Lost in Love

Chapter 30 - Two Days

Work has been incredibly slow, but that's what happens when no one wants to spend their summer in a small town. I love my hometown and all, but I can't really say I blame them, it does get boring after awhile
I grab my bag, check my phone, and notice a missed call from Ryan. So, I call him back, which takes him a few to answer.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"What's up?" I can hear his voice level changing, so I know he's moving around his room.
"I don't know, you called me."
"Oh, right. You wanna hang out tomorrow?"
"Sure, what were you thinking?"
"Good old fashion racing and some uno? I don't know what else."
"That sounds great, what time?"
"One?"
"That works."
"Great. So that. Then I have family night with my parents Thursday night, since they'll both be working Friday." He stops moving, staying near the phone, "you know the offer still stands for you and Bella to join us?"
"Thanks, but we're good. Take the time with your parents before you go."
"Okay," I know he's hesitant, but I also know, he needs the time with just the three of them.
"When is your flight again?"
"2:45, 48, technically."
I grin, "right, we'll aim to be at your place for 1, 1:30 ish."
"Okay I—" he pauses for a moment, "I gotta go, mom is rushing me. We're going shopping for the last few things I'll need for the apartment out there."
"Have fun?"
"Yeah... right," his voice trails off, he really does hate shopping. "I'll talk to you later, love you."
"Love you, too."
The last bit of the walk home, I think of all the time Ryan and I have spent together. I hate the fact that he's leaving, just the thought of him not being right there at every second. But we've got a plan, which will hopefully make the distance a little easier. Calls, video chats, and basic plans for when to visit one another.
I end up getting home before Bella, and decide I'm just gonna change and grab my book. I'm honestly a little surprised, when I feel my eyes getting so heavy, especially this early I'm the evening.
Bella eventually gets home, and heads into the kitchen, "hey."
"Hi."
"How was work?" She stands near the hallway.
"Incredibly boring, you?"
"Same," she grins and heads to the bedroom.
I pick up my book again, and continue reading until she comes back out. She's wrapped in a blanket, and standing in front of me.
"Yes?" I smile, knowing exactly what she wants.
I can see her gesturing under the blanket, for me to move my book. I lean against the arm of the couch, holding it away from my lap.
She looks up at me, "hi," her smile is intoxicating.
"Hi," I can't stop myself from grinning back at her.
Her eyes are half closed, and I know she's probably gonna fall asleep right away. I end up putting my book down, and just play with her hair until I eventually give in to how tired I am.
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Once we get to Ry's, we head to his room, where he already has the tv on, and controllers ready. As well as the Uno deck on the nightstand.
Naturally, we keep up with switching off which two are playing, with Ryan basically winning every round he is involved in. Maybe he has been practising. Now that he's started showing us up in the races, I'm curious how he'll be doing with Uno. The only thing he can really practice for that, is his poker face.
Needless to say, his poker face is still pretty much nonexistent, but I'm sure he'll get there eventually, though I prefer it this way.
I always love days where we do nothing but racing and Uno. Ry was so excited to teach me how to race and we played whenever possible, not that Mrs. Jeffery was all too happy about that, many times.
It took about two years, before I was willing to bring my games over, because they were all board and card games, and I truly thought he'd only want to play video games, which I didn't have.
He quickly became fond of Uno, Monopoly and Yahtzee, and he liked helping me with solitaire, after I started playing during lunch breaks.
"Luna, it's your turn."
I didn't realize how zoned out I was, I have 3 cards left, and can't play any of them, so pick up it is, I suppose. Ry really does love when I can't play.
The afternoon and evening fly by, before we go to head home.
"Drive safe."
"We will, I'll let you know when we're home."
Once we're home, and in bed, and— who am I kidding, Bella is in bed. I'm in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, drinking tea— I can't help thinking about, and hating, the fact that Ryan leaves in two days. This summer has absolutely flown by. But realistically so have the last four years.
Bella and I have talked about, after our lease is up in a year, potentially going out and living near Ryan, maybe getting an apartment with him, so it's more affordable to him, and he doesn't have to stay in a dorm. But we're playing that by ear.
I end up feeling Bella's hand on my arm.
"I thought you were asleep."
"Not yet, you're mind is racing, huh?"
"Just a bit."
"Do you wanna go sit, and talk about it?" I know she knows exactly what's on my mind, I don't know how many times we've talked about it in some accord.
"Not particularly. I'm honestly just gonna finish this cup, and them I'll be in. You go ahead."
She's hesitant, and gives me the same worried look as usual, "...okay."
Before she goes, she lands a soft kiss on my cheek.
I sigh when she's gone, and finish my tea.
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'Flight 18 now boarding.'
"That's you," I'm trying so hard not to cry.
"It is," he smiles at me, and proceeds to hug me. He seems a lot more okay with leaving, than I am. Maybe he does have a good poker face, he just needed a good enough reason.
"I hate this," I whisper into his shoulder.
"I know, I do too. But hey," he pulls back to look at me, while I wipe my eyes, "it won't be long before I come to visit and we will talk everyday. I promise."
"I'm gonna hold you to that."
"Exactly. Besides, these few years will fly by and then I'll be right back here."
"Yeah."
He hugs me again, and I take a breath, not wanting to let him go.
"You really should get going."
"You're right," he grabs his bag and looks at Bella, "make sure Luna keeps out of trouble, okay?"
She smiles, and nods, "I will, but you'll have to do the same for yourself."
I move closer to Bella, and she puts her hand in mine.
"I'll text you as soon as I land."
"You better."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
I watch until I can't see him. Bella puts her arm around me, and pulls me closer.
"What do you wanna do?" I really don't feel like making a choice on this.
"I don't know, something to keep you away from trouble?"
"I suppose you are in charge of that now, huh?" I nudge her.
She looks at me over the car, as we open our doors, "why don't we go to the rocks. We can stay there until the stars come out."
"That sounds perfect."