Caramel || Leonardo DiCaprio

Chapter 10: Vermont Autumns

Originally Published: November 17, 2022

LEO'S POV:

"I'm nervous about going back home," Nena confessed to me as we sat together on the private jet. We were fairly close to Vermont, the flight only a little less than two hours. Tobey was using the bathroom at the moment as Nena and I talked.

"Don't be. You told me how happy your parents were to have you back," I gently reminded her.

"Yeah, but it's been so long since I've lived there, or at least it's felt that way. I kind of got used to being on my own."

"You'll be on your own eventually again. You just have to get some things figured out first." I didn't think twice about brushing her hair back, her giving me a weak smile as her cheeks turned a faint rosy shade.

"So, is Ellen staying with your parents," Tobey asked as he walked over to us.

"She is at the moment. She didn't want to move out until she saved up for the apartment she wanted. She's really close though. I can't believe how good she is at her job," Nena shared.

"We are now arriving at your destination. Please fasten your seatbelts for safety as we land," the male driver informed us on the intercom, us listening to his instructions.

Once we were past the landing strip I helped Nena with all of her things, her carrying the t.v. trays while I had the wooden end table. Tobey was weighed down by most of our bags, us getting relief when we reached the parking lot.

"Nena! We're so happy you're home," her mom beamed, hurrying over to awkwardly hug her daughter. "Do you want me to take something for you?"

"Yeah, that would be great," Tobey breathed, handing over a duffel bag.

Nena's mom smiled as she gladly secured a suitcase as well. All of a sudden her dad had popped up too, aiding Nena with the t.v. trays. Ellen was busy kissing Tobey on the cheeks and then the lips, also helping with a small suitcase, since our hands were almost empty now.

"Your dad brought the truck, so we could easily get everything home," their mom explained, us heading for the brick red vehicle. Their dad hoisted everything into the back, even having a covering, so the baggage would be safe.

"Okay, so do you want to sit up here with your dad and I," Nena's mom asked her.

"Um... Okay," she nodded, probably knowing Ellen would want to be with Tobey.

I was squeezed into the back with the happy couple, while the rest were up front.

"So, Leo, do you have to leave right away," their mom asked as their dad finally started driving.

"I'm supposed to leave by tonight, same for Tobey," I answered, shifting to a better position.

"Because we have a guest bedroom, and we would like to know our girls' boyfriends better."

I felt my face flush, since I wasn't sure how to respond, my mouth opening and closing like a fish. "I'm... not dating Nena. We're just friends. Tobey and Ellen are dating." I cleared my throat a bit awkwardly as I crossed my arms.

"We still would like to get to know you better. We've all seen you in the movies, but we want to get to know the real you. You're more than welcomed to stay, and to spend Thanksgiving with us too."

"I... I think I would have to talk it over with Tobey."

"I understand," she politely said.

I looked over to find Tobey in his own little world with Ellen, them laughing quietly as they gazed deeply into each other's eyes.