Last Morning in West Virginia/Heading for Home

Hello future readers,

Well this is it. I'm flying back to Springfield today. While I'm really happy I'm gonna get to see my mom, Boomer and all my friends again, I'm always sad to leave Vivienne, her parents, and the friends I have here in Falling Waters. I always have such a good time here. I'm not sure when Vivienne will come to see me, but I think it will be soon. The first thing I do when I get out of bed is pack up my duffel bag.

Then I got dressed and went downstairs to breakfast. Vivienne's already in the kitchen helping her mom. I think it makes her too sad to watch me pack. Vivienne sets the table in the breakfast nook and Mrs. Walton brings us bacon and eggs. Man does it smell good!

We were almost finished eating when the doorbell rang. Vivienne's mom answered it, and it was Kevin and C.J., and their dog, Barkley.

"Hi guys", said Vivienne.
"Hey guys, what's up?", I asked/
"Hi Vivienne, hi Julie", Kevin began. "We just wanted to come over and said good-bye."
"And have a good trip back to Springfield", C.J. added. "Barkley will miss you too.
"Aww, that's was nice of you guys", I told them, as I pet Barkley.

"Julie, I have a going away present for you", C.J. told me.

"You do? What is it, C.J.?"
"This!"

He pulled a red ribber snake from behind his back. For a second, I was kinda shocked, so I jumped back a little. Kevin was doubled over from laughing so hard and C.J. snickered..

 I got so mad, that I snatched the snake from C.J. and started chasing him around the room!

I chased him around the room one time, and then he ran and hid behind Kevin. The big chicken!

"Don't let her get me, Kevin", C.J. begged
"That's not gonna save you!", I yelled.  "I oughta pound the both of you right here and now! I thought you pinkie promised no more stupid jokes, Kevin!"

"It wasn't me! C.J. brought the snake. But you should have seen the look on your face!" He started laughing again.
"I'm sorry Julie", C.J. said quietly. "Kevin's always talking about the jokes he plays on you, and how funny it is, and well, I just thought this would be a great way to say good-bye. Like something you'd remember, y'know?  I didn't think you'd get so mad. Don't beat me up, please?"
"Well", I said slowly. "I guess this will be something I'll remember. OK C.J. I forgive you. But now you have to pinkie promise that you won't play any more dumb jokes on me, either, OK?"
C.J. held out his pinkie and we linked. "OK, I promise", he said.
Just then, the doorbell rang again, and Vivienne went to go answer it. This time it was Evelyn, Marcie, Lydia and Mika.

"Hi Julie", they all said.
"Hi everyone."
"We know we didn't get to spend much time with you, but we wanted to stop by and wish you a Bon Voyage'."
"That's for ocean trips, silly", Marcie told her.
"Oh that doesn't matter", Lydia cut in. "We just wanted you to know that we'll miss you."
"And we hope you'll come back soon", Mika said.
"Thanks you guys. I'm sure my mom and Mrs. Walton will let me come back soon. And then we can spend lotsa time together."
Mr. Walton brought my duffel bag down from Vivienne's room.
"OK Julie, it's time to leave now."
"Good-bye everyone! I'll miss you all!"
They all gathered around me and took turns hugging me. The guys gave me playful punches on the arm. "Good-bye Julie! Come back soon! We'll miss you too", they all took turns saying.

         (Shhhhhhh, future readers, don't tell Julie I slipped this stuff in her bag! ~C.J.)

"I'll walk you out to the car", Vivienne said sadly.

"Come on, Vivienne, don't be sad. You remember the Magic 8 Ball said you'd be coming out to California to see me?", I reminded her.
"You were the one that said it was only a toy", she remembered.
"Yeah, but you know it's true, 'cos we're Friends Forever, right?"

We clicked our friendship bracelets together. "Forever and ever", Vivienne said. She gave me a big hug. "Have a safe trip, Julie. Write to me soon."
"You know it!", I told her. "So long, Vivienne, catch ya on the flipside."
"Bye Julie".

I got in the car and we drove away. I could see her waving until we turned the corner. It's been a really groovy trip, future readers. My next entry will be from good ole' Springfield!

Until then,
Your friend,
Julie Newman