Chapter 4: The End

I get home. It's the weekend. I want to sleep. Sleep makes my boredom pass. After an hour, my mother knocks on the door.

"You okay, Natalie?" My mother asks.

As usual, she can tell something is wrong. And, of course, I am obligated to respond. Why is she, my interrogator? It gets old. It comes from the love she has for me, barf. Maryanne and I used to be close. But then, as Sammy and I grew up, she favored Sammy. She always chose Sammy. Sammy forever!

That's why my dad is my favorite parent. He's there for me. I understand my mom is attempting to cover the "hole" in Sammy's life. The hole that her loser dad walking out on her has created. But nothing can fill it. Not even water. If anything, water makes holes deeper over time with erosion. That's my mom. She's the water in Sammy's life. Making it harder for her to be normal and move on. My mom erodes her daughter's away with her false praise.

"If you want to know, mom... I might break up with Chad," I finally say after minutes of nothingness.

"Why? Any particular reason?" Mother asks.

"He's moving away in a week. The family is having money trouble. They are going to New York state to live with his grandma," I finish.

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. If you need to talk, we are here for you," mom says, brushing my hair behind my ear.

Sammy walks in with a large plate of nachos and salsa.

"Here's dinner, Nat. I overheard a little. If you want to rant, feel free to talk to me," Sammy says.

I get up and hug her. She is the most important person in my life. Even if her accomplishments forever outshine mine, I will love my sister, Sammy, forever.

Sammy and mom leave my room. Cinnamon jumps on me and purrs. I share my nachos with her. I watch music videos on my phone. Demi Lovato sings loudly in my headphones. I read about her, the ups and downs of her life. The world must suck if celebrities can't escape hell.

"Why Chad? Why are you moving?" I say out loud.

I hear my bedroom window open. It's Chad.

"Hi Natalie, are you going to be okay? I overheard what you said. I have to move. My parents can't support us here anymore."

"I understand. I really do. But I don't see how this is going to work out," I say.

Tears come to my eyes. I must end it with Chad. I need to leave him. The closure we need will be better in person. I have to leave my best friend behind, or he has to leave me.

"How can you do this to me?" Chad asks.

"What do you mean? You're the one moving away, not me..." I yell through tears.

"I told you I wanted to do long distance. How can you be so selfish?" Chad demands.

"I'm being selfish? Chad, your family, is having money issues. We live in Minnesota. How did you think this was going to work out? I wish it could work out. But I've thought about it. And I don't see this working out at all. I want to hold your hand and kiss you. And I can't do that if you're in New York," I say.

"Listen, I've thought about it too. Our grandparents used to write letters for months on end. And it worked out for them," Chad said, trying to change my mind.

"Those were different times, Chad. We aren't our grandparent's generation. I'm fifteen. It's time we both moved on. You will get to New York; you might be sad for a while. But then you will meet someone else who makes you happy. I'd rather you be with her than me. She will be there in person. Let's be real; we're too young to make this work. I'm sorry, Chad, it's over. Done, the end! I wish you luck in New York," I say, kissing him one last time.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this, Natalie. I will miss you," he says. He hugs me for the longest time. We kiss for what feels like hours. I cry the entire time our lips are locked. But we both knew that it would come to this. Someone had to be brave enough to end our relationship. I only wish it didn't have to be me.