Whatever It Takes

Coming Home?

I was jolted awake as the plane landed on the tarmac. The plane shuddered as it slowed to a stop, and I blinked my eyes hard to try to wake up. The plane finally slowed, and it parked at the gate we were set to get off on. I sighed as I tried to stretch my arms, sandwiched in the middle seat between two businessmen. One of them leaned over to me, surprising me.

"Coming home or going on vacation?" he asked. I raised my eyebrows, confused as I was still trying to wake up. He smiled kindly. "To Indiana. Are you coming home or going on vacation?"

"Oh, well, both I guess," I answered. I cleared my throat and smiled at him. "I'm heading back to my hometown for a couple of weeks. My best friend is getting married."

He smiled wider and nodded at me.

"There's nothing like coming back home to Indiana. It's the best state in the union!" he insisted. I almost laughed out loud at this statement – you would have to be brain dead to think Indiana was the best state in America.

But I didn't want to be rude, so I smiled politely and nodded. The light-up sign for the seatbelts turned off with a ding and people started to stand and gather their things. I started straight ahead at the exit, ready to get off this plane. I needed to get off this plane. I needed to get off this plane or I was going to hurt the nice man who loved Indiana.

People finally started to move, and I jumped up as soon as there was an opening in the aisle. I hoisted my bag over my shoulder, smiling at the flight attendants as I stepped off the plane. I could practically smell freedom as I got closer to the waiting area, and when I got to it, I let out a deep breath I was apparently holding in. I got my bearings and made my way to baggage claim.

I got to the baggage carousel and glanced around, looking for my ride. I felt my face split into a grin when I saw sign that said "Dovey Henderson" held by a curly-haired boy with a bright smile, waving at me. I held my arms open.

"You better come give me a hug, baby brother!" I exclaimed.

Dustin dropped his sign and ran towards me, embracing me in a tight hug. I laughed and held him tight, unbelieving that this tall man was at one point my sweet, dorky baby brother. We pulled back from one another, and I ruffled his hair.

"I swear, you get taller every time I see you," I said. He scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"You've been saying that since I was eighteen," he retorted. I grinned at him.

"And it's been true for the last three years," I quipped. He smiled brightly and pulled me in for another tight hug.

"I've missed you, Dovey," he said quietly. I felt my chest tighten and kissed his cheek when we pulled back.

"I've missed you too, Dustin," I replied. I nodded to the carousel that was now moving. "Come help me with my bags."

"Bags? As in multiple?" he cried, giving me a hard time. I shoved his shoulder, laughing.

"I'm here for a few weeks – I need options!" I insisted. He rolled his eyes.

"I didn't even have that much when I packed my dorm for the summer," he shot back. I pointed at a large, red suitcase, prompting him to pick it up. He groaned as he lifted it up.

"Oh, yeah, Mr. MIT? Did you only bring back a box and a textbook?" I teased. He grinned at me, and I pointed at another suitcase. I watched him lift it. "How was junior year?"

"Good," he said as he strained to set my bag down. He smiled proudly. "Ended the semester with a 4.0!"

"Look at you!" I crowed, hugging him again. I ruffled his hair. "God, I'm so glad someone got the smarts in our family."