Zelink Short Stories

Forever

Christmas songs guys. All of them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I check my watch yet again. His flight must be late. He was supposed to be here two hours ago. It must be the stupid snowstorm. I've been staring out the large windows, watching the thick, heavy flakes fall to the ground. It's been piling up since last night, burying my excitement with worry. I don't think I can go another day. He already stayed all summer and fall, enjoying his last few months of being with his team and friends. But now it's my winter break and I've been dying for him to come home. I haven't seen him since spring break because I couldn't make it to his graduation. We knew there would be times we'd miss important events. He went to California after accepting a full-ride athletic scholarship and I stayed here, accepting a full-ride academic scholarship. But now he's coming home and he'll be here for my graduation. He said that's the more important one anyway. I knew he said that in an attempt to keep me from feeling bad about missing his. It didn't work.

The airport is busy today, full of people coming home for Christmas. No one in the crowd is the blonde boy I love so much though. The snow has to be backing up the flights. I love snow but I want to kick it right now. It's keeping me from giving my boyfriend a long awaited hug. All I want for Christmas is him.

I listen to the next Christmas song playing through the airport, watching other families meet again. I smile a little as I watch a woman in a military uniform kneel on the ground, opening her arms wide for two young kids to run into. I couldn't imagine not seeing your kids while on active duty. That must be a hundred times harder than having a long-distance boyfriend. But he won't be long-distance for much longer!

I pull my phone from my pocket when it buzzes, expecting it's Father asking what's taking so long. He likes Link now. He didn't at first. He thought he was too quiet-or too loud-and immature. Link is just a kid at heart, something Father didn't understand. But after seeing how happy he made me, he gave in and tried to like him. After a couple years of forced patience on Father's part and way too much fun on Link's, they finally get along fine.

I check the text message, sitting straight up in my seat with excitement. It's Link! He's finally here!

I stand up, bouncing on my toes and straining to look over all the heads. He's easier to spot after he had a growth spurt. He used to be shorter than me and now he's just a few inches taller.

My grin widens when I catch a glimpse of his honey blond hair. Another thing Father didn't approve of. Link keeps his hair long enough to tie it into a ponytail, leaving out bangs and sideburns. I love his messy unkempt hair.

He comes into view, dressed in plaid pajama pants and a coat. He also has his backpack and two large suitcases. I can't believe he's staying after this! I don't have to say bye at the end of break!

I wave frantically, grinning from ear to ear. He smiles back, dancing a little as he makes his way over to me. He's already acting like a dork.

I skip to him, unable to wait any longer. He lets go of his suitcases, leaving his arms free for me to dive into. "I missed you!" I say, throwing my hands around him and squeezing him. I bury my face in his shoulder, taking a deep breath to smell him. He always uses the same cologne.

"I missed you too...are you smelling me?" he laughs. I've been suffering, forced to listen to his laugh only through phone calls. It's nothing compared to how it sounds in person.

"Yes!" I smell his neck now, nuzzling my nose into him. "I missed your scent!" I don't care how weird that sounds to the people walking by. Everyone should have someone they love so much that they miss their scent.