Teddy Duncan turned her music up louder as she packed her bags. She looked around her now empty room, and let out a sigh. Thinking of all the memories she has had growing up here, tears began to sting in her eyes. She was finally moving out and going to university. She would be so far away from her family, 1050 miles to be exact. Part of her didn't want to go all the way to Chicago, but the thought of becoming a doctor made her ecstatic.
"You almost ready sweetie?" Bob Duncan yelled from upstairs. She hardly heard him, over the music blasting into her ears. She turned off her iPod and stuffed it into her bag, zipping it up.
"Yeah, I'll be up in a sec!" She yelled back, wiping her eyes on her sleeve.
She turned off the light in her room and took the bags upstairs. Before she could get up the last step, Amy, her mom, hugged her tightly with tears streaming down her face.
"I can't believe it! My baby girl is going to college!" She cried.
"Mom stop crying! You're going to make me cry." Teddy hugged her mother as tight as she could. When they finally pulled apart, Bob had already taken the bags from her and put them in the car.
"Oh sweetie, we'll miss you so much." Amy sobbed. Teddy kissed her mom's cheek and walked over to her little brother's crib.
"Bye-bye Toby!" she gave him a little wave and smiled when he waved back. Something Teddy had taught him to do. She suddenly felt something around her leg and looked down at the toddler. "Bye Charlie!" she said, picking her up and hugging her gently.
"All this mushy stuff is gross. Am I the only one who is glad to see you leave?" Gabe teased. Teddy laughed and brought him into an extra tight hug, making him squirm.
"Oh shut up Gabe, you know you'll miss me." She replied.
PJ pulled her into his arms and squeezed her.
"Drive safe." He said sadly.
"I will." she smiled and hugged him again.
Walking out the door, she found her dad checking the wheels on the car, making sure they were on right.
"I'll be fine dad. Stop worrying." Teddy said with a smile.
He smiled back and gave her a big hug. She held onto him tightly and squeezed her eyes shut, trying not to cry. When they pulled apart she noticed his eyes were wet with tears. He cleared his throat and looked towards the car.
"You'd better stop and get some gas before you get on the highway."
Teddy nodded.
"Oh, and I better give you a little cash, just in case." He pulled $100 out of his wallet and handed it to her. She stuck it in her back pocket.
"I'll be fine dad." She smiled again, getting into the driver's seat and turning on the car.
He nodded and leaned against the car. "You sure you have everything?" he asked.
"Yep." She replied, giving him a grin.
Bob kissed his daughter's forehead and walked back to the rest of the family, who were standing by the door. Even Gabe was standing there.
She waved at them, as they waved back. Her hands shaking, she pulled out of the driveway and headed to Chicago.
