• Tomorrow Will Be Different • {J.C} (P.1)

•Chapter Forty-Two•

Erin spent the remainder of her nights dreading the move back to Carolina. She had nearly talked herself into staying, but knew the ramifications of that decision.

She was somewhat surprised that Julian meant what he had said, that what had happened shouldn't happen again; so it didn't.

Though Julian had no qualms putting his hands on her, or even stealing a kiss every now and then, Jules was sure to stop things before it ever had a chance to go too far.

Erin sensed that he was using his affections as leverage, going only so far to make her want more—to make Erin stay.

However, Jules didn't protest at the sight of Erin packing her bags. Nor did he hover in the doorway awkwardly to watch her do it.

Instead, he flashed a halfhearted smile that resembled a frown, giving her a subtle nod before stepping away from the door, ultimately leaving her alone to finish packing up the rest of her belongings.

She was glad that she and Albert had already said their goodbyes. Erin had nearly cried when Al expressed that she would always be welcome, and always have a place to crash if ever she found herself back in the city.

Erin made promises she wasn't sure she could keep, claiming to make it back sometime during the holiday's when classes let out.

Erin hoped it wasn't a lie, but couldn't say for certain that it was the truth.

She could barely handle the thought of telling Julian goodbye, wondering what he would say, or if he would say anything at all.

A part of her thought he would stay hiding in his room, or find something to do around the city as an attempt to avoid her.

To Erin's surprise, Julian had been sitting on the couch, waiting for her with his keys in hand. Without a word, he stood to help carry her luggage to the car.

Neither speaking on the way to the airport.

As he carried Erin's bags, she tried to assist, only to have Julian mumble a quiet, "I got it."

Picking up her plane ticket and dropping her baggage off at the airport counter, Erin and Julian strode awkwardly side by side toward the terminal, finding a pair of empty seats.

"Thank you for coming with me."

"It's no problem." Julian said; his voice like gravel.

"I honestly wasn't expecting you to come."

"When I say I'm gonna do something, I do it." Julian's gaze shifted from his laced fingers to look at Erin, his lips pressed together displaying a lopsided frown.

"Well, I appreciate it." Erin said, moving her eyes away from his gaze that was too intense.

They sat in silence for what felt like eternity as Erin contemplated what to say. There was nothing to be said that hadn't been said before.

Waiting for the announcement of her flight's departure was borderline torturous.

Part of her even wished that Julian hadn't come at all. His deafening silence was beginning to seal that desire—until the announcement of her flight requesting all passengers to board came from the overhead speaker.

Erin slowly rose from her seat, letting out a soft sigh as she clasped the boarding pass in her trembling hands.

She and Julian made their way to the line at the gate, letting others pass—subconsciously stalling for more time.