It's Been Five Years

Four

Before my sister can say anything else I walk into the kitchen. My sister and Henry both look at me sympathetically and I feel like I want to die.

" How's she doing?"

Angelina says and I sigh, knowing this is it. This is goodbye.

" Not too good, actually. I think we're going to head out."

I say and Henry's breath hitches.

" What? No, Ari! You just got here!"

Angelina whines and I try to hide the sadness I'm feeling.

" We've gotta go. I'm really sorry. Clara... she's upset and I'd hate to be a bother."

I say and look at Henry who looks like he's gone into full panic mode. Even panicked he looks like an angel. I'm going to miss that face. But I've been missing him for five years... I'll get used to it again.

" You're not a bother, hun! Please, stay."

Angelina says and I shake my head. She's really making this hard.

" I think it's best if we head out, really. I'm sorry Angelina."

I say and walk toward Henry.

" It was nice to meet you, Daniel. Thank you for making my sister so happy. I know you two will have a great life together."

This is my way of letting him know that I'm letting him go. We were in love once. Crazy in love. But he's changed, I've changed... and that's okay. He has an obligation to his life now, to my sister, who is happier than I've ever seen her. I didn't get to say goodbye five years ago, so I'm finally able to say goodbye... to let him go for good and get that closure that I've been wanting for five years.

" Aria?"

He says and steps closer to me. His brilliant green eyes water as they peer into mine. He knows I'm saying goodbye. What can I say? He knows me better than anyone.

" Yeah?"

He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and my heart threatens to jump out of my chest.

" Y-you can't leave."

He says shakily and I back away from him.

" It's what's best for all of us. I have to go."

I whisper and his eyes flash with pain and hurt. I look away from him and walk over to Angelina.

" Bye Angie. I love you."

I say and give her one last hug.

" You really don't have to go, Ari."

She says as he hugs me back. I give her a tight lipped smile before walking out of the kitchen and down the hall as fast I possibly can, tears falling down my cheeks. As soon as I get to my car I tear the door open and climb inside.

" Mommy?"

Clara hiccups.

" Yeah, baby?"

I sigh and turn the ignition on.

" I'm sorry I got so sad."

Clara says meekly. I turn around and give her a teary smile.

" It's okay, baby. You're allowed to be sad. I'm sad too. It's okay to be sad."

I say and pull out of the driveway reluctantly. Something in me thought he'd come chasing after me, begging me to take him back. Telling me he needs me and wants me. But this isn't a fantasy novel where the boy chases the girl and tells her everything she wants to hear. This is real life where the boy broke the girl's heart once a long time ago, and they both have to suffer the consequences.