almost; dream ✓

fourteen

"i'll wait in the car," toby said as anna put the vehicle in park. "let me help you get your stuff."

besides the car doors shutting, everything was relatively quiet. anna fidgeted with the car keys as she watch toby pull out the suitcase.

"it was really good seeing you." toby gave clay his bag as he also gave him a hug.

"you too, brother."

clay extended his hand out for anna to grab it as they walked into the airport. his thumb lightly traced the back of her hand before squeezing it twice in their language.

"this sucks." anna mumbled.

"you can come back home, honey. nick and george wanted me to move in with them but i haven't left our house. i can't."

anna stopped and looked up at clay. his eyes held so much sadness and hopelessness. he brought one of his hands up for her cheek to rest on.

"i don't know if i can."

"i think i need to go then. i don't think i can hang around or i won't be able to keep myself together."

clay kissed the top of anna's head leaving her somewhat speechless and standing alone. she was seeing the other side of where she had been. she wondered if this is how clay felt when she left. all she could do was watch as he checked his bag and made his way towards security.

she stood there waiting until she lost track of time and realized he wouldn't come back. anna slowly made her way back to the parking lot and mindlessly walked to the car where toby was waiting in the passengers seat.

as she sat down all she could do was stare out the window, until she finally broke. her head fell against her steering wheel as she let out her most heartbroken cry. she gasped between sobs as she lost total control. toby wrapped his arms around his big sister as he quietly consoled her and attempted to calm her down.

"you have to breathe, ann. you'll faint. come on, breathe with me. in. and out." he placed his sister's hand on his chest to match their breathing.

"why am i so stupid? i hate myself so much." anna tightened her fists to the point she had fingernail indentations on the heel of her palm.

"you can be upset but don't start saying those things about yourself," toby pushed her hair out of her face so she could see him. "why didn't you go with him?"

"i'm such a mess he doesn't deserve having to deal with this. i came here to fix myself and i couldn't even do that. he shouldn't have to deal with this." anna said between wiping tears.

"when has he ever required you to be put together? or when has he ever not wanted to help you? dream- i mean clay loves you anna. you just have to allow him to."

anna leaned over and cried into her little brother's chest as she wondered if she had permanently lost the best thing she'd ever had.

next chapter is the last chapter plus an announcement in regards to this story! if you have read this far, thank you! make sure and follow so you don't miss the last chapter and announcement!