He's leaving!

Emma walked around her room and looked at all the pictures. Most of them were with the Taylors. Her, Randy, Brad and Mark being goofs and just growing up. She looked at a picture of her and Randy.

It was only about a year ago. They had been hanging out at a picnic with their families. This was before Linda. When she came everything changed. Randy stopped spending as much time with her and more time with Linda. She felt like everything was falling apart.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Emma was pulled from her thoughts and said come in. She sits at her desk as Randy walks in. Hey Randy she says. Hey he replies with a small smile.

What brings you here in the middle of the day asks Emma? I have to tell you something and you may not like it says Randy. What asks Emma as he sits in front of her? I am going to Costa Rica for a year says Randy. Emma froze. What she whispers. It's a service project and I am going to be gone for a year says Randy.

Wow that's great she says as she stands up and walks to the other end of the room.

I am sorry to spring this on you it was sudden and I didn't know who else to tell says Randy. Well its great I'll miss you but its great she says as she forces a smile.

I'll miss you too but I mean it's a once in a lifetime opportunity says Randy as he looks at the floor. Yea she says as she holds back tears. When do you leave asks Emma? Tomorrow he replies. Wow that soon she says. Yea I know but its worth it right says Randy.

Yep of course she says as she walks over to her friend and hugs him. I have to go says Randy as they pull away. Of course you have to pack so go says Emma as she walks away from him. Randy leaves and she begins to cry.

Then she picked up the phone. Dialing a familiar number.

Taylor residence says a voice. Hi Jill its Emma may I speak to Brad please she asks? Sure says Jill. Brad telephone yells Jill. Who is it mom asks Brad? Its Emma says Jill. Coming he says.

He takes the phone from his mother. Hello says Brad. Hey Brad how are you asks Emma? Good you Brad questions? Horrible your brother just told me his news says Emma as she begins to cry again. Em I'll be over in five minutes you shouldn't be alone says Brad as he hangs up the phone. He picks up his keys and heads out the door.

(Randy) Randy was walking around debating if he wanted to go home.

It wouldn't be his home much longer right now he was debating leaving as well. Leaving her even if he was going to be with his girlfriend. He didn't love Linda but he wouldn't admit it out loud.

He noticed his brother drive by and pull up to Emma's house and go in.

Randy never noticed how close they had gotten since he started dating Linda.

Was he jealous? He shouldn't be that was his best friend nothing would change that. Not even a year away in Costa Rica. He walked over to his car and got in and went home.

(Emma's) Brad walked in. How can he leave we are suppose to do things together and Costa Rica was not part of the plan yells Emma as she throws a frame onto her bed.

Emma you need to calm down he says. Brad he is leaving what if he decides he likes it there and never comes home asks Emma with a sad smile.

Maybe you should tell him how you feel before it's too late says Brad. He loves Linda and he leaves tomorrow it won't matter says Emma as she sits in her chair.

No regrets remember says Brad . Yeah I remember you told me never to regret how I felt even if he didn't like me back says Emma. You remember when I told you that asks Brad?

How could I forget it was the day Randy asks Linda out says Emma as she spins around in her chair?

A picture caught his eye. It was of Emma, Randy, him and Mark.

They were all dressed in black. Having just attended a funeral. Emma dad's to be exact. He had been in a car accident on his way home from work. Died on impact. Something that she never thought would happen.

(Flashback 2 years ago) They walked out of the church. Randy never left her side. Brad and Mark walked up and stood with their friend and brother. People where taking pictures for the newspaper.

Someone along the way got a picture of the four of them. Grieving as a family which is what they are. Randy pulled Emma away from all the cameras and escorted her to the reception.

She was sitting down on one of the chairs. When Randy kneeled in front of her. Hey I know this is a stupid question but are you okay asks Randy? Your right stupid question snaps Emma as she cries.

Sorry says Randy as he stands up and turns. I miss him Randy I really miss him she says.

He turns back to her. It's okay to miss him he was your father says Randy. I told him I hated him that morning because we had been fighting and he died thinking that I was mad at him she says as she cries.

If I know one thing is that he loved you and no matter what happened between the two of you he knew you loved him even when you were mad says Randy as he looks at her.

Why did he leave me asks Emma? I don't know replies Randy as he hugs her.

She holds on to him and breaks completely down. Finally she pulls away. Promise me something asks Emma? What asks Randy? Promise me you won't leave me that no matter what you will be there she asks?

Always says Randy as they hug again. (End Flashback)

(Present) You know he is breaking his promise says Emma as she turns toward Brad.

I know he says with a small smile. I don't think he does though says Emma as she lays on her bed and lands on a picture. I just don't want him to go says Brad as he turns toward her.

Well he is your younger brother she says as she looks at the picture she had thrown.

Yea says Brad as he looks down. I can't believe he is leaving she says as she stares at the picture in her hand it was of Randy about four months ago.