Big day ahead

Emilia's P.O.V

"You know what? I'm tired of this argument. Once you walk out that door Miley, there is no coming back".

This wasn't the way I pictured things to be. I stormed out of the room, hoping my presence would make a difference, but it seems they were already soaked in the moment that my presence changed nothing. Miley clutched onto her bags tightly, ready to walk out that door. Dawn watched her with an amused expression as if she was some kind of betrayer.

I didn't bother pretending like I didn't know what was going on. I folded my arms across my chest and frowned at both of them

"What do you two think you're doing?". I asked, keeping my voice as steady as I could. "Mum is lying in there helpless, and you two are busy fighting. Is that what mum and dad would have wanted?". I qusstioned. I looked to dawn. "You only just got back, and you want to leave us, that too, forever".

"I'm not leaving forever, I –".

"If you leave, there is no coming back". Dawn butted in immediately.

"Why?'. I turned to dawn fiercely.

"Exactly. Why? I'm almost done with my studies, let me finish".

"There is no money for that". Dawn half yelled, trying to remind her.

"I'm not asking you to pay. I've been saving up, as if I knew this day would come".

"Selfish". Dawn screamed. "That's being selfish and greedy. You had money, you kept asking me, and now, you're ready to walk out that door for what? Education".

"I promise you, when I come back to you guys, I'll come back big". There was a flash of determination in her eyes. I looked at Dawn, silently begging to her let Miley pursue her goal. She slumped her shoulders.

"Just don't come back with a big tommy". Dawn warned with a half smile.

"Thanks sis". Miley let go of the luggage and walked to Dawn, enveloping her in a warm hug. She dragged me as well. The entrance door opened. Cassie was back.

"What's going on?". Cassie asked. "Sister Miley". She exclaimed, rushing into her embrace.

"Miley is going to finish her studies". Dawn announced, and Cassie raised her head up to look at Miley who nodded.

"But you only just got back. Does that mean you'll be away from us until you're done?". Cassie asked..

"That's right. Smart girl". Miley patted her head.

"So you're going right now?". She pointed at the luggage, and once again, Miley nodded. Cassie groaned. "Hmph. I didn't even get to spend time with you. Sheesh". She complained.

"When I'm back, you can have me all to yourself mm?".

"Promise?". Cassie asked.

"Promise!".

We helped Miley flag a cab that'll take her to the train station. Once Miley was gone, we all returned home. The house was empty, the kitchen was dry as fuck. There was no single ingredient to cook up anything. Cassie looked hungry, Dawn too, and she felt bad that we were both staring at her in expectation when she had nothing.

She squeezed out $5 and handed to me. "Buy something for you two to eat. I'm deeply sorry". She apologized. I smiled at her.

"Don't worry, I already ate at Mrs Smith's". I gladly gave the money to Cassie who squealed excitedly before hurrying along.

"Be back quick. We have a long journey ahead of us". Dawn shouted as Cassie skipped away.

I went to the other room where my mum was. She laid there helplessnessly. We've all gotten used to seeing her this way, motionless, yet, we'll still say one or two.

"Good evening mum. You know, Miley came. I don't know if she came to see you, but she did come, and now she's gone. She wants to complete her studies. You know Miley has always wanted to be a lawyer. Well, I guess Big sis already told you were moving.. to town. I wonder what you would have said if you were awake. You would probably have supported her right? Well, she's trying, and I just hope this town is as good as she said..". I kissed her forehead and left the room.

I retreated to my room and laid on the bed. I shut my eyes, trying to imagine what the town would be like. Small houses, untarred roads. Were the people friendly or unfriendly? I couldn't help but wonder. I rolled on the bed, trying to gather my thoughts. I looked out the window and the stars were setting in already.

'Big day ahead' I mused. How long was the journey?

Cassie was back. I heard her tiny voice as she walked into the room next to mine. That was the room she shared with Dawn. I shared this room with Miley, but since she wasn't home, I usually slept alone.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I didn't bother asking the person to come in as I knew they'd still come in anyways.

Cassie poked her head in. "Sis, can I sleep with you tonight?". She asked.

"Sure". I replied. I scooted to one side of the bed. She filled in the space, closing a gap between us as she draped an arm over my waist. I did same, pulling her close. "Sleep". I whispered, and she smiled.

"Goodnight". She replied. Her breath smelled of bread and orange juice. That's what she probably spent the money on.

"Night". I responded lightly. There was no lamp in the room to turn off. Our electricity had long been cut off as we couldn't pay, so the only light shining was the moon. I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.