Page 187 of Steps

Stopping in the doorway, I peer around ourapartment one more time. A smile creeps onto my lips as every beautiful memoryin this place flutters across my mind. Every kiss. Every touch. Everyconversation. Every laugh. Every tear. Varen. Gawd! I’m going to miss beingwith him.

Taking a deep breath, I pull the door shut andlock up, meeting him outside at his car.

“Ready?” he asks, touching the ring on my finger.

I nod and rasp out, “Yeah. Let’s go.”

He picks up Kenya on the way to the airport. Shelooks as sad as I feel.

“I am so not ready to watch my best friend leave,”she whimpers from the backseat.

“I know,” I sniffle, peering around to look ather.

She rubs my arm. “You better call me every singleday, Toya.”

I smile and bob my head. “Definitely.”

I’m ambushed by anxiety as we arrive at theairport. Varen lugs my suitcases while I walk with Kenya’s arm looped aroundmine.

The moment we enter the building, I find Mom,Daniel, and Alison in the waiting area across from the check-in lines. They hugme before I join the line to deal with my baggage and seat.

Walking back to everyone after receiving my ticket,I pick at the loops of my jeans as I glance over their faces. “They said myflights on time. Should be boarding soon.”

Mom looks a mess. Eyes puffy from crying. Shechucks forward and wraps her arms around me, squeezing me with all her love.“Oh, my baby. You’re leaving me.”

“Mom...” I rest my head on her shoulder and hugher back. “Not for good. I’ll be home before you know it.”

“But it’s still so hard to see you go.” She wipesaway her tears when we break apart. “I want you to know that I’m very proud ofyou, and I’m so very sorry I never told you before.”

It soothes my heart hearing her say it to my faceat last. A smile tugs at my lips. “It’s okay. I know now.”

We hug again until Alison and Daniel move closer.Alison holds me longer than she usually does. Then kisses my cheek.

“Call me anytime; whether it’s advice aboutcollege or you just need to talk.”

“Yes, and if you need anything at all,” Daniel addsbefore embracing me as well. He gives me a loving pat on the shoulder. “You begood; take care of yourself and call if you have any trouble.”

“I will. Thank you for all you’ve done,” I tellhim, grateful.

He waves it off and responds with a kind smile.

I glance to my left at Varen shifting his weightfrom one leg to the other and chewing at the corner of his bottom lip. I flickto Kenya. She edges closer and fixes my curls for me.

My heart starts to race. Her brown eyes turnglossy.

“Oh… Ken,” I sob.

She pulls me in for a tight hug, sniffling at theside of my head. “I’m seriously going to miss you, Toya.”

“Me too.” Tears pool down my face. I rub her backas she holds on to me. “Keep me posted, no matter what. I want to hear abouteverything.”

She nods and wipes her tear-stained cheeks as shebacks away from me. “Of course. I’ll call you at nights and give you all thejuicy details.”

We giggle, hold hands, then hug again. “Give yourdad and brothers hugs for me. And your mom…” My voice trails.

Kenya pats my back. “I’ll give her a kiss foryou.” She eases away again, this time letting me go after one final glanceover.

When my best friend steps aside, Varen comes up tome and takes my carry-on bag. He places his free arm around my shoulder as Iturn to walk to the departure area. I peer back once to wave at everyone.

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