Past Lovers

Past Lovers. 17

Hayden had a miserable flight. Unable to sleep, she tossed and turned throughout the flight. For as long as I can remember, she has always hated flying.

Me, on the other hand? I loved flying. Ironically, I hated airports but I didn't hate planes. I don't know why, it was just soothing. It gave me some peace of mind, some time to think...and write.

While Hayden bounced in her sleep, I wrote. I wrote all night long, in a flimsy notebook I bought at one of the airport shops.

We were going home now. We were going where it all began. How could I not write? The words just gushed out of me. Memories and flashbacks struck me. All I wanted to do was create more pastimes, more history.

She was all I wanted, all I needed.

"Thank you for choosing American Airlines. We hope you enjoy your visit," the intercom clicked off, causing everyone to jump up from their seats.

Groggy, Hayden was slow to move. She obviously was not filled with the robust energy that I was. I guess that came from all the excitement I was feeling. I couldn't remember the last time I had seen my mother, had squished California sand between my toes, had driven a boat on the Pacific Ocean.

We walked through the terminal together, our suitcases rolling behind us, and the sun beaming in through the giant airport windows. I could see the palm trees, swaying in the breeze, without a cloud in the sky.

"Chase?" This was the first word Hayden had said all morning. She was practically silent throughout the whole flight. Her voice had a piercing, shrilling tone.

"Yeah?"

She paused, stopping in her tracks, and turned to look at me. Her eyes were tired and worn, her hair was tossled and messy. But with the sunlight hitting her face, she was still the most beautiful woman in the room.

"I'm nervous." She sounded weak, scared, and helpless. 

"Hayden..." I murmured. "It'll be okay. We're home now."

She grabbed my hand, gave it a squeeze, and looked at me with her eyes wide and bright. Together, hand in hand, we walked. 

My mother was eagerly waiting for us. Still beautiful, still poised, still the same. Her long blonde hair was now gray, her face was flawless with just a few faded wrinkles, but her eyes were still glimmering.

She threw her arms around me, and held me tight. No words were exchanged, there was no need for them. All that was present was a mother's love for her son.

"God, how I've missed you," she said, breaking the embrace and just holding me at arm's length. She pulled me in again, and tousled my hair.

"And you," she turned turn to Hayden, who was standing aside patiently, quietly. My mother pulled Hayden into a warm embrace. "How good it is to see you. The daughter I never had."

I could see Hayden's face, peeking over my mother's shoulder. One warm tear trickled down her cheek. 

A part of me was a tad anxious about their exchange but it was nothing like I had feared. My mother always loved Hayden, but I was afraid my mother would be cold towards the woman who broke my heart. But I was thankful to see that was not the case.

"Rebecca," Hayden spoke softly. "I'm so glad to see you."

"How's your mother been? Your father?" 

Hayden meekly smiled. "They're both great."

"I miss them, dearly. Send them my love! I've been meaning to take a trip out to Connecticut to see them," my mother told us. "But I just haven't had the chance. Maybe you guys can motivate me."

My mother put an arm around each of us, and walked us towards the car. 

"I've got a big dinner ready for you two," she exclaimed. "So I hope you guys are hungry."

"Of course we are," I replied. "You should know how bad airplane food is, Mom."

"Oh, I know," she chuckled. The automatic doors opened for us, letting the AC out.

The sunshine hit me right away, filling me up with that unbelievable summer sensation. Nothing could touch us, nothing could harm us here. We were safe.

***

sorry for the short chapter and long wait. seems pretty unfair. i promise ill write more in the next two days. ive just been busy, and i just needed to get this chapter over with cause i have alot to write for when they get to his house. so be patient

thanks yallll i promise itll pick up soon. now that theyre in cali!!

send your love!!! also check out my new story "The Bad Boy's Game" if you like my writing, you'll love it :)