Chapter 14

Cole hasn't seen much of Carol since Independence Day. The only time he's seen her in the two classes they shared together was during finals, but she was doing her damn best to avoid him like the plague. There were a couple of encounters they had where she wanted to talk to him, but would then turn away without a reason why. She never said anything, not even a simple, "I need to head off to class." Nothing. Not a word. Cole wasn't sure if it was the fact she wasn't allowed to speak to him or if there was something she wanted to tell him, but wasn't sure how to say it.

The week before Christmas break, Cole was in the middle of working on the sound systems for the microphones during study hall when he overheard Carol speaking with Robert Gordon, head student of the theatre tech club.

"Sorry to hear you won't be here with us anymore, Carol," he heard Robert say, "You're one of the best stage designers the tech club's ever had. Did you make sure to hand in the copy of your resignation letter to Mrs. Morris for approval?"

"I did yesterday," Carol told him, "I just need your approval."

Robert nodded, taking the paper and pen and signing his name. "Just make sure you turn it in to the guidance counselor before the week's over. We're really gonna miss you here, Carol."

"Same here." Carol began to walk out of the auditorium.

Cole couldn't take this anymore. It was time to confront Carol about this mess and finally talk it out. He rushed out of the auditorium and ran after her. "Carol, wait! I need to talk to you!"

"Don't try begging me to stay, Cole," Carol told him, continuing to walk down the hall without hesitation, "I had to resign for a reason."

"Just let me try to talk to your mom. Maybe we can settle this."

"Don't worry about it, Cole. You know my mom's never around to listen to what anyone has to say."

"Can't you just talk to me about what's going on?"

"You wouldn't understand, Cole."

Cole grabbed her hand, causing her to stop walking. "I'll understand if you just talk to me."

The intercom clicked on with the sound of the attendance woman in the office. ("Caroline Dominez, report to the office for pick up!")

Carol sighed. "I don't have time to talk right now, Cole."

"Then let's make a time," Cole said, "Let's get together Saturday. We'll go wherever you want."

Carol hesitated a moment before saying, "The park sound okay with you?"

Cole nodded. "Sounds good to me. Meet me there at noon?"

"Sure. See you there." With that, Carol made her way down the hall towards the office. Cole headed back inside the auditorium to finish work on the sound system.

The last few days were pretty slow moving, especially since Cole had to be at school to aid in the winter musical. He could do a happy dance if he wanted to say Saturday finally arrived. It was cold and snowy, but that wouldn't stop him. After getting dressed, he made his way out the door.

"I'm heading out," he told his parents.

"I can give you a ride if you want, son," his dad said.

"Thanks, but I'm fine taking the bus. I'll be home by dinner."

"Okay, honey," his mom said, "Stay warm."

Cole left out the door, waiting at the bus stop. After climbing aboard, he had the driver drop him off at the Ninja Square Park, where he bought two cups of hot chocolate and sat down on one of the benches, waiting for Carol. It was five til noon, so he took the time to take in the scenery around him. The bright white snow falling felt like a romantic scene all around him. The Christmas tree stood tall, trimmed with ornaments and twinkling lights. But he noticed coming around the tree is the girl he's been waiting for, walking down the sidewalk towards him.

He waved her over. "Hey, Carol."

She didn't answer back, but she gave a smile and a wave as she approached and sat down next to him, accepting the hot chocolate he offered her. The two watched the light snow falling for a little bit before Cole grew tired of the silence.

"So is everything okay, Carol?" Cole asked.

Carol nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine."

Silence. Then Cole said, "You know, I'm almost finished writing up a new play script. I'm hoping to finish typing it up before spring and hope to the Great Sensei Mr. Hinkson will approve of it. I figured after your amazing performance with the last play, maybe you'd like to play the leading female again. What do you say?"

Without warning, Carol started crying. Cole worried he said something wrong, but gave her a moment to calm herself down before looking up at him with tears running down her face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to break down like that. It's just…I'm not coming back next semester."

Those words shocked Cole, but he kept his cool and placed Carol's hand in his. "What's going on, Carol? You can tell me anything."

Carol wiped the tears from her cheeks, taking deep breaths. "My mom left, Cole. You remember when you brought me home the night of Independence Day and I ended up getting into a heated argument with her? I said some things I should regret, but in some ways, I don't. The next morning my aunt and I found a letter sitting on the table saying she felt like there was more to life than being a workaholic mom and said she was going out in the world to find her true purpose. Aunt Rose told me she was only going through what they call a midlife crisis, but probably only told me that to make me feel better."

"But what does that have to do with you not coming back next semester?"

"We can't afford the rent on the apartment. My mom made enough to pay all the bills while my aunt went and made sure they were paid. So we've decided to move back to my father's old home. It's called Spaintown, over in East Ninjago. My brothers inherited the house and the farm along with all the land. To be honest, I'll be better off there. The farm is a big producer of dairy and meat, traveling all throughout East Ninjago. Spaintown has a really great school system. I've been hoping to try and find home for a long time. The one thing I hate about it is you not being a part of it. But returning back to the old house and farm might help me find my purpose in life. I just hope you're not upset. I'm so sorry I have to leave." Carol started breaking down once again in tears.

Cole hated seeing her this way. He wrapped his arms around Carol, allowing her to cry on his shoulder. He'll admit to the fact he didn't want her to leave. He wanted her to stay. Wanted her to be here with him. If her mother had still been living at home, she would've finally reached a breaking point big enough to run away, which would be a mistake he never want her to choose. But now that the she beast was gone, Carol had no choice but to leave or risk her and her aunt getting evicted from the apartment.

Besides, moving back to her old hometown brought a smile to her face just for a moment. All Cole could ever want was her happiness. That's more important to him than anything else. And he was going to let her know that.

Leaning Carol back just enough to stare into her eyes, he wiped the tears away and said, "Carol, I'll admit that I want you to stay, but let me ask you something. Does moving back home make you happy?"

Carol hesitated before nodding. "It does, but what about you?"

"Carol, it doesn't matter to me. Your happiness is my happiness. That's all I could ever ask from you. I'll go to the Underworld and back for you if I have to. I'll do anything for you." He placed a hand on her cheek.

Carol smiled. "You know, it almost sounds like we're boyfriend and girlfriend. I wish we could've spent more time together for that to happen. I think we'd make a cute couple."

"I say that we already are. That is if you don't mind being my girlfriend."

"I would love nothing more."

"Well then, let's make it official, shall we?" With that being said, Cole brought Carol's face up close to his and kissed her, the snow falling gently around them. Such a beautiful atmosphere to share a romantic first kiss. Nobody was around, and even if they were, they would see it as adorable.

Their lips broke apart a few seconds later and the two snuggled up close together to warm each other up, enjoying the lukewarm hot chocolate while watching the snowfall. They remained at the park for a while until the light gray clouds turned a bit darker and the temperature began to drop lower, a sign indicating it was time to head home. They both took the bus over to Carol's place, greeted by her aunt at the door.

"Sorry I was gone for so long, Aunt Rose," Carol said.

Rose kissed her forehead. "That's alright, dear. I know you need some time to spend with friends. Why don't you go ahead and finish up your packing? Your brothers will be here with the van tomorrow to gather us and the load."

"Yes, Aunt Rose." Carol turned to Cole. "I'll be sure to write to you at my new address. I hope we see each other again soon, Cole."

Cole smiled. "Same here."

Once Carol went inside, Rose placed Cole's hand in hers. "Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my niece. We hope to one day see you again."

Cole nodded. "Let's hope that day comes soon."

Rose went back inside the apartment to help her niece pack. Cole walked home, smiling to himself knowing he officially had a girlfriend. His parents worried how he would react to Carol leaving, but he told them he would be fine. He would see her again one day.

After being comforted by his parents, he closed himself up inside his room and finished writing up his script. Pulling up the document icon on his laptop, he started off typing up the title, but looking down at the written rough draft of the script, he decided maybe it would be better to save this play for the future. For a time when it becomes successful.

He stuck the notebook inside his night stand drawer, saving it for the future. For after college. For the day where the woman he loves will walk back into his life to play the part. Or to choose who should play the part.

All he could think about was hearing Carol say she would love nothing more than to be his girlfriend. He felt awful for never uttering the words, "I love you."

But just her saying she would be his girlfriend is better than anything else in the world. Yes, it's sad she's leaving without knowing if he'll ever see her again, but she'll at least be happy where she's heading off to. And that makes Cole happy.

It turned out to be the greatest Christmas present he's ever had.

A gift he'll cherish forevermore.

But the best gift of all will be to see her once again.

WELL, CAROL'S GONE. WILL SHE COME BACK? WE'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.

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