Saying Goodbye to Ria

Emilia's P.O.V

I blinked the tears off my eyes, as I walked down the street of Florennes. Although it was still a developing city, it was better than a town right? "Be understanding"., I said to myself, then sighed as my brain was refusing to accept my words.

When I said I was going to say goodbye to my friends, I meant only two people because they're literally the only friends I have; Ria and Stephen.

Ria had been my friend since I was little. She used to live in my neighborhood, before her family moved to the new neighbourhood, still, our friendship didn't stop. I do visit her and she does visit me too. My dad used to say that we seemed more like twins than my brother and I, and I kinda agree.

I wasn't really close to my twin brother. We barely talk and when we do, he's either making fun of me, asking me to cover for him while he does some crazy shit, or requesting for something. I didn't have much to say to him, or maybe, it was the fact that he was barely home. But there was something we had in common; we were our dad's favourite, and we loved him just the same. That tragic day when they died, I really felt it, I felt a part of me leaving. I felt like I was three, and then two parts were taken away leaving just one part, which was probably what's keeping me alive and kicking, but could I really hold on much longer?

I entered her neighborhood, the scent of freshly baked bread hitting my nostrils, and I held my stomach as I remembered I haven't eaten since this morning.

Damn the bakery around here!

I hurried along, and I finally met with the blue bar gate. I pushed it open and walked in, heading straight to the block in front of me. Ria was outside eating the goddamn bread with a chilled soda if I'm not mistaken.

"hey, beauty". She loves to call me that since I played the part of beauty in beauty and the beast in a school play.

"Hi, pumpkin". That was the nickname her crush gave to her, and she didn't really like it, as she felt it was insulting, but the name really suited her as she was small and cute..

"Damn you, bitch". She cursed and I shrugged as I settled down besides her, grabbing the bread lying temptingly beside her. I munch on it, then let out a satisfactory groan as the taste melted into my tongue. This bread was really good. She stretched the soda towards me, and I grab it from her and gulped down a whole lot. "So what brings you to my humble abode?". She asked and I swallowed before turning to answer her.

I had a small frown as I said "We are moving to town". I stretched the soda towards her, but she didn't take it. Instead she got up fiercely "What do you mean you're moving to town? Why, wha…. Uh". She was obviously upset by the news.

"Yeah, my sister said we have to move to town as she can't continue paying for all the expenses". I replied sadly. Somehow, at this moment, my brain was beginning to understand her

"But… but..". Ria moved around aimlessly, then back to stand in front of me..

"I'm sorry". I said as I got up and hugged her..

She breathed out loudly, then I felt something drop on my shoulder, passing through my blue silk dress. Then another, and a few more dropped. She was crying.

"I'm really sorry". I apologized, tearing up .

She sniffed, then peeled me off her, her hands gripping both my shoulders firmly. "It's fine, when are you leaving?". She asked..

"By dawn".I said and her eyes widened. "What? So, why are you only telling me this now?".

"Calm down, I only just got to know". I replied.. "Kinda an impromptu announcement, but I think she's been thinking about it for a while".

"This Is fucked up". Ria groaned loudly.

"Totally". I agreed with her. It was totally fucked up.

"So, how am I supposed to throw a farewell party for you? I wasn't prepared for this at all.. I was going to a party next week, and I thought you'd come with me". She sat down, her head lowered. "You know we planned a lot of things together. We planned to get married together, go to the same spot for our honeymoon. What about the concert next month we were supposed to attend huh? Gosh, I seriously don't know what to say, cause I know it's not your fault but … but …". As if she suddenly thought of something, she raised her head and got up. "What if you stay with me huh? Then others can… go". The look on my face told her I wasn't going to do it.

How would I abandon my family and stay with her? Besides, that'd be a burden on her parents, I mean, they're not doing too well right now.

"Fine!". She sighed. "I love you Em". She said and hugged me, making me a little startled.

"Always and forever!". I replied, and we pulled away

She sniffed, pressing her lip into a thin line. "Have you gone to see Stephen?". She asked.. yeah, she does know about him, she was my best friend after all..

"That's where I'm going from here!". I replied and she nodded.

"This time, please don't hold back. No matter what, just let him know how you feel. That's the least you could do before you leave, okay?". She said and I nodded.

"I'll come bid you my final farewell". She said and I chuckled.

"Goodluck with that". I said. We were leaving very early, so would it even be possible for her to meet up?