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"Are you guys sure you want to leave so early?" my mom sighed, pulling me in for a quick hug. "College doesn't start for another six weeks."
"Yeah." I pulled out of the hug, throwing an arm across Harper's shoulder. "I think we are both ready for a fresh start."
"Okay," she said before sucking in a deep breath. "I'm coming to visit before school starts, though." I smiled and nodded.
"It's not going to be the same without you guys here," Aiden said, smiling sadly.
"We'll be back for Thanksgiving and Christmas," I said." And you guys can come to visit anytime." I glanced at my watch. "We really need to get on the road if we are going to make it before dark."
"You promise you'll call me once a day?" Chloe asked.
"I promise," Harper laughed. "And once you're settled in your new dorm, I'll come to visit."
"Don't forget about me," Ryder said, holding out his arms for a hug. Harper leaned in for a hug before pulling Chloe into the hug. "You take care of her." Ryder's eyes flicked to me. I nodded.
Some goodbyes were harder than others. Saying goodbye to Chloe and Ryder was hard for Harper. They'd been her only life source for many years, but she'd see them both soon. Chloe was accepted to a college only an hour away, and Ryder to an Art School only forty-five minutes away, but we all knew it wouldn't be the same.
"Wait," AJ called out, jogging up the driveway as I opened Harper's door. "Sorry, I'm late. The bank took forever." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a credit card. "Here." He held it out to Harper. "I wanted to make sure you got this before you left."
"Thank you." She smiled politely. "But I'm going to get a job once we get there and get settled."
"Please," AJ said. "Just take it, and if you don't need it, that's fine, but I'll feel better knowing you have it if you need it." She nodded. "Not that I don't trust Christian; I just want to make sure you have your own money." She nodded again, taking the card and leaning in for a hug. "Be safe and let me know when you make it." She nodded. "We'll be up to visit before school starts."
"Thank you." Harper said, hopping into the Jeep.
"If you need anything, call me," AJ said. "Seriously, anything."
Jumping into the driver's side, I started the Jeep and waved goodbye as we pulled away.
"You okay?" I asked once we were out of the Valley.
"Oddly." She sighed, staring out the window, "I feel a huge sense of relief leaving this town and all the bad memories. Of course, I'm sad to leave everyone behind, but saying goodbye to the past feels pretty good." A smile spread across my face. "I'm excited to see what the future holds."
I didn't know what the future had planned for us, but I knew no matter what, she was free. Free from the Villas. Free to live her own life. Free to be who she wanted to be, and I could live with that.
Epilogue
Harper
"I have to go," Sophia called out, her dark falling into her face as she leaned forward to grab her bag. "I have to get to work."
"I'll see you tomorrow. Same time, same place."
"Of course," she said, brushing her hair out of her hazel eyes.
"Oh wait, you're still coming for dinner this weekend, right?"
"Yes." She narrowed her eyes, tossing her bag over her shoulder. "As long as you swear it's not a setup."
Pursing my lips, I shrugged innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Well, then I can't wait to meet your family and friends." She opened the front door at the same time Christian was attempting to do the same.
"Oh." He laughed. "Hey, Soph."
"What's up, Christian. Do me a favor and remind your girlfriend this weekend is not a setup." His gaze flashed to me.
"What?" I shrugged. "It's not a setup."
