We were at the airport saying goodbye. It was his family, his best friend, and me. Everyone was giving hugs and kisses, saying goodbyes. I was the last one. I tried my best to not cry, because I knew he wouldn’t want me to . He went to hug me, and I lost it. He pulled out from the hug and looked me in the eyes.
“babe, everything will be fine. Ill be back before you know it” he said.
“im just, im really, really going to miss you.” I started to cry harder. He pulled me in for another hug. His arms wrapped around my waist and mine around his neck. We stood there embraced for what felt like the longest time, not like I minded, I just knew the whole time it would end. He would get on that plane and be gone. He kissed my neck, then my cheek as we pulled out from the hug.
“ I love you , Gabby.” He said
“I love you too, Zach.” I choked up the words. He slowly leaned in and gave me a long kiss, followed by a short one. He then pulled me in for one last hug.
“I have to go, babe, Please try not to cry. A beautiful girl like you should never cry.” He always knew how to make me smile. He grabbed his stuff and just like that. My whole world was gone. Zachs family said if I ever needed anything they were there for me. I walked out to the parking lot and got in my old red beat up car. I just cried there in my car, in the airport parking lot for hours. Looking at pictures in my phone. Reading messages. How am I going to survive without him here? I need him.
It was getting dark so I figured I should head home. I pulled in my driveway and walked into my house. My mother was in the kitchen making dinner. “Hey honey, I made your favorite, lasagna!” I heard her say.
“im not hungry” I mumbled back as I walked past the kitchen door and back to my room. Its like she didn’t even acknowledge what today was! I slammed the door shut and curled up on my bed. I heard footsteps and I knock on my door. “im busy” I yelled. She walked in anyways “I said I was busy!” I sat up and spat at her. tears running down my face
“oh gabby, whats wrong, honey?” she said as she walked towards the bed and sat down
“whats wrong? Are you serious mom!?! Zach left today! That’s whats wrong!” I yelled at her
“I know, but I also know that he loves you and he will be back for you. All this will be worth it one day” she said rubbing my back
“no mom. You don’t understand” I whispered
“yes I do, do you know where your father is right now? Not here. I understand all too well.” She told me. My father is in the army just like Zach. He has dedicated his whole like to the army. I barely know him. Hes always somewhere else. Hes never been much of a dad to me.
“that’s different. Youre used to it” I said looking up at her to notice she was forcing back tears.
‘just because im used to him not being here. Not sleeping next to him every night. Not kissing or hugging him everyday. Doesn’t mean it still doesn’t hurt. Gabriella, it will get easier. You know. I promise. He will be back before you know it.” She stood up. And walked towards the door “ you should get some sleep. You’ve had a long day” she turned around and shut the door behind her
I got up and put on shorts and a cami. Put my hair in messy bun and crawled into bed. I had a picture of Zach and I sitting on the night stand beside my bed. It was from when we first started dating when we went to homecoming together. I felt myself about to cry again. I rolled over so I couldn’t see the picture anymore and fell asleep.
