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• best friend - Rex Orange County

CHAPTER TWO | GOODBYES

I don't have many belongings. After moving through eight foster homes in the past eleven years, I've learned that less is more. As cliche as that sounds. I stuffed my last bit of clothes into my luggage, knowing full well that once I leave today- I'm on my own.

In my peripheral vision, I see a pair of shy eyes behind round glasses, peak through the doorway. Silk, straight black hair fell past her shoulders as she tilted her head to get a good look at me.

"Ella, are you just going to stare or can you maybe help me out?" I joke, waving her over.

Ella, is one of the seven foster children in this home. A petite asian girl, with olive skin, just a few years younger than me. We've arrived here at this home at almost the same time, which is why we're naturally closer.

She shakes her head at this with a pout. "No, because if I do, it makes you leaving all the more real." Despite her sour remark, she heavily walks towards me and throws my duffel over her shoulder.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, I wrestle with my luggage and jean pocket to pull my phone out.

New Message

Cassie

ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?? BECAUSE WE'RE OUTSIDEEEEEE!!!

I don't stifle the laugh as I read her text, even through text her crazy energy exudes.

Once I zip and lock my luggage, I open my arms for a hug to which she wastes no time reciprocating. "Keep my phone number with you and never hesitate to reach out if you need me," I advise, sternly.

She nods, with a sniffle, and brought her sleeve up to pat her stray tears away. Just as we make our leave out of our shared room, my heart drops as I realized I almost forgot something. I turned back to my old bedside table and grabbed the necklace that sat there. It's nothing expensive, just a simple silver chainlink necklace with a dainty moonstone. Despite its cheap look it's something I hold close, it's one of the few belongings found on me from that night.

We then continue on our way and exit the room onto the hallway.

"Damn it, Evan! Do I have to do everything around here?"

I cringe, at the shouts that resonated from the kitchen. Carefully, I eye Ella who tenses from beside me. The knuckles of her fist turning white as she grips my duffle. I wrap an arm around her with a light squeeze as a feeble attempt to calm her.

As we near the front door, I stop and take the duffel from her. Her tears seem relentless now, as she brings her hands to her face to wipe them. I bite back my own, because as the older one- I feel a sense of responsibility to be the anchor.

"This isn't the last time I'll see you, keep your focus on your future okay?" I encourage, as I gave her one last hug. I try to drown out the bickering in the distance. When we pull away, I flash a smile. "Go to your room now, I'll facetime you when I get settled."

"Okay, Lunar. I'll miss you." She sniffles, turning on heels reluctantly.

"Bye, Ella. I'll talk to you soon."

As soon as I see the room door swing shut, I attempt to tread quietly towards the front door. Past the doorway that leads into the kitchen.

Evan and Anika are the longest foster parents I've had (about three years). After practically begging and with some elbow grease they agreed to have me to stay until my flight today despite me turning 18 a few months ago. I understand the stress that must come from having numerous children flow in and out of their homes with different attitudes. Which is why the fighting is a constant, which is not a stranger to the other homes I've stayed in either. However, I could have done without the snide comments and cold demeanor. It makes me wonder what the atmosphere would be like in a real home.

"Lunar."

The sudden call has me freezing in the spot, hesitantly, I turn. Anika's tired gray eyes, fall on mine with her lips pressed tightly in a thin line. Evan shifts flustered with my intrusion before promptly leaving the room, obviously still heated over their prior argument. Once again, I don't take it to heart. I must be just another kid to him.

"Make something of yourself out there." Anika, says simply before turning to continue her earlier doings.

I nod, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. "I will. Thank you for letting me stay here." I respond, sincerely. Despite everything- a roof over my head and a bed is something that I'm thankful to have had. Suddenly, a blaring honk resounds, reminding me of who waits outside.

With my luggage in hand, and duffel slung over my shoulder I swung the front door open.

Immediately, I am greeted by a mix of cheers.

My eyes widen in surprise at the sight of Cassie leaning her torso out of the passenger side window. Her blue eyes lit up with excitement, as she pushed her blonde hair behind her ears.

At this point of our friendship, I shouldn't be surprised by her wild-child attitude. I met Cassandra Ellis in my sophomore year science class when she nearly created a fire. Our teacher decided to pair us to ensure that our building would stay intact throughout the remainder of the school year. Definitely the life of the party, but entirely scary and protective of her friends when she needs to be.

"God, I thought you wouldn't come out till judgment day!" Cassie yells from the passenger's seat, jokingly as I made my way towards the beat-up forerunner.

I roll my eyes at this, "I swear you psychopath, patience is a virtue you know." I jest, as I lifted the trunk and attempted to heave my luggage and duffel in.

"Need a hand?" Jewel, turns from her position in the backseat with a smile. Her round dark brown gaze, eyes the luggage I attempt to rearrange to fit. After viewing the mess I was creating, she wordlessly exits the car and comes around to help.

"I can't believe today is the day!" She squeals, wrapping her arms around me in an excited hug.

Jewel Flores; A petite, Filipino girl with warm beige skin, and a sprinkle of facial moles. She is a ray of sunshine, so much so that throughout high school I have rarely seen her have a rainy day. She always fought to see the bright side of things and the good in people. Although this made her slightly naive at times, I've always admired her positivity especially when I felt at my worse.

"New haircut?" I inquire when she finally released me.

"New haircuts, for new beginnings." She flips her freshly cut shoulder-length dark brown hair, jokingly. Internally, I sigh envying her straight hair. Whereas mine is wavy and loves to disagree with me.

"Okay guys, we can play catch up later we have a flight to catch." Despite her slightly annoyed tone, I could see the glint of excitement in her green eyes too. Kadejah Shaw, is a force to reckon with. Most definitely the solid rock in our group because she always is willing to speak her mind and bring us back down to earth when we need to. She pulled her long brown hair into a ponytail, exposing pale skin that contrasted with her red shirt. "Do you need an extra hand?"

I shook my head, just as I hoisted the luggage bag into position. Jewel worked to have all our bags lined up, so they fit coherently in the trunk.

"Nope, we got it!" I sing, in accomplishment. I shut the trunk and got into the car next to Kadejah as Jewel joins next to me.

"Finally, you're all in? So I'm a step closer to not playing Taxi for the next 6 months?"

Cassie rolls her eyes and smacks her brother, Nate upside the head. He chuckles, pulling the car into drive. "Kidding sis, jeez."

Ignoring her brother, Cassie turns her gaze back to us with a wide smile. "So- today we say goodbye to this chapter of life and hello to a new era." She begins, dramatically doing a drumroll against her thighs. "Are we ready?" She sings.

"Definitely!" Jewel laughs.

"Been ready," Kadejah says, with a smile that mirrored Cassie's.

At this moment, I feel limitless. As if everything I've been through the past years finally paid off- the hard work at school that landed me this scholarship abroad with my best friends. The pain I've felt at home yet I was gifted with friends that helped me through it all.

I couldn't hold back the beaming smile.

"I've never been more ready."

___________________

A/N: So this chapter is a bit boring but set's up for the next series of events!