Sink or Swim

June

Chapter Song: All Comes Down- Kodaline

"You ready for this kiddo," my dad smiled at me in the rearview mirror as he turned into the airport.

"A little," I nodded.

"Don't be nervous," Tish smiled at me.

Liam was sitting in the third row behind us so I couldn't see his facial expression, but Riley took my hand without saying anything giving me a tight squeeze. Liv on the other side of me was silent. She was taking it a little hard that I was leaving. I couldn't blame her.

It was only a year.

That was it. One year and I'd be back. I could reapply to Columbia since I wasn't able to defer the year. I could apply to other colleges too. I tried to feel good and excited about everything, but I was still nervous. Cal was right last night, I could only know if I went. No more cold feet. 

By a miracle, Mason had actually won our lightsaber fight. It ended up coming down between Cal and Mason. I think Cal let Mason win, but he wouldn't admit it out loud. Mason still hadn't come up with a prize. I guess I would find out in an email or by a letter. 

We decided to park so we could all get out and say a proper goodbye at the gate. Liam and my dad grabbed my luggage while Livi held my hand the entire way. Tish had my boarding pass and Riley was rolling my carry-on behind her.

It was a silent way into the bustling airport. Everyone was busy around us saying goodbye or hello to one another, it was starting to become overwhelming. There wasn't a lot of people at their airport since it was still early morning, but every person felt like a group of twenty. I was finally going to do this. After all, it had only been an idea for months. Now it was the real thing.

"Oh boy," I said to no one in particular as we walked up onwards the gate.

I looked up and saw all my friends with posters. Hayden, Mason, Ty, and even Natalie were next to the gate sleep still living in their eyes, but they were there. The only person who was missing was Cal. I tried not to think too much about it, but it was kind of disappointing. 

"He said he'd be here," I heard Liam whisper, but I pretended not to hear. Instead, I focused on wiping the tears that had sprung in my eyes the moment I saw my friends' faces. 

Riley and Liam went to join them so I could take a photo of all of them. Tish made me go and join them for more photos. I brought Livi without thinking about it. Then I got photos with my family. I knew in a few years I would hate seeing how red my face was but thankful for the captured moment. 

I took on more look around at the familiar faces around me. There was Mason, Hayden, and even Ty standing together with watery eyes. I knew they would deny it if I tried to call them out for crying. I snuck a photo of them knowing I'd email it to Riley for evidence. 

Next to them was Riley who was holding on to Livi's hand for dear life. I don't think she was ready to let go either. Liam was next to the boys but also next to my dad and Tish. All these people woke up at the crack of dawn just to see me off. They were my people. 

There was just one more person I wished were here, but there was nothing I could do about it at this point. I knew he didn't want me to go, I just didn't think he would miss out on saying one last goodbye. 

We all said goodbyes last night. Technically it was only a few hours ago, but who was going to count it? They wanted to surprise me, so they pretended that last night was the final goodbye. They all gave me hugs and there were tears. Even Cal hugged me, tighter than the rest. We didn't say anything to each other then. Just one hug, but it was enough.