Right Place, Wrong Time

62. Part of the Family

'You're lucky I love you'

'Why?'

'Pat down and bag check'

Going through security was fresh hell for Lauren every time, almost enough to make her swear off travelling. But it was worth it for Joey. She'd been looking forward to this trip for months, and even having her underwear put on display for everyone else in the security line wasn't going to ruin it.

'I'm sorry'

'And I got really excited because I thought I saw someone with a dog. It was a suitcase'

'Your airport updates are my favorite'

She smiled, putting her phone away for the time being while she found her gate. Once she got a seat there, she pulled it out again.

'The way it's going I'll be lucky to have less than 5 screaming babies on my flight'

'I promise there'll be 0 screaming babies once you're here'

Her eyes kept drifting to the departure board, praying the flight wouldn't be delayed, unable to wait any longer to see him. She was glad she'd finessed the airport system to not have to wait too long before boarding, but once she belted herself into her seat she was jumpy with anticipation. These last few months had killed her, sometimes leaving her crying into her pillow at night with how much she missed him, how unfair it was that they had to fall in love this way, brought together when the timing always seemed so wrong. But knowing she had this visit to look forward to had kept her going. And now she was going to be seeing him for the first time since they had started dating. A whole week together.

They were so close, but she still couldn't stand the next few hours on her own. A few clicks and a reluctant surrendering of her card details, and she was texting him again.

'I paid for in flight wifi just for you, is this true love?'

'I think so' was his reply. She thought so too.

The flight passed much quicker than it had ever seemed to before, and she knew that had everything to do with Joey.

'Almost there' he said, as the seatbelt signs switched on for landing.

'How do you know?'

'I've been tracking your flight'

'You're cute' she said. But it really was sweet of him.

A perk of being small was that she was able to squeeze past the people still standing around in the aisle trying to sort their luggage out. Didn't they have anywhere to get to? She got off the plane, and sent another quick text.

'5, 4, 3, 2, 1...'

In just a little longer than that, she made her way out into arrivals, and there he was. When he spotted her, he grinned, gorgeously lopsided, and unfolded the sign he was holding. 'Lauren (my girlfriend)'. She rolled her eyes, and ran to him.

She thought he remembered the feeling of his arms around her; she imagined it every night as she went to sleep. But this was sinking into a hot bath, this was standing in the first sun after a long winter. His arms wrapped tight around her, squeezing the air out of her as she was sure her legs squeezing around his waist were probably doing to him. She'd never understood the overdramatic airport reunions, until now.

"God, I missed you," he murmured, kissing her neck.

"I missed you," she murmured back.

He held her like that for a long time, unwavering even though she was sure it couldn't be good on his back.