Almost a stranger

An old friend

The Sun was shining through the windows. It was morning already. I was tired. The sound of steps and two people laughing woke me up. My mom and Paul are back!

In a second, I stood up, not knowing what to do first- go to my room like we didn't sleep together or put that wine in its place like we didn't drink. I did neither. They were already entering the house and I was standing in the middle of the living room like a fool.

Molly: Morning Aby. Did we wake you up?
Abigail: No... no. I just got from my room. 
Molly: You could get Travis a room too. 
Abigail: Eeee...
Travis: I fell asleep while we watched the movie. 
Abigail: Yeah. And I- I didn't want to wake him up. 
Molly: Oh, okay then. 
Paul: See you in a week?
Molly: Yeah. 
Travis: Are we going somewhere?
Paul: I have some work to do in Miami, but if you want you can stay here with Molly and Abigail. 
Molly: We would like you to stay. 
Travis: No, no need. I'll go with you.
Paul: Better hurry. Our plane is flying for two hours. 

I was sad because Travis is going. Why doesn't he want to stay here?
Paul and Travis left and I was alone with my mom. 

Molly: So, how was it?
Abigail: What?
Molly: With Travis?
Abigail: Oh, great. It was- great. 
Molly: I'm sorry he's leaving. I thought he would stay. 

Abigail: No. It's okay. It's not like we're so good friends. 
Molly: I'm sorry you didn't have more time to meet him. I think he's great. 
Abigail: Yeah- I guess he is. So, how was dinner?
Molly: It was great. As always. 
Abigail: You stayed the whole night?
Molly: Well, we might drink a few drinks so we slept there. And I can see you were drinking too. 

She must have spotted the wine on the table. Shit...

Abigail: It's just... We didn't drink much. 
Molly: Well, the bottle is still half-full. 
Abigail: Yeah, I'll go and put it in the fridge. 
Molly: So, what will we do today?
Abigail: I don't know. Swimming I guess. 
Molly: I mean after that. 

Abigail: Did Jacksons came?
Molly: Not yet. They'll be here tomorrow. 
Abigail: What do you say about zipline?
Molly: What?
Abigail: Yeah. You said I have to have some fun. Let's do it. 
Molly: Okay. If you want. 
Abigail: Great. I'll show you where it is...
Molly: You know where's zipline?
Abigail: I did some research...
Molly: Oh, okay. Then we'll go. 
Abigail: Great...

My mom was talking with Lauren while they were swimming. I was reading a book, as usual. 
"Still reading a book on the beach..."
I turned and saw Travis standing behind me.

Abigail: What are you doing here!?
Tarvis: I came to say goodbye I guess. We won't see in a week. 
Abigail: Why don't you wanna stay?
Travis: And what if our parents find out?
Abigail: So what. It's not a big deal...
Travis: I kinda think it is. See you in a week. 
Abigail: See you in a week. 

A quick kiss, so my mom won't see us. And he left. Just like that. I was looking at him walking with his big, black bag. It's just one week. 

Evening fell and my mom and I were walking toward the hill I was with Travis and his friends. It was pretty dark so I wasn't sure if we're going the right way. When we got there the view was amazing. Not quite amazing like one from an abandoned building, but amazing. 

Molly: How did you find out about this?
Abigail: I saw it on the internet. 
Molly: You sure? I don't remember seeing it. 
Abigail: I'm sure. 

My mom went first. She was screaming like a little child. She looked so young, full of life, ready to do whatever she wants. I was alone at the hill. I wish Tarvis is here. 

The next day Jackson's came. Jack, my friend for about 5 years now, and his parents. His mom Emily and I were talking about books I read and the movies we watched. She was so interested in that, she could talk about it for hours- just like me.

Her son Jack was the same age as me and he changed since I last saw him. Last year, he still looked like a kid- a little taller than me with short blond hair. He's now tall, with longer hair. The first thing I noticed- bracelet, he never wore jewelry or something like that. I wonder what happened. When they came we hugged. 

Abigail: I haven't seen you in a year! How are you?
Jack: Great. I have a lot to tell you. 
Abigail: You could start with your new look. 
Jack: It's nothing. I met some new friends and I changed a bit. 
Abigail: A bit? You look great. 
Jack: Thanks. You didn't change at all. 

Abigail: Not trying to. 
Jack: How's school?
Abigail: Just like every year. Most of the grades are As. 
Jack: Not surprised. 
Abigail: What's up with you?
Jack: Not much. School's good. I'm fine. 
Abigail: You said you have a lot to tell me.

Jack: Yeah. I actually have a girlfriend now. 
Abigail: Really? That's great!
Jack: Yeah, my parents know, just like hers. 
Abigail: Wow, that's pretty serious then. 
Jack: Yeah. It's been a year now. 
Abigail: I'm so glad to hear that. 
Jack: And you?
Abigail: You know me... Single as always. 

I don't know why I didn't tell him about Travis. I mean, I'm not sure if we're together. I mean, we are, but we just didn't talk about it or anything...

Jack: Aby is always single. 
Abigail: Yeah. Too bad you're not. I have a friend for you. 

He laughed. 

Jack: Joy?
Abigail: Yeah. She's into you since I showed her your picture. 
Jack: Too bad we never met. 
Abigail: It's not my fault you never come to Dallas. 
Jack: And you never come to Chicago. 
Abigail: Touche. 

Molly: Dinner's ready!
Jack: Comming!
Abigail: After dinner, I have to meet you with someone. 
Jack: Who?
Abigail: You'll see. She's a pretty big fan of you. 
Jack: Mia?
Abigail: Yeah.
Jack: Is she finally grown up?
Abigail: You wish.