TANGLED BONDS

Ella's pov It's been two years since mom died but it seems like dad and I are all of a sudden moving because he can't seem to get over her death. Leaving the only place I have ever known — a place that holds so many memories — leaving everything behind and going somewhere new didn't feel right to me at all. I don't have any friends apart from Alex. We have known each other since childhood and he has always been protective of me, not that I am complaining. Alex has beautiful brown hair and hazel eyes and stands at 6'5 feet. All of a sudden while growing into a teenager, Alex became too big and too handsome. He had many crushes yet he never gave any girl a second glance. I don't have any other friend apart from him so moving to another city without him makes everything so much harder, because I find it difficult to make friends. "Dad is it really necessary to move to another city? I really love it here," I whispered. "Ella please understand — being here reminds me so much of your mom. I can't seem to get over her even after two years. Your mom was everything to me. I know I am being selfish but trust me, you will like it there," dad said quietly, his voice filled with guilt. I was reluctant and sad but dad was the only family I had left. And come to think of it the house reminded me of mom too — especially the garden she and I built together at the back of the house. That garden held a piece of her I wasn't ready to leave behind. "Okay dad, so when are we leaving to Florida?" "I already prepared everything. We can leave as soon as I finish getting ready," dad replied. I nodded slowly. Dad reached over and patted my shoulder gently. "Thank you Ella. Your approval means a lot to me." I went to my room and lay on my bed thinking about everything — all the memories from back home, all the places dad and I used to hang out together. I tried not to overthink it but the thoughts kept coming. I was almost asleep when I heard a knock at the door. I went outside to open it. Standing at the front of my door was my bestie Alex. The smile on Alex's face died the moment he saw my expression. "What's wrong?" he asked, reaching for my hand. "We are moving to Florida," I said quietly. Alex was speechless. "So when are you leaving?" "By the end of the week." "I'm really going to miss you Ella," he whispered. Then after a long silence — "Alex why are you not saying anything?" "Ella I don't know what to say. This is too sudden. Do you really have to leave? Just stay — I will protect you and take care of you," he said pulling me into a hug. "You know dad will never agree to leaving me here. He is my everything," I said against his shoulder. Alex pulled back, conflicted eyes meeting mine. "Okay. But know that I will be visiting every single week." "Ok daddy," dad's voice came from behind us laughing. "How about you two get dressed — let's go eat out today."