Zethora's POV

"Z!" 

I snap my eyes to coach as he looks at me concerned. I huff and slouch my shoulders. He walks over to and holds the punching bag before giving me a single nod to continue. I straighten out my shoulders and raise my gloved knuckles in front of me. I begin pounding into the bag as coach keeps his eyes trained on me. I throw my entire body into my punch and can feel my tear ducts working up. I stop for a moment and coach sees my emotional state. 

"Take em off Z." He says lowly reaching out for my gloves. I look to his outstretched hand as I take off the gloves reluctantly handing them to him. He sighs and wraps his arm around my shoulder pulling me into him. I take a deep breath and relax my forehead against his shoulder. "You need to go." 

I nod my head and regather my emotions before giving him a single head nod and walk to the locker room. This practice definitely did not go as planned. I ended up in the gym where coach had found me.

Today is the day Arabella leaves for her studies. She isn't too far away but she isn't going to be home each evening and that doesn't set well with me. It's not that I want to control her but I just wish she had chosen to go to a public school instead of the elite school she is going to be attending. She had gotten a full scholarship due to her impeccable grades and the school has a strong fashion program which Arabella is super excited about. 

I walk out of the locker room and head straight Shadow. I straddle her and take off heading to my uncle's home. He had helped her pack everything already and they were driving to the school today. I was keen on going but Arabella said it would be harder for to say goodbye at the school. I gave in reluctantly to her request and we decided we would say goodbye at the house. 

I pull up to the large home as I see my uncle packing the back end of his SUV. He gives me a wave as I wave walking into the house. I head directly towards her room where I thought she would be. I walk in and notice it's empty. I begin thinking maybe I passed her in the kitchen until a thud is heard from the library. I shake my head smiling knowing I should have checked there first. 

I push the door open slightly seeing her getting down from the ladder. A book lying at the feet of the ladder. I walk up to her as she leans down to gather the book still unaware of my presences. I tap her shoulder making her turn around with a smile spreading over her face. 

"Zethora" She whispers before hugging my waist tightly. I brace the back of her head and her back holding her to me. She pulls back enough to look into my eyes before her eyes turned concerned. "What's the matter sis?"

I just shake my head keeping a smile on my lips. Although some tears leak out giving me away. She reaches up wiping them away with a sad smile. I lean forward connecting my forehead to hers as I close my eyes letting the tears fall. 

"I'm so proud of you Arabella" My voice is hoarse but she hears me. She nods her head against mine. "I'll miss you." 

She pulls back her eyes glistening with tears as she locks with mine. 

"I will miss you too sis." She sobs and giggles. "You know that this has to be the hardest thing I've ever done." 

I squeeze her hand as she shakes her head looking up to the ceiling. "You will do great" 

"I only have the strength to do this because you Zethora." 

I pull her back in as I let her words strike me like lightening. Making me feel strong, and fearless. I look up at the ceiling once again controlling my eyes. Her arms wrapped around me as she shakes slightly. I rub my hand up and down her back as we act like we will never see each other again. 

"I love you Zethora" 

"I love you too Arabella. I will see you in a few months." She nods her head against my chest before leaning up to kiss my cheek. I return the gesture before we hear a soft knock at the door. We both turn to see my uncle standing there looking at us expectantly. 

"It's time girls." 

I turn to her once again as I gently knock my forehead to hers. 

"You too sis" She says before going with my uncle. 

I stand there not being able to move as I hear the front door shut gently. I sit down in a chair allowing the silence to envelope me. I release some deep breaths and continue telling myself that this is for her future... She wants this... And she is safe. I hear a knock come from the library door as I look back to it with furrow eyebrows. I stand up as the door creaks open letting me see Tyler standing their with an understanding gaze. He walks to me and engulfs me as I hold onto him. He doesn't say a word knowing this is exactly what I need. 

We stand there in comfortable silence before yet again the door creaks open revealing the other legs of the tripod. Chris and Macey rush forward as Tyler steps aside. They hug me as I holding them while giggle through sobs. I realize these people are my family... my rock. I finally relax and decide it was time. 

"Thank you"

Just like that they freeze. Tyler's eyes widen comically as his jaw slacks. I chuckle at them as Macey look to each as if asking each other if they heard correctly. 

"Z... you- you spoke." Macey says barely above a whisper. 

I nod my head at her as she wraps me quickly back in her arms. I can feel her heart racing against my chest. I smile and look to Chris as he looks astounded. 

"Thank you for everything." I say looking directly at Chris as a smile stretches the length of his face. I glance to Tyler who's getting teary eyed. He comes forward and hugs both Macey and me. Chris follows so we are all in a huge group hug. 

"Damn Z, I didn't think..." Chris takes a shaky breath. "I didn't know if you would ever speak." 

"I love you guys..." 

Macey giggles while stilling crying. Her hold not loosening. 

"We love you too Z."