There was quiet silence in the car as my parents, Joe, and I all drove to a restaurant to get breakfast.
Since I was leaving today, we decided we should do something together. So we decided on breakfast since my flight was at 12 and the airport was an hour away.
Joe was loosely holding my hand while looking out the window. I kept looking over at him to see if his facial expression had changed, but it never did.
I sighed and looked ahead at my parents who were having a full on conversation.
I looked back over at Joe who was now playing with the button on his shirt. I squeezed his hand and he slowly turned and looked at me.
His eyes were full of sadness as he weakly smiled and I kissed him softly.
"We'll be ok." I whispered, my forehead pressing against his.
He cupped my face in his hands and I leaned into his touch.
I leaned my head on his shoulder and. noticed my dad smiling sadly at us through the rear view mirror. I shifted my gaze from him and closed my eyes, wrapping my arms Joe. His hand moved up to the back of my head as he stroked my hair and rested his lips on my forehead.
"Alright guys. We're here." My dad said, turning the car engine off.
Joe and I each unbuckled our seat belts and slid out of the car, intertwining our hands as we followed my parents into the cafe.
We were brought to a booth and we all took a seat, grabbing a menu as we did so.
Joe and I both ordered waffles while my mom ordered a breakfast burrito and my dad got biscuits and gravy.
We ate quietly because no one really knew what to say. I wasn't very hungry so I pushed my food around my plate while leaning on my hand.
My dad paid our waiter while we all left, quietly walking back to the car.
We got in and started driving towards Annie's friends house, where she had stayed. We picked her up and we started towards the airport.
The whole car ride was silent. We would occasionally try to start a conversation, but someone would add onto it and then it would end.
My dad and my mom walked behind me and Joe with Annie.
I rolled my suitcase behind me with one hand and clutched Joe's with the other.
We walked to my gate because it started boarding in ten minutes.
I left my suitcase behind me as I walked over to my crying mother. I wrapped my arms around her fragile figure and buried my head in her hair.
"I love you mom." I said, smiling sadly and wiping her cheeks.
"I love you too sweetie." She said, smiling.
I turned to face my dad who pulled me into a hug.
"Good luck kiddo." He said, kissing my forehead. I gave him a lopsided smile as he messed up the top of my head.
I sat down in front of Annie while she looked down at me.
"Take good care of them alright?" I said, throwing my head towards my parents. She smiled and nodded, sniffling as she did so. I pulled her into a hug. "Check up on Joe every now and then for me, please?"
She nodded again and I kissed her forehead. "I love you."
"Love you too, big sis."
I stood up and walked over to Joe, who instantly pulled me into his chest.
