Counting Goodbyes

by Whitney Cannavina

  ****

  “Kayla!” Lacy shouts as she drags her rolling suitcase behind her nearly hitting everyone in her wake as she hurries to where I wait past the security checks.

  “Lacy!” Wearing my hot pink sweater and jeggings, I hold the sign up that I made last night with hot pink marker and glitter that reads ‘Sister from another Mister'.

  Growing up, because Lacy and I always felt more like sisters than friends, we constantly used that term whenever people asked how we were sisters. Then it would get confusing because we are sisters from another mother, too. People generally just didn’t understand our dynamics.

  Throwing our arms around each other in a death like grip, Lacy and I share an embrace as tears fight to break free with happiness and relief. I have missed Lacy so much and having her here verifies it. We stay like this, hugging each other for several minutes as we rock side to side with excitement, looking like fools.

  “God, I missed you. Where’s your mom?”

  “She went to the restroom. She wanted to change out of her airplane clothes into normal clothes, whatever that means.”

  “I’m here. Sorry Makayla for holding up the welcome wagon but I didn’t want to look frumpy meeting your family.” Julia ushers up to Lacy and I and pulls me into another tight squeeze.

  “My dad is waiting in the car at the pickup area for us. He wanted to give us time to catch up.”

  “Well let’s not keep him waiting.” Julia leads the way to the exit of the airport pulling her duffle bag behind her while Lacy and I chatter away about the flight.

  “Julia, so great to see you again and you too Lacy. How was the flight?” Once we make it to the car pick up, my dad was already waiting with the back of the SUV open for loading their bags.

  “It was nice. We got lucky with Lacy and I sitting alone in the window seat.”

  “Did you know that you can’t see people on the ground when you’re that high up? Believe me. I tried but all I saw was a whole lot of nothing. Nada. Zilch.” Staring at Lacy as if she has a second head, sometimes I wonder about her. She’s crazy and always spouts off about something random that I’m never sure if she’s joking or serious, like now for instance.

  “You’re crazy.” Shaking my head, I slide into the back seat with Lacy following behind while Julia takes a seat in the front passenger seat.

  “But you love me anyways.” Throughout the drive I catch Julia and Lacy up on my schooling and how different it is out here compared to California. The drive doesn’t seem as long this time as it did when I arrived. It may have been the fact that I was someplace new that I was staying permanently and not just visiting.

  “Wow. You weren’t kidding when you said this place is tiny.” Lacy points out.

  “It’s not so bad now that I’ve had a chance to get used to the difference. It’s really cool because everyone says hi and knows each other. Nobody is a stranger here and even though it took me a bit to get used to that, I really like the friendly way about people here.”

  “You really like it here don’t you?” Julia muses. As I look to Julia peering back at me, I catch my dad’s eye in the rear-view mirror. When I first arrived, I probably would have said something about wishing there was more to do, but now that I’ve spent time here, got to know people, and had my friends and boyfriend toting me around the town, there is so much potential. You wouldn’t think it, but there is quite a lot to see here if you look hard enough and the city isn’t really all that far away. Sure, it’s a little bit of a drive, but the secluded town is worth it.

  “I really do.” Seeing my dads grin in the rearview mirror solidifies my feelings for this place. Just thinking about how its grown on me, I realize that as much as I miss my mom, I think I want to stay here in Texas instead of venturing back to California. I can always save up and go back to California to visit Lacy and Julia, but I’ve made a life here in the short amount of time I’ve been here.

  “That’s great, Kayla. I’m so proud of you. Your mom would be so happy that your venturing out and starting over somewhere new. She always wanted that for you.”

  Glancing out the passenger window, hearing Julia’s words hit me hard. Lacy unbuckles and scoots over to me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and holding me close. Having my best friend’s acceptance and comfort means the world to me.

  “I’m proud of you too, Makayla.” She whispers.

  When we pull up to the house, Sarah and the boys are on the front porch waiting for our arrival. Once we are all out of the car, Jackson and Jayden rush up to Lacy and squeeze their tiny hands around her waist while squealing excitedly.

  “You guys look so much bigger in person than you do on the phone. How are my two little brothers doing?” After I settled in when I first moved her, I was face timing with Lacy and the boy’s squeezed in to see whom I was talking to. Ever since that day, nearly every time I talk to Lacy, the boys want to say hi too.

  “We’re not your brothers.” Jayden laughs.

  “Pretty much. You’re related to my bestie and she’s pretty much my sister which makes you two my honorary brothers.”

  “Yay. We’re honorary brothers!” The boys exclaim with a high five causing everyone to laugh.

  “I hope the flight and drive were good. I’ve set up the boy’s bedroom for you to stay in. Levi, take their bags in the room so Lacy and Kayla can catch up while I talk to Julia.” Sarah suggests to my dad. I guide Lacy to my room with the boys in tow. Just as I close the door, Lacy starts.

  “Please tell me your boy toy is coming over today, so I can drill him about his intentions?”

  “Um, no. He’s busy getting ready for his brothers visit this week.” Thank god. I need to warn him where Lacy is concerned.

  “Oh. Does that mean I get to meet his brother, marry him and become officially sisters with you?” Raising a brow, she never ceases to amaze me with what comes out of her mouth.

  “I’d have to marry Austin.”

  “Great. So, it’s settled. We marry the brothers.” I laugh knowing she is completely serious.

  “Ewe. Gross.” The boys say in unison.

  “I literally just started dating Austin and already you’re marrying me off? Do I even get a say?”

  “Nope.”

  “Well then I guess we’ll be officially sisters. That is…If you don’t scare off his brother first.”

  “Do we get to be in the wedding?” Jackson queries.

  “I want to be on Kayla’s side. Does that mean I have to wear a dress?” Jayden scrunches his face in disgust.

  “Nobody is actually getting married, guys. Lacy was just kidding. She jokes a lot.”

  “No, I wasn’t.” Lacy mumbles low enough for the boys not to hear.

  “Awe.” Jackson and Jayden say in unison.

  “We’re having girls night tonight with my friend Bobby. I wanted you guys to meet. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Girls night!” Lacy shrieks as the boy’s groan.

  “Let’s go Jayden. I don’t want them to put makeup on me.” The boys leave us and Lacy instantly starts off with her inquisition.

  The rest of the day Lacy, Julia, Sarah and I hang out talking while they all get acquainted. Sarah already went shopping for girl’s night earlier and when evening comes around, I pull out the junk food, hair dye, make up, nail polish, and other girly stuff and set it up in the bedroom. Julia and Sarah seem to be getting along great so when Bobby arrives, we head to my room to talk boys. I knew it was coming because Lacy has only been given snippets.

  “Now that we are all gathered here tonight…” Bobby begins, “it’s time to talk boys.”

  “I agree.”

  “Bobby’s first.” I respond quickly.

  “Nah, ah, ah.” Lacy wags her finger with a sly grin. “You first missy. I need the deets. Is he a good kisser? Is he sweet? We already know he’s gorgeous. Did he buy you an island for you two to runaway and never come back?”

  “What kind of questions are these?”

&n
bsp; “Just answer them.” She grunted.

  “No Austin didn’t buy me an island, but I am not opposed to running away with him. He treats me amazingly and is kind to others.” I tell her the shortened version of what he did for Timothy at the dance. “Austin really knows how to kiss.”

  “Oh. Do tell.” Bobby quips as both girls lean in to better pay attention.

  “It’s never too much. Austin doesn’t try to suck my face into a black hole, but more like a sweet and dominant kiss. He starts slow before taking over and claiming my mouth.” Sighing dreamily, I wish he were here now, so I could kiss him.

  “Did you guys go any further than that?” Lacy waits on bated breath.

  “No. You know me. I’m nowhere near that point yet.”

  “I think Austin is in love with you.” Bobby suggests.

  “Who wouldn’t love our girl?” Bobby nods her head in agreement.

  “Guys. There’s no possible way he loves me already.” Lacy and Bobby share a look while I groan in frustration. These two always see more than there really is.

  “Babe, guys would line up and down the block for you at our old school. Every boy had his eye on you. I don’t think it’s any different here.”

  “It’s not. Somehow though, I think she doesn’t notice. It’s like she has tunnel vision.” Bobby points out.

  “Oh yea. Definitely tunnel vision.” Lacy agrees as they high five.

  “Hey. I’m right here. And I do not have tunnel vision.” With a pout, I lean back against my wall. I wonder if what they are saying is true about me having tunnel vision when it comes to guys.

  “Let’s talk about Justin. What happened there?” Changing the subject will hopefully get them off my back.

  “I see what you’re doing.” Pointing at me with squinted eyes, Lacy sighs. “We broke up. I didn’t make time for him and he moved on. But that’s ok. I guess in a way, it’s a good thing. I wasn’t sure what would happen when we went off to college and now I don’t have to worry about it. I can go wherever I want without wondering if Justin would follow.”

  “It’s probably for the better.” Bobby points out.

  “Ok Bobby. You’re turn. What’s up with you and Beau?”

  “Wait, is Beau the guy you went on a date with?” Lacy asks.

  “Yeah. But we are more friends than anything.”

  “Beau is Beau. He’s fun and flirty. He can kiss, but he doesn’t really open up.”

  “Austin said a girl hurt him. He may need your assurance that you won’t do the same.” I inform her.

  “I remember when I first transferred here there was a girl he was with. I heard they were best friends since growing up and everyone seemed to think they’d last forever. I didn’t really know him then other than in passing but I remember he was devastated after the break up. I think she moved away. Even though he was heartbroken, it wasn’t long before he was back to being his flirty self. I just thought he moved on.”

  “It will be fine. I promise. Just give him time.” Rubbing Bobby’s arm in support, Lacy pulls out the hair dye from the bag of goodies to distract from the gloom.

  “Let’s dye our hair.” Sarah bought several different colors such as blue, pink, hot red, and green along with bleach so we can add a little color to our hair.

  “I want pink,” Bobby reaches out and grabs the dye while I grab for the red and Lacy gets the blue.

  For the rest of the evening my two best friends and I laugh, dye our hair, and do the usual girls night gossip until the early morning. For the first time I felt as life was finally falling into place.

  Chapter 19

  Be Glad.

  Be Good.

  Be Brave.

  -Eleanor Hodgman Porter-

  “Wow.” Lacy gasps when Beau, Austin, and Austin’s brother Andrew walk in to the living room.

  “What she said.” Bobby whispers back. I think I may have to agree. All three men are gorgeous, but of course Austin is the one I can’t seem to pry my eyes away from. It’s been two days since our girl’s night and Austin suggested that we all go out and get to know each other. This is my first-time meeting Austin’s brother, and the first time everyone meets Lacy, aside from Bobby.

  “Ladies. Your knight’s in shining have arrived. Don’t all get up and kiss me at once. I’ve got plenty to go around.” Beau spreads his arms wide with a grin spread over his face while Austin and Andrew shake their heads with a laugh.

  “Beautiful.” Just the deep rumble of Austin’s voice has my heart fluttering in excitement. My face beams with love for this handsome man. I have to pinch myself just to see if I’m dreaming; figuratively of course.

  “Does this mean the handsome man standing next to Austin is mine?” Lacy whispers behind her hand to me. Rolling my eyes, I shrug one shoulder non-committedly because it’s pointless. They both leave at the end of the weekend so really, there’s nothing for them to start.

  Rising to my feet I hurry into Austin’s waiting arms before throwing mine around his neck and bringing his head down to mine, sealing my lips over his as I stand on tippy toes just to reach.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” Austin winks at me and I can’t help the swoon that takes over.

  “Kayla, meet my brother Andrew.” I’ve seen pictures, so I knew who he was, but it doesn’t deter from the nervousness I feel at meeting him and hoping he likes me. I would hate it if any of Austin’s family hated me so first impressions are nerve wrecking for me.

  “Nice to meet you, Andrew.” Taking a step back, I reach my hand out to shake his, but instead he grabs my fingers lightly before lifting it to his lips and kissing the back of my hand. The growl that comes from Austin sends a shiver down to my toes at his possessiveness.

  “Ok Romeo. Find your own girl.” Austin pulls me into his tight embrace and I can’t help the flush that runs over my cheeks. I really love this possessive side of him.

  Turning to the girls, Beau and Bobby are already in each other’s arms kissing. Clearing my throat, they both finally step back after one last lingering kiss as Lacy grins from ear to ear at their display.

  “So, this is Bobby, Beau’s girlfriend and one of my best friends. Next is Lacy, my other best friend since childhood.” Andrew takes a step forward to grab Bobby’s hand, but Beau blocks him.

  “I don’t think so buddy. She’s mine.” The possessive growl that Beau speaks with is new, and apparently a turn on for Bobby as she stares at him in awe and appreciation. Andrew shrugs his shoulders

  “Possessive men here.” Andrew quips. Walking up to Lacy, Andrew instead kisses the back of her hand as she stares at him with wide-eyed appreciation. “You don’t have a man I have to worry about that will come out of the wood work and get all cave-man on you, do I?”

  Lacy’s giggle has me covering my face in Austin’s shirt at her blatant flirting.

  “Oh no handsome. I am single and ready to mingle.” I can’t help the snort that pops off as I shake with laughter.

  “It must be my lucky day then.” Andrew throws an arm around Lacy as if they’ve known each other forever and I can’t help but smile at the fact she’s moving on. I know she’s heartbroken over Justin. They were together for a long time but maybe it was best that they ended things now, so they can have fun before starting college.

  Andrew and Austin are almost spitting images of each other however the differences in them are also very defined. Their height is only an inch or two off, both standing over six feet tall and then some, however Andrew is much larger in frame than Austin’s leaner muscles. He’s built like a body builder with bulging muscles on his arms, and chest. His hair is slightly longer, thrown back in a small ponytail, but dark like Austin’s. Their eyes and smile however, are exactly the same. Even their smirks are spitting image of one another. Lacy, however can’t seem to stop staring at Andrew and soon, I have no doubt she’ll have him falling all over her charms.

  “Are you ladies ready for a fun filled day?” Even though Andrew and Austin look alike, And
rew’s flirty behavior reminds me more of Beau. It’s a killer combination that I’m sure, wins over many of the ladies.

  “Definitely.” We all say in unison before falling into a fit of giggles. The guys must think we’re crazy as we follow them out still chuckling.

  “I love your hair by the way.” Austin’s whisper in my ear as he lifts me up into the front seat of the truck sends a wave of goose bumps along my skin.

  The fire engine red streaks in my hair stand out but still look good. The girls did a great job on my hair and the way the colors stand out in theirs is unique and fun.

  “Thanks.” Andrew slides in on the opposite side of me just as Austin hops into the driver’s seat, while Beau sits between the girls in the back resting his arms behind the both of them.

  Austin drives us the opposite way of town to a remote area about twenty minutes away. There are trees everywhere filled with the colors of autumn while some litter the ground below.

  “So, I know I am new here and all, and maybe this is normal for you guys, but I have to ask… You’re not taking us out into the boonies to chop off our heads and bury our bodies like in the scary movies, are you?” Lacy questions as I smirk at Austin.

  “What is it with you girls and assuming we’re gonna chop you guys up?” Austin asks. When we went on our first date I asked him a similar question so to me, I find the question hilarious.

  Shrugging, Lacy replies. “Just checking. I gotta know if this is gonna be like the movie Texas Chain Saw Massacre. We are in Texas after all.” I burst out laughing before Bobby, Lacy, and the guys follow suit.

  “You ladies are odd.” Andrew jests. I look back to my best friends and we all laugh at his assumption.

  Finally, Austin pulls the truck to a stop in front of a tiny lake similar to the one he took me to before, but this one is even smaller with more trees hovering around it. Everyone hops out of the truck and takes a good look around. Now that it’s November, the air is cool and crisp, and any sort of breeze causes a shiver to roll through me. Everyone has dressed in warm clothes with jackets and gloves, anticipating the cool weather.