Our special place (For Eco Dude's story contest)

I packed my last few items into my luggage and closed it shut. I was going to college. I'm only 17. I had everything I needed. My clothes, jewelery, and everything else. Before I went downstairs I saw the picture of me when my family first moved here. I was so short. With my brown silky hair in a messy bun. My jade green eyes all jumpy. It seems like just yesterday I was drawing on the walls of the living room and missing my two front teeth. But now I was old enough to care for myself now. I was a young adult.

"Jane-Bethena Shirley. You're gonna be late!" My father yelled from downstairs.

He was right, like always. Ever since mother died, he's been on top of me. Non stop too. I know he just wants me to be safe and careful and responsible.

"Coming dad!" I yelled back.

I got dressed in my red hood and grey skinny jeans and black sneakers. I put my brown hair in a ponytail. I figured I blend right in. I walked downstairs, nearly dragging the suitcase down. My dad offered to help. We went to the red pickup truck, my dad used for special occasions. Well, this was a special occasion.

"No turning back huh?" My dad asked.

I smiled.

"Nope." I said.

I just realized how time just slipped away from me.

"You nervous?" He asked.

"Sort of." I nearly mumbled.

"Well, it's always like that sweetheart. But you'll get used to it. " My dad said.

"I'm gonna miss you dad." I said.

"I'm gonna miss you too Jane." He said.

He kissed my forehead slightly. I felt like bursting in tears. I was going to miss those Saturdays where we would drink coffee and go to the park. I was going to miss football Sunday. I was going to miss my dad's blue eyes and old greyish hair. I was going to miss his big smile. I was going to miss everything and everybody.

"You know your mother would be real proud of you Jane." My dad said.

"I know." I said.

My mom died from cancer when I was ten. I still have nightmares about the day....

Midnight February 21st

Jane

Yes mother

I want you to have this

Your ruby necklace?

Yes and when you wear it, think of....

Mom?

Don't...let...me...

Mom! Don't leave me! Mom!!

I still think about her everyday, wondering if she really sees me or not. I wear the necklace she gave me. I wear everyday, even when I'm sleeping. I vowed never to take it off. I was getting ready to get in the truck when I heard a distant yell. I turned around it was my two best friends Angie and Michael. The biggest knuckleheads on the block. We were all going to different colleges. It's sad because we've all been in the same school since preschool. Angie had blonde hair and grey eyes. Michael had white hair and jet black eyes. He was pretty cute, for a gay guy.

"You aren't leaving us without saying goodbye JJ!" Michael said.

"Ok fine Goodbye!" I said to them as I hugged them both. "I'll miss you guys!"

"We'll miss you too." They both said.

"And gurl you betta send me some freaking' postcards for every holiday, if ya still wanna be bffls!" Michael said.

We laughed. That's our Michael, always making us laugh even in the tightest of situations.

"No really, that goes for me too." Angie said.

I smiled. Angie rarely talks. So its good that she's starting to speak now. My dad blew the truck horn, and made us jump. I knew it was time to go. I hugged them again and got into the truck. As I started to drive, I looked back at my house knowing that I wouldn't see it for a long time.

College here I come I thought