Don't fall

Chapter XXV: Farewell

            Time melts away when you know what it's worth. When I first met Claire, I could tell she didn't like me. Sarah nearly beat her up when I ended up in the hospital and she tried to get her to leave. When she opened up to me, I simply forgot about everything she did; her dirty looks, how mean she was to me and how submissive she was to Sister Theresa and Sister Monica... It all made sense. I pardoned her for acting like a bad person because I knew she wasn't one. Meeting her was incredible. I love Sarah, always have and always will, but it was so nice to know someone who knew what I was going through. Our last day together was... Different than I thought it'd be. I thought the three of us would cry and frown all day long but we just laughed instead. We laughed and made the stupidest jokes. Seriously, I don't know why we were acting so damn silly. Regardless, the three of us spent the therapy session as we always do; sitting in a circle on the floor.

-10 minutes guys. -Sarah smiles looking at her watch.

-After spending my whole life here, it's fucking unbelievable that I'll simply leave in 10 minutes. I have brushed my teeth for longer than that. -Claire says with a giggle.

-Well, believe it, missy. -I laugh. -You'll be free.

-Soon, you will too. We'll all be free, just roaming around. On a second thought, maybe the academy isn't that bad in keeping us locked up. Can you guys even imagine all the shit we'll do out there?

-As someone who used to be a gay young adult in New York: yes, I can definitely imagine it. -Sarah jokes and we all laugh.

-I'll miss you guys, really. I can't believe you gave me something to miss from this shitty academy and shitty town.

-Aw, don't be cute Claire, I'll cry. -I joke, even though I would probably cry if she got any cuter.

-Okay, okay. I guess I should get going, though. Get my stuff ready. -She smiles as she gets up, trying not to cry.

As I watch her hug Sarah and exchange goodbyes, I think of how much of an angel Sar is. She's just casually changing our lives drastically for the better. In retrospect, I do not think it would've been possible for me to not fall in love with her. And as of right now... I'm glad.

-Bye, Rosie. -Claire teases me as we hug.

-Don't make me hate you right before you leave. -I joke.

-I could never...

-Not even if you tried. -I tighten the hug.

Watching her leave doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I guess I'm just happy about her happily ever after. I used to hate watching people's lives work out but I guess now that I know mine is gonna work too, there's not much to hate. I end up spending the rest of the session with Sarah, talking and hanging out as usual.

-What are you looking at? -Sarah asks with a smile as I stare at her lovingly.

-I'm just looking at my happily ever after. -I grin.

-God. -She scoffs and walks in my direction, placing her arms over my shoulders and around my neck. -When did you get this corny?

-I have no idea. -I laugh. -Maybe it's because we're having such a happy day.

-Maybe. -She kisses me softly. -So... After we escape this madness, what are you thinking?

-What do you mean?

-Any plans for New York?

-Well... I'm down for anything you want. What do you wanna do?

-I've told you this already; I've done everything there. I want you to have fun this time around. -She pouts playfully.