Goodbye

"This ring must really be meant for you Ela.", Lucille said, smiling.

"Great!", I said, my smile not quite reaching my eyes.

"Is something wrong, dear?", Lucilla asked.

"Well, my family decided that if we get the ring back, we would need to move out so that Tom won't keep looking for us.", I explained.

"And of course you're sad to leave everything you've known all your life. I understand. That must be really hard. But I don't disagree with your decision. The ring has become more powerful upon its return and I did my best to put a protective spell on it, but still it's best to stay on the safe side.", she said thoughtfully.

"What do you mean, the ring is more powerful?", I asked.

"I think it might have embedded some of the powers Tom used to have when he owned this ring. What those powers were, I cannot tell for sure. But I just feel that the ring has become more charged with magic. And I'm pretty sure it will reveal itself to you in due time.", she answered.

"I see." Even if I was curious, I left it at that. I'm more concerned on what could happen than the powers of the ring at the moment. "How about you though? Won't he come looking for you too? Won't he know it was you who summoned the ring?", I asked her, looking at her worriedly.

"He most certainly would. But I can protect myself. Don't you worry about me.", she said.

"Maybe you should just come with us!", I suggested excitedly.

"You haven't even decided where you're going yet. It might be too far for me.", she answered, smiling.

"Oh, that's right.", I said. My face falling.

"It's ok dear. We will keep in touch. And I will definitely come to you if you will ever need me, that's a promise.", she assured me.

We hugged, she said goodbye to my family, wished us all well and left.

I told my family what Lucille told me about the ring. Yasir and dad were excited but mom was looking a bit worried.

"Don't worry, mom. Lucilla said she gave the ring a protective spell or something like that.", I told her. "Have you guys decided on where we will be going?", I added.

"We've decided to move to the West coast. I think that's far enough already and your dad's company has a sister company there so he was able to secure a job there.", mom explained.

"Cool! The west coast! I've always wanted to live there.", Yasir said excitedly.

"We think it's far enough already that Tom can't follow us there. I don't think he's going to come all the way from the east to the west coast just to look for us.", dad added.

"And since dad found a job there, that means we get to hold on to the pink diamond. We don't need to sell it anymore.", mom said.

Well at least that's a piece of good news. I was still sad because it meant saying goodbye to everything I've known my whole life. I will surely miss Harriet, my school, my teachers, our neighbors, Miguel's food and his staff, and everyone I've known my entire life. I would miss the traditions, events, community, shops, and everything that has become a part of me.

But now, I can feel a bit of excitement for new beginnings. New surroundings. New school, new friends, new life. It might not be so bad after all.

"Can we bring Luna? Please? She hasn't got anyone anymore. It would be too sad to leave her.", I pleaded to my parents.

My mom smiled. "I think that can be arranged.", she answered.

I called and told Harriet the latest development. I warned her not to tell anyone else. For her own safety as well. We cried again and promised to plan a visit and swore to always keep in touch. This was the hardest part. Parting with my best friend. But I'm sure we'll meet again.

The rest of the month was spent on preparation for our big move. Only dad and mom knew exactly where we will be moving to. Nobody else. They said it's for their and our own safety. I agree.

Finally, the day of our departure has come. I thanked my parents for sacrificing everything to keep us safe and apologized for bringing this on us.

"It's not your fault, dear. Nobody wanted this to happen.", mom assured me.

"Are you ready?", dad asked.

"Are you kidding? I can't wait! Woohoo! Sunshine and beaches here we come!", Yasir exclaimed happily.

I smiled and squared my shoulders. Whatever it is we're facing, wherever it is we're moving, I'm sure it will be alright.