Live and Let Die ~ Chapter Seventeen

by Nyx (Eden) in Ontario

A/N: Thanks to CamiBeth and Izzah for commenting on the last chapter. By the way CamiBeth, thanks for saying I'm your friend on your biography. I was ecstatic when I read that yesterday! Comments and CC are appreciated. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

As my mother pulls me into a tight hug, the smell of her perfume surrounds me and I instantly relax. It's good to see her. Finally she pulls away, and I get a glimpse at Mellissa. She looks slightly taller and thinner than when I left, and has a few caramel streaks in her hair. She smiles and waves. My face glows.

"Mom," I say, taking a step backwards. "This is Ocean and Nyx, my new friends." My mom looks over at Nyx and Ocean and they shake hands. She really seems to like them.

"Should we find a table?" Mom asks, looking around the cozy diner of Perkin's. The floor is an old fashioned blue and white check, and the tables are an electric shade of red. This place brings back so many good memories of coming here after school with Tori and Nick and Mellissa. We used to sit in the far booth and share onion rings and drink chocolate milkshakes. For once when I think about them, I'm not struggling to fight tears.

"Sure," I murmer, plopping down at a table. Nyx and Mellissa sit down next to me and Ocean and my mom take the other side. Almost immediately, an unnaturally black haired waitress pops over to us, wearing the customary uniform of a poodle skirt and a hot pink blazer.

"What can I get you ladies here today?" she asks in a thick country accent. "The soup of the day is hamburger stew, and it's stock 'em up Sunday so we've got two onion ring baskets for the price of one."

"Um," I say, not bothering to look at the menu. "I'll have a small onion ring basket and just a water to drink, thank you."

Everyone orders their food and then my mom turns to me. "You look much older than when I last saw you, Renna," she observes. "Your hair is lighter. Do you think Honeydale is helping at all?"

I nod eagerly. "Definately. I feel much better and it's only two weeks in!"

My mom exchanges a glancewith Mellissa and then smiles at me. "Well, sweetie, your father and I were talking to Dr. Perego the other day, and we think two weeks might be all you need. If you'd like, you can come home tomorrow."

My eyes widen in disbelief. "Are you serious?! Oh, this is wonderful! I can go back to school and see Hailee again and go shopping whenever I want!"

I suddenly realize Ocean and Nyx don't look happy at all. "What about us?" Nyx whispers. "We have to stay."

My blood runs cold and I can feel my face paling. Of course they can't leave! What was I thinking?

I'll never get to see them maybe ever if I leave.

What's a girl to do?