I had some help

Seventeen

The next morning, Alex woke up to the sound of Bailey quietly packing their bags. She turned over, opening her eyes slightly. "Baby?" She asked sleepily. "Whatcha doin'?" She sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"Packing up before we leave." Bailey said, smiling at her.

Alex appreciated his help, but seeing him packing stirred an unexpected wave of anxiety in her. It reminded her of the day Morgan left her. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, and a shadow of sadness cross her face.

Bailey noticed immediately and walked over to her. "What's wrong, baby? Why do you look sad?" He asked, concern etched in his features.

Alex hadn't meant for her emotions to show so plainly. She tried to brush it off, but Bailey's gentle persistence made her feel safe enough to open up. "I don't want to leave you." She said, frowning.

Bailey sat down beside her, taking her hands in his. "I don't want you to leave either," He said softly. "But we'll see each other again soon. This isn't goodbye."

Alex nodded, trying to fight back tears. "I know, but it just...it scares me sometimes."

Bailey pulled her into a tight hug, stroking her hair. "I understand, Alex. But I'm not going anywhere. We'll always find our way back to each other."

His words and his embrace made her feel a bit better, and she leaned into him, drawing strength from his presence. "Thank you, Bailey. I love you."

"I love you too, Alex," He whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Let's make the most of the time we have left before you have to leave."

They spent the rest of the morning savoring each other's company. Bailey and Alex went downstairs to breakfast, where they ate together, talking about their plans for the future and reminiscing about their favorite memories. Every moment felt precious, and Alex tried to commit each one to memory.

As the time for her departure drew nearer, Bailey helped Alex with the final packing touches. He held her hand all the way to the airport, his presence a comforting anchor against her swirling emotions.

At the doors, they shared a long, lingering hug. "Remember, this isn't the end," Bailey said, his voice steady and reassuring. "We'll see each other again soon."

Alex nodded, her heart aching but hopeful. "I know. I'll be counting the days."

With one last kiss, they parted ways, each carrying the promise of their next reunion in their hearts. As Alex boarded her flight, she looked back and saw Bailey waving. She waved back, feeling a renewed sense of strength and love. She knew that no matter the distance, their bond would remain unbreakable.

Alex flew back home, her flight smooth and uneventful. When she landed and made her way through the bustling airport, she saw Caleigh waiting for her near the baggage claim. A wide smile spread across her face at the sight of her friend.

"Hey there, traveler!" Caleigh called out, waving enthusiastically.

Alex hurried over, her heart lifting at the familiar sight. "Caleigh!" She exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug. "It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you too." Caleigh said, squeezing her tightly before letting go. "How was the trip? Did Bailey freak out when he saw you?"

Alex laughed, her eyes sparkling with the memories of her surprise visit. "He was totally shocked. It was amazing. I'll tell you all about it on the way home."

They walked out and made their way to the car, the chatter flowing easily between them. As they drove, Alex recounted her visit to Bailey's show, the surprise backstage, and the special moments they shared in his dressing room and hotel.

Caleigh listened, smiling and nodding, occasionally glancing at Alex with a knowing look. "Sounds like it was exactly what you both needed." She said.

"It really was," Alex agreed, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "I just wish we didn't have to spend so much time apart."

"You two are strong," Caleigh reassured her. "You'll get through it. And besides, it makes the time you do have together that much more special."

Alex nodded, appreciating her friend's support. "Thanks, Caleigh. You're right. It's just hard."

They continued to talk about the trip, their conversation filled with laughter and shared excitement. By the time they pulled up to Alex's place, she felt lighter, more at peace with the separation.

As Alex grabbed her backpack, Caleigh gave Alex one more reassuring hug. "Welcome home, Alex. And remember, I'm always here if you need to talk."

"Thanks, Caleigh. I really appreciate it," Alex said, smiling warmly. "Let's catch up properly soon. Maybe over a nice dinner?"

"Absolutely," Caleigh agreed. "Just let me know when."

With a final wave, Alex headed inside, feeling grateful for the support of her friends and the cherished memories with Bailey that would sustain her until their next reunion.

It was a Friday night, and both Alex and Caleigh had had a particularly grueling week at work. "We need a break," Caleigh declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's go out and have some fun tonight."

Alex agreed wholeheartedly. They got dressed up, putting on their favorite outfits, and headed to their go-to spot, a cozy, dimly lit bar with a great selection of drinks and a lively atmosphere.

From the moment they walked in, the night was filled with laughter. They started with a round of their favorite cocktails, toasting to the end of a tough week. "To surviving another week." Caleigh said, clinking her glass against Alex's.

"Cheers to that!" Alex replied, grinning.

As the night went on, they decided to take things up a notch. "Let's do shots!" Caleigh suggested, her enthusiasm contagious.

Alex, feeling bold and carefree, agreed. They lined up tequila shots at the bar, squeezing the lime wedges and licking the salt. With a quick countdown, they downed the shots, wincing at the burn before bursting into laughter.

Fueled by the tequila, they moved to the karaoke machine in the corner of the bar. "We have to sing a song." Alex insisted, pulling Caleigh towards the stage. Their song was an upbeat, classic pop tune that they had belted out together countless times before.

As the music started, they grabbed the microphones and sang their hearts out, their voices blending in a joyful, if slightly off-key, harmony. The crowd cheered them on, clapping and singing along.

Feeling a rush of exhilaration, Alex decided to take things to the next level. "Watch this!" She shouted to Caleigh over the music. She climbed onto one of the tables, dancing to the beat. The patrons cheered louder, encouraging her wild display. Alex laughed, throwing her arms in the air and dancing without a care in the world.

Caleigh joined in, dancing beside the table and hyping up the crowd. It was a moment of pure, uninhibited fun, the kind that made you forget all your worries.

Eventually, the night started to wind down, and they found themselves back at the bar, chatting with the friendly bartender and some other patrons. They ordered a few more drinks, their conversations filled with laughter and camaraderie.

When they made it back to Alex's apartment, they collapsed on the couch, still laughing. "Tonight was epic." Caleigh said, her voice slurred but happy.

"It really was," Alex agreed, feeling a warm, fuzzy glow. "We should do this more often."

As they drifted off to sleep, still in their clothes from the night out, Alex felt grateful for the friendship she had with Caleigh. The night had been a perfect escape from reality, a reminder of the joy and spontaneity that true friendship could bring.