1980's / mattia polibio

.30

I started towards them slowly with an obvious look of concern on my face. "okay..."

"Come and sit with us." My mom motioned to the empty couch in front of her.

I did as she said and sat on the free couch. My father was looking down seemingly afraid of what he had to say.

As I notice this, my heart started to race. There's nothing much that they could bring up that would worry me but this look they wore is one I've never seen before. Have I done something wrong? I try to think back to a mistake I might have made. I can barely concentrate as my mind is hopping to different memories at thousand miles an hour. Their intense stared that stuck to the side of my head didn't seem to help either. Trying to ease myself, I look up to meet them, motioning for them to continue talking.

My dad clears his throat, meeting my eyes. "Before I say this, I want you to know we did everything in our power to prevent this from happening."

I calm down slightly knowing I didn't do something wrong, but my nerves are still rocketing from the news they are so hesitant to tell me.

I nod in order to tell him I understand. He takes a look at my mom before going to speak again. "My job is forcing us to move again."

My face is frozen. I thought we had discussed this. He has to move again? I'm surprised at what he just said, but I'm more surprised at the fact that I don't find it as sad as I did the first time. It's not that I see this as a relief, but maybe it's what I need. I love all my friends, I really do, but is this for the best?

"I tried to oppose sweetie. I told them we wanted to stay, but they wouldn't listen. They threatened to fire me completely and you need to know that I couldn't loose this job. I'm so sorry."

My thoughts change as I realize I will loose the only people who have understood me. Accepted me.

"Where to?" Is all I can seem to say without letting my steady appearance break.

"Texas."

I nod, tears begging to fall. I suck them up and stay strong while having my parents sitting right in front of me.

"They said we could return, but we don't know how long it will be" my mom says in attempt to cheer me up.

It partially works but I still feel down. "When are we leaving."

My mom looks down, not daring to meet my eyes. "Two days."

"My birthday?" I ask, voice cracking a bit.

She only gives me a small nod.

I show them both my best-fake smile but they can still see the pain hidden behind my mask. "Alright, I'll start packing."

With that, I get up from the couch and direct myself to my room. Once I reach it, I shut the door behind me and throw myself on my bed. I let my head rest on the wall as my legs where bent up to my chest. I cross my two arms over the top of my knees and then moved my head to lay on my arms. I silently let the tears slip from my eyes.

I felt cursed. The second I figured myself or a situation out, something goes wrong. The second I'm okay, pain returns. I tried to let the fact that I'll be back comfort me, but knowing it could be a while before I see them again, lingers in my mind.

I slouch down on the bed, barely managing to slip off my shoes before pulling the blankets over me. I don't have the will to change into comfortable attire for sleep as I calmly let myself cry. I close my eyes just wanting everything to go away. Even if it was only for about 8 hours. I drift off to sleep as the salty tears begin to dry on my skin.