Chapter One- Last Goodbyes

I looked around my room. Well, really, it wasn't technically my room alone. I shared it with my two roommates, Ellen and Virginia….At least, I did. However, today was my very last at Iris Academy of Magic…I would miss it dearly.

With a sigh, I stuffed the last remaining clothes into my suitcase. I double-checked the rest of the area, making sure I wasn't forgetting anything in my haste. My parents were probably already outside and waiting for me. My eyes settle on a small picture frame. I picked it up gingerly. Encased in its pearly white exterior was my May Day Ball photo with Donald.

I smiled. We each had one developed and placed in a special picture frame distributed by the school. In the picture, we grinned at the camera in a somewhat goofy pose. He looked as if he was about to pick me up and carry me bridal style, which, if I can remember correctly, he was. The camera man had caught us at just the right moment, and I smiled sheepishly while Donald sported his usual mischievous smirk.

A smirk I had already come to miss.

I gulped, and placed it in a small outside pocket of my suitcase, deciding to save my tears for the long car ride home.

I left the empty room (Ellen was already outside with Virginia, as she was going to her house for the summer), and walked through the unusually silent hallways. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the exit leading out of the building and walked out into the broad courtyard.

Several cars were at the gates, including my parents'. I hurried over to them, and noticed that Virginia's brother, William, was chatting nonchalantly with my father. Donald was nowhere in sight, but as soon as I reached the two cars, Virginia glomped me, causing me to drop my suitcases. Ellen watched with a nervous smile.

"I'm gonna miss you, loser," Virginia teased, hugging me tightly. "Even though you're dating my brother."

I smiled. "You're not gonna let that go, are you?" I joked back. She shook her head against my shoulder, and I laughed.

Finally she detached herself from me, and I leaned forward to give Ellen a quick hug goodbye as well. "I'm going to miss you guys so much," I said, wiping my moist eyes with the back of my hand. "It's gonna be so weird, not seeing you at all over the summer.."

I stared at them both with a sad smile, and after a few moments, Ellen was tearing up on my shoulder, and even Virginia seemed to be fighting back tears.

"Okay, enough of being sad, guys, we'll you in a few months, okay Gardenia? Right?" She beamed.

"Yeah," I said, "Of course."

Only slightly joking, Ellen kidded, "Promise?"

I chuckled. "Promise."

Suddenly, I felt warm arms grip my waist from behind, and my face flushed. I glanced over at my parents, who were both distracted still by William.

"Hey, Gardenia. Can I talk to you?" I turned around to face Donald and smiled nervously up at him.

"Yeah," I replied. He held out his arm for me to take, and we set out for a walk through the woods. We walked in silence for a minute or two, taking in the pleasant scenery, until he finally spoke up.

"I'm really going to miss you this summer," he told me, his voice softer than I've heard before. I let a few quiet moments pass before responding.

"Me too," I whispered, pressing closer. "It's not going to be the same without you," I admitted. I know for a fact neither of us were used to being so….vulnerable with somebody. I never had siblings to talk to, and he had siblings who never talked to him. "I'll write to you, okay?" I promised.

He grinned, then reached a hand up to playfully poke me in the cheek. "I'd like that."

I fake pouted at him before giggling a little. We stopped walking, and with a sigh, he said, "I guess we should probably head back to our families." I nodded. I didn't want to start crying all over him, and I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything.

He led me back to the courtyard, where our respective parents were waiting for us. He walked me up to my car, and my mother and father watched us curiously. He opened the door for me, and as I was about to sit down, he gently turned me around to face him, a small smirk on his face.

That same smirk I already missed.

He tipped my chin up with his hand and leaned down to gently kiss me on the lips. It was softer than the last time we kissed; a parting gesture. After a moment too soon, we separated, and he blushed.

I knew my face was red too, and once again, we were both grinning like idiots. "I'll miss you, turniphead," I joked, lightly smacking his shoulder.

He laughed. "Goodbye, Gardenia."

"Goodbye," I whispered fondly, watching as he turned and walked away before I settled down into my car.