CHAPTER ELEVEN - Goodbye for now, but not forever

September went by fast. Ryan, Megan and Colby were back at school. Sky was taking a night course. She'd gone full time for the first year, then when her dad had started drinking again she couldn't concentrate and decided to join the work force. She'd graduated high school almost a year ahead of most people, at age seventeen. So at age nineteen she was working full time and taking one or two night classes. This fall, she only signed up for one class, in anticipation of time off to go see Isaac in California.

She hated the fall because it always meant change; whether back to school, or a new school, or in this case saying goodbye. But at least he was going to one location rather than traveling around, so there would definitely be a lot of phone calls and regular e-mails.

There was one other thing that had brought about change this fall. Her dad. After she and Ike had left Peggy's that night, he'd stayed behind, talking to her for almost two hours. It seemed to be a major breakthrough for him. He talked to Sky about it, and how he'd told Peggy what had been going on since Joy's death and his AA meetings and the whole thing. Of course, there was a lot she already knew because of Sky, but it was different coming directly from him. Apparently, they finally talked about Joy, about what they missed and what they remembered. They took turns telling stories including how certain things would remind them of her. It made sense that the two people who knew her best, finally shared their good memories and pain. After that, her father spoke with Peg on the phone and at the fence several times. He seemed like a changed man and Skyler would have to adjust. It was great, but so strange.

She spent a lot of time with all of them, mostly Ike, over the next and last week. She and Taylor painted some more of her wall one day. It took them most of the day. Zac came over and helped a little. As usual, they were trying to get to see as many friends and family as possible before they left. When the last day inevitably arrived, her heart was heavy with sorrow, even though she knew she'd be seeing him again in the not-so-distant future. Still, it felt like goodbye forever. She spent the morning with Taylor, who wanted to "share one last meaningful moment" with her before they parted ways. He was kind of an early bird like her, so they went over to the park, which was totally deserted since all the kids were in school or getting ready for it. He pushed her on the swing and they talked about all kinds of things. She could swing until she was sick, so after his arms got tired and she was flying way up in the air, he got on the swing next to her and tried to catch up. Of course they ended up going opposite ways, so they tried to swing in unison and got to laughing really hard which slowed them down. They slowly came to rest and twisted the swings to face each other.

"Sky, I wanna tell you that I'm really going to miss you. Even though I have other friends and like other girls, I really like being with you. Especially when you can lose my brother for once." he said, kicking at the sand with the toe of his sneaker. She smiled. "Thanks, Tay, that means a lot to me. So, am I like a sister to you?" she teased, pushing at his shoulder. He smirked. "Oh yeah, just like a sister.....I could say something, but I won't."

They both laughed for a minute then got off the swings. She took his hand and they walked back to the car hand-in-hand. A little later when they'd gotten back, she sat out on Ryan's porch swing. Colby and Megan had said goodbye the day before and were now in school. Meg and Jessie were going to e-mail regularly. Amber was at the sitter's, and Peg was at work. Ryan had fought to stay home from school today and Peg had finally relented, provided that Sky was home from work. She'd taken the day off. Ryan wouldn't have concentrated at school and rarely missed, so Sky had spoken to Peg on his behalf. It was really important to him to spent the last few hours with Zac and to see them off. So now she sat alone on the swing, until Zac came by and sat down by her.

"Where's Ryan?" she asked, assuming they'd already be off doing something. "He had to go get something...I'm not sure what," he sighed, looking across the yard. "Do you think you'll miss him?" she asked, pushing the swing with her foot. "Yeah, I think I will. But we'll talk on the phone a lot." "But it's not the same," she said, looking at him. "Nah, it's not the same.." he sighed again, giving the swing a good push. "I'm going to come and see you guys sometime in late October or early November." "Yeah? In time for my birthday?" he gave a half smile, his eyes squinting. He had such a beautiful face, she always wanted to kiss it all over like a little baby. But he was getting way too old for that. It's just that he had healthy tan skin, full lips, those eyes that always had a mischievous look and a face always ready to smile. His hair was thick with golden highlights, it really made her sick. Many girls would kill for hair and skin like that. Then again, puberty might do him in. For now he looked very nice, though. He was looking very thoughtful today. He seemed to have two gears; high and low. He could be off the wall, zany and wild, or he could be calm and more reflective than most 12 yr-olds. She couldn't resist and pushed his hair back tenderly.

"I'll miss you hanging around, Zac. We'll all miss you," she smiled warmly. "Aw, thanks Sky..." he smiled and put his head on her shoulder. They were both pushing the swing with their feet now. They were quiet for a minute, then Ryan came running out of the house and summoned Zac to the tree house. He got up and waved goodbye to Skyler before dashing off towards her yard. She was only alone for a minute when Isaac showed up.

"Hi, babe," he smiled, plunking down next to her and causing the swing to stop. "Hi, hon..." she smiled back, taking his hand. "Man, it's a lot easier to pack for this kind of trip than touring...but still a pain." "Are you guys all set?" "Yeah, we're heading out in an hour. Mom and Dad are closing up the house. Mrs. Kaplan usually checks the house, but Peggy offered since she's right next door. So she'll be checking in on the house now." "That's cool of her to offer." "Yeah...hey Sky, you won't be like, getting drunk anytime again soon, will you?" She could tell this was an issue he'd been pondering over for quite sometime. "No, I wasn't planning on it. Why would you ask me that?" She sat up a little more. "Well, no, it's just that...I mean, I was thinking about it, and your dad having that problem...I mean, I know he's better now, but..." "Save your little speech, Ike, I didn't mean for it to happen. The fact that I got drunk on less than two drinks shows you how rarely I drink alcohol." "I know that...I know you don't drink, I was just thinking about that night..sometimes I think about it and how he kissed you...he did, right?" "Yeah, he did," she swallowed, feeling guilty about the whole incident. "Sky, I don't want you to think I'm mad or blaming you, I feel awful about not calling you..you probably thought I'd forgotten about you. What my point is, is that some guys take advantage of nice girls like you...they might want to get you drunk because you can't think straight." "Is this a talk on date rape?" "What? No! I'm just worried...." he looked embarrassed now. "Forget it, okay?" he looked away. "No, I get it. You're just saying that while you're gone, I should beware of any guys lurking around with bottles of Tequila, offering me a sip." He laughed and shook his head. "It sounded good when I practiced it last night. Anyway, I trust you and your judgement. Besides, you're my woman now, so you won't be going on any dates, right?" "Right...and you won't be taking out any Hollywood starlets, right?" she teased. "Oh yeah, I can just see that, dinner then back to my house to watch a movie with all my thousands of siblings and both my parents..." They both laughed. "You never know..."

He stopped smiling and looked serious again. "Really though, why would I want anyone else when I'm so blessed to have such a beautiful and nice girlfriend? I've been wondering for a long time who I would end up with for a girlfriend, and I never thought I'd score the big one on my first real try." "That is so nice...you are so awesome, Ike, I'm gonna miss you so much..." she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "But you're coming out for sure, right? For a week anyway?" he asked as their hug continued. "Yes, definitely. Just give me a good week and I'll get the time off." "And I want you to be with me on my 18th birthday, too. I thought of a really good present you can give me..." She wasn't sure what he meant, but they both started laughing at the same time. "I'm there, Ikey!" she hugged him harder, before releasing him. "Plus we have a computer at the house, so I'll be e-mailing all the time and calling..." "But I'll still miss touching you...and kissing you." He nodded in agreement and leaned over to kiss her a few times. He took her hand and held his ring against hers. "It's cool that we'll be all those miles apart but we'll both have our rings on." he noted. "I'll always wear mine. Do you think the fans will notice yours?" "I'm sure of it, but it'll just make them wonder...besides, next summer if we tour, I'll be taking you with me, so they'll have to get used to it." "What about my job?" "Do you love it that much?" "Ha ha....It's as glorious as ditch-digging." "Then maybe you'll have to quit. I'll help you find another job. Who knows what's going to happen, Sky. As long as we're in it together, that's all that matters to me." "I'm so glad you moved to this neighborhood so we could fall in love." she smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'm so glad your dad got a promotion nine years ago so you could move to Tulsa so we could meet and fall in love." he squeezed her hand. They said "I love you" about twelve more times and hugged and kissed before finally walking back to his house to say goodbye. There were all the usual hugs (and a kiss for Taylor) and "take care" and "see you soon" and "I'll be out for a visit before you know it" then she and Ryan waved goodbye until they were gone. This time Ryan put his arm around her instead of the other way around, and they walked slowly back to his yard.

"So what now, Rye?" she asked, swallowing hard but determined not to cry. "Don't worry, Sky, it was just goodbye for now, not forever." "You're right...let's go get something to eat." He nodded his head, and they both went into the house, letting the back door slam shut behind them.