Ronnie

14

September 9th, 1986. San Francisco International Airport

With the windows down and music blaring, Cliff cruised down the interstate, barely going the speed limit to soak up as much time as he could with Cassie.
She watched him blissfully, as his mane of hair flew in all directions.
"Hey, Cliff, I was thinking when this tour is over, and we talk to Kirk about us, me and you need to go to Alabama. My dad owns a bunch of land, you can shoot guns. You know, guy stuff."
"I'd love that, Cas."
A few moments of silence passed, "I love you, Cliff."
He turned his head and his eyes locked with hers, beaming with glee.
A smirk plastered onto his face and a chuckle escaped it.
Cassie didn't worry about Cliff not saying anything with words, his reaction was enough to set her at ease.
As they pulled up to the airport and stepped outside, all the emotions set in. She wanted to hug Cliff forever, to breathe in his comforting scent, and feel his calming presence.
"Don't forget me, Cas," he whispered into her ear.
"You're not gonna be gone that long. Just a couple of months, right?"
"Right," he kissed Cassie's head and twisted his fingers in her hair.
They pulled back to look at one another a bit longer.
"Take care of my car, alright, Cas?" Cliff said as he picked up his bag.
"Actually, I was considering scrapping it. It's about time you got rid of this rust bucket."
"Whatever," he pulled her into one last hug.
"I love you, Cassie." Before she could say anything else, he had already walked away.
Cassie parked Cliff's car in her driveway. She picked up her phone and dialed away.
"Are you busy?"
"Not really, why?"
"Come over."
"Ugh, can you not come over here?"
"No, I can't, Melissa."
"Fine. I'll be over in 10."
Cassie heard the front door slam shut and knew Melissa arrived.
"Seriously, what have I told you about slamming the door?"
"Chill out mom, I have to make my appearance known somehow. I'm surprised you're not with Lover Boy."
"They left. Tour starts back tomorrow."
"And you're not going with them?" Melissa asked with a confused look on her face.
"I tried. But someone wouldn't cover for me anymore," Cassie blurted out, her eyes shooting daggers at her friend.
"Sorry, girl. I'll get you next time.
You do realize I have a life of my own, you know?"
"Blah, blah, blah," Cassie said with a laugh.
* * *
The phone ringing interrupted The Breakfast Club.
Cassie slowly started to wake up from her sleep.
"You going to get that?"
"Mhm."
Cassie stumbled into the kitchen to answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey."
"Cliff!"
"We made it, everything's going good so far."
"That's great."
"I probably shouldn't talk for too long, I gotta call my parents too."
"You didn't already do that?"
"No, I wanted to hear your voice. I figured the Old Man could wait a couple extra minutes."
Cassie blushed a bit, "I appreciate you calling."
"Always. Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow, alright."
"Okay, be careful and have fun. I know y'all are going to do great."
"I hope. Goodnight Cas."
"Goodnight."