Hi guys!

Prepare your tissues folks, this update is going to be a tear jerker. Cindy leaves in this chapter *cues tears all round* She will be back from time to time, I really love her character!

Just a couple words to Sriram Submranian before we start- If I were to write every single little detail about the family in this story, it would already be over a million words long... I want to keep the story on track with Jessie, Jack and Lisa. Atm, where this happens in the series, Amy is still undecided about Ty and Lou is trying to get her Dude Ranch started... they're pretty occupied at the moment, but theyre around even without my mentioning them, if that makes sense. Its just so many characters to keep track of if I were to use them all in every chapter... hope this clears that up. This is just the way I decided to write my story.

Also, I'm not sure when I'll be uploading next. I need to work on the third story in this Saga before I upload the rest of this story... I hope to update again soon though...

Thanks everyone for the reviews, much appreciated and keep them coming!

Enjoy!

Chapter 25.0

Jessie waited in the bedroom till the sounds coming from the dining room had died down, waiting for the other people to leave. She knew they were saying goodbye to Cindy since they weren't going to be around when she left and she knew if she went out there while they were saying goodbye she wouldn't be able to hold it in anymore. Amy, Mallory, Lou, Ty and even Caleb to some degree liked the girl. She could still hear them saying their goodbyes from behind the closed door, somehow making it all real. Cindy was leaving.

She peeked through the curtain as the front door slammed, watching Amy and Mallory running out to catch the bus. Two down, only three more to go. She turned away from the window, sitting down on the floor to doodle a drawing to pass the time and give her mind something else to think about. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Eleanor's phone light up and frowned. She knew she shouldn't go look but a quick glance wouldn't hurt would it?

She got up, heading over to where it was sitting on the bedside table. It wasn't the notification that popped up that caught her eye. It was the photo on the homescreen. It was one of her and Cindy with Warrior and she frowned, trying to figure out where the woman had gotten it from. She looked a moment longer as she remembered. It was a photo Lisa had taken last week, obviously somehow she'd sent it to Eleanor so she could see that her granddaughter was doing okay. A thought came to mind and she smiled as she headed back to her paper on the floor. One glance at a photo was all that she needed to be able to draw something from memory.

Quietly she set to work, focusing all her energy and skill into the pencil between her fingers. She worked quickly on doing a rough outline, erasing and re-drawing over and over till she was happy with the first sketch then she started work on adding in the details. Minutes slipped by as she sat cross legged on the floor, pouring her heart and soul into her drawing.

'Jess, you okay?' Lisa asked as she opened the door a fraction to peek in. She looked around but the girl was nowhere in sight. She walked in, confused. 'Jess?'

'Down here Lisa.' She replied, looking up. 'I'm fine, just busy.'

'Jessie, Cindy is going to leave soon.' She said softly as she walked over, kneeling down in front of the girl. 'Don't you want to go spend some time with her before she does?'

Jessie nodded slowly, her eyes watering. 'I do but I needed to get away for a bit. I needed a break. I couldn't stay in there any longer. Everyone saying goodbye to her just made it feel so real.'

'I understand.' She placed her hand gently on the girl's shoulder. 'They're gone now, it's just Jack and I out there. It's okay to come out.'

'Alright, I'm coming.' Quickly she finished putting the last remaining touches on the picture she was drawing and picked it up to show her as they got up. 'I was going to give her this.'

'Oh it's gorgeous honey. Cindy will love it.'

'Thanks Lisa.' She grabbed an empty A-4 envelope and a piece of cardboard, taking the picture back and placing it in the envelope with the cardboard so it didn't get ruined. She took a deep breath, trying to hold herself together just a little while longer. 'I'll be out in a minute, I just need a moment.'

'Sure honey.' Lisa touched her shoulder gently then headed out of the room.

Jessie looked down at the envelope in her hands, closing her eyes for a moment as she composed herself. Opening them again, a set look of resolution in her eyes she picked up the recipe then headed out. 'Here you go Eleanor. Sorry I missed breakfast guys, time just got away from me.'

'That's okay.' Cindy replied with a smile. 'I ate all the muffins.'

'You did?' She asked in surprise, pretending to go along with her even though she didn't feel much like it. 'I thought I asked you to save me a couple.'

'I managed to pry a few from her cold, heartless hands.' Jack winked at her as he joined their banter. 'They're in the fridge for you.'

'Thanks. I think we need to call Cindy the Eating Machine instead.'

'Jessie!' She playfully punched the girl in the arm then glanced down at the envelope in the girls hand. Her curiosity aroused, she tried to take a look as the girl held it out of her reach. 'Whatca got there? Something for me?'

'First things first Cindy.' She held the envelope up above her head as Cindy tried to get it off her. 'Here is the recipe Eleanor.'

'Thank you dear.' The woman replied as she took the piece of paper. She glanced at the clock. 'I'm going to go make sure that I have everything and pack the car. We have to leave soon Cindy.'

'I know Grandma.' Cindy acknowledged as the woman headed up the hall and she turned back to Jessie. 'Can I have it? Please, pretty pretty please?'

'I don't know.' Jessie pretended to be deep in thought. 'You did leave me some muffins didn't you?'

'Yes, yes. They're in the fridge. Now can I have it?'

'Alright, alright.' She chuckled, handing the envelope to her. 'Don't knock me over for it.'

Lisa stood back with Jack, watching the two girls interact with each other. She could tell Jessie was trying to hide how she was really feeling, Cindy was masking her feelings by being Cindy. Something she had observed with Cindy and Jessie was that when Cindy was stressed or upset she acted more childish then usual, trying to get those around her to laugh. Jessie on the other hand would go really quiet and just fade into the background if she could. They were complete opposites in every way possible yet they hit it off so well with each other. She could see Jessie was barely keeping it together but the girl was putting on a brave face so Cindy didn't notice. She was like that, always thinking of how others felt and not caring about herself as long as she didn't make those around her upset. It was honourable on her part but at the same time it was her downfall. She kept everything inside her, everything bottled up tight so no one could see what was going on in her mind. It was just the way she had learnt to deal with things.

'Oh Jessie.' Cindy breathed in awe as she pulled the picture out of the envelope. 'You did this?'

Jessie nodded, turning her head away from the girl so she didn't see her wipe away a tear. 'Yep. Do you like it?'

'It's gorgeous Jessie. I love it.' She exclaimed as she admired it, tracing Warrior's face with her fingertips. 'It must have taken you ages to do.'

'Not really, if I work fast. I'm glad you like it.'

'Its the most special present I've ever received Jessie, thank you.' She replied, placing it back into the envelope so it didn't get ruined. 'I have something for you too, I was going to give it to you right before I left but I think now is a better time.' She pulled a small box from her pocket. 'It's for both of us. Lisa and I found it when we went shopping a few weeks back and I thought it would be perfect for us.'

Carefully Jessie undone the ribbon tied around the box and lifted the lid, gasping as she saw what was inside. 'Oh Cindy, it's gorgeous.' Gently she pulled the necklace out, looking at it in her hand. It was a split necklace with the word 'sisters' written on it and shaped like a love heart. She sniffled back a sob, stifling it before it escaped her. 'It's beautiful.'

'We both have a piece of each other's heart now.' She replied with a smile. 'So when we're missing each other all we have to do is hold onto each other's hearts.'

'That's so sweet Cindy.' Gosh, your going to make me cry here girl! Pull yourself together Jessie. She thought, looking at the heart. 'Sisters forever and always.'

'Sisters forever and always.' Cindy repeated.

'How about you put my half on me and I'll put your half on you?'

'Sure. Which half do you want?'

'The right side, because I'm always right.' She tried to crack a weak joke as she carefully split the necklace into two pieces. 'You don't mind?'

'Nope. They're the same anyway.' Cindy placed the necklace around the girls neck, moving her hair aside so she could do the clasp up. 'There we go.'

'Thanks.' She turned to her, placing her necklace around her neck. 'Okay, yours is on.'

'We're sisters now.' She touched her half of the heart with Jessie's. 'So you're stuck with me.'

'I couldn't think of anyone else that I'd rather be sisters with.' Jessie replied, her voice cracking with emotion. She quickly regained her composure, looking at the clock. 'We have time to say goodbye to Warrior, if you want. You have your bags packed?'

'Yep. Can I give Warrior a carrot?'

'You sure can.' She glanced back at Jack and Lisa and they nodded, giving her the go ahead. 'You go put your picture in your suitcase and I'll go grab a carrot and meet you out at the barn, okay?'

'Sure.'

Jessie hurried out, grabbing a carrot from the fridge as she went past. She put her coat on then headed to the barn, her head down against the breeze that made her eyes water. Was it the breeze or was she about to start crying? No tears. Not yet.

She strode over to Warrior, the stallion sniffing her over the stall door. He nibbled her pocket, knowing that there was a carrot inside. 'You'll have to wait for Cindy, she's going to give it to you mate.' She scratched behind his ears as he went for her pocket again. 'Hey!'

'I'm here.'

'That was quick.' Jessie exclaimed as Cindy hurried into the barn.

'Jack is putting my stuff in the car so I could come here quicker.' She explained, taking the carrot she was handed. 'Do you want this boy? Do you?'

'Oh stop teasing the poor guy and give it to him.' She chuckled as Cindy held the carrot just out of his reach. 'Remember how I showed you.'

'Flat palm, fingers together. Got it.' The horse took the carrot greedily and she gave him a pat as he promptly ate it. 'Can I have one last ride? I don't know when I'll get another chance.'

Jessie glanced around. There was no one in sight. 'Just a quick ride and we'll go together.' She unlocked the stall door, leading Warrior out the back door to the pasture behind. He snorted, pawing the ground as she stopped him beside the mounting block that had b left there. Quickly she sprang up then gave Cindy her hand and helped her get on behind. 'Hold on tight Cindy.'

'I am.' She replied, her arms wrapped firmly around her waist. 'Ready.'

'Git up boy.' Warrior swished his tail as he jumped into a slow canter, the girl holding on tight to a lock of his mane and her legs firmly around his barrel. Cindy laughed, letting her hair fly back and she nudged the stallion to go faster. They were galloping now, the wind in their hair as he raced up the hill behind the barn. Jessie let go of his mane, extending her arms out as she closed her eyes. This was what flying felt like, the sheer power of raw strength racing underneath her. Cindy laughed with glee again and she opened her eyes again and grabbed a lock of the stallion's mane to turn him back towards the barn.

'Can't we go just a little bit longer?' Cindy begged as Jessie started to slow Warrior down. 'Please?'

'Afraid not Cindy. You have to go soon and Warrior needs his breakfast and grooming.' She halted the stallion, sliding off after Cindy dismounted and led the horse back to his stall. 'I wish we could have ridden longer but we can't.'

'I know.' She sighed, resting her chin on the stall door after Warrior and Jessie had walked in and closed it. The stallion turned, nuzzling her cheek with his nose. 'Hey, that tickles.'

'Cindy, time to go.'

'Well, that's it.' She patted the black as Jessie left his stall. 'Thanks for the ride mate and be good for Jessie. I'll be asking her how you've been.' Warrior nickered, nudging her again. She turned to Jessie as they walked out. 'Say goodbye to that gorgeous cat of your for me.'

'I will.' Jessie promised as they stopped beside the car. Eleanor had the engine running, warming it up so they could leave. She blinked back tears as Cindy said her goodbyes to Jack and Lisa, hugging them both then turning back to her. She wrapped her arms around her, resting her cheek on the girls head. 'Take care of yourself, okay?'

'That goes for you too.'

'I'm going to miss you.'

'I'll miss you too Jessie.'

'Promise we'll stay in touch?'

'Promise.'

'Okay.' She pulled away, looking down at the girl as she placed her hands on her shoulders. 'No crying you hear?'

'No crying.' Cindy replied, close to tears. 'Goodbye Jessie.'

'Bye Sugarbuns.' She pulled her in for one last hug, wishing the moment could last forever. 'Be good.'

'Cindy, it's time to go.' Eleanor said gently as she hopped in the car.

Cindy nodded, letting go of Jessie. She looked up at her, the older girl was almost crying. 'No tears.'

'No tears.' She replied, Lisa placing her arm around her as Cindy climbed in the car and rolled her window down. It was everything she had to pull herself together so she didn't break. She held her necklace up as the car started to go down the drive. 'Sisters forever-!'

'And always!' Cindy finished, holding her necklace up as she waved, the car driving away.

Jessie waved till the car turned onto the highway then couldn't hold it back any longer. Lisa held her close against her as she sobbed, letting it out. She closed her eyes, feeling Jack's hand on her shoulder as Lisa tried to comfort her. One goodbye down, one to go and it was going to be even harder then this one….