The Irresistible Attraction

Gazing at the old red building, a sigh left my lips. Memories of my friends and I running across the corridors, sitting on the roof of the school enjoying glasses of beer, spray-painting the classroom walls, flashed in front of my eyes. A feeling of nostalgia wrapped around me like a warm blanket, but it made me feel anything but warm. High school really was the best 5 years of my life. “It won’t feel the same without you,” Mr. Steven's voice reached my ears. I turned around and saw him walking towards me with his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. A wrinkly, sad smile crept onto his face. I hummed, not trusting my voice at that moment. “I’m going to miss your pranks and rebellious nature.” I chuckled. “Really? I thought you hated it.” He smiled softly. “No, not at all. Everyone needs spice in their life, even teachers.” I hummed again. “So, when’s your flight?” “In 2 hours,” I replied, pursing my lips. A knot had formed in my throat, and I lowered my gaze. My head drooped and I wrapped my arms around myself. A lone tear rolled down my cheek and I bit my lip, trying to hold in a sob that was desperately trying to escape me. “Oh, Claire,” he breathed out, pulling me into a warm hug. That was my breaking point. My shoulders trembled vigorously as I buried my face into his shoulders. Hot tears streamed down my face, cascading like a waterfall. I shut my eyes tightly in a failed attempt to stop them. A chocked sob left my mouth as my body shuddered with every sniffle. “I’ll miss…I’ll miss you,” I stuttered incoherently. Before Mr. Stevens had the chance to say anything, the familiar screeching of the school bell stopped him. He sighed. “I have to go. I have a class now.” “I understand,” I whispered. “Don’t you forget to visit me during your holidays, young lady,” he playfully glowered. I chuckled and shook my head. “I won’t forget.” Giving me a last forlorn smile, he walked back towards the school. My face itched due to the dried tears and my vision was blurry. I gulped and rubbed my eyes with my sleeves. “I’ll miss you,” I whispered, gazing at the place I called my 2nd home one last time, before walking away. It's the last time I'm ever going to step foot here... The thought made me feel like someone had ripped my heart from within, dropped it on the ground and stepped on it. I smiled, knowing things would never be the same from now onwards.