3- Goodbyes

Cali woke up right before sunrise, the loud beep of her alarm clock buzzing in her head.  She got up instantly as if uneasy and anxious.  Cali walked to her window, opened the shutters shivering from the coldness of the morning air and looking out at the view she’s been accustomed to for the past month, Cali couldn’t help but let out a small sigh. “I can’t believe I’m leaving.” She sadly thought. Cali got ready, she took a nice warm shower and washed her hair with her favorite lavender shampoo and put on some faded blue jeans and a simple white top.  She checked her face in the mirror, Cali was thankful for this long vacation and being able to rest her skin as it looked smoother and more supple than usual. As always, she did her simple everyday makeup starting with mascara, blush, and a soft lip tint. Cali grabbed her purse and her favorite mustard cardigan and pulled her luggage out the hall and saw her mom in the kitchen with her coffee. “Good morning, Cal!” her mom greeted. “I made you breakfast. Your favorite!” she smiled. “Thanks Mom!” “What’s wrong?” Marissa looked at her daughter knowing straightaway that she was upset. “Nothing, I’m just bummed that we’re leaving, that’s all.” Cali said taking her first bite of eggs and sausages.  “I know Cal, This place is really hard not to fall in love with huh?” “Yeah, It is hard.” Cali said trying her best not to think about Darren.

***

As the taxi drove them to the airport, memories of her stay in York Bay flashed and unfolded before her like an old filmstrip. Cali remembered the first time they landed and looking like a fool being so amazed with the locals’ accent, the crowded trains going to the city, the beautiful park where she read her books borrowed from the massive Royal City library, Cali remembered the first time she met Darren and their almost everyday strolls to the beach after that.  She hasn’t even left yet and nostalgia already struck her as if looking at old photographs of her past.  Just gazing out the cab’s window and seeing all the familiar sights made her promise to herself that she has to and would come back to this place. The taxi stopped to a halt right in front of the International airport’s terminal.  As she stepped out of the cab, she was surprised to see a familiar face greeting her from a few feet away.  It was Darren looking as handsome as ever, Cali thought. He was wearing a white shirt, his toned body showing under his black leather jacket and black jeans.  His dark hair effortlessly styled and slightly disheveled made him look even more dreamlike and surreal. As he walked towards her a smirk slowly formed up his lips and Cali dropped out of her trance blushing. “Hey Cal!” Darren said giving her a hug. “I thought I’d catch you here.” He said “and last night I really wanted to tell you something"“ “Let’s go Cal!” Marissa unintentionally cut off their conversation dropping her luggage to the ground.  “I am so sorry Darren, I wish we could talk right now but I have to go.” Cali said staring up at his beautiful deep grey eyes. He grabbed something from his pocket “I got you something.” Darren said revealing a dainty silver chain bracelet with a single pink seashell hanging from it. He carefully hooked it to Cali’s left hand. “Oh my gosh Darren…” she gushed.  “It’s beautiful. I love it! Thank you.” “To always remind you of our special place” Darren smiled, admiring Cali and how beautifully animated she looked staring at the bracelet. “Promise to keep in touch?” Cali hugged Darren for the last time and he hugged her back tightly, not wanting to let her go, Darren replied. “I Promise” “I’ll see you on the other side of the world then. Goodbye Darren.” And with that she grabbed her bags and quickly followed Marissa inside. That was Darren’s last memory of Cali. That last goodbye that happened too quickly and seeing her slowly walk away from him not knowing when they will see each other again.