Finding Them [ON HOLD]

Chapter-9

Ira's POV

“Gosh, this suitcase is so heavy!” I thought to myself as I carried it downstairs with me. It's been 2 days since I went shopping with Mom, and honestly, it was fun.

These last couple of days I've just been spending more time with my family and I finished packing. I enjoyed it a lot. Today, I'm going to fly away to Santa Cruz with Stella! Wow, that sounds- never mind.

"My daughter looks so grown up!" my mom said as she looked at me coming down.

"Your clothes make you look older too!" she said.

"Really?" I asked, looking at my outfit. It's just a crop top with mom jeans.

"Those jeans remind me of when I used to wear them, I was older then you," she said.

"Ok?" I said, not interested in the conversation anymore.

"Stella will be here soon, so Ray, are you gonna drop us off at the airport?" I asked Ray.

"Yep," he said, staring at his phone.

"Alright," I said as I went to the table to have some breakfast.

"Ira, so, you're going," Dad said suddenly.

"Yeah, I guess," I said simply while he just sighed. Then, he said something I never thought he would.

"Stay away from boys," he said calmly but with a slightly threatening tone.

"Okay," I said, clearly not understanding his behavior.

"They are not what they seem, alright? And if anyone ever does anything to you that you don't like, don't hesitate to call me or your mom, or even Ray. Okay?" he said.

"Of course," I said with a reassuring smile.

"You've grown so much," he said in a low voice. He is the type of dad that loves you a lot, but doesn't know how to express it.

"Ira! It's time to go now, Stella is already outside!" Ray suddenly yelled from the door.

"You should go," Dad said, standing up.

"Yeah," I said as I got up. He gave me a hug and kissed me on my cheeks before taking my luggage and going outside to put it in the car.

In the meantime, I bid my goodbye to my mom as she hugged me and cried her eyes out.

Right now, I'm in the car chatting with Stella and Ray. Stella and I are telling Ray about everything we're gonna do today once we reach Santa Cruz. I know we'll get there by the evening, as the flight is connected but we still have some plans before school starts after 2 days.

"Wow, you guys have planned it all! We've reached the airport too," Ray said as he parked the car.

Stella and I took our bags and Stella said she would wait for me in the boarding line, while Ray and I talked for a bit. I just nodded and waved at her, but before I could even turn around, Ray suddenly pulled me in and hugged me really tight.

"Oh my god, are you alright? Am I dreaming or are you really gonna miss me this much?" I said sarcastically.

"Oh, shut up panda," Ray said, still not pulling away while I patted his back a bit.