The next morning I was greeted by my father with a cheerful expression. I had mail from my friend Piper McLean, we became friends when our fathers filmed King of Sparta and have kept in touch with each other ever since. Her father had sent her to a boarding school for troubled kids, apparently she'd stolen a car but I only think it was to get her father's attention. How many times do I have to tell that girl that you can never fix your daddy issues?
Her letter stated that she was doing okay and she was bored most of the time except for when she was around someone named Jason. Well…he must be new. Piper didn't go through guys like Natalie does so I was surprised to read anything about a boy. It's so obvious that she likes him but as always, Piper, doesn't want to admit it to herself. Well, good for her, I'm glad that someone I truly care about can be happy. The rest of the people around me right now can go to Hell.
I shouldn't be so crabby today; my grandfather was coming back to town to help train me for my match. Unfortunately, that means that he brought my grandmother along but as long as she stays away from the gym, I'll be fine.
"Aw, how sweet! You got a letter from your delinquent friend; maybe you should send the little kleptomaniac an early Christmas present."
"Go away, Victoria, even you can't ruin my mood today,"
"Oh? And why is that? You aren't thinking of going to "you know who" are you because I always deliver on my promises little girl."
"Hey! You finished your letter to Piper, baby-doll?" my dad asked.
I hadn't seen him walk into the kitchen and he didn't seem to ask about me talking to Victoria.
"Yeah, can you drop it off for me? When is grandpa's flight getting here?" I asked.
"About 3:30 in the afternoon, why?"
I smiled. "I just want to be there when he gets here is all, he's my favorite grandpa!"
"He's your only grandpa, sweetie." He said while pecking my cheek.
At Question Authority
"What do you mean you're leaving?"
Arian sighed. "I've got a family emergency…my father's roping in all our family back home due his paranoia or some shit. I really don't want to go either."
"Do you know when you'll be back?"
He shook his head. "No, but from what I hear it could be longer than a few months."
My heart nearly stopped. The one person who could block Victoria out was leaving me for a very long time. This wasn't fair, the moment I developed the beginnings of an actual relationship with a guy, he has to leave and I'm left out in the cold again. I have to do something; I can't just let him go without telling him, if only I could tell him how I feel about him or show him at least.
"Um, is there anyone in the back?"
"Where, inventory? No, I don't think so, why?" He asked.
I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the back, I wasn't going to sit back and let this opportunity pass me by. I really liked Arian, I didn't want to admit it at first but I do. It only took me hearing him say that he's leaving me to finally get me to do something about it. As we reached the door, I shoved Arian inside the room and locked the door behind me. And then I tried to pounce…well tried to anyway. I was immediately held in place by Arian who looked very surprised at my actions.
"What the Hell?"
I rolled my eyes, "You're leaving and if I don't do this, I will regret this for the rest of my life."
"So you were trying to hook up with me? Damn, don't take this the wrong way but I respect you too much to do that with you here."
I shook my head, "Of course, I'll never be that girl. It comes to a point where you get tired of being rejected but it's not like that…I mean,"
"Yes?"
"I really like you, okay? You make me feel like I'm not crazy, you make all the voices go away and I'm not ashamed to tell you that because you make me feel like I'm an open book every single time we talk. I need you…God this going to sound desperate but if you're leaving I want to go with you."
"What about your dad? Your career, your friends?"
"They don't matter; they would get over it-"
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "You can't come with me, Torrey. I know that you want to and normally I'd have no problem with a female throwing herself at me…and you're making this really hard."
"I'm not going to get you to change your mind, am I?"
"No, I'm sorry."
I didn't know what to do in this moment, I wanted to be selfish I wanted to cry and scream but it wouldn't do me any favors. I guess the only thing I could do was be a good friend to Arian as he dealt with his family problems.
"Can I see you off to the airport?"
He smiled. "You're not going to try to jump in a bathroom stall, are you?"
"No."
"Sure. Actually I have to catch a flight for 4:30, you don't mind dropping me of at the airport do you?"
"No, actually, I have to meet someone there too."
At LAX
"So this is where I leave you, I guess…"
He rolled his eyes, "Don't look so down about it, Torrey. You'll see me again, you can count on it."
"Yeah, I hope so too."
"Torrey!" yelled out a voice.
"Aren't you going to answer them?" Arian asked.
"No, I don't want our goodbye being interrupted. So, since my failed attempt at jumping your bones…I was wondering if I could at least get a goodbye kiss."
Arian leaned over and grabbed me for a hug. I was immediately enveloped in his massive embrace, I almost didn't notice him giving me a long kiss on my forehead and an extra squeeze in our hug. Almost. This only served to make me miss him already. All too soon the embrace ended and I felt him pull away relectantly, it really was hard to say goodbye for him too.
"Bye, babe, I'll see ya soon!" He said, and then walked away towards the gate for his plane.
Tears fell from my eyes as I watched him walk away from me knowing that my life wouldn't be the same. I finally turned to see who had called me earlier and froze. My father, grandparents, Natalie and her father and several paparazzi had all witnessed my heartfelt goodbye with Arian. My life really sucks.
