Before you knew

25. Back.

'I'll text when I'm back.' Mom smiles sadly and holds my arm 'please do.' She says. My flight gets called over the intercom. 'That's my cue.' I say. I hug both mom and my sister, feeling a little upset. 'Talk soon, yeah?' I say as I let them go. 'Yeah.' Kim says as mom nods.

I walk off and look back one last time to wave at them, they wave back and even from the distance, I can see that my mom is crying.

I fight back the tears as I enter the plane.

When I land I get my bag and walk out. I take out my phone as I stop walking, seeing how it's busy at the airport. I want to call a cab but a notification pops up.

Tall Roomie: Need a ride?

I frown in confusion and look around myself.

Tall Roomie: straight ahead

I look up and straight in front of me. Far away, getting hidden by strangers who walk by every once in a while.

'Clay...'

I stuff my phone in my pocket as I start to walk, keeping my eyes on him as if he will disappear if I were to look away. I quicken my steps as tears fill my eyes.

Home.
It's so close.

He starts to walk as well.

I swiftly move through the people around. 'Clay.' I wrap my arms around his waist as I hug him as close as possible. 'Welcome back.' He says softly. I hold him tightly as he hugs me back. His steady heartbeat is the only thing keeping me grounded. I squeeze my eyes shut and push out the tear in my eyes.

'I've missed you.' He whispers.

I pull away and look up at him 'You what?' I ask. 'I know it's weird to say. But I did, and I felt like I should tell you.' He says. 'I....' I don't know what to say. 'I'm sorry if it's weird.' He says as he looks away. 'No, wait.' I grab his arm. 'I missed you too, if I think it's weird that you missed me, I would also think it's weird that I missed you.' I say. He looks down at me before laughing and pulling me into a short hug before pulling away and wiping my tears away. 'That's a relief.' He says with a smile. 'I'm so glad that you came.' I say. He bumps into me before starting on his way to the parking lot, making me follow.

I can't help the smile as I look at his back when he walks away.

I'm back home again,
In my escape,
And my safe haven.