What The World Needs: Adopted by Ride the Cyclone

Seven: Be Sure to Ride the Cyclone

Flash forward to December 29th, 2016

I was in the apartment, packing my art awards from the art competition a few weeks ago, my Christmas presents from my friends and the cast, ready to move to Canada in a day. "You doing okay, Little K?" Kholby asked as he was packing his backpack.

"I'm kind of bittersweet about leaving New York. I'm excited to move to Canada with you, but sad to leave Rosie, Norah, Georgina and Olivia. Do you know where I'll be starting school?"

"Glanford Middle School. It's in Saanich, about five minutes north of my apartment in Victoria. But after your first month, it's Transfer Week, which essentially is that local high schools come and meet with kids and you sign up for classes there and stuff. I've looked at high schools there, and trying to narrow my choices. We'll figure out what works best for you once the time comes."

"I won't know anyone!" I said.

"You will make new friends. Trust me. I've also arranged a private tour for us so you'll know your way around the school." He explained.

"When is that?"

"January second. We leave for Victoria tomorrow night. We still have the last show and the farewell dinner too."

"Right!"

After the show, we were going to Stella's Pizza (my suggestion) for our farewell dinner. I also invited Rosie, Norah, Georgina and Olivia along. Rosie was a yes, and with the rest, Olivia couldn't go because she's in Colorado. She was willing to FaceTime though. Norah and Georgina would be meeting us at the theater because their parents weren't comfortable with sending their kids out in New York at night. Georgina's stepdad would be taking her and Norah home. Kholby and I would be picking up Rosie on our way to the theater. "We'll be running a little late. Can you ask Rosie if her parents are okay with dropping her off here?" Kholby asked.

"Yeah! Sure!"

I texted Rosie.

Kat: Hey Rosie?

Rosie: I'm waiting at the apartment rn. When are u coming?

Kat: We're running late and Kholby asked if your parents can drop you off at our place and pick you up there after.

Rosie: Asking now

Rosie: Be at the entrance to your apartment at 5:00!

Kat: Great!

"She'll be here at five!"

Kholby gave me a thumbs up. Time to chill. But five minutes later, the doorbell rang. "Wow, that was fast." I said, chuckling.

"My parents have something tonight." Rosie said. "Hi Kholbs!"

"Hi Rosie! Make yourself at home, we'll be leaving in five minutes."

I led Rosie to my 'room'. "Wow, it's so empty." She said.

"I'm going to miss you so much, even though we just rekindled our friendship." I said.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow night. And then in a few days I'll be visiting my new school. And since I'm coming in in the middle of the year, and then there's this thing in February called Transfer Week when you register for high school."

"What? They carve out a whole week just to register for high school?"

"Just for the eighth graders. Or Grade 8."

"Alright, you ready to go?" Kholby asked.

I snagged my phone from its charger and headed to the subway with Rosie and Kholby. "Last time at the Lucille Lortel theatre. It's bittersweet." I said.

"I'll keep you posted on school, okay?" Rosie said as the train pulled up to Christopher Street Station.

We walked over to the theater where Norah and Georgina were waiting. I swear, Georgina's stepdad nearly fainted. "Uh...I'm Kholby, Kat's foster dad..."

"Max! Calm down! He's just a normal guy like you!" Georgina said, nudging her stepdad.

"I saw you in Canada once. Edmonton, I think."

"Was it 2013?" Kholby asked.

"Yeah. It was great meeting you! See you at Stella's later!"

Max hopped back into his car and we walked in. "Hello? Gus? Alex? Emily? Anyone?" I asked, walking in.

"I'm in the dressing room!" I heard Gus shout.

I quickly called Olivia. "Liv? I'm putting you on so you can meet Gus."

"Okay!"

I led them back. "Gus! I have some friends of mine for you to meet."

I led them to my dressing room. Norah and Georgina almost fainted. "HE'S. SO. FINE!" I heard Olivia say through my phone.

"I know right?" Rosie said.

"Yo, what's up!" Gus said to the camera.

"That's Olivia."

"Pleasure to meet you, Olivia. Kat's told me all about you."

Olivia then met the rest of the cast, then she had to go to dinner with her family. "I'm really sad the show is closing." Norah said.

"If there's another production, I'll get you tickets, you down for that?"

"Obviously!" Rosie exclaimed.

And then Olivia hung up. The show went well, and this time, I could be in the back for "Noel's Lament" or just watch it through the wings. I decided to watch through the wings because when the curtain opens, the audience would be surprised to see a thirteen-year-old standing there. Eventually the show ended, and I was on the verge of tears. "Let's get changed first, the we'll be off." Tiffany said, taking off her mic.

Eventually, we arrived at Stella's snd ordered our pizzas. When the pizzas arrived, Tiffany clinked her glass with her fork. "Alrighty everyone! We made it through another production!"

Everyone cheered. "I am so so glad I got to spend time with all of you, especially when Taylor suddenly left, and to meet Katrina. Lillian?"

Lillian handed me a little gift box. "I made this. For you."

I opened it. It was a crocheted doll of me in a Saint Cassian uniform! "Lillian! I love it! Thank you so much!"

"I had to make one for you. My treat."

Then Alex handed me a photo. It was us after I won second place at the art competition! And it was autographed by everyone!

So glad I got to meet you! Wishing you the best of luck in Canada! -Tiffany
I know you'll be off to do amazing things. I'll miss you! -Karl
Keep staying on your sugar cloud! -Lillian xoxo
Never be afraid to be yourself! Hope our paths will cross in the future -Emily
Kat, I'm so glad I met you. I'll miss you! -Alex
Let me know if anyone simps for me! Just kidding. Love you, my divine Katrina, you're like my sister -Gus

"You guys didn't have to do this! Thank you!" I cried.

"Anything for you, little K."

"Thanks everyone! Love you all."

After the dinner and when Rosie was picked up, I crashed and fell asleep.