Chapter 1: Turning point.

Many people start their story from the beginning — the very point it all began, the origin. But I would like to start mine in the middle, at the point where everything changed: the moment the line from the origin took a turn and never straightened back. That moment began the day I got on my flight to Boston, all because my younger half-sister, Emily, begged me to.

---

Going on my flight to Boston isn't the hardest thing. Leaving the life, I loved and had gotten used to was the hardest. "Don't be sad, you will be back before you know it. And of course, Iris and I will come visit you when we can." My boyfriend luke said, holding my hand tightly. You could tell how nervous I was. His words made me feel better in some ways, but I wasn't worried about leaving — I was worried about what I would meet. Because this trip could change everything and I didn't want that. I wanted this. "I know, I just miss you already and I wish you could come with me. Why can't you?" A little smile carved up his cute face. I was going to miss that for sure. And the way he looked at me with those beautiful Amber eyes made me just want to stay, but I couldn't. "Jay, we talked about this. I can't and you know why." He was right. He couldn't come because of work, and I wished I could accept that. "I know, I know." I pulled up his sad face after saying, "Come here." He grabbed my hand and hugged me tightly for a while.

We were there — in the middle of the airport, hugging. Just hugging. "You'll be a good boy, okay?" he whispered in my ear. "Okay. That's enough, lovebird." Iris's voice interrupted our little moment. We finally released each other and smiled at her words.

Iris was standing right behind Luke, looking dull as usual — not in her face, but in her clothes. She wore a grey tube top, black cargo pants, and a black jacket tied at the waist, her curly hair messy. She always... she always loved wearing dull colors. But in my perspective, a lady with her skin shouldn't wear something that dull. Instead, she should wear something brighter. I mean, I wear bright colors, and I'm lighter in skin tone than she is.

Iris has been my best friend since forever and my little half-sister, though she would argue we're mates since she's only fifty-two days younger than I am. She's a lot of things combined into one. I was really going to miss her. I was really going to miss Luke. But I would miss Iris more in some ways.

“Jay, your flight is in the next twenty minutes. You aren't supposed to still be here,” she warned. She was right. I had overspent my time. My flight was for 7:30 and it was already 7:10. We went to meet the rest of the family, who were sitting and waiting for me until I was ready to go. My father and Aunt Ruth were on one of the chairs.

“Take this for your flight,” Aunt Ruth said, handing me some of my favorite snacks. Aside from the fact that she's my mother's twin sister, she's also my step-mom. I really loved her — she was the best. I gave her a big hug. “Thanks, Aunt Ruth. You are the best.”

I looked over at my father; he gave me a big smile and hugged me. “I'm gonna miss you, champ.” He hugged me even tighter. “Y'all know I'll be back in a month, right?” I had to say that because they were treating me like I was leaving forever.

“Yeah, yeah, we know, but we still gonna miss you,” Iris said. I finally hugged Iris. I could say our hug was the longest.

“Final boarding call for Flight 121 to Boston Logan International Airport. All passengers must be on board immediately. Doors will close promptly,” the airport announcer said.

“That's my cue,” I muttered. I immediately grabbed my bags, hugged Luke one last time, and gave him a long kiss, then ran for the gate. “Greet your mom and Jake for me,” my dad called after me. “I will,” I replied.

I was quick enough — I didn't miss my flight. Before I finally left for the plane, I gave Luke a final look. I felt the world pulling him away from me, and I knew why. We had been dating for nearly two years and my life had been perfect ever since. Hopping on this plane felt like an endgame. I hope it is not.