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Jillian ran down the street, the big moving truck was just pulling away and boxes were being loaded into the car. Cali was leaning in the doorway of her now sold house. As soon as she saw Jillian, she ran down to her, instantly hugging her tightly, wishing they didn't have to let go. They didn't know how long they stayed like that, it felt too short though. They didn't let go of each other until Cali's mom said they absolutely had to leave, they couldn't wait any longer. Cali told her not to cry. Jillian tried. One last kiss that was cut off too soon and they were off. Jillian stood there as Cali got smaller and smaller until she disappeared all together. Cali's last words ringing in Jillian's head,
"I'm coming back for you, Jilly, I promise. I'll be back soon, just you wait, I love you so much."
"I love you too." Jillian whispered, touching her lips reminiscing of the feeling of being kissed by the person she loved the most.
Jillian sighed, breathing in the salty ocean air. She loved the beach, the sand between her toes, the sound of the waves crashing onto the rocks, the crisp, clean breeze. She loved it all but she mostly loved the internal euphoric feeling she got being there. It felt freeing and calm. Her best best memories were here. Jilly and Cali, that's what they used to call them. She's just Jillian now. This is what she did everyday, sit in their spot, on the biggest rock and listen to the waves while the breeze whipped through her chocolate brown hair that fell just below her shoulder blades. She found it comforting when she was fifteen years old. It dulled the heart ache and cleared her head. Now, at eighteen, it became a habit. Everyday, sitting here, in their spot, clearing her head. Her mom became less controlling, giving her more freedom. Freedom she enjoyed when she was missing Cali. So she was, sitting on the biggest rock with her knees to her chest. She set her shoes next to her. Her bare feet on the warm rock from the late summer sun. The cool air was setting in as night came. Her cheeks turning slightly pink. She ran her finger lightly over her lips wishing Cali was there to kiss her in front of the sunset. She wrapped her arms around her legs again. The sad, bittersweet truth sat in the back of her head, Cali is probably never coming back. She realized that the sun was almost gone from the sky leaving stars in its trail. While her mom was less overbearing, she still promised to be home before it was completely dark. With the ten minute walk it takes to get home she would get home in time if she left now. She sighed and got up, putting her sandals back on. She reached to touch the music note necklace around her neck but quickly dropped it. She took off that necklace for what seems like forever ago. She tried to move on and thought it was holding her back. When she realized it wasn't the necklace but her heart she never put it back on. Even after a couple years, it was still a subconscious habit. She ran her hand through her hair which was now knotted from the wind. She stood up and brushed off her jeans. She took one more deep breath, soaking in the crisp, cool, salty air.
"You always loved the beach."
Jillian turned around so fast she almost fell over. That voice that she knew so well she swore her mind was playing tricks on her. She came face to face with someone she never thought she'd ever see again.
"Cali..." was all she managed to say before choking up. She stepped forward.
"Hi Jilly." she said. Jilly, a name she hadn't heard in four years. She made everyone call her Jillian after Cali left. Jilly made her miss her too much so it became Jillian. She swore it would always be Jillian now. Some things change though, like Cali. Even at fifteen, Cali was taller than Jillian. Now Cali had to be at least five foot eight, towering over the five foot four Jillian. She lost her baby fat, especially in her face, she grew into it. It became a little more defined in her jawline and cheekbones. It made her even more beautiful, which Jillian didn't know was possible. Her lips got a little more full and they looked soft and kissable. Her light blond hair was the same, shoulder length, curly and untamed. Jillian missed running her hand through it. Her round, perfect circle glasses stayed perched on her nose and she was still wearing her ripped, cuffed jeans and tied up tee shirts, so some things don't change.
"You came back." Jillian said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Of course, honey. I knew your short ass couldn't live without my grace." Cali said, stepping towards the crying girl, tripping slightly on a stick, clumsy as ever.
"Shut up." Jillian chuckled and stepped forward. If they got any closer they'd be kissing.
"I missed you so much Jilly. More than you'll ever know." Cali whispered quietly. So quiet Jillian would've missed it if they hadn't been so close. Cali rubbed the small of Jillian's back in the most comforting way.
"I missed you too. Please don't ever leave again. I need you Cali. I need you with me in my life."
"I'm never leaving your side ever again. I promise. Just like I promised I would come back."
All they ever wanted was to be in each other's arms again. They yearned to be close to one another for four years and it finally happened, they didn't want to let go. Not again. They felt safety and security in each other's arms. Something they hadn't felt so long. It was comfort, it was security, it was serenity, it was Jilly and Cali again.
"Can I kiss you?" Cali asked softly.
"Please."
For the first time in four years, their lips connected again and their souls intertwined as fireworks exploded in their stomach and cosmic energy flowed through them. It was perfect and what they wanted -no needed- for such a long time. Jillian ran her finders through Cali's unruly curls while Cali pulled Jillian closer by the small of her back. The energy flowed through them as they moved in sync like no time had passed. It was a little messy, filled with desperation mixed with a little passion and a whole lot of love. They felt fifteen again, young and in love, learning what it meant for the first time. It felt so right. The years they spent apart didn't mean anything, their love hadn't changed, it was still young and blooming. It was still messy and naive but it was unique and it was theirs.
"I love you Cali."
"I love you too."
They had the rest of their lives in front of them, Jilly and Cali, forever