The Lemonade Stand

13 - When Life Gives You Lemons

Chapter 13

“I think that’s the last of it.” I said, throwing the remaining knick-knacks left scattered and sealed the box shut. “Did I forget anything?” I scanned the room myself to double check even though I had directed the question to the boy currently on the opposite end. 

“I know I’ll never forget you.” Ian replied and I caught sight of a sad smile when my eyes fell upon him.

“Don’t you dare make me cry yet.” I pointed at him, trying to scowl but failing miserably as his words started to slowly sink in the reality that I’ve been desperately trying to pretend wasn't happening.

“Sorry.” He whispered as he walked towards me. I disregarded the box previously in the possession of my hands for the time being to embrace him. He gently stroked my hair as I buried my head into his chest, the sound of his heartbeat filling my ears. We stood there for a moment in the silence of it all wishing time was frozen still so we didn't have to face the inevitable even though we both knew prolonging it just makes things harder to let go.

“I love you so much Hazel Scott.” Ian stated when I glanced up at him.

“There’s nothing else in the world I love more than you Ian Williams.” I replied back.

“What about Justin Bieber?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“Really? That was one time!" I declared for my not so undying love for the Canadian. 

"As long as you love me!" Ian started singing, a bit off key as I tried (emphasis on tried) desperately to hold in a laugh.

"Great, you just had to go and ruin the moment.” 

“Lemme save it then.” He leaned down to seal it with a kiss.

“You’re lucky you’re cute.” I said after pulling back.

“I know. I’m kinda irresistible.” He winked and I made my best attempt not to scoff and send him an eye roll.

“C’mon. Let’s go before your ego gets so big it explodes my house.” I said picking up the box and leading us both out. For a second I found myself in a stationary state, turning around as I looked back to a completely bare room. It was an insane feeling to grasp: that I was finally free and never looking back. I've been on my own for as long as I remember but this moment was the one that burned the last of my ties with everything and everyone: my past and the people I once called my parents. I felt a hand on my shoulder and an ‘are you ready?’ followed the touch. I took a breath and nodded.

“Yeah, I'm ready.”

We passed the living room to see my mother knocked out on the couch. On impulse, I went over, handing Ian the box, and brushed her hair out of face. Without thinking I kissed her forehead. All these years she has never shown one single display of affection, but I would like to think she has loved me all this time and even though she was not even the slightest thing close to being a parent towards me in any way, I still somehow deep inside cared for her.

I felt sorry for her more than anything. Here I was about to step into the world of endless possibilities and limitless opportunities housing so much potential for my future and all she will ever do with her life was drink it away. She could've rewritten herself a better path to follow but she decided not to and as much as I wanted her to change, I couldn't. She made her choice and now I'm making mine.

“Goodbye.” I whispered hoping she heard the last word I'll ever say to her before following Ian out and closing the door behind me. My father had yet to come home but when he does and realizes that I'm gone, he'd A) not care and B) celebrate that he no longer has to deal with a "worthless person of a daughter". I had not one ounce of hope that he'd come looking for me and I was more than okay with that.