So High School (Chris Evans) 18+

13

There is a wave of relief as I sit in my seat on the plane while it takes off, finally able to put my headphones in once we're in their air and listen to my music. Libby's meeting me at the airport once I get in and then I'll be staying with her and Jake at their house. They now live in Maynard as they didn't want to move too far from family. 

I listen to my playlist, mainly songs from 1999 - I remember a few being played while I was in Boston, and they just make me still think of that time even now. 

They make me think of my time with Chris...

I still have the card, taking it once again from my purse. I'm not expecting anything to happen while I'm staying, but to regain some kind of connection with him again when it was basically severed at Thanksgiving. He wants to see me so that's a good sign at least. 

I try and sleep on the plane, but find it hard so I know jet lag will be a fantastic part of my stay for the first few days - but the excitement sets in once the captain announces that we're coming into land. Boston below us. 

I grab my bags, freshen up a little and then go find Libby in arrivals. She's there with Jake and sprints towards me once she sees me, smacking into me and giving me the tightest hug. "Ok, you look sooooo much better than you did last time you were here". She takes me in, Jake now coming over and taking my bags. 

"Thanks, and thanks again for getting me here". 

"Ah it was no problem, and technically not even me but..." she stops, looking like she shouldn't say anymore. 

I frown at this. "What you mean? Not even you?" 

Jake groans. "I swear you can't keep your mouth shut ever". 

"She was never good at keeping secrets" I smirk and look at her. "Libs?"

She huffs and looks at her feet. "Fine...I was talking to Chris and said that I was gonna get you a ticket out here for your birthday, but he told me that he'd pay to fly you out and to not tell you that it was him. I think he didn't want you to think that it was out of pity or to even give the wrong impression. So yeah...he was the one who paid for your ticket..."

I don't really know what to say. He thought I'd take his gesture the wrong way, but really I haven't, and I don't intend to. 

"I should thank him". 

"No!" Libby says quickly. "I'll never hear the end of it". 

"I need to. He won't be annoyed with you, but it's just the right thing to do. But thanks again for getting me out here. You can't expect Chris to take all the credit". I wink. 

She grins at this. "It was a joint effort, we'll leave it at that. Anyway, how was your flight? It was a little earlier than scheduled". 

"The earlier the better. I just couldn't wait to be back to be honest". 

"You gonna see Chris while you're here?" She now asks the question that I think she's been waiting to ask since I arrived. 

I nod. "Yeah, depending on when he's back. He's still filming I think". 

"I don't know, haven't spoke to him for a couple of weeks. He's in Concord now so we only really see him when Lisa has a gathering or they come to ours for one. He tends to keep himself to himself when he's back mainly". 

"I don't blame him for that". 

Really I don't. With his job and being in the public eye he probably just wants some normality. I'm glad he can have it here as Libby now tells me that no one really bothers him when he's at home. I saw it at the wedding, people would say hello but other than that, they weren't intrusive at all. 

We get back to Libby and Jake's, the pair asking me whether I want to nap first and eat, or eat then nap. I choose the second and unpack while they wait for the takeout to arrive. They wanted to pay but I insisted considering that they're allowing me to stay with them. 

I quickly text Chris as well, letting him know that I'm here. 

Tam: Just letting you know I'm here. Hope you're ok x

I'm not expecting a reply, and get on with the rest of the day that I have left before I completely crash out. I see Libby just watching me with a smile as I eat. "What?"

"You seem relaxed, you don't look tired or on edge. You're eating". She smiles. "You just look like Tamsin again". 

I dab one of my fries into some ketchup. "I feel like me, better than I have done in a while actually. I don't remember what things were like before I got with Daniel. Like, I look back now and I finally see what everyone was talking about. I didn't have a life because it revolved around him mainly, and even more so after we got engaged".  I sigh now, "I feel like I just wasted those years when I could've done what I wanted". 

"You're doing it now, you're getting your life back". She replies. "And who knows? You might take it in the direction you want now you're back here for a while?" Her look is knowing. 

"I..." I begin and shake my head. "I don't think I'm ready to jump into something so soon again, and I didn't come here expecting anything either - if that's what you mean and who you're thinking about". 

She nods. "Understandable, but what if he asked if there was a chance to start something? Would you?" 

It's a tough question. "I don't think that he would". 

"Tams...him getting you your ticket here? It says enough to me". 

I shrug. "I want to say yes, there is a chance if it were to come around. But...I don't know, after everything I'm just a little scared". 

"He's not like that, you know he would never dream of doing what Daniel did". 

I know that too, and soon after Libby changes the subject, sensing my discomfort. I head to bed not long after and see that there's a message on my phone. 

Chris: I'm good, hope the flight was ok

Tam: It was, thanks for getting me over here, you didn't have to. 

Chris: I knew Libs would rat me out! 

Tam: You know she can't keep her mouth shut. But again, thank you. I appreciate it a lot. 

Chris: I'm glad, and you're welcome. I can't wait to see you. 

Tam: When you back?

Chris: Beginning of next week. Not long but long enough for me. 

It can't come quick enough.