10 years ago

I followed the little boy down the stream. It was spring meaning the lake was rising, along with the stream.

"This is dangerous Max..." I trailed off, hopping onto another rock to another "You're going to get me killed" I screeched. I never like any dangerous situations.

"Oh come on Iris. Live a little" He repeated for the fifth time today. Max took a huge jump where he landed on the other side.

He wore a proud grin on his face, he was proud that he made it. I can't say the same. "You're turn"

I shook my head "No no" He gave me a flat look.

"I don't want to. I'll fall!" I tried to reason with him.

He crossed his arms over his chest "You won't know until you try Iris" he argued.

I knew I wouldn't win this, so I gave in "Fine. But you owe me a cookie" He quickly nodded his head.

I looked down at the rock I have to jump off and the landing I need to land.

"You can do this Iris" I breathed under my breath.

With one final breath, I jumped in the air. It felt like years before my feet touched the ground.

I heard a loud laugh behind me, making me open my eyes and search for the source of the noise. My gaze landed on Max, who was in fits of giggles.

He continued to laugh "I told you that you can do it"

"Yeah yeah yeah" I grumbled.

I got off the ground and grabbed on Max's arm. Still laughing, I continued to drag him to the clearing of our destination.

Once we got there he finally stopped laughing. We laid there on the ground together, enjoying the now silent forest.

"I'm moving" I blurted out, slapping my hand over my mouth. Geez Iris, you couldn't have said it nicer?

His eyes grew wide "What?"

My eyes found the ground as I slowly repeated I was moving.

"Why" he whined. I saw him pinch himself, probably hoping it was a dream. I wish it was all a dream too. However it wasn't.

Earlier today my mom called me down from my room. At first I pretended I couldn't hear her because I was too busy playing with my barbies.

She grew frustrated, and made her way upstairs to talk to me. She slowly sat me down on my bed and explained the situation. We were moving because of my dads work. I think it has something to do with that my daddy got fired, but I'm not quite sure of the whole situation.

"My daddy's work I think" I whispered, answering his previous question.

"Will I get to see you again? Will you visit?" His voice carried with sadness. He was on the verge of tears.

I turned to face him, my face carrying a sad expression "I don't know Maxie, one day maybe, but it might not be for a long time."

My best friend let a tear fall down his cheek "I'll miss you" watching him cried made me want to cry. I don't think I had ever seen max cried. He was usually the strong and brave one out of us.

"I'll miss you too Maxie"