I didn't tell you, but I have a best friend, she's a golden girl.
As soon as I heard we were going to have to leave, I called Abby right away.
She was really not well and it showed just like me by the way. But I couldn't do anything unless she came with me.
We had known each other since we were both five years old.
We were walking with my mother in a park, and then I noticed a girl who was looking for help because she was lost.
I understood that she didn't dare ask all this because she was shy.
I had insisted on my mother telling her.
- Please mom, we can stay with her while her mom finds her!
My mother who answered me calmly.
- I don't really know my darling. Maybe she won't feel good around strangers ...
But you're right, we can't leave her alone. Come and see her.
And that was when we really became inseparable !
Finally until now...
We told each other everything, absolutely everything!
She had always been there for me and helped me a lot when I needed it and vice versa.
I then decided to call him.
- Emma? How are you ?
I have the impression that it's been ages since we last met! she cried at the end of the line.
- Haha and well, how are you ...
I wish you were there with me in Miami. Besides, do you think you will come one day?
I know it's complicated but only for a weekend maybe?
- I don't really know you know ...
Unfortunately, her sister, who was barely twelve, fell seriously ill.
Suddenly, her mother was forced to stay with her and much less with Abby. She understood it but it was difficult for her. So that was why she couldn't do everything she wanted to.
I will always be there for her.
She's a really strong girl, she was going to hold out!
- Yeah that's right. I'm sorry.
I'm really dreading the start of the school year, but hey, we don't have a choice, eh?
If not, did you have a good vacation?
- Yeah, I'm fine ... I went out less this time.
And for your return to school, don't worry, it's going to be fine there is no reason!
- Yeah I hope and you then?
- The truth yeah! I can't wait to reunite with Jeremy and everyone else!
Ah yes Jeremy ... since childhood she fell in love with him.
I was hoping he was going to realize it and that they were going to come together because they complemented each other perfectly. Two great people.
- But ... it will really make me weird without you. she declared.
- Am I dreaming or are you crying?
- No, I'm not crying!
- If you cry, but don't worry
not Abby we'll always stay in touch.
- Promise?
- I promise. I'm so sorry but my mom is calling me I have to go.
Time was passing really quickly, we had been here for two weeks already!
And it was true that I had adapted quite well to this new environment.
During those two weeks, I saw Victoria again, she was a really good friend.
I had discovered new very nice places!
I had learned that next to my house behind two or three houses, there was a beautiful park. It wasn't really my thing but I could like it if I had more time in front of me.
With Vicky, we went out to do some shopping.
We had been strolling by the sea, she had shown me around different places, more than I already knew, and she had introduced me to her family. Or rather to his grandmother. She lived with her and her cousin.
They were all adorable.
We had become closer!
I knew her birthday and she knew mine.
In exactly ten days I was going to be of age.
Once I lost my father, my birthdays were no longer the same.
Since my earliest childhood, I spent every birthday day with my family and more particularly with my father with whom I was really closest.
Following his death, I no longer felt the urge to celebrate in a big way. I really missed him a lot but I didn't dare admit it, it showed my weakness and I didn't like it.
Why had he made this last minute meeting? Why had he just accepted it?
We were both playing cards when his phone rang.
He told me he had to take this call, it was very important.
For work. he said to me.
I remembered how it was yesterday.
Its smell too.
It might sound ridiculous, but sometimes I would take one of his clothes and smell his scent to imagine he was with me.
What really mattered to me was to celebrate my birthday with a good cake in a good place, and the candles placed on it indicating my age. We were going to say that it had become a tradition in the Friedman family.
And that was what I loved!
***