Goodbyes

The week following my conversation with Annette was my last in California. Most of it was spent taking care of the business of moving–getting my address changed, packing, etc.

Annette and I had several conversations over the week, but tried not to get too deep. Whenever we did, one of us would get emotional and we’d have to stop. So, we talked about the things we could handle. We talked about my returning in May for her graduation. We talked about when would be a good time for her to come visit. Mostly, we talked about work.

We had both started there soon after entering college. We had been part of a team of eight students I had taken to calling, “The Dream Team,” because of our unbelievable chemistry and our friendship outside the office. While “The Dream Team” formed and became tighter, Annette and I formed the ultimate tag team within that. We kept each other out of trouble, had each other’s backs. As she was given the responsibility of leading the group, I took pride in being her right hand man.

Although most of us are still friends, all the members of “The Dream Team” moved on to different places over the years–all except me and Annette. We had been there the longest. We had grown up there. Together.

That’s why when she stood up to speak that Friday at my going away luncheon, she didn’t have to say much for me to know what she meant. It was the end of an era. “The Dream Team” had officially disbanded.

The next morning was my flight out. As soon as Annette got to my house we headed to the airport–she and I mostly in silence. I don’t think any of us expected the airport to be as crowded as it was, so Jeff, my stepdad, dropped us off on the curb and drove around. True to form, he and I didn’t prolong our goodbyes. We shook hands, hugged and he said he’d see me in May.

My mom and Annette were a different story.

Afer checking in, I dropped my bags and hugged each of them, and then both of them together. We cried and said “I love you.” My flight drew nearer, so I told them about the rules I had for airports–rules that I created when Marci made her first trip to see me.

“Once we say goodbye and we let go, I want you to walk out of here and don’t look back no matter what.”

They nodded. I gave Annette another hug and took the Sierra Nevada hat I was wearing off my head and held it out to her.

“Keep this for me.”

“No, don’t do this to me.”

“Please.”

She broke down a bit, but took it and put it on.

I hugged them both again. My mom told me to follow my dreams. I nodded to her and said goodbye. Then, I let them go and headed up the escalator.

I didn’t look back.