America

< 20 >

Looking back on these past few months makes it seem like paradise going back to Texas, home of the dull and large. It's been about two week since I've had to encounter Mitch and I'm managing. It still makes me smile remembering what Garret did when I told him the day after Mitch called me a slut. Technically he never used the word slut but we all know he meant slut. I still don't know why he said what he did my mind still remembers him as the same person the day we cuddled and watched American horror story together... But things are different now and it's all because of Jada... I know I shouldn't blame her she isn't the sole reason he is different. She didn't force him to say what he said but it still feels nice to have a scapegoat.

I know I will see him in Texas as they are going to be Texas too in roughly the same place and they have roughly the same schedule.
Wait fuck what time is it? Holy hell it's 7:30! Our plane leaves soon!
"We are leaving" I yell into the silent house as Ike puts our bags in the car. "We will be back in a week" I close the door. Still no response.
I knew this was going to happen but she needs time to herself. We get in the car and start to drive off.
"You got everything"
"Yeah... Are you sure this is a good idea"
"When are any of my ideas good"
He laughs and puts his headphones on.
I smile I am going to go back home it doesn't matter.

I remember how much I hate airports they are always crowded and crazy. We go through check in and security fairly quickly leaving us roughly half an hour before our flight.
"Hey Al I'm going to grab some food... Meet me at the gate in ten?"
"Alright" I say as we walk separate directions.
A man in a button down shirt and slacks approaches me "Excuse me miss can you tell me where gate 13 is"
"I am actually heading that way so if you want to walk together -" I say stoping quickly.
"Yeah sure... So why are you headed to Texas?" He asks like he wants me to ask it back... I just want to get to my gate not engage in small talk.
"I'm just going to meet some old friends...you?"
He smiles "I'm going to meet my soon to be fiancé for the first time in real life"
Well fuck now I feel a complete bitch because I didn't want to talk to him.
"Was it like arranged or like online"
He laughs "we meet online when we were thirteen about eight years ago and we have had an online relationship for the past three years"
"Oh that's so cool... I wish you luck with the proposal"
"Thanks I am nervous"
"Everything will be fine you are already finishing step one of your journey we are here at the gate" I say showcasing the gate like I was Vanna White
He smiles "Thank you so much"
"No problem... Oh best wishes I hope she says yes" I say one last time as he walks away to sit down and I walk to a secluded area near the gate. Fuck I'm awkward. That was the weirdest conversation ever. It has to have been at least fifteen minutes where the hell is Ike? There he is... Who is that little skank he is talking to... He is just a baby he doesn't need to be talking to girls. This kid if I didn't love him so much I would punch him in the balls. I just let it go, close my eyes and lean back.
With the soft melody of Budapest playing through my earbuds I drift off with only a few minutes until boarding.

The loud speaker called "Flight 1934 to Dallas Lovefield is now boarding" Waking me up. We quickly board the plane and next thing I know we are I the air.

"Hello again it's the captain just a reminder we will be landing in approximately thirty minutes I hope you have enjoyed your flight with southwest and please come again"

"Ike we are almost there" I say nudging him awake.
"Ok wake me up when we land"
I furrow my eyebrows. And look out the window. I guess he isn't as excited to be back as I am. I have only been gone for roughly eight months but it feels like it's been forever
The flight attendant came over the speakers
"We are beginning our decent into Dallas so if y'all would please set your trays in the upright position and buckle your seat belt thank you"
I contemplate waking up Ike but I vote against it because I want to see him jump from the landing.