From the future with love – Chapter three
I watch as Mr and Mrs Taylor hug Sophie goodbye, her last remaining boxes being put in the boot of the car by Sawyer.
" Mum, I said I'll call. University is meant to be a happy time in my life!" Sophie says with extra enthusiasm, wiping away the tears that are now invading Mrs Taylor's face. I watch Taylor, and for the first time notice a solid emotion on his face: Sadness. I feel my stomach turn, realising one day that I will soon have to let Ted go like this. As the family say their final goodbyes, Christian and Ted walk out of the front door and onto the driveway with the rest of us. Christian wraps his arm around me, and I hold back my tears. After seeing Sophie grow up alongside Ted, I'd become very fond of her. From a sweet little girl, she had grown into an amazing woman. I look to my left to See Ted awkwardly standing between the house and Sophie. Ted has grown up too, and is now going through his teenage phase. Although I know he's trying to protect his dignity, I also know that he's probably the most upset about Sophie leaving. Except Mrs Taylor, perhaps.
" Ted! You've come to see me go?" Sophie says in an happy voice, as she walks towards him. Ted lifts up his head, his bold shoulders becomes tense.
" Uhm. Yeah, I guess I did." He admits, a smile finally breaking through. Sophie and Ted stand facing each other wordlessly, and tears start to escape my eyes. Christian squeezes me to him, and I know he knows exactly how I feel. In my own little world, I had always hoped for romance between Ted and Sophie. They've always been together, through sickness and in health, and it almost seemed certain that one day they would get together. But as I see the sun raise further into the sky, I realise that perhaps that was hoping for too much.
" Thank you for everything, Ted. We'll still stay best friends, right? Even when I'm miles away?" Sophie asks, her voice hitching in hope.
" Of course. Always." Ted replies, his face beginning to turn red. Sophie pauses for a few moments to examine his face, smiling. She walks towards him with her arms open, and Ted manages to copies her actions. They both stand there, the sun continuing to rise, as the car engine is turned on.
" Bye, Teddy." I see her mummer to him. She places a gentle kiss on his cheek, and quickly turns and climbs in to car. We all stand and wave goodbye as the car begins to roll away.
" I love you!" Sophie yells out of the window, as she waves back to everyone. Mrs Taylor continues to weep and is comforted by her husband. After a short while, we all begin to walk back into the house. I hear the door shut slowly behind me, and turn to see Ted sunk down to the floor, leaning his back against it. He leans his head back and shuts his eyes, as if trying to remember all those years ago when they used to fight in the exact same spot over silly things like food. I then hear him silently admit the words that came just too late to mean anything:
" I love you too."