Sam sighed as he zipped up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. “No Beanie, stay,” he mumbled. His dog whined as she looked at him. He sighed again. “I’ll be back,” he lied. It broke his heart to lie to his own dog. He’ll miss her. Ignoring her whines, he headed for the door and only looked back to make sure the note he left was there on Meg’s desk. Once he saw the folded piece of paper, he turned away and closed the door.
Dear Megan Brown…
It was almost midnight. Perfect time to go. He knew Meg would still be awake, by the fountain where she usually stayed, but it’ll be easier to sneak past her. She won’t notice anything.
I’m so glad I met you. Along with Nerine and Holmes. You guys have made my time worthwhile here. You made me stay, even though I didn’t want to. Thank you for that…
He walked past the dorms, forcing himself not to look at the room that Nerine and Holmes now shared because of him. Now Holmes and Meg could be together again and Nerine could finally get some peace and quiet. He made his way down the stairs and didn’t look back.
I apologize for all the nightmares and stress I’ve caused. I was only trying to stay happy despite my past. While I was still a runaway, I met this hobo that I swear could’ve been a professor if he wanted to. He said that I could either run from the past or learn from it. I learned that there are still people out there that care about me. And they care about you too, Meg…
He stopped by the coffee shop. He couldn’t resist. He filled his thermos with coffee for the road before moving on.
I was just glad that I had the chance to meet you and be your friend. I know you don’t really love me, but that’s okay. I wish you and Holmes the best…
He walked out the front doors of the school. He stayed near the bushes just in case he needed to hide. He spotted Meg by the fountain and slowly and quietly made his way around her.
I hope you don’t forget me. But if you do, that’s okay too. Just know that I won’t forget you or Nerine or even Holmes…
He crouched near the bushes, debating whether to say good-bye to Meg in person. To give her a kiss before he leaves. No, that’ll only make it harder to let go. He sighed and shook his head, forcing himself to keep going.
If Naomi miraculously comes to the school, please tell her the truth. Please tell her that she deserves someone better than a screw-up like me. But tell her that I love her anyways…
Sam was almost at the front gate. He froze when he saw somwthing move out of the corner of his eye. He looked back and he saw Meg rub her arms before getting up and walking back inside. It’ll be a few minutes before she gets to her room and finds the note. But he’ll be gone by then. He won’t be there anymore.
I guess that’s all I have to say. I’m not much for good-bye’s. I never liked them, but who does? Anyways, it’s time for me to move on. What else do I have to say? I wish you all the success and happiness in the world because I know that it’s something I’ll never truly get.
Sam forced himself to look away. He found himself standing right where the gates are. One more step, and he’ll be off school grounds. And he won’t turn back. He won’t look back.
Hakuna freakin’ matata….
Taking a deep breath, he adjusted the straps on his backpack and continued to walk forward.
—Samuel ‘Sammy’ Noah Leonhart.
P.S. Please take care of Beanie. If she starts crying, tell her that I’ll be back. It’ll calm her down, even though it’s a lie. It’s the only thing that will calm her down. Please don’t put her up for adoption again. You might as well put her to sleep if you do that.
