Never Have To Say Goodbye

Hi, I'm Ranky and in this book, I'd be narrating a fictional story of a teenage boy who just graduated from highschool only to fall in love with his uncle's neighbor during vacation. Every character in this story are fictional and do not exist. So here we go!!!

It was 7am in the morning as James alarm rang forcing him up from bed so as to turn it off.

He yawned and streched his body just like everyone does when they wake up.

James just finished his final year at highschool and was looking forward to entering a college to further his education.

He has always had a passion of helping the sick or wounded since when he was little and decided he'll become a medical doctor.

James lived with both his parents and a younger sister (Diana) who just gained admission into highschool.

Still a bit drowsy he walked his way to the living room and found his sister watching TV as it was a weekend.

"Good morning bro, I hope you slept well?" Diana said.

"Yes I did, thanks. How about you?" He replied

"Yeah I Slept well too" she answered.

"By the way where's mum and dad?" He asked

"Um dad's outside washing the car and mum went to the grocery store this morning." Diana replied

"Okay thanks" he said as he went out to meet his dad outside.

James dad (Albert) works as a Mechanic while his mum (Sarah) does decorations (events planning).

He wasn't really from a rich home but they weren't poor. You could say they did just fine.

"Hi dad! Good morning." He waved with a smile on his face

"Hey my boy! Wanna give dad a helping hand?" Albert responded

"Of course! That's why I'm here." he said while laughing.

James quickly rushed towards his dad and picked a brush to start scrubbing the car tyres.

"So son, you've got any plans for your vacation?" Albert asked

"Nah dad, I think I'll just stay at home and chill." He replied

(Chuckles) "You mean you have nothing to do for the next few weeks since you're at home?" Albert asked with curiosity

"Got any better idea?" He asked while scrubbing the car tyres.

"How about spending the holiday at uncle Joe's place? It's been a while you've connected with him since he's been caught up with work. As well you get to enjoy his special pizza." Albert proposed

Less I forget, let me explain who uncle Joe is. Joe is Albert's younger brother who isn't married. He lives a bit far away from James home (5 hours drive) and works as a chef in a popular eatery.

"Haha Dad, well I could do that besides I really love his pizza and it's been long I've seen him." he said with a grin on his face.

"I remember you fighting your sister when you were little for it when it remained a piece. Really good times." Albert said as he smiled.

"Come on dad, that was a very long time ago." he said while laughing.

Just at that moment Sarah walked in with the groceries she went to buy.

"Good morning mum, welcome home." he said.

"Thank you my love, I can see you and your dad are having an interesting conversation judging by the smiles on you both faces." she replied.

"Yes we are, and please I'm starving. I can barely see clearly." Albert said jokingly.

"Hahaha, breakfast will be ready soon." Sarah replied as she walked her way into the house heading to the kitchen.

On seeing Sarah, Diana left the living room to the kitchen to assist her mum as they prepared breakfast.

30 minutes after Sarah called out. "Honey breakfast is ready!"

"Alright we'll be there in a minute." Albert replied.

In a few minutes the whole family was in the dining room about to eat.

"Diana, could you please bless the food before we eat?" Sarah said

"Dear God, we thank you for the gift of life and ability to eat today. We also thank you for your endless provision for the family. Also provide for the needy. For this and many more we give thanks". Diana prayed

"Amen!" they all chorused

"So Diana how's highschool? Are you getting along?" Albert asked as they started eating.

"It's a bit new for me compared to elementary school but I'm good". She replied.

"It's only a matter of time, you'll get yourself some new friend and blend". James said as he drank a glass of milk.

"So have you decided on what college to further on?" Sarah asked

"Well mum, I've been thinking but yet to make a decision. I think I need some time" James replied

"Just know that this family will always support your decision" Sarah replied

"Thanks mum. I know that" he said.

'While we were washing the car I proposed James goes to spend a week of his vacation with Joe if that's okay by you my love." Albert said to Sarah as he wiped his mouth of some food.

"Joe would really love to see James since it's been a while and it's okay by me too." Sarah answered

Alright! You leave tomorrow morning James. Albert said

Wait, what??? Tomorrow morning? James said out loud in surprise.

"There's no time to waste my boy" Albert replied.

"Okay fine I better start arranging my stuffs them." he said

"Looks like only one person gets to enjoy uncle Joe's pizza again." Diana said jokingly

"Oh come on don't be jealous. I'll bring you some when I get back." James said laughing

Alright then. No problem she said with a smile on her face.

The day went so fast and it was already morning.

James packed his stuffs into his dad's car with the help of his sister and was set to go.

The whole family stood outside to bid him farewell.

He hugged his mum and little sister before entering the car with his dad as Albert started driving.

"Byeee" he said from the window as he waved his mum and sister from a distance.

They waved at him back and blew him some kisses with a smile on their faces.

It wasn't long before they got to the major road and the journey to uncle Joe's house began.

After a five hours drive, Albert and James finally arrived at Joe's place. It was exactly 12 noon.

Joe had already gone to work but was aware they were coming so he hid the key below the foot mat.

"He has already gone to work" James said as they arrived to a locked door

"Of course it's 12 noon, where do you expect him to be?" Albert replied with a smile.

"Hold on let me call him and ask where he kept the key".

"Sure dad". James replied as they sat on a bench in the balcony tired from the journey.

Ring... ring.....ring... Joe phone rang.

"Hi Bro, you're already there?" Joe asked.

"Yes, we're at your balcony right now and the door is locked". Albert replied

"That's great! By the way I'm at work and will be back in the evening. However I left the key under the foot mat. Open the door, go in and feel at home till I'm back!" Joe said

"Alright bro. We'd be expecting you". Albert said as he ended the call

"Son, check under the foot mat, you'll see the house key". Albert said

James then bent down to lift the foot mat and then took the key. He opened the house immediately.

He then went to the car to get his stuffs which took some minutes before finally packing all.

Albert headed to the fridge to grab a bottle of wine.

"I'm so exhausted" he said to James as he poured himself a glass of wine.

"I need a shower" James replied as he went to the bathroom.

He then removed his clothes, turned on the shower and allowed the cold water to run through his naked skin, feeling the chills down to his toes.

It was in that moment he started thinking about his ex-girlfriend (Betty) back in grade 6 of high school.

The couple were really in love but sometimes things doesn't go the way we want.

Betty father got a transfer at his working place. So the whole family had to relocate making Betty leave the highschool she and James attended.

All contacts were lost and he didn't hear from her again.

Albert then knocked the bathroom door. "Is everything alright in there son?" he said

Lost in thoughts, only for James to realize that the shower has been on for almost an hour.

As he regained consciousness, he stammered a little and said "Uhm yeah, everything is good in here dad".

Few minutes later James came out of the bathroom and went to the living room to meet his dad who had already put on the TV and started listening to news.

"You spent almost an hour in the bathroom. Were you washing away your sins?" Albert said jokingly.

"Hahaha, no dad, I just needed to clean up well after the long journey." James replied

"Well I'm hungry, try looking into the kitchen and see what we can cook to eat." Albert said

James then went into the kitchen and checked.

"Dad! There's nothing much in here, just noodles and eggs". He said from the kitchen

"Okay that should do" Albert replied as he made his way into the kitchen.

Oh did I forget to mention? Albert was pretty good at cooking too but not up to his younger brother Joe.

15 minutes later Albert and James were both sitting in the living room watching TV with a hot bowl of noodles each.

"I'm impressed! Uncle Joe's place has really improved over the years." James said

"Absolutely! It's a good thing to progress in life as time goes by and I believe you'll do the same." Albert replied

"By the way I'm going to the guest room to take a nap. I'm exhausted due to the long journey and need to regain strength for tomorrow so as to drive back." Albert said as he finished his noodles and walked to the guest room.

"Alright dad" James replied still eating as he changed the TV channel to wrestling.

James has always been a lover of WWE.

Few hours went by and uncle Joe was back home.

Knock knock knock

James stood up and opened the door. Behold it was uncle Joe.

"Wow, James! You've really grown." Joe said as he hugged him.

James gave a warm smile and said "Long time no see!!!".

He assisted uncle Joe with some food stuffs he brought to the kitchen.

"Where's Albert?" Joe asked

"He's in the guest room sleeping". James replied

"I guess he was really exhausted from the journey" Joe said

"Yes we were." James answered.

"Alright go and relax while I prepare dinner for us to eat" Joe said

Some hours later, dinner was ready. Both brothers were in the dinning room with James.

"Well I'll be leaving tomorrow morning". Albert said while eating

"Sure! Besides you can't leave your wife unserviced for too long. Joe said jokingly

"Hahaha, you have a dirty mind". Albert replied

"Speaking of that, Joe when do you plan on getting married? You're almost 30 now" Albert asked with concern.

During this moment, all James could do was eat his meal quietly as the conversations were off his level.

"Well, soon bro. I'll get married soon. Still searching for the right woman". Joe replied.

"Over the years, all you've been saying is soon. Please make your soon as quickly as possible". Albert said

They all laughed hard.

"I'm a man of taste." Joe said with a smile on his face.

"Uncle Joe, how many neighbors do you live with in this compound?" James asked

"Just one family". he replied

"Don't worry within your one week stay here, you'll get to know them." Joe added

"Cool." James said

"By the way, how's Diana?" Joe asked

"She's doing great! She just gained admission into highschool and will be resuming on Monday." James answered

"She really wanted to come pay you a visit but her schedule was too slim". he added.

"That's my girl! I look forward to seeing her during her vacation." Joe said

The conversation continued for a while and when it was getting late at night. They all retired to bed so as to have a sound rest ahead of the following day.

It was still 6 a.m. in the morning when James heard his Father taking a shower in the bathroom.

Still sleepy and tired from yesterday's journey James managed to get up from his bed and went straight to where he kept his toothbrush to brush his teeth.

Few minutes later Albert entered into the room as they slept in the same guest room and said "Good morning, You are already awake?"

"Yes dad, good morning I am already awake and I can see that you are preparing to leave". He replied

"Well it is a six hour journey and you know if I leave late I'll definitely arrive late so it is best I leave early so I don't get caught up in traffic." Albert said.

Joe was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast so the whole family could eat before they went to their various daily activities.

"That's it's right that dad." James replied as he walked to the kitchen to greet uncle Joe who was preparing them breakfast.

"Good morning Uncle Joe." He said

"Good morning James I hope you slept well" Joe replied

"Yes I did, although I am still a bit tired from yesterday's journey." James replied.

"Well as you can see I am already preparing breakfast for today so everyone gets to eat and have the strength for today. I'll be leaving for my work very early this morning while your dad will be traveling back. You'll be left all home alone. so take care of the house and do what is necessary like a little chores and above all feel free. My house is also your house." Joe said

"No problem I'll do all you said." He replied

"That's my boy!" Joe answered.

Few minutes later the family was gathered in the dining room all eating breakfast. They had a lights breakfast to kick start the morning (Oats).

Not up to 30 minutes Albert was done and set to go same thing applied with Joe who had to resume at the eatery for his morning shift.

"Bye uncle Joe! Bye Dad!" James said as he escorted them out of the house.

James then went back into the house to watch some TV and relax.

About an hour after, he had a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" he said as he walked towards the door to open.

Behold it was a pretty young blonde hair girl of his age or a year younger.

Astonished by her looks, James became speechless.

"Hi, is Joe around?" She asked

"No he just left for work about an hour ago." He replied

"Okay tell him I came to see him when he gets back." She said

"And why did you come to see him if I may ask?" James asked

"I'm his neighbor and I needed some help in changing my room bulb. It's got blown and I was looking forward to him assisting me to change it since I am not good at those stuffs." She said

"Oh okay I could help you with that." He proposed.

"Really? That would be so kind of you if you can." she said.

He then stepped outside of the door and followed to her house which was opposite Joe's.

"You leave here alone?" He asked.

"No I live with my parents but they are currently out of town and will be back in 3 days time so you could say I live here alone for now." She replied with a smile.

"By the way, my room is this way". she pointed as she went towards the pointed direction. James also followed her.

She then pointed her hands up and said "This is the blown bulb I need your assistance in changing."

"Alright! So where is the new bulb so I can get it replaced for you." James asked

"It's on the table over there." she said as she went to go get it beside her bed.

"Is there anything I could stand on because I am not tall enough to reach the height of the lamp holder." he said jokingly.

"Yeah sure! let me go and get you is stool to stand on." she replied as she went into the kitchen quickly to get one.

"There you go" she said and dropped the stool beneath the the lamp holder which hung on the ceiling.

James climbed and got her bulb replaced in no time.

Still standing on the stool, He called out. "Try switching on the bulb let's see".

Click... She switched it on

"Yay it's worked!" she said with joy.

"Thank you so much for the assistance I really appreciate your kind gesture." She added

"By the way I'm Anita how about you?" She asked

"I'm James." he replied.

"Okay James, Nice to meet you and thank you once again for helping me change my room bulb." Anita said

"It's nothing". he replied as he made his way towards the door.

"Leaving already?" she called out

"Yes I am" he said even though deep down he didn't want to leave but needed to act cool and not suspicious.

"No do not be in a hurry I was just about having some snacks. You could join me I insist. At least to repay you for your kind gesture." she said.

"Alright then" James replied as he sat in the living room thinking about how he could make his next move on impressing her.

"I don't really see Joe with visitors. Who are you to him If I may ask?" Anita said while bringing in some chips.

"Well he's my uncle so we are really close and above all we are family." James answered

"Oh I see! that's interesting." she said.

"So where do you school?" James asked.

"I just finished high school this year. I'm looking forward to entering college." She replied

"And what do you intend to study in college if I may ask?" James said

"Music. I really have a passion for music and I sing so well. My dream is to become a highly recognized singer someday." Anita said

"That's a really good career." James said with a smile on his face as he crunched his chips.

"This chips taste really good! Did you make them yourself?" he asked.

"Yes I did and thank you for the compliment." She replied.

"How about you, where do you school?" Anita asked.

"You and me are in similar shoes. I just finished high school this year as well and want to enter college soon to pursue my career as a doctor." He answered

"Oh a doctor!" she said with surprise.

"Dr James I have a slight headache do you know what I could use? she asked jokingly.

"Hahahahaha" James laughed.

The discussion went on for over an hour and that was when James said "Thank you so much for the snacks. Your chips really tasted nice." he said.

"Thank you too for changing my room bulb. I guess I'll see you around." She replied

"Yeah sure! You definitely will." He said as they both walked towards the door.

"Bye Anita!" James said

"Bye James!" she said with the warm smile on her face as she closed the door after James left.