Kim POV

Looking back on last year, I have to admit, it was somewhat more eventful than this year. I mean, sure, this year I got to sing with my favorite artist, but that's nothing compared to last year's events. Last year, on this exact date, my and my best friend went to Paris alone. It was the first time that either of us had been on holiday without parental supervision and we thought it was going to be fantastic. Amanda and I were having a great time when the most unsuspecting thing happened; Amanda was killed by a group of Albanians. I don't remember much, all I remember of her was when she was dancing in the flat,but I wouldn't want to remember much more. To say the least, this year has been uneventful compared to last.

I don't have a great relationship with my father. He wasn't really there for me when I was younger; he was always too busy being away with work. But since I turned 16, we've become a lot closer and I've managed to get past my skepticism towards him. We ensure that we see each other frequently, mostly at a weekend because of prior commitments to school and work and such.

I made a decision a few months ago to go away for university, instead of remaining here in America. In a couple of weeks, when the summer ends, I'm moving to Britain for the remainder of my education and who knows, I might end up staying. My father is insisting that he will come with me, to support me in the ways he never could when I was younger.

In some ways, I really don't want him to come with me because one part of me feels like I'm not completely over what happened in the past but another part is screaming at me to move on and make a clean start in Britain, to live the life I deserve and make amends with my father. As for my mother, she's broken over my departure but she has no objections; she only wants what's best for me, after all. But neither of their decisions matter all that much; I'm moving whether they like it or not. They can't stop me; I'm eighteen and clearly not a baby anymore. In fact, I'm a legal adult and I can do what I want; end of story.

My father talked me into letting him come with me on my first week in Britain to help me settle. Did I mention that I already have a flat that's fully furnished and ready to move into? Well, I do; all new and clean, I can't wait! Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to be growing up but I will miss my family, so I told them that they can come and visit anytime they want; they were thrilled and I had a sense of security knowing that they were willing and ready to fly over whenever.

The weeks leading up to my departure went so quickly, I was a little frightened by them. They were like a ghost; always haunting me and slowly sneaking closer and closer. The day before I was due to leave, my father, Brian, was helping me finish off my packing.

"Okay, that's the last of it; I'm all ready to move!" I exclaim excitedly.

"Great, I'll just load it all into the car and we'll get going. Hey, are you staying with me tonight?" Brian asked as he lifted my suitcase in preparation to load it into his car.

As he left the room, I followed, my response sitting on my tongue, knowing it would disappoint him.

"Um, no. I'm going to stay here tonight, you know, spend my last couple of hours with Mom. You're coming with, so I thought it was only fair… You understand that, right?" I say apprehensively.

A disappointed look flashes across his face as he says, "Sure, baby girl, I'll be here tomorrow at ten am. Don't be late, okay? We have a plane to catch." He winks at me then chuckles to himself.

The word 'plane' makes me shiver unintentionally; the last time I was on a plane was with Amanda on the way to Paris. I miss my best friend dearly, it's undeniable.

"I promise I won't, Dad." I grin making the scout symbol with one hand and the other hand on my heart.

Brian hugs me before getting in his car. I smile as I watch him drive away and realize just how much I might miss my family whilst away from them.

As he leaves, it hits me; I'm really doing this. I'm really moving to Britain and leaving my family behind. Honestly, I don't want to do this but I know that I'm doing it for my own good; I'm doing this for me. This is my last night with my mother and my stepfather, Stuart, and it can't be denied they've been great parents to me. I wouldn't be able to do this without their support and I'm so grateful for it.

'I'm really doing this.' I think to myself and then make my way back to the house.

Lenore POV

I can't quite get over it; my baby girl is moving to Britain. What scares me the most is that she is going it alone. I will never ever forgive myself for what happened to her and Amanda in Paris; I will always remember the day she came to me all broken and upset, crying as she recalled the story. Her father was right about that one.

Flashback

As I watch my heartbroken daughter leave the room, Brian coughs to catch my attention.

"You okay, Lenore?" He asks.

"Yeah, I just can't stand to see her like this. Why Amanda? Why not some other random person? Anyone but either of those two girls." I sigh.

"Neither of us will ever forget this, that's for sure."

"I will try my damn hardest to, for my daughter's sake. She doesn't need us holding onto it for longer than necessary." I scold him.

End Flashback

I flip the page of the album; looking through Kim's baby pictures makes me feel sad. Often I wish she was my little girl again but then I remember, she's a lovely woman now that she's all grown up and whatever lucky man captures her heart will be just that; lucky.

My train of thought is distorted as I hear her shout for me.

"Mom! Where are you?"

"In here, honey!" I shout back.

"What's that you're looking at?" She asks.

I hand her the album and say, "Your baby pictures."

She flicks through quickly as she sits down before putting it next to her on the bed, "Can I keep this? I mean, take it with me to Britain." She asks shyly.

"Of course you can, honey, but promise me you won't lose it." I say, lovingly.

"I won't, Mom." She smiles.

"Come here, sweetie." I say, teary eyed as I put an arm around her and hug her in comfort. "I love you, baby, and I will always love you, no matter what happens in Britain, you understand me? If you ever want to move back here, there will always be a space. I'm not saying that it won't work out but I'm leaving your options open. Don't forget, I'm just a phone call away. Or even a Skype call away. I love you so much, don't you forget that."

"Thanks Mom for always being here for me." She wipes away a tear as she says this and this makes me snap. I break down in tears with her.

"I'm just going to use the bathroom, okay sweetie?" I say, before leaving to the bathroom.

I want nothing less than for her to see me cry.

My baby, all grown up and leaving home. Where did all the time go?

-A.N I would like to thank Lissa & Linzi for helping me padd it out a bit,Owe them a lot,Thanks Guys :).I Recommend Affairs, Love and Secrecy by MelodicVoicesInTheWind.

Try and update next week Have a Merry Christmas Everyone :)

Kate xoxo