Chapter 264 Don't be a stranger.
Chapter 264 Don't be a stranger.
CHAPTER 264
Don’t be a stranger.
ROMEO
“Can you promise to take care of Darcy?” Jordan asks softly.
He is leaving for Michigan tomorrow. It has been a few weeks since graduation. We have tried to drag out the days, to live it to the fullest, but time passed either way. He is leaving tomorrow, and it sucks. I am filled with regrets about the time I wasted not building a stronger friendship with him, but as Milly said, we became best friends when we needed to be. I do not fully believe in destiny and all, but our bond, our friendship, makes me want to.
Milly, Darcy and Pandora are inside, while we are here, sleeping on the hood of my car, sharing a bottle of cheap wine, and staring at the dark skies.
“Darcy is strong enough to take care of herself.” Kai gives him a soft smile.
“Oh, I do not doubt that, but I need you two to take extra care of her. She means the world to me.” He sits up and runs his hand through his hair. “We have decided to stay friends. I do not want to hold her back by hanging a relationship over her head. We are about to enter the busiest parts of our lives, but for her, even busier because she is studying psychology –”
“You are also about to play football and study business administration. Do not downplay your efforts to uplift hers. It is going to be equally busy for both of you.” I tell him gently.
“Well, I am biased. Take care of her, or I’ll kick your butts. I have stronger knees.” He gives us mock glares.
“Aye Aye, Captain.” Kai chuckles.
“And take care of yourself too. If anyone tries to bully you –”
He cuts me off with a dry look. “Bully me? Yeah, that is not going to happen at all. Milly has shown me how to take a stand against opposition, and I am pretty huge for my age. I’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“We are always going to worry about you,” Kai murmurs, and I nod. “Always.”
The door opens, and the girls walk out.
“Wanna go on a walk with me, Jordan?” Darcy asks him softly.
He hands me the bottle and jumps off the car. He takes her hand, and they begin their walk.
Pandora turns around and walks back inside. Kai follows her without a word. I’m left staring at the absolute love of my life. I pat the space beside me and urge, “Come on up, baby. I have room for you.”
She grins and climbs up. I help her, pulling her up in one go. She giggles and falls into me. I wrap my arms around her, breathing softly. Soon, she starts pointing out the names of the stars in the sky, and I listen, because there is nothing I’d rather do. I’m ready to spend the rest of my life listening to her.
She falls asleep on me, and I carefully carry her in. She pulls me to her, holding me tight even in her sleep. I fall asleep only a few minutes later.
The next morning, we follow Jordan to the airport. I hug him for a very long time. We are seeing each other soon, but it won’t be for a few months, maybe until Christmas, but we are going to call every day. I hope we do not fade away. We made a pact. He doesn’t get to fade out of my life. We won’t let him.
“Do not be a stranger,” Milly whispers tearfully and kisses his cheeks.
“Never.” He promises her.
“Expect me soon. You are the best trainer I’ve ever had.” Pandora murmurs as she hugs him tightly.
“And you are the flash. Do not forget that. Do not shrink.” He tells her earnestly.
She laughs, blinking away tears. “Never.”
Kai hugs him but doesn’t say anything. Then, it is his and Darcy’s turn. She follows him to the checkpoint. When she returns, she is alone, and her eyes are red-rimmed. Milly hugs her, and Pandora suggests we get Ice cream.
This is not the end. It is a beginning. A beautiful beginning.
What are a few tears compared to a lifetime of happiness?
Time will pass either way, and soon, we won’t be apart. We are all taking powerful steps to be the best versions of ourselves. The next couple of years will be filled with classes and new experiences, but nothing can ever steal what we are – the original six.