After what seemed like forever, homeroom ended. When the bell sounded after ten minutes, Raven and Chelsea jumped up with their books and moved swiftly out the door. Meanwhile, Mr. French had watched them very suspiciously.
Outside the room (and a little bit down the hallway too, just in case Mr. French was the snoopy type) the two stopped at the water fountain.
"Chels, his locker was empty! The wad of gum wasn't even stuck to the side like it always was! The gum is GONE! I never thought I'd say this, girl, but I want that gum to come back. If it came back, then that means that Eddie would be standing next to us right now, and it'd be back to normal…" Raven heaved a heavy side and leaned against the wall. "He's cleaned out his things and he's left us."
"Raven. I know what you mean. It feels different having him gone like that. Real…quiet and lonely." Chelsea said as she put her hand on Raven's shoulder.
"Well, come on, Chelsea. Let's get to that office and see exactly where Eddie went. Maybe the secretary there has it recorded or something…" Raven stood up straight and tall and continued to walk through the mob of moving people, head down, holding back tears.
Chelsea rushed up beside her and said, "Now, Raven! If it makes you feel better, because I know it makes ME feel better, but, anyway, the Tomato and Broccoli Cheese soup is being served special in the cafeteria today! Maybe that was fate helping us through the day with a nice big bowl of-"
"I DON'T want that soup, Chels. That is too gross for me. Way, WAY too gross for me."
All the way through the halls it was quiet between them until they reached the office. When Raven opened the big wooden door, she was stunned. There, standing in front of her, was Eddie's DAD! Just like in her vision she saw Saturday morning!
She grabbed Chelsea's arm and whispered, "CHELS! This is from my vision! Eddie's dad standing in the office talking about moving to Montana!"
Chelsea's eyes opened wide and she looked strait ahead at Eddie's father. They stood in the doorway trying to listen with all their might and ear strength.
"Uh huh. Yeah. We're moving to Montana. Where the air is clean and you can see a deer in the back yard! My Eddie's never seen a deer here where we live. Never! Can you believe that? Gosh darn it all, it's pathetic! I'm moving my family to the real deal. They'll love it! We'll be gone in a few days. Maybe a month. But I think we're all set to get going now. So, wish us luck getting across the country in our car! Ugh, I can JUST imagine it now. Everyone yelling at eachother as they cram into the backseat. Such fun. Brings me back to the old days, ya know? Beside, Eddie I think looks excited!" Eddie's dad was talking to the secretary, who looked pretty warn out. Eddie's dad loved to talk, it was plain obvious, and he could drone on about the most boring things.
Chelsea and Raven looked at eachother. It was official. He was leaving now. Eddie was leaving now. A tear dropped down from Raven's damp eyes. When she glanced over at Chelsea, she noticed her eyes were getting red, too.
Then, Eddie's dad turned around and saw the two girls.
"Hi, gals!" He said cheerfully.
"Hey, Mr. Thomas." Raven said to the jolly old man.
"Why, girls! You two look so glum. May I ask why that is?"
"Why we're glum? Mr. Thomas! Our best buddy is moving away! Eddie can't go!" Chelsea practically yelled.
The man looked mighty surprised. His smiling face turned into a face that was expressionless.
Chelsea dropped to the ground and moaned, "WWWHHHHYYYY?"
Raven grabbed Chelsea and whispered fiercely through her tears, "Girl, quit it."
"Listen, Raven. Chelsea," started Mr. Thomas, " I hate it here where we live. I love it in Montana. It's beautiful. That's the place I have always wanted to live. And now I can. Girls, you can always talk on the phone and talk through the mail with Eddie. There is absolutely no reason why your friendship would be ruined."
"I know…I know…" Raven broke down and just wanted to leave. She held on tighter to her books and walked quickly out of the office door. Her mind was buzzing. "Eddie's gone. I'll never see him again. Not for a million years. He's gone. History. I miss Eddie. Am I being over dramatic? No. I can't be. Oh, I want to see him sooo much. Why does his stupid dad hate it here anyway? He's just doing this for himself. He doesn't care about ANYONE but himself. I hate Mr. Thomas." She could hear Chelsea calling her name behind her, but she didn't care. Raven barged right into the girl's bathroom and wept.