Call me maybe

Friday came already and Gar was gong to be leaving after dinner time. His parents allowed him to eat out with us as a goodbye. We finally were out of school and were eating at the pizza parlor.

"We're going to miss having you around, Gar." Rich said. Everyone nodded and looked at there plates with fake interest.

"You sound like he's dying." I said taking another slice of cheese pizza.

Everyone laughed but it was true that it would be different without out him. It may be only two weeks but he's never been away before. Not since we were all little. Rich and I were 7 when Gar moved into town with his family. Vic had just turned 8, he was a bit older than us. His birthday was late and he had to wait an extra year to enter school, so he was with us. We met Kori the next year when she migrated to America. We've all been friends for so long.

"I'll be able to call occasionally, not every day but sometimes." Gar said.

"But I couldn't bear not hearing your voice every day." Kori sobbed. She took the news tough. It was literally like a death to her.

"Aw, Kor. It's OK. I told Rae already but I'll bring each of you something back." Gar said.

"You better have a lot of cash, grass stain. Don't go cheap." Vic said laughing.

After finishing our dinner, we all piled back into Vic's car and headed back to Gar's house. The car ride was unrealistically quiet. I have never witnessed these people being quiet for even half this amount of time. Not kidding even.

We pulled up to Gar's house and hesitated to get out. No one wanted to be the first to break this nice silence between longtime friends. Well...breaking things can sometimes be fun..

I opened my door and as if a disease spread into the others, everyone else did the same. Soon we were all standing in Gar's driveway. Awkwardly, no one spoke a word. His parents were outside now putting the younger kids in the car.

Gregg came over to say goodbye before rushing next door to talk to his school friend. I think we all hang out way to much if this is the most sad thing these people have been through. Gar decided it was time to say goodbye.

"Alright, man. You be good, grass stain." Vic said giving Gar a hug.

"I will." Gar promised

"Call us at least once and tell us how it's going, OK?" Rich said.

"Yeah, no problem."

"Friend, please be careful and stay safe." Kori sobbed into Gar's shoulder.

I felt bad for her. I really did. She was having such a hard time with this. She is such a friend oriented person that the thought of two weeks without one is a crushing blow to her.

It seemed like Kori was hugging Gar for forever. The others agreed and we had to pry her off him. It took some time, let me tell you. She has some weird Russian death grip or something.

Gar walked over until he was right in front of me.

"I think Kori will need some girl time these couple weeks to relax while I'm gone." He smiled at me and held out his hand.

A handshake? I'm getting a handshake? He's leaving and this is all he can muster up for me? It made me feel unwanted so I just stared at it for a second. I couldn't believe that I didn't at least get...I don't know. Not a hug. I wasn't going to say that. I'm sure of it...

I place my hand in his outstretched hand. He held it firmly for a minute before he pulled my arm and wrapped his arms around me.

Sneak hug.

"Rae," He whispered to me, "I'm worried sick. Please, play with Kori." He held me tight for a while. I almost didn't know what was going on, after recovering from shock, I placed my arms softly around him. My heart is beating so fast, He just has to feel it. It feels like it's about to jump out of my chest. I already said I was crazy.

But how does playing with Kori fit into this? Was he worried about her? Or was it me..?

He released me slowly, and looked into my eyes. I could see a troubled look in his dark green eyes. I wish it'd leave. I wished that the sparkle that was normally there was there instead. I couldn't help but feel guilty that I've ruined his vacation before it even began. Please..Don't worry about me. I can't stand this feeling. Please..I'm going to be fine. It's not like I'll be dead when he returns. At least I hope not.

"Don't worry about me..Have fun while you're gone." I said softly. He looks deep into my eyes and he nods slowly. Everyone else appeared to ignore our interaction, either out of concern or embarrassment. Which is fine with me, I'm embarrassed that I forgot they were even there.

He finally let's go and grabs his bag. With an unmistakable awkwardness, he climbs in the family van. Within moments, the van is all ready and heading down the road. We all head out now, separately. I wave and walk off towards home.

It soon came to me why he wanted me to comfort Kori. He wants to keep the distance between myself and my father. So, my face stays in tact..I guess. If only, it was that easy. I can't just not come home. It'd be worse when I did.

I reached my home soon and saw someone waiting for me.

"Hello, Daddy.."

A/N: Do you know how many times, that I want to put a smiley face in my text? A lot. I have no idea why but I know I can't. You don't read books with smiley faces, and that's that! XD And yes, I made Kori from Russia. I have no idea...I just feel like it fits her. I thought that she just had to be foreign, since her English and knowledge of America is off. And Russia seemed like a good choice.

Next chapter- Part 1 of 2 special dedications. Part 1- Raven reaction to a shocking discovery that might be a major breakthrough for her...or a bump in the road. Part 2 is the chapter after. :)