Stepping out of the taxi, taking a deep breath with closed eyes, rattled with nerves and feelings of sadness. Mina opened her eyes and watched people go in and out of the airport's doors.
She knew what today was and what it meant, but she still wasn't ready. Slowly, she made her way into the airport where she saw her soon-to-be gone (for at least an eternity it seemed) best friend.
As she got closer to where he was standing, the realization kept hitting her, but she was going to do her best to keep a brave face.
"Oh! Mina you made it!" Jake called for her, waving his arms in the air with excitement.
"Of course I did! You think I'm letting my best friend leave without one last goodbye?" She responded, laughing at his statement.
"Yeah, I guess not." He chuckled, grabbing her hand and leading her over to a bench.
"So where are your parents and your brother?" The girl asked, attempting to appear normal.
"They're checking in the bags right now, but they say I couldn't wait to meet you and told me to tell you that they'll miss you," Jake answered, playing with her hands one final time.
"I'm going to miss them too, especially your mom and her cooking." Mina sighed.
"Don't I get a mention? I'm the best friend." He pouted, looking betrayed.
"Oh, hmmm, well, I guess I'll miss you too," she replied jokingly.
"I knew you didn't care about me, it was always a trick just to use me for free meals!" He claimed, disapprovingly shaking his head.
"Well cat's out of the bag now," she shrugged, "All these years and you just now figured it out?" She laughed.
Jake quickly crossed his arms and turned his body away from her, pouting even more.
Mina giggled, she loved this side of him, it was her favorite by far.
"Relax, I'm joking," she took his face in her hands and turned him towards her, "Of course, I'm going to miss you, my best friend who means everything to me." She replied, quickly shutting her mouth before she could say anymore.
Jake opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the sound of his ringtone. He quickly fished it out of his pocket to answer.
"Hello? ...You're down checking the bags already? ...Alright well I'll make my way over there now." He sighed, then hung up the phone. "I have to go, but you wanna walk with me till you can't go any further?" The boy asked holding out his hand.
'So this is really happening...'
"Of course." She replied taking his hand.
The two walked in silence, as they knew it was all about to end and they just wanted to enjoy each other's company.
It felt as if time stood still, the small distance that would have taken only a minute seemed to last hours.
When they reached the stopping point for Mina, Jake grabbed both her hands and faced her, examining her face to commit it to memory.
"This is it huh?" She said nervously, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
"Yep, it is." He replied, watching as the tears slowly fell down her face. Quickly he pulled her into the tightest hug he had ever given her and she did the same. Neither wanting to let go.
"I'm gonna miss you... so, so, so much." She whispered, sniffles and gasps interrupting her.
"Same here." He responded quietly, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
And then reluctantly, they both let go.
+++++++
Closing the door behind her, Mina made her way over to the foot of her bed, sitting down, she held her knees to her chest and held them tight.
She sat quietly until the tears began to fall and they refused to stop.
Even though she had prepared for this day for weeks it was more difficult than she could have imagined.
She had just lost him, her best friend, her anchor, her everything.
**********
I think this could have been longer and a bit more sad but I think it's okay.
But next will be the long-awaited time jump:)
