Beth's POV

'Today's the day', I told myself for the hundredth time for the day.

I stood hand in hand with Carl under the shade of the oak tree in our farm. He was dressed in a purple shirt and jeans, he wore a baseball cap because of sweltering weather and it didn't help that the fact the he looked especially cute today, now that he was leaving.

He squeezed my hand gently and pulled me into an embrace, I sighed and wrapped my arms around him.

"I wish it can always be like this," he murmured.

"Me too," I said, feeling a tear slide down my cheek.

"Here, I wanted to give this to you before I leave," he reached into his pocket and brought out a gold necklace with a small heart shape trinket.

I giggled a bit, remembering that even in bad times, he still knows how to make me smile and laugh. I turned around and he tied the necklace around my neck. Then, he wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my head as we both stared out the farm.

He pulled away and wiped my tears. Then, he smiled and leaned down, pressing his lips against mine. I would've been happy with it, but I just felt unsatisfied and sad. It always felt that way everytime summer is ending and he has to go to Atlanta. He laced his hand with mine and we went back to their house, seeing his father loading their stuff in the van, and his mom buckling Judith's car seat. Carl hugged his uncle, his grandmother and grandfather one last time before walking up to me again.

"We'll always keep in touch, right?"

I smiled, he always know how to make me feel better. "Of course."

He kissed me again and then got into the van. I waved goodbye at them and watched sadly as their car drove farther and farther away. Someone placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, I turned around to see my sister Maggie.

"Don't worry sis, they'll come back. They always do."

"I know," I said, looking back at the distance.

"He's not really gone, you know," she said after a while.

"What?"

"You're sad because he left," Maggie continued, "but he didn't really leave. He already spent a lot of time with you that all you have to do is remember those and you'll feel that he's always with you, and you're always with him."

I stared at her, surprised. I haven't really thought about it now that she said it. And, now that the realization sank in, a grin formed in my face. Remembering all those sweet, cute, and intimate moments that I shared with him this summer, tears began forming in my eyes again.

"See?" Maggie wrapped her arm around my shoulder to comfort me.

'I should've known Maggie will always have the right words to cheer me up.'

I smiled again as the Grimes van disappeared into the distance.

Third Person POV

2 days later...

Benjamin E. Mays High School...

Atlanta...

"Hey Carl, 'sup man," Zack bumped into Carl as soon as he stepped into the doors.

"Hey Z-man, everything's great," Carl said with a bright smile.

"Carl! You're back. How's the vay-cay," Patrick closed his locker and came up to them.

"Totally awesome man," Carl replied.

"Sooooo...the questions," Zack winked at Patrick.

"Oh man," Carl rolled his eyes.

(ZACK: Italicized)

(CARL: Normal)

(PATRICK: Bold)

"Did you do something completely extreme that you almost died?"

"Nope...but I did get ass kicked. No biggie."

"Whoa you da man, boss."

"Don't call me boss."

"Are you still in a relationship? or did you recently became single?"

"Still with my girl."

"We'll the cheerleaders aren't going to like that, but you're still da man, boss."

"Did your dad survived that Governor heist thing? because I saw it on TV."

"Yeah, me too."

"He's as strong as ever, guys."

"Wow, your dad's a hero man. Anyway fourth and finally..." Zack smirked.

"Did you and your girlfriend take your relationship to the next level?"

I stared at them fro a few seconds then grinned.

"No freakin' way."

"Uh-huh."

"You're now my idol dude," Zack said while making fake sobbing noises.

"Can you give me some pointers?"

"Whatever you dweebs."

Carl smiled at his friends and headed for class. Thinking for the whole day, that this year was the best summer ever.

THE END.

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