I better start getting ready!

I was waiting at the park bench for Violet. Well she's never late. I wonder what happened. After a few minutes, I saw her coming towards my direction.

 "I am sorry, I was looking for a perfect gift for you." She said huffing, as she literally came running. "Oh my god Violet! You didn't have to! Meeting you before departure is the best gift in itself." I said hugging her. "But you know, I don't want you to forget me after you get busy with your college friends. That is why I bought you this."

 She said by opening a box. It had a beautiful tear-drop shaped pendant in it. It had a sapphire stone inside it. Tears found its way to my eyes as I got so overwhelmed. 

"Violet! It's so pretty! Thank you so much dear" I said hugging her again. "And don't you dare think that I will forget you when I meet other people. You are and always will be my best friend in this entire universe." I grinned. "Okay, entire universe? That's a bit exaggerated." She rolled her eyes. "Okay yeah! But know that you have a special place in my heart that no one can replace it." I said grinning.

After that we talked for a while. Time flew by so fast that it was 12 already. 

"Shit Noella! You have to get going now! Your flight is in a few hours idiot!" she said looking at her watch. "Oh my god, yes! I am so sorry, but promise me you'll stay in touch. Take good care of yourself okay? Study hard and make me proud, chipmunk!" I said hugging her. "Yes. Now go! Bye. Love you." She said smiling. "Bye. Love you too." I waved at her. Yep! Going to be late. Again!

*****

I got on board with 5 minutes to spare for the flight to take off. Thank heavens, that I made it on time. Fine, almost on time! I found my seat and relaxed myself.

 After I got settled, I took a look at my schedule I received a week ago in my email. I am so nervous yet excited to go to college. I always felt like college was a whole new world within it. Always seen in movies how people change after going to college. Well I hope it helps me to step ahead by leaving my past behind. My mother and I always used to talk about me being a college student. 

Just by her image popping inside my head makes me want to bawl my eyes out. But I wanted to stay strong. For myself. For my mother. Still, a tear managed to escape from my eyes. Well, I guess I can't control my emotions in this situation.

After landing and checking out, I exited the airport. And there she was standing. Grinning. My crazy Aunt. I just went and hugged her.

 "Hey Aunt Karla! How are you?" I grimaced. "I told you then and I am telling you now. It's Karla, for god's sake N! Ugh! Don't you realize how young I am!?" she said fake crying.

 Trust me when I tell you this, she was a teenager stuck inside a 35-year-old body. But if you asked me who I adored the most after my mother, my answer would be this drama queen. She used to spoil me whenever she used to visit us during my childhood and mom used to scold her so bad for that. But still it was the same story all over again whenever she came by.

 But her visits got reduced after I got into high school as at that time,  she had just opened her own bar and got caught up in it. The last time I saw her was at my mother's funeral. It's been 3 years and she hasn't changed a bit. And that's what I like about her. She is a free spirit who just lights up the room full of dullness.

 "I know that I am beautiful, I can tell that by the way you're staring at me, but we need to get home N." she said laughing. "Oh trust me you are a beauty Aunt- I mean Karla. Let's get going." I laughed. "Hmm, it'll take time for you to get rid of that whole "aunt" thing, but we've got plenty of that now. Let's get this party started baby!" she cheered. Yup, a real teenager.