Topher rubbed his hands together as he informed their e-friends of their exciting itinerary. He looked like a criminal mastermind reciting his plan for world domination.
“We’ll be gone for about two weeks,” he said. “We’re driving from Illinois to California. The first five days we’ll be on the road checking out roadside attractions, historical landmarks, and national parks on the way. We’re going to see the world’s biggest rubber-band ball, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the Lewis and Clark Museum, the Mark Twain National Forest, the Bundy and Claire Jailhouse, the UFO Observation Tower, Dinoworld, the Petrified Forest, the Arizona Meteor Crater, the Grand Canyon, and then, finally, the Santa Monica Pier. We’ll be in Santa Monica for four days so we can explore Los Angeles, hang out in Hollywood, and take an exclusive tour of the Wiz Kids sets on the Sunshine Studios lot!”
“You’ve got to be fondling me!” Davi exclaimed.
“I am so jealous!” Huda said.
“Wish you guys could come with us,” Sam said.
Mo suddenly let out a quick screech and everyone jumped. Topher’s thorough description had reminded her of something very important she needed to do before the trip.
“Mo, are you okay?” Joey asked. “Did someone leave a nasty comment on your fanfiction?”
“No—I just realized I haven’t even packed yet!” Mo said.
“Crap, me either,” Joey said. “I’ve got to sign off and do some laundry. What time are we meeting in the morning?”
“Ten o’clock sharp,” Topher said. “And we’ve got to be prompt so everything else in the schedule times out.”
“Aye, aye, Captain,” Joey said with a salute. “See you guys in the morning!”
“Bye, Huda, bye, Davi!” Mo said, and blew them a kiss.
Mo and Joey disappeared from their friends’ computers screens. Davi and Huda’s time zones were starting to get the best of them and they both yawned like newborn puppies.
“I have to say good night, too,” Davi said. “It’s late as douchebags down here and the cybercafe is about to close.”
“I’m going to take a nap before breakfast,” Huda said. “Have fun on your trip, guys! Post pictures as you go—I’ll have my contact in Turkey keep an eye out for them!”
The Wizzers from abroad signed off and Topher and Sam were the only two left. They were usually the last two on their computers and sometimes continued the conversation until the wee hours of the morning. Topher had nothing against Joey and Mo, but he always looked forward to his alone time with Sam.
“What a night,” she said. “I’m so overstimulated I doubt I’ll sleep much.”
“Don’t worry, I’m taking the first driving shift tomorrow,” Topher said. “You can sleep in the car if you need to.”
Although he would never admit it, Topher had been crushing on Sam since the eighth grade. He had been in denial about it for five years and was constantly fighting off his feelings like they were symptoms of an oncoming cold—but nothing could cure him of Sam. There was something about her that was different from all the other girls Topher had ever known; it was something familiar that made her so easy to talk to and fun to be around. He was convinced there was no one else like her on earth.
There were many times Topher had suspected Sam might feel the same way about him, but she was a tough egg to crack. As close as they were, Sam had always been a very guarded person. But perhaps that was what Topher found most intriguing about her: Sam was a mystery waiting to be solved.
“I’m so excited about our trip,” she said. “But it’s kind of bittersweet, you know? In a couple months we’ll be so far away from each other. Each time I try to wrap my head around it, I get so depressed.”
“I know exactly how you feel,” Topher said. “Look at it this way: our band isn’t breaking up, we’re just gonna take a sabbatical until our inevitable comeback.”
Sam gave him a sweet smile and Topher melted inside.
“Yeah, I like that,” she said. “Our road trip isn’t our final tour, it’s just to tide us over until the next adventure. Thanks again for taking the time to plan it, Topher. It means the world to us.”
“Don’t mention it,” Topher said. “It’ll be a summer to remember.”
“You’ve got that right,” Sam said. “Well, I’m gonna try to rest. Good night, see you tomorrow!”
“Good night, Sam.”
She signed off and the only thing left on Topher’s blank computer screen was his own reflection staring back at him. For the first time, a profound loneliness began to fill the pit of his stomach. Since he was the only one among his friends staying in Downers Grove for college, the upcoming farewell was much more harrowing for Topher. The others got to move on in a way he didn’t—like he was a bird still stuck in the nest.