Returning Home

Prologue

Benji's POV
"And as we watch the future generation walk on to greater paths..." Principal Keegan droned on about our promotion from 8th grade to being a freshman.

"When will this end?" My best friend, Layla, whispered dramatically.

"Soon, I hope." I answered, as annoyed as her.

We were currently sitting in fold-out metal chairs in our school gymnasium, while our principal delivered a speech on "our exciting and eventful" futures. Two hours of hearing names and speeches is not how I want to be spending my Saturday.

"And now, the graduates of 2012. Spencer Aaron." The principal projected through the microphone.

"And so it begins." Layla huffed.

"Benji Carpenter!" Principal Keenan called my name, the sound echoing of the gym walls.

I stepped up on to the stage, ready to get this over with. I firmly grasped Principal Keenan's hand and shook it. I accepted my diploma and smiled at the crowd.

"Woo Benji! You go boy! That's my best friend!" I heard Layla yell. I sent an amused grin her way.

I made my way off the stage and over to my chair. I plopped back down next to Layla with an audible thud. The principal continued to call names, reaching the E's when Layla spoke. "I cannot wait for this to be over so you and I can commence Operation Best Summer Ever!"

Those words brought the thought that had been eating away at me for weeks fresh into my mind. I had been internally battling whether or not to spill the secret to Layla. I had to do it now or I would leave things abruptly.

I cleared my throat and nervously exclaimed, "About that, there's something I need to tell you."

"What's wrong?" Layla's eyebrows furrowed as her expression changes from content to worried.

"Well, you see-" I was cut off by Layla's name being announced over the speakers.

"Hold that thought." she exclaimed, hopping up and  heading towards the stage.

On her way, Layla's dark blue graduation gown got caught under her cherry-red flat, causing her to topple to the gym floor. The crowd broke out into laughter, taunting my fallen comrade. But, being the confident goofball that she is, Layla jumped up and grinned wildly. She gave a dramatic bow, and skipped the rest of the way to the stage.

After accepting her diploma, Layla bounded back to her chair, plonking down like I had done. "Okay. What were you saying?"

"Our 'Best Summer Ever' won't be happening." I winced.

"What do you mean? We have been looking forward to this all year." she looked at me skeptically.

"My dad has been relocated. I'm moving to North Dakota." I said all in one breath.

Layla's face fell, defeat clearly showing. "Oh. That's, unexpected."

"I'm sorry Layla. I wish I could do something to change it, but I can't."

"When do you leave?" her voice cracked.

I sucked in a sharp breath. I really did not want to say this. "After graduation."

"What?!" Layla shrieked, causing people to look our way.

"Layla, calm down! People are staring." I whispered.

"I can't believe this! You're leaving me!" Layla yelled, running out of the gym.

On instinct, I took off after her. I shoved the metal door open, sunlight engulfing me. I hastily scanned the surrounding area, trying to indicate where Layla had gone. I spotted her hunched over on a wooden bench, and I slowly approached her. Her broken sobs stabbed at my heart like knives. Layla wasn't a particularly sensitive person; it took alot to make her cry. So seeing her in this vulnerable state hurt me.

"Layla?" I softly spoke.

No answer.

"L?" I cooed.

Still no reply.

"Kit Kat?" I tried her nickname from 5th grade.

Her body visibly stiffened. She slowly rose her head from her hands, her tear filled eyes meeting my own.

"What Benji?" her voice was barely audible.

"I'm sorry. I should've told you sooner." I apologized.

"Yeah. An hour before you move away isn't the best timing." Layla managed a weak smile.

"I was just scared. I have known you ever since you ran into my house because I had Hercules on. I didn't want to have to say goodbye." I felt tears pressing at the back of my eyes.

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault. So, North Dakota huh?"

"Yep. We are going to Minot Air Force Base." I whispered.

"That sounds...fun." Layla exclaimed weakly.

"No, it sounds like it's going to ruin my life. It's taking me away from my best friend." I shouted angrily.

"Think of it as a new opportunity. You get a fresh start at a new school, and I'm sure you'll have plenty of girls lining up to be your girlfriend." Layla grinned.

I don't want plenty of girls, I just want you! I thought as I stared at Layla. But instead I said, "That's because I'm perfect!" Idiot!

"Eh, you're okay." Layla smirked.

"Oh come on. I'm hot and you know it!"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Before I could come up with a comeback, my phone signaled that I got a text. I picked it up and read, The last names are being called. We leave in 5 minutes.  I sighed and angrily shoved my phone back in my pocket. If I only had 5 minutes, I was going to make the most of them. 

"Layla, there's something I need to tell you." I felt a surge of confidence course through my veins.

"I know, I know. It's dumb to cry and I should get over it." she mumbled.

"No, it's something really important, about us." I put the emphasis on us.

"What is it Benji?" Layla searched my face.

"I... I" I struggled to say it.

"You what?" Layla asked urgently.

"I-" just as I was about to admit my feelings, the gym doors opened with a bang, people flooding out of them.

"Benji?' Layla questioned.

"I want to make sure you have my number." I lied.

"Oh. Well of course I do." Layla replied with a hint of sadness in her voice. 

Just say it you idiot! Or else you'll regret it for the rest of your life! I angrily scolded myself.

"That's not what I was going to say. There is something I need to tell you. Something important." I looked her straight in the eyes, trying to silently communicate the gravity of the situation.

"You can tell me." Layla replied, placing a hand on my forearm. 

"The truth is, I've-" I was interrupted by the squeaky gym doors being thrown open, and a sea of people flowing from them.

"Benji?" Layla searched for an answer.

"The truth is, I've needed to say goodbye," I then pulled Layla into a hug, grasping the last of our friendship that I had. I gave up all 9 years of the memories we had made through that hug. I slowly released Layla from my grasp, and then stood up.

I strode over to my parents waiting car. Giving one last look back, I saw Layla shaking in her father's grasp, tears flowing down her cheeks. I gave a small wave before entering the car, and before entering the new chapter of my life.

A/N: Returning Home is officially up and running.  hope you guys enjoy reading this book as much as I will writing it. Stay tuned for Chapter One!

Love and chili cheese fries,

SkyeandTriska