Influence (GirlXGirl)

Chapter 17: Back Home

"Wait- are you joking right now?"

"I have never been more serious about anything in my life. I'm already at the airport, Steph," I told Stephanie through the phone.

It's 9 in the morning, my dad and I are already at the airport waiting for the plane. I've been feeling nervous about going to Utah. I mean, what does my dad's family side will react to my presence? I'm guessing my cousins would freak out or be mad at me because I haven't met them for a year. It's only a year, and they won't be angry? Nevertheless, I'm excited to see my cousins.

"It's about time you're going back to Utah, not to mention I'm also going to Utah today," she announced.

"And you just told me that now?" I stood up and looked for Stephanie among the passengers occupied with their phones.

"I bet you're raising your ass looking for me," I hear her chuckle from the phone, "my plane is at noon, and you are way early. Your dad must be eager to take you to Utah."

"Yeah, I would protest to him if I could. He bought the ticket before he told me."

"So it was a surprise?"

"Yup."

"Huh, that's something," Stephanie spoke, "well, I can't wait to talk with your fixed-dad properly."

I rolled my eyes, "whatever," then my dad called me, telling me it was time to get on the plane," That's my cue. I'll see you in Utah?"

"You bet. Bon voyage Kate!" She spoke as she faked her French accent.

"Thanks. Bye, Steph," I ended the call as I didn't realize that my face was plastered in a smile.

We paced to the plane and sat on our designated seats. In the middle of the flight, I keep thinking, should I be happy going back to my hometown, which I have bad memories of in my house? I keep imagining the time where it was hard. My dad and my mom kept fighting, and my dad would scream at me.

My dad just changed his life to be a better person, but I can't stop thinking about it.

I closed my eyes, trying to get rid of the thoughts.

"Are you sleeping already?" my dad asked me.

I opened my eyes and saw my dad wanted to say something, "not yet. Why?"

"I think you need to know this but, I heard your ex is back in Utah," he announced.

My ex? Oh, is he talking about Olivia? That's a surprise. I haven't seen her since she got accepted into UCLA.

Yes, I have a girlfriend back in high school. It was the time when I tried to move on from my feelings towards Stephanie. Our relationship was okay at first, but after graduation, we decided to break up because I believe I was still in love with Stephanie.

Not to mention Olivia is my lead vocalist in my high school band. Our relationship lasted for one year and three months. It wouldn't have been that long if it weren't for us being in the same band.

"What for?"

"Thanksgiving?"

"That's great," I replied, nodding.

He tilts his head in confusion, "really? No one wants to meet their ex."

"Dad, we broke up on good terms, so it's alright."

He nods, "all right then. I thought you didn't want to meet her, and when you did, it would be awkward."

"No way. She will hug me for sure," I said proudly. I know Olivia is, and we're still friends.