Chapter Text
STAN
There was a day that the calls stopped, but I can't really pinpoint it. All I know is there was a day where we called for the last time and didn't know it. I scan my calendar, counting the days. It's been four years since I moved out of South Park, and two since I last spoke to Kyle. My dad moved us to Oregon right before I started high school. Too many people were moving to Colorado to sell weed legally, and the competitiveness was too much for him I guess. Oregon is also known for weed, but the scene is smaller compared to Colorado. It did well for his business, but not for Shelly and I. We had to leave everything behind, everything we've ever known, what we grew up with. My mom likes Oregon better, she thinks the scenery is prettier and likes having access to the coast. We grew resentful towards them, but more so dad. This was his fault. I haven't spoken to Kyle in two years and it's all his fault.
Shelly is in college now, she decided to go back to Colorado. I can't blame her. I pleaded for her to take me with her, but she couldn't. She's the only person I have, really. We had gotten close after the move, and she took to taking care of me rather than bullying me. We took care of each other. Sure, I love my mom, but there's still a part of me that can't get over her not fighting harder to stay in South Park. I haven't made many friends here, I just stayed out of everyone's way. I haven't dated either, there's no point when you don't talk to anyone and no one talks to you. I kept in contact with Kenny, but not as much. Not to the point where I could confide in him, it hurt too much. I miss Shelly.
My phone began to ring, snapping me out of my thoughts. Speak of the devil.
"Hey Shell," I said into my phone.
"Hey turd, I have some good news!" She beamed through the speaker.
"What is it? Get a boyfriend yet?" I teased.
I could basically hear her rolling her eyes, "no, Stan. I'm finally stable enough to get my own place."
"That's great!" I said excitedly, "I know you hate your roommates."
"Well, yeah," she laughed, "but that's not the best part."
She paused for a moment, making me anxious, "spit it out dude, what is it?"
"You're gonna come live with me."
My body froze. I genuinely wasn't expecting this. I was at a loss for words. This had to be a joke, right? After four long years of waiting, I can finally move back. I sat in silence as Shelly explained everything to me. Apparently she had already talked to our parents, and they agreed to let me live with her. I mean, I am 18 now, so they wouldn't have much of a choice in the matter anyway, but they're going to help pay for the move. I have my own car, so I'd probably drive down, but Shelly said they insisted on at least paying for gas and a hotel room overnight. The drive is about 20 hours, so I can make it in two days by doing 10 each.
"And you're 100 percent serious?" I asked, really making sure this wasn't a prank.
"I wouldn't lie to you about this," she reassured.
This was really happening. I was going back. I was going back! Shelly goes to Colorado Mountain College in Leadville. It's not too far from South Park, and since this is her last year, her class load is smaller. She told me about her plans to get a small apartment in South Park for us so I can graduate in the town I grew up in. I know she misses that place too. She kept in contact with Kevin, Kenny's older brother, so that's probably another reason for moving back. It's weird how the only people who stayed in our lives were the McCormick's. Loyalty does run in their genes.
After a while of talking and going over the plan, we said our goodbyes and hung up. I'd be moving in two weeks. I didn't know what to do with myself, it felt exciting and weird and scary all at the same time. When is the right time to start packing? What if his friends don't accept him back into the group? How is Kyle going to react?