Her

{1}

I was standing in the middle of the airport. You can see the typical scenes of the airport; many parents hugging their children, taking photos, children running around, people talking among themselves in the small restaurants, the announcements for the passengers to go to the gate before the flight takes off, luggage being dragged sounds, stewardesses' heels clinking.

I had always come here to send off or pick up my uncles, grandparents or other relatives but now it has reversed. This time it was my turn being sent off. I am leaving this city to follow my dreams.

"You got everything, darling? Did you forget anything?", my mom said while holding my right hand tightly.

"No, mom. I have everything", I squeezed her hand back and smiled at her.

"I'm gonna miss you so much. Text me when you arrive ok?", she held my left cheek with the other hand.

She had tears in her eyes and on the verge of crying. I hugged my mom and finally she released those tears on my shoulders. This is my first time being apart from her. My father left us when I was 5. Since then, she took care of me as a single mother till now. Normally, people move out of their houses when they turn 18 or 20 but I didn't. I continued living with mother because she needed someone to look after my younger sister.

"Don't cry mom. I promise that we will talk a lot on phone and I will come back during summer breaks", I gave her a soft pat to calm her down.

She hugged me tightly and rested her head on my shoulder, "I feel like I have lost one of my arms. Focus on your study and try hard to make this old lady proud. Ok!",

"of course, mom. I promise", I returned her hug and we stayed like that for some time that I lost count.

She pulled away and I gave a kiss on her both cheeks. I gave her a wave before I went inside the gate to the airport. I looked around the airport and saw that there are so many other girls and boys like me saying goodbye to their family. I ate breakfast at the airport and not soon after that I heard an announcement indicating for us to come to the respective counter to check-in the bags and go to the flight gate. When I sat at my seat on the plane, that is the time I finally realized that this is really happening. I am really going to California.

The flight was very convenient as my seatmates were two friendly women. We talked for a while and realized that they are childhood friends who were going on a friends-trip. Looking at them, I missed having friends. I used to have so many childhood friends but never had one so close to call as my best friend. I wonder if I'll ever have friends to go on a trip like them.

I felt asleep along the way after the talk with those women. Maybe because of the airline food which was a chicken sandwich and some mashed potatoes. As soon as I arrived, I saw Will waiting for me at the exit. He was wearing a simple white tee and black hoodie with blue jeans. He was my uncle but was only 31 years old which means 10 years older than me. We were really mistaken as siblings sometimes due to our facial features. I waved to him and he saw me.

"Ashley!", he came running to me with a small bouquet.

"Will!", I also ran to him and he spread out his hands to hug which I accepted.

We hug for a few seconds and then pull away.

"You are finally here! Welcome to California!", he said with his hands up in the sky.

"You really sounded like the flight attendant from my flight", I shook my head at him.

"It's so nice to see you. Here, this is for you", he chuckled and gave me the bouquet.

"You don't need to bring anything but thank you", I smelled the flowers and yes, they are freshly picked roses. I like all kind of flowers but roses and lavender are like my weaknesses.