A Little Cinderella Moment

Chapter 44

I said goodnight to Jen and Chase at the beach once everything was cleared away and made my own way home. Checking the time on my phone, I only have a short time slot to call the girls. Soon as I get home, I rush upstairs into my room, I log onto my laptop quickly and start a group video call with them. And just as I thought I am just as confused as when all this has happened.

I guess I just must give it time and see what happens as it could be something. Or it could be nothing. I do hope it's something but only time will tell.

Time flew past quick lately. Halloween is vastly approaching, and I had spoken to my dad and asked if I could spend it back in North Carolina with my friends as I haven't seen them since I moved. He agreed on one condition. I behave myself, don't drink unless supervised by an adult and I keep up with my schoolwork.

Why had he had to give me rules? I don't know. He's just being his overprotective self. I will always love him for it as he only wants what's best for me just like every father wants for their children.

Before I left for North Carolina a few things had happened since the night at the beach. We heard Candace has transferred schools. She is now attending Venice High. Now I know she will be out of Chase's day-to-day life. Berkeley University has been in touch with me, and they have seen more evidence of my performances to make me a shoo-in for a scholarship. How they got more footage I don't know.

It was hard telling my friends I was going back home to North Carolina for Halloween. Jen and Selena threatened to come and surprise me there, but I told them it's fine, and I would be back before they knew it. And Chase, he begged me not to go and when I told him nothing would change my mind, he got Greg and Lucas involved but the answer was still no I was going.

The day of my flight back home has dawned upon us, and I was excited to get on that plane and go home. I was only gonna be away for a couple of days, so I had everything packed in a backpack as I was staying at Ocean's house whilst I am there.

Dad drove me to the airport to only be greeted with a surprise when I walked into the building to check-in. All my friends were in the airport by the check-in counter with a big banner saying come home soon we'll miss you.

I run over to all my friends, and I am engulfed in a group hug. I have never felt as lucky as I am now to have this many friends in one place who care about me.

"What are you all doing here?" I ask everyone.

"Well, Chase came up with the idea that we come and surprise you for a change." Selena said, and Lucas puts his arm over her shoulder, and they smile to each other.

"And also, we wanted to show you how much we care about you and that we will miss you while you're gone." Jen says as she hugs me again.

"That's so sweet of you guys but you do know I'm only going for two days right."

"Yeah, but do you know how long that is for us football jocks? That's at least a lifetime." Lucas says and makes us all laugh.

After I am all checked in and got my boarding pass, I hug the guys again just before I go through security. Chase held on a little longer than everyone else, I had to claw myself out of his tight grip and head towards security.

"I'll be back before you know it and I'll text you as soon as I land."

"Please do otherwise I'll be having this one here go crazy." Jen says pointing towards her brother. And everyone again laughs as Chase nudges Jen. I will admit I am a little envious that I am an only child I would have loved to have had a sibling. But knowing how life has turned out I'm happy with how it is. As I now have all the family a girl could ever ask for.

Once I got through security, I waved bye to my friends before heading into the waiting lounge. I sent a group text to my friends in North Carolina saying I was waiting to board my plane and I couldn't wait to see them.

Boarding my flight, I find my seat and get ready for the five-hour flight. I got my headphones, notepad, pen, and my book out of my bag to entertain myself during the flight. Once I was up in the air, I take out my notepad and start making a journal of my trip back home as I plug in my headphones to my phone and start listening to some music.

Falling asleep on the plane a flight attendant woke me up to inform me that the plane was descending so I need to put my table and electronic devices away and prepare for landing. I couldn't believe I am back home in North Carolina. My plane arrives safely at Raleigh Airport, and I can't wait to get off this plane to stretch my legs and see my girls again after months of being apart.

Since I didn't have to check any bags, I sailed through customs and into the arrivals with all I need in my backpack. Walking through the doors I see my friends and James waiting for me with a banner saying welcome home. What is it with the banners right now? One for when I depart and one for when I arrive.

I run towards the girls like my life depended on it and we all squeal like a bunch of sorority girls whilst leaping into a group hug.

"Oh my god, look at that tan."

"You look gorgeous, California agrees with you."

"Girl life has not been the same without you here we have missed you."

"Guys you have no idea how much I have missed you. We have got a lot of catching up to do and I'm only here for a short time."

"That we do and with tonight we can catch up and then tomorrow night we are all going to a Halloween barn party." We all separate and slowly make our way out of the airport with Ocean's arm linked with mine, Charlotte walking next to me on my other side, and James and Brianna walking hand in hand out towards the exit.

"A barn party? Where? And who's party, is it?"

James pipes up for the first time since my arrival. "My ranch is hosting the big party this year since we got the expansion finished, we have enough room for the party."

"Oh, that's great you guys have been building and renovating since before I left. I'm happy to hear that it's finished."

"Thanks, Sav and I will agree with the girls. North Carolina has not been the same without you."
"Thanks for inviting me to the party, it sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun if you need anything don't hesitate to ask."