IN BETWEEN

PARTY AND ONE LAST WALK THROUGH RIVER BEND DRIVE

That night, Mama threw a small party - nothing fancy just love. River Bend Drive was a very small street for such a news to stay locked inside a house.

Neighbors filled their tiny house with music, food and loud laughter. There was fried chicken, corn bread and sweet iced tea. Old songs played from a dusty radio. Imani was already dreaming up their life in New York, while Raina sat on the front steps staring at the stars - feeling like,for the first time, they were finally shining for her too.........

In the wee hours of the night, the party was over but the wasn't done yet for Raina and Imani

After the music quietened, and the neighbors left with full stomachs and full hearts, the girls exchanged a look only best friends understood

River Bend Drive was calling them

The street wasn't just cracked sidewalks and tired houses - it was their childhood, their battles and victories, their first dreams.

" Come on," Imani grinned grabbing Raina hand. " One last lap before we become city girls."

They walked slowly, memorizing every corner like they were afraid to forget.

They passed Old Man Bishop's Corner Store - the one that out candy when they were little and advice when they grew older.

They sat for a while on the swings at Maple Park - the rusty old place where they dreamed out loud about their futures, laughing about being rich and famous one day.

And when they reached the small bridge over River Bend Creek, they stood in silence.

"This is home," Raina whispered

"Always will be," Imani answered her voice thick.

The news had reached their door steps late and so they had to be in New York the next day so they can settle down before going to report to the institute.

Back at Raina's house, her mother sat at the window watching the dark night - heart heavy with pride but aching.

In Imani's house nextdoor, her mother wiped quiet tears from her eyes.

"It's time to let them fly," Mrs Brooke whispered to herself. "Even if it breaks us a little."

That night in their different homes, the girls stayed up packing, giggling between tears, stuffing dreams into worn out suitcases.

Tomorrow they will be in New York and in a new life but tonight, River Bend Drive was theirs.