When I See You Again

Thirteen

I get a text from Becca saying, "We need to talk. Meet me at our place," I knew what she meant from 'our place'. It was the café where are first 'date' was. I drive to café and see her sitting inside with a worried look on her face. I open the big glass door and walk to the table she was sitting at.

"Hey Bec-" I start.

"Can we go in your car? I feel safer there," She says.

"Okay," I say.

We walk to where I parked my truck and hop inside. She looks at me and her eyes start to water.

"Becca!" I say as I wipe the tears off her cheeks while cradling her head in my hands. She holds on of my hands to her cheek as she continues to cry.

"Becca, tell me what is wrong," I say, sternly.

"My-my-my dad," She sputters through tears.

"Becca, Becca, Becca. Ssshhh. It's okay, calm down," I say as I pull her into my embrace.

"My-my dad has to stay in-in London," She says between sobs. "I-I-I have to move back,"

"Becca," I start to say. But, I don't really know what to say. "Do you know how long for?" I ask.

"Not until the end of university," She sniffles.

"Oh," is all I could say.

"I'm so so sorry," Becca tries to say. "This was my first real relationship and I've ruined it and it's all my fault that it is over and I-" She mutters on about it until I put my finger to her lip, silencing her mumbling.

"Becca?" I say, sounding like my mother. She nods her head in acknowledgement. "You understand, this isn't forever, right? You'll come back in a few years and it'll be all good," I say, trying to sound as convincing as I could. "Four years isn't even that long, don't worry," I say with a smile.

She does a very slight nod. So slight, if you blink, you'd miss it. "When do you leave?" I ask.

"Two days from now. And I'm not allowed to go anywhere because of the extensive packing we have to do. I practically begged my mum to come here and be with you," She says, wiping away more tears that started to make ways down her cheeks.

"Could I drive you to the airport?'' I ask.

"Yeah, my brother has already left and my mum is leaving tonight," She replies.

"I'll see you then," I say, trying to sound as reassuring as humanly possible.