Life Of A British African Teenager | ✔️

Chapter 38- (Our last goodbyes)

The final visiting day of the first term has arrived, signaling the upcoming end of my time at school. My mom arrives for a visit, bringing with her an abundance of items in preparation for my return home next week.

"Mom, all this isn't necessary," I complain, feeling slightly overwhelmed by her thoughtfulness.

"It is, my love. Look at how you've grown lean. You're not taking good care of yourself, Leona. You appear so stressed and pale," she observes, concern evident in her voice and her eyes studying my face.

"I'm fine, mom. I promise," I reassure her, though it's clear she's not fully convinced.

"No, you're not. What's bothering my baby girl? Talk to mommy," she urges gently, her gaze unwavering.

"Mom, can we go back to London?" I pose the question with a mix of apprehension and longing, the words heavy in the air between us.

She falls quiet, processing my request. "Why, my love? Are you okay? Why the sudden desire to return?"

I pause, collecting my thoughts before continuing. "I can't stay here anymore. The pain is too much. I'm withering away inside. I know everything is over, but why does it still hurt? Why do I still feel guilty?"

In response, my mom pulls me into a warm, comforting embrace. "Will going back to London bring you the peace you're seeking?"

I nod, finding solace in her understanding.

"Then, my love, I'll book our flight tickets. Once you're back home, we'll return to London," she assures me.

"Thank you, mommy," I express my gratitude, knowing that her unwavering support is a lifeline I can always count on.

"You're welcome, my baby."

After her departure, I gather Cassie, Sam, and Rita in the cafeteria to share the news. While I anticipate their shock, I hope they'll understand my decision to leave and find healing in our separate paths.

"What's up, Leona?" Sam's curiosity is evident as they all take their seats.

"I have something important to tell you all," I begin, my voice laced with a mix of resolution and uncertainty. With their attentive expressions, I reveal that I'll be returning to London with my mom for good. Their initial shock is visible, but as I explain my reasons, they come to realize the necessity of our individual journeys toward healing.

As I request their discretion in not sharing this news, they all agree, sealing our unspoken pact of understanding and support. Our emotions are raw, tears hovering at the edge of our expressions as we hold each other tightly. Despite the sorrow, we all recognize that this is a step toward finding our own paths to closure.

---

The school break finally arrives, providing a brief rest. With the limited time remaining, my friends and I embark on a whirlwind of fun activities, trying to savor every moment together. We catch a movie, visit the arcade, indulge in delicious food, and more, each experience etching itself into our collective memory.

As our paths diverge to our respective homes, Cassie remains by my side, helping me pack since we live close by. Amidst the task, she brings up Bryan and his absence from our conversation.

"Cassie, I know Bryan well," I respond, my tone a mixture of resignation and understanding. "If I had told him, he would have made this even harder for me. I'm struggling enough to leave you all as it is."

"I get it, Leona," Cassie acknowledges with a compassionate nod. "But you know he'll find out eventually."

"I know," I concede, my thoughts conflicted. "But maybe by then, he'll have come to terms with it. He'll be okay."

We complete our packing, and Cassie spends the night at my place. The following morning, mom and I prepare to leave for the airport, our flight scheduled for 10 am. Knowing that my friends and Aunt Bridgette are coming to see us off fills me with a mix of excitement and sadness.

At the airport, our goodbyes are a blend of nostalgia and anticipation for new beginnings. Rita's polaroid camera captures our smiles, laughter, and tears, encapsulating the moments we hold dear. Mom reminds us of the impending departure, urging us to wrap up our farewells.

"We'll miss you so much, girl," Rita exclaims, a touch of theatricality in her voice.

"We'll keep in touch, guys. I promise," I assure them, my words carrying the weight of my sincerity.

Hugs are exchanged, emotions brimming to the surface, and as we're about to head toward our gate, a familiar voice pierces the air, calling my name from a distance.

"Leona!" Bryan's urgent call catches me off guard as he races toward us.

My friends exchange knowing glances, revealing their hand in orchestrating this surprise encounter. I'm torn between irritation and a strange feeling of gratitude that they cared enough to include him.

"Bryan? What is he doing here?" I whisper my thoughts to my friends, guilt flickering in their expressions.

Before I can fully process the situation, Bryan is by my side, enveloping me in a tight hug, as if trying to prevent my departure with the sheer force of his embrace.

"Please don't leave," his plea resonates through his words, his arms clinging to me as if he can anchor me to the ground.

"Don't leave me," his voice cracks, revealing the depth of his emotions, raw and vulnerable.

I'm torn, caught between the gravity of my decision and the intensity of Bryan's feelings. My friends' eyes are filled with a mix of concern and guilt, as if they are experiencing the turmoil along with me.

I meet Bryan's eyes, seeing the desperation and fear within them. This was what I feared, what I wanted to avoid—his heartbreak. The selfish part of me wants to turn back, to change my mind and stay for him. But I know that such a decision wouldn't be fair to either of us. I have to move forward for my own healing.

"Bryan, I'm sorry," I manage to say, my voice carrying the weight of my emotions. "I had to make this choice. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. It would've only made things more difficult."

He clings to me as if he can't bear to let go, his grip speaking volumes of the desperation he's feeling. "Leona, you still have a chance to stay. Please, please, please don't leave me."

His plea tugs at my heartstrings, but I also know that his happiness can't solely depend on me. "Bryan, I have to do this. It's not just about you and me. It's about finding our own peace and healing."

"I promise you, I'll be back," I reassure him, trying to infuse my words with as much sincerity as I can muster. "I don't know when, but I'll come back."

"I'll wait for you," he says, his voice holding a mix of determination and longing.

A small smile curves on my lips at his words, touched by his unwavering faith. The hug lingers for a moment longer, conveying all the unspoken emotions, before we finally pull away.

As I wave goodbye to my friends and Aunt Bridgette, Rita quickly hands me a picture. It's a snapshot of Bryan and me, captured in an embrace that holds a world of emotions. I express my gratitude with a heartfelt smile, clutching the picture as a tangible reminder of the connections I'm leaving behind.

With one last look at the faces that have become my family, I turn to follow my mom towards the gate. The departure is bittersweet, a mix of excitement and sorrow, the knowledge that I'm taking a step towards my healing journey, even if it means leaving behind the pieces of my heart that are scattered here.
______________________________________

😭❤️
We are almost there...

Don't forget to ⭐️