Ashley's point of view:
"Ashley, we know you might already know this, however, we wanted to just confirm something with you". Gosh. Mum always had this calming tone. It isn't working this time though. Mum looks over to Dad and back at me. I'm scared. Really scared. What are they talking about? Why can't they just cut short and get right through to the point. I never was great at handling suspense.
"Your uncle .... He told you we were moving...?"
My mind goes back to memories from a year ago. We sat on my favourite uncles bed in his room. Living in the same house we were so close. His room was my comfort zone of the house. It was where I was myself. He was my closest family member... At least I thought he was... He was always there for me. No matter what. He'd take my side in arguments. Always. After grandpa passed, he was someone whom I could go to when the world was turning its back on me.
"You're going to Australia Ashley. You're gonna leave me too." He said pulling a straight face, tears forming in his eyes.
"Ha.ha.ha. I don't find that funny. Who do you think I am? I'd never leave my favourite uncle alone! You are my little baby. I'm the only one who looks out for you. You take care of me. Like always. I promised you no one will be able to pull us apart." I say. This doesn't seem to change his expression.
"Let me just say you are amazing at your acting skills!" I laughed, pouting my lips.
My uncles mood changes. He gets angry. Or let's just say hurt. Standing up from the bed he yells.
"I TOLD YOU. YOU ARE LEAVING! ALRIGHT?!" He turns his face away, to hide the tears streaming down his face. "Leave the room. I need some space".
I quietly get up and walk out of the room. It was weird. I didn't understand what was happening. I was just 10.
I thought he was exaggerating, I kept it at the back of my mind as a bad dream. A very bad dream.
"He said something about going to Australia .... for good?" I said. The memory now very clear in my mind.
My parents look at each other with disappointment.
"Dear, he wasn't supposed to let you know. It was nothing more than an idea at that point in time." Mum said with a sympathetic look.
"Mum. Stop beating around the bush. I'm serious." I said bluntly.
"Ashley, you know how dangerous it is in this country don't you? Every day people and young, little children are dying. You are our precious little girl. The safety and wellbeing of your brother and you is the most important thing to us."
"So....."
"It took us years to make this decision. We have finally decided and have been accepted to migrate to Australia honey ... for good ..."
I look at both their faces in disbelief, my heart drops down to the ground. Thought after thought about my future rushes through my mind. The people I love here, their faces brush past me. My head drops down to my hands, not being able to handle the flow of thoughts. I feel puddles of water forming under my eyes. I tighten my fists, clenching my teeth turning red.
My fathers hand lands down on my back trying to comfort me as I kneel on the floor, holding my head in anger.
"Honey, we understand this is hard for you to take in. We will always be there for you sweet heart."
I push his hand away. And yell back.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO MY LIFE?! YOU HAVE RUINED MY LIFE FOREVER!" I cry in anger.
My final and main thoughts land on the people who are my first priority, my life, my reason for happiness every day, my souls.
Leslie .... Jessie .....
