Fate's Playbook

Chapter 39 - Bittersweet Goodbyes

"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I'll miss you until we meet again." - Unknown

Luca and Nora made their way to the hotel where Mrs. Dawson and Colin were staying. The drive was quiet, with only the soft hum of the car's engine breaking the silence.

As they entered the hotel room, Nora's mom welcomed them with open arms. Colin sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone. The four of them settled down and started watching a movie.

Luca sat close to Nora, his arm around her shoulders. He was grateful for this moment of peace, away from the chaos of the football field.

Mrs. Dawson and Colin were easy to talk to, and Luca found himself laughing and joking with them.

As the night went on, they switched from movies to talking, and the conversation flowed easily.

Luca found himself telling them about his dreams and ambitions, about how he hoped to make it to the NFL one day."

Mrs. Dawson placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just remember to work hard, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. And most importantly, take care of my daughter."

Luca felt a sudden surge of affection for Mrs. Dawson. He knew that she was tough, but he also knew that she cared deeply for Nora.

"I will," he promised. "I'll take care of her, no matter what."

The night wore on, and eventually, they all fell asleep, exhausted but happy. Luca felt grateful for this moment of peace, for this moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their lives.

He felt closer than ever to Nora and her family, and he knew that he would do anything to protect them.

The sun was just starting to rise when Luca and Nora woke up the next morning. They quietly got dressed and headed to the hotel lobby where they had breakfast with Mrs. Dawson and Colin. The mood was bittersweet as they all knew they had to say goodbye soon.

As they finished their breakfast, Mrs. Dawson checked her watch and sighed. "I guess we should start getting ready to head to the airport," she said.

Nora's eyes welled up with tears. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to her mom and brother yet. "Can't you stay a little longer?" she pleaded.

Mrs. Dawson put a comforting hand on Nora's arm. "I wish we could, sweetheart, but we don't want to miss our flight."

Luca could see how much Nora was struggling, so he suggested they take a walk around the hotel grounds before they had to leave. They all agreed, and they spent the next half hour exploring the gardens, taking silly pictures, and enjoying each other's company.

As they drove to the airport, the atmosphere in the car was quiet. Nora held onto Luca's hand tightly as they said their goodbyes at the airport. Colin gave them both a big hug, and Mrs. Dawson pulled Luca aside for a moment.

"Luca, I just want you to know that I trust you with my daughter, but if you ever hurt her, I am a lawyer," she warned with a smile, but there was a hint of seriousness in her tone.

Luca gulped nervously. "I won't, Mrs. Dawson. I care about Nora more than anything."

Mrs. Dawson nodded and patted his arm. "I know you do, and I believe you. Take care of her, okay?"

Luca nodded and watched as the Dawson family disappeared through security. He turned to Nora and took her hand. "Let's go home," he said, and they walked hand in hand back to the car.