The Big Change - Leaving for Good? (1)

I was leaving my hometown of Florida. I was finally done with high school and ready to move on. My bags were packed and my car was filled with gas.

"You ready to go?" My little sister Emily asked me. I turned and smiled at the mini image of myself. We both had light brown hair and blue eyes. Emily was fifteen and at her end of her sohpmore year of high school. In fact it was the high school I had just graduated from the last month.

"Yeah, I just need to grab my tickets and I am ready to go." My mother was driving myself and Emily, whowas just along for the ride to the airport. I was flying to New York and moving into my new apartment.

Emily ran down ahead of me to the kitchen. Our mother was drinking her coffee and talking to her boyfriend. My father died when Emily was two and I was five. He was driving on the highway when a drunk driver ran into him from behind. The inpact from the two cars caused our father to die instantly. When I was in the eighth grade Mom met Ron Grindle, a news reporter at the local News station. Mom was the producer of the news. They started dating a couple months later.

I think they should have gotten married by now but Mom does not think she is ready. It's been five years and yet - no engangement.

"Oh Ron there she is!" Mom exclaimed when I walked through the kitchen to the little table by the bay window. Ron just smiled.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes mom, here I am. Ready to go." I smiled and gave a wink to Ron. Ron was the father I never had. At first it was tough to accept him but after a while he grows on you. Emily however, she loved him right away. He always took her for ice cream after school when she was younger

Ron had black hair and wore glasses when he read.

"So, Emma are you excited?" This was about the hundredth time he'd asked me this in the last few days.

I answered with the same answer as always, "Yes. I can't wait." I glanced at my watch. "In fact we should be leaving in a few minute Mom."

Emily came around the counter and gave me a hug. she had tears in her eyes. "I'll miss you."

I felt bad for her. She was my pesky sister but she and I had our close moments. I knew I'd miss her, but I'd miss them too. "I know. But I'll be back before you know it Em." I hugged her.

All four of us walked to the car then. Ron was staying back to watch the house while I was at the airport. I gave him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Bye babe." He whispered in my ear. I smiled, that always seemed to be my nicname with him.

"Take care of Mom and Emily ok?" I looked straight into his eyes. Ron nodded and gave me another quick hug. I got into the passenger seat and closed the door. Emily was in the back and Mom driving. I turned on my favorite radio station, 181.6 FM. I loved jazz music and this station had the best music.

We honked as the car backed out of the driveway and turned onto the main street. I was so excied to get to the airport that I was nearly bouncing out of my seatbelt. I knew it was silly and I felt like a young school girl but I could not help it.