Chapter 7: Goodbyes

We finally got to the airport. My heart became so heavy I could not even fake a smile, Ruby saw how sad I was so she decided that we would video call as soon as she gets to Paris. She told me that I would help her decorate her apartment and help her buy a few things at a shop there. Her mom seemed sad too but she had to remain strong for her daughter. She was scared that Ruby was going to a place she has never even been to, so that was what freaked her out a lot.

Ruby and I did not let go of each other's hands at the airport. We were both so sad but excited at the same time. I decided it was time we made peace with the fact that she is leaving and it is no big deal because we will surely see each other soon so I started a memorable conversation for our last time together.

"Hey, I heard french men are a different kind of breed. They are romantic and they surely know how to make love to their women, you should get yourself a hot french boyfriend." I said trying to be as discreet as possible because her mom was right next to us.

"Haya! shut up! this is seriously not the time for your weird conversations about men." she replied giggling.

"Hey! but what do you suggest we do? I mean I do not want to be sad, we have already done a lot of that." I replied deliberately making a sad face.

"This is why I love you best friend, you value time. You know how to make lasting memories with the people you love, you make sure the time spent with you is the best time of their lives," she replied.

"Well I do not know why I am honestly like this but I cherish meaningful moments with people. I make sure we all have a good time, you do not know what people have to go home to." I almost cried when she suddenly hugged me.

"I know it is hard best friend but stay strong for me, at least you are going to varsity soon. You will have your own space and you will be able to follow your dreams. Do not give up yet, we finished high school so quickly, now we are finally free. Let us make the best out of it, they say we only live once so live like it is your last day on Earth." she said caressing my back and hugging me tightly.

"I will try to make the best out of everything but they are my parents, I love them so much and I truly wish things were different," I replied pulling away from the hug and looking down.

"Yes, I understand but what else can you do. They are not ready to accept you as you are so give them time, one day they will be proud of who you have become," she replied petting my back.

"I wish they were proud of who I am," I said to myself.

"Well okay, let us hope one day they are proud of me," I replied looking at Ruby and smiling.

"Girls!, it is Ruby's time to leave. It is 5:50 am and the flight is shortly leaving, I think you guys should say your goodbyes because Ruby has to wait in a line before her flight." Ruby's mom said.

Hearing Ruby's mom say that broke my heart, it brought me back to reality. I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest and I wanted to scream out all my sorrow. How is she leaving me alone, it has been the most amazing 6 years with her by my side.

"Please do not worry about me Ruby, I am going to make you proud. I am not going to be sad but I will miss you. Go enjoy your time in Paris, explore the place and I will come to see you soon. You need to know all the nice places when I come there, I want a full tour. Make sure you make cool friends, learn the language, and smoke marijuana if it is permitted there. You and I have the technology by our side, we will surely talk often my love. I love you so much." I said avoiding eye contact with Ruby.

"Hey, look at me Haya. Do not act strongly with me, I know you are sad but I am going to be back soon to take you away to a far far away place. Where we both will live our best lives." she said. I looked into Ruby's eyes and she hugged me so tight.

"Good luck best friend and Goodbye," I said hugging her even tighter.

"No do not say goodbye, this is only Genesis for you and I my love. Je t'aime." Ruby replied.

"I see you are already learning French," I said pulling away from the hug.

"Yes, I think I am." Ruby smiled.

"IT IS TIME FOR FLIGHT 2/41 FROM JOHANNESBURG TO PARIS TO LEAVE, EVERYONE SHOULD BOARD THE PLANE SOON BECAUSE IT IS SOON LEAVING." the air hostess spoke on the intercom.

"Okay girls, I think you have said enough goodbyes. Ruby is going to miss her flight." Ruby's mom who was standing next to us quietly finally spoke.

"I wish you good luck Ruby," I said grabbing her hand and shaking it.

"Haha, you are such a weirdo but good luck to you too." she returned the handshake.

She slowly left my hand and started picking up her bags. I looked at her as she said goodbye to her mom and waved at me. I waved back at her and smiled at her. She kept turning to look back at us while she was walking away, I looked at her as she disappeared into the airport.

I honestly feel very empty now that Ruby is gone. Now it is just me, myself, and I.