[A/N] Technically this is the last chapter, but there are more surprises, so keep reading!

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It's safe to say that we never took another dip in Al's neighbor's pool.

The rest of summer melted by as quickly as a Popsicle a hot day. Between having fun with friends and working at the local the local grocery store, my summer vacation flew by.

"Got all your bags packed?" Dad asks as he steps into my room.

I shove my last pair of jeans into my suitcase. "Yeah, pretty much."

He sighs, sitting on my bed. "I'm going to miss you around here, kiddo."

"I'll be back home soon," I promise, heaving the luggage onto the ground. "Please don't start crying."

He laughs, standing up and pulling me into a hug. I want to stay, and I also don't want to leave everything I've ever known. However, my future is awaiting me at college. I feel my dad hug me tighter; now I might start crying.

I break the hug first. "Alright, let me just take this downstairs, and we'll be set for tomorrow."

"Need help?"

"I've got arms, I can do it."

Dad follows me down the stairs as I lug the heavy suitcase. I drop it with a thud at the front door.

"Oh, someone by the name of Al called the house and said something about you and Shay meeting him at his house by 6:00 PM?"

I look up, confused. "Really? I thought I told them I'd spend time with you." And why would he not just text me that instead of calling the home phone? Weird.

"I'd rather you go out and have fun with your friends. Tomorrow you'll be in a car with me for three hours, anyway."

"Okay, can I take your car?"

"Yeah, just be careful."

I nod, taking his keys from his open hand. "Thanks, dad. I'll be back."

"Alright. Have fun."

I leave home and go Shay's house, picking her up before going to Al's place. We chat and listen to music on the way there.

I park along the street and walk up to his house, trudging up the hilly pathway to the front door. I ring the doorbell, tapping my foot impatiently on the ground as we wait for someone to answer.

The door flings open, and the band stands in the doorway with party hats and kazoos. "Surprise!" Charlie yells, dragging us into the house. He leads us into the kitchen where a homemade banner that reads "Good Luck in college!" over a vast array of food.

Shay smiles widely, eyes watering. "Aww, guys, you're all so sweet." She hugs Charlie, Al, and Aaron before completely breaking down in Luke's arms. "I'm going to miss you all so much," she says, wiping her eyes.

"Okay, let's cheer up and have some cake," I laugh. "Do I see Monopoly over there?"

For the rest of the night, our crew messed around for a final time. As Luke and Charlie fight over the sale of a property, and Al accuses Aaron of short changing him, I realize that I'm really going to miss my friends. No matter who I meet in the upcoming weeks, no one will ever replace my five best friends right here.

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Aaron helps me shove my last bag into the trunk and slams the door closed for me. "I'll leave you two kids alone," my dad decides, walking onto the porch. "I'm giving you ten minutes and then we're leaving!" He walks inside and shuts the door.

"So," I drag out, smiling at my beautiful boyfriend. He just got another haircut, and now, his hair doesn't hang as much in his face.

"I'm going to miss you, Callie Russe," he admits, smiling as he pulls me close and hugs me. I adjust his bandanna for him before it slips down and covers his eyes.

"It's not like I'm going off to war," I reply, nestling my cheek on his shoulder.

He sighs. "It feels like it."

"Well, I'm one phone call, FaceTime, or text message away, you know that. And if you really miss me, come up and visit. I'll be down here on some weekends, too."

He nods. "You're right."

I smile. "I'm always right."

He laughs loudly, kissing me with all his might. We break after a slow minute passes, staring at each other with mixed expression.

Aaron bites on his lip. "Man, I'm going to miss being this close to you."

I laugh. "Looks like I know what your Christmas gift will be."

He chuckles, smiling. "I really don't want to say bye."

"You just did."

He rolls his eyes. "Okay, missy, have a fun time at school. But not too much."

"Okay, mister," I playfully shoot back. "Have fun playing in your band. But not too much fun."

We hug a final time, his lips kissing my forehead. I breathe in his smell, trying to memorize the way he feels wrapped around me.

I hear the front door of the house slam shut, and we let go of each other. "Ready, kiddo?" Dad asks as he greets Aaron and hops into the car.

I leave a quick kiss on Aaron's lips. "Bye, Aaron."

He smiles, turning a bit red. Maybe it's because my dad's watching us through the rear view mirror. "Bye, Charlie. See you soon."

I climb into the car and buckle up. "Yeah, I'm ready now."

Dad pulls out of the driveway, beeping the horn and waving to Aaron. I stick my head out the window and wave as well, and I notice him smiling widely as he waves back. The farther we travel down the street, the smaller he gets. Dad takes a left, and suddenly, Aaron's gone.

"Q102 sound good?" my dad asks, turning on the radio.

I nod as a One Direction song blasts through the speakers. "Yup, it's good."

We head to the highway and towards my future. Whatever lies ahead is uncertain, but I do know that Aaron and my friends will be back here at home if I ever need them.

And I thank God that this all started in homeroom.

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[A/N] Please forgive my horrible ending to this chapter. More fun ones are coming up!