Broken Wings

Part Seven - She's Leaving Home

Chapter Seven

"I don't want you to go!" Abi had tears in her eyes as she clung on to Julia, who was equally finding the separation difficult.

"This is my time, Ab."

Her friend gave a watery smile, "I know, but you're like my sanity. You are ALWAYS there for me."

It was a lie, as friends went, Julia knew she lacked on lots of levels, whereas Abi herself was the text book definition of a best friend. Loyal, supportive, caring...she knew that she hadn't been that to her in return.

She smiled at her, "You are the most popular woman I know, and you've got so much going on, so much planning to do. You will whastapp me EVERY thing you choose for the wedding?"

It was then that Abi's bottom lip started to wobble and she realised the real source of her anxiety. For all her confidence and worldliness, she knew that as her best friend she'd be the ally, the person who helped her make the wedding based decisions on what SHE wanted, not a parent, or family friend, Julia was the only person who one hundred percent was looking out for her.

"Every decision, before you make it. You hear me?"

Abi smiled gratefully, "I'm so scared, don't know how I'm going to do this without you."

Julia stepped into the unusual position of the strong one on the relationship, "you can and you would...but you don't have to. I mean what sounds better than a little wedding shopping in the Big Apple? Could we fit that into your schedule?"

Abi's eyes lit up, "that sounds...perfect." Julia almost choked as she was pulled into her arms, "I love you, Jules. You know that?"

Julia kissed her cheek, "of course I do, girlfriend. I love you too."

Around them the bustle of Heathrow was as hectic as ever, but they were in a little cocoon. Abi was the only person that Julia was going to miss, but not enough that she couldn't do this. She had to get away. Glancing around, she smiled, "looks like I need to head in there..." She nodded to the security gate. "I hear there's a new champagne bar opened."

Abi's eyes widened, "damn. Why the hell am I not coming with you?"

She laughed, "soon?"

She nodded, "I promise. You reckon there are any wedding dress shops in New York."

Laughing Julia pretended to ponder that, "hmmm. I wonder. Maybe? I'll use my time wisely, find that out."

"So you're disappearing with your new best friend." She tied to lighten the mood as it was a little morose.

"Bogda is forty thousand years old, she has nothing on you. Promise. She hates wine, and whilst she is a good listener, but NEVER gives advice, and she has no interest in socialising. Oh, and she doesn't do hugs. She'll never replace you."

That made Abi smile, a real smile.

"You are crazy, Jules. I'll miss you."

Nodding she looked over her shoulder, "I gotta go."

It was emotional, they could barely let go of each other, hugging like teens in their first throes of love, waving until the security barriers disturbed their vision.

Julia looked at her glass of champagne and grinned. She'd buy a bottle cheaper in a supermarket, but she was celebrating...leaving the country unscathed. Her phone told her that her mother had tried to call several times, but she wasn't in the mood to discuss anything related to her family. That was all done and dusted. Whatever happened in the aftermath of the death of her uncle, she was away from it, she was free from it. Her mother couldn't get that, didn't understand, and she had no desire to labour the point further. So rather than return her call, she sent a very brief text message.