12 Dates of Christmas

Chapter 31 - Milo

I didn't expect her to come to the airport. In fact, I knew she wouldn't come. I ruined whatever chances we ever had of getting together.

And to think I was so close.

I thought of calling her last night. I needed to hear her voice one more time, before I turned my back on it all. But I decided against it. She made it perfectly clear she's done with me.

I could've texted her. She wouldn't have needed to text me back. I would have at least been able to tell her what's on my mind.

I don't expect her to understand why I chose to leave. But I do want her to know I love her.

"Honey," mom says. "Your taxi is here."

I turn to look at her. "Thanks, mom."

She smiles at me. "I'm so proud of you, Milo. I'm glad you're doing what you love."

I smile back but chose not to answer. California isn't the closest state I would've gotten a job in. But it's the farthest from here.

It's the farthest away from her.

I walked down to the living room. Everything I owned was packed away in boxes. The FedEx guy is supposed to come after I leave. Mom will make sure all the boxes get put away.

"I love you," mom tells me as she wraps me up in a hug. "You better go before you miss your flight."

I wrap my arms around her. "I love you too, mom. Thanks for staying."

She nods, running her hand through my hair. "Have fun in California. I expect you to call me as soon as you get there."

"I will," I promise. "Merry Christmas, mom."

She blows me a kiss and I get in the taxi.

~*~

I wait as for my flight number to be called when I hear my name being called.

Turning around, I see Elena, followed by Lucas, Destiny, Jake, Jennie's sister.

But Jennie isn't with them.

Elena stops in front of me and smacks me on the arm. "That's for almost leaving without saying goodbye."

Jake lets out a deep breath. "Yeah, dude. We know you're leaving because of Jennie but we didn't think you'd try to go without talking to us first."

My chest constricts at his words. Both Destiny and Lucas shoot him and glare and he holds up his arms as if in mock surrender. "Was that wrong?"

Elena notices me looking and shakes her head. "I tried to get her to come," she says quietly. "She wouldn't budge."

"Is she by herself?"

She nods. "She's getting the house ready for Eve and her family. They're coming over later today."

I frown. "You guys won't be there?"

Jennie's sister nods. "We'll get there later, though."

I stare down at the floor. It's my fault Jennie's alone on Christmas Eve. "Why didn't she want to come?"

Lucas gives me a sympathetic smile. "She's still upset. We really did try, man."

I don't know why this bothers me so much. I knew better than to hope she's come along.