Corrupted Values

Chapter Fifteen - Goodbye

We walk in a comfortable silence between us as it is too loud to hear each other on the streets anyway. Soon we arrive at the mall. We go in and I imminently feel cold air be blown at me from the air conditioning.

“Finally, I thought I was going to die in that heat.” Avery exclaims dramatically, making me laugh, and she narrows her eyes at me.

“Sorry.” I say looking at her.

“It’s fine. Come on, let's shop.” She says, walking into a clothing store. I follow behind her as we look at clothes. We walk around for a while and I pick out white jeans, ripped blue jeans, and a blue top to try on. When Avery’s done picking clothes to try on, we walk into the change room to try them on. I take a minute before I come back out to show Avery.

“Damn b***h, you have nice curves.” She says, smiling at me.

“Thanks. I like that top on you.” I say examining her outfit.

“Yeah me too, I think I’m going to get it.” She says, posing in the mirror to look at her outfit more. We go back to the change rooms and change our clothes again. I come out in my original shirt and wearing the other jeans I picked out. While she’s wearing a different outfit.

“Those leggings are cute.” I say as she spins around, showing me the full outfit.

“Thank you. I think I’m going to get them. They’re super comfortable.” She says, turning to look at herself in the mirror again. I put on my original pants and walk out to the cashier to pay for the clothes while I wait for Avery. We continue to walk around for a while chatting and trying on more clothes.

Avery decides to message Remi to meet us at the mall, so we decide to meet her in the food court. Avery goes and gets a salad while I go get a burger and fries. Once I have my food I join Avery at a table. I unwrap my burger and take a bite before having a few fries and a sip of my soda.

“So how did you meet Remi?” I ask as I take another bite of my burger.

“We grew up next door to each other. When we got old enough, we moved out together.” She answers as she takes a bite of salad.

“Awe, that's sweet. So you guys have been friends for a long time.” I say smiling.

“Yup, so how have you guys been?” Remi asks, smiling and taking one of my fries.

“Good. Your new roommate isn’t as dumb as I thought she would be.” Avery says, smiling at me.

“You're not as bitchy as I thought either.” I say smiling while Avery's drops. We all laugh together and continue talking before we all decide to head back to the apartment.

"Thank god Remi can drive us though. I don't think I could handle walking all the way back to the apartment.” Avery says, making us laugh.

“I would put up with the heat, but I don’t wanna walk alone.” I say smirking at Remi.

“Whatever.” She says, rolling her eyes. After a short and scary drive back to the apartment, we all head upstairs. Avery goes to lay down in Remi’s room, leaving us alone in the living room.

“So how was the day for real?” Remi asks, sitting back on the couch looking at me.

“Good actually. We talked and I actually had a good day. She's not as bad as I thought she would be.” I say smiling.

“Yeah, she has a good heart, but she's definitely got a personality that's not made for everyone.” She explains. We smile and talk together before I start to think about telling her I have to move out.

“Hey… everything okay?” She asks, noticing the sudden mood change.

“Yeah it’s just… I’m moving.” I say sadly.

“Why?” She says, confused.

“I met my dad.” I say fiddling with my hands.

“Is that a bad thing?” She asks curiously.

"I don't know." I answer honestly and shrug.

"When did you meet with him?" She asks as she sits forward.

“A few days ago. He found me and asked me to meet up with him.” I say nervously.

“What did he say?” She asks eagerly.

“He said the Caldeiro Mafia attacked him. He's worried that something will happen to me now that Nico knows who I am and he thinks I should move in with him.” I answer.

“So you're moving in with him… because it’s what he wants?” She asks, tensely sitting up.

“It’s safer,” I argue.

“But… is it what you want?” She asks doubtingly.

“It doesn't matter what I want… It’s what’s safest and I can’t live here knowing it could also put your life in danger.” I say shrugging and looking down. Remi sits back letting out a breath.

“I can take care of myself, but it does matter what you want. This is a big decision to make." She argues back. I let out a sigh listening to her.

"I've already agreed." I admit feeling guilty for not telling her sooner. I would never want to intentionally hurt her after all she's done for me. Remi lets out a long breath and smiles.

"I’ll miss you but just know you’ll always be welcome back if it doesn’t work out.” She says comfortingly with a smile before pulling me in and hugging me tightly. We sit and chat before I look at the time.

“Woah. How is it already two in the morning?” I ask, shocked.

“Damn. We should go to bed.” She says, giggling.

“Yeah we should. Good night.” I say getting up and heading to my room.

“Night Azzy. I guess I’m sleeping out here since Avery probably fell asleep in my bed.” Remi says, rolling her eyes as she lays down on the couch.

“Sleep well.” I say laughing as I walk down the hall to my room. The next few days go by quickly. Slowly I’ve been packing and getting ready to move. Remi and Avery decided we’re going to have a movie night as a goodbye.

“Azzy, can you make the popcorn?” Avery asks from the bathroom while she brushes her hair.

“Yeah sure.” I answer as I walk into the kitchen and put a bag in the microwave. Remi picks out a movie before going to her room to change into pajamas. Once the popcorn is done, I put it in a bowl and place it in the living room. I’m going to miss living here. I sit on the soft beige sofa against the left wall that has light purple pillows on it. I place the popcorn In the middle of the wooden coffee table.I get up and walk into my room to change into a white tank top and black shorts before coming out to Avery and Remi sitting on the couch.

“Hey girl. Get your cute little butt out here, we've been waiting for you.” Remi says, laughing. I sit on the couch joining them and we start the movie.

“I can’t believe you’re leaving tomorrow.” Remi says, looking at me.

“I’ll miss living with you. I'll come visit.” I say putting an arm around her in a side hug.

“You better.” She says, hugging me back. We all sit and watch the movie.

“Well, I’m off to bed.” I say as the end credits start rolling through.

“Awe really? You don’t want to watch another movie?” Remi asks, pouting.

“I need to get a good sleep for tomorrow. We’ll do another movie night some other time, I promise.” I say smiling.

“Okay. I’ll hold you to that.” She says as she gets up and walks over to me.

“I’ll miss you.” I say smiling up at her.

“Me too… I’ll miss your cooking.” She says sadly. Making us laugh.

“I knew you loved my cooking.” I say crossing my arms.

“Yeah, yeah whatever. I thought you were going to bed.” Remi says, rolling her eyes.

“I am.” I say laughing. She pulls me into a tight hug.

"And don't forget what I said. You're always welcome here." She whispers in my ear and I smile.

“Alright, good night girls.” I say before turning and walking down the hall.

“Night.” I hear them both call out as I walk into my room. I lay in bed thinking about how life will be once I’m living with Sergio. It’ll be a big difference from the life I’ve lived. I turn onto my right side and look out the window at the stars.

“I wish you were here to tell me what to do. I miss you so much mom.” I feel a tear roll down my cheek and I wipe it away. Anxiety builds up as I think about what's to come tomorrow and for what my future with my father looks like.