Met by Coincidence...Separated by Destiny...

Making it Work

Jo's Point of View...

I stand outside the airport, Hero's warm hands still lingering on my skin from our hug, his smile before entering the airport has taken a permanent spot in my heart.8 It's 9:55 PM, and his flight takes off in another 5 minutes. Surprisingly, Lucas agreed at the last moment to accompany us to the airport. There was no exchange of words of comfort between the two brothers, just a nod of appreciation from Hero towards Lucas. Nothing else. But I take this over anything. Having Hero back in my life would mean having Lucas get back on, at least speaking terms, with his brother, whom I date and someday plan to marry and have his kids.

I smile at the idea of someday carrying Hero's kids. Love the process of conceiving them. Just the thought alone gives me goosebumps. We just got back together, marriage and kids can wait another few years.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I forgot the time. "Jo, it's 10:05 PM. Let's go, he will call once his flight lands."

I nod and walk back with Lucas to his car in the parking lot. We get comfortable inside the car and Lucas starts the engine while I try to put on the safety belt.

"You..Ok?"

I see Lucas's eyes, full of concern and nothing but sincerity. I nod and smile, calming him as he pulls the car out of the parking space.

But am I calm? Am I really OK? The last time we tried doing long distance, it pulled us apart, making us both hurt in the process. We were of the same age, yet somehow I feel more mature going into long-distance this time. I don't know what has changed, what's the difference now, but somehow I feel, we will make it work this time.

Hero calls soon after his flight lands in Durham letting me know that he has safely reached. We continue to talk while he gets an Uber to his apartment. As soon as he reaches his apartment, the call disconnects, but he quickly dials again only this time, it's a video call, not a normal phone call.

I see him smile yet the exhaustion was quite evident on his handsome face. We talked for some time more while I saw Hero dozing off on his bed, before his phone hit the mattress. I end the call hoping to talk to him the next day before his practice match. 

>>>6 weeks into LDR<<<

Hero's point of view...

Practice lately has been brutal. Coach is stretching all the players to their maximum limits so that we are well prepared for the upcoming tournament.

I enter my apartment, drop my practice kit in the living room, and walk to the bedroom. I quickly strip my practice Jersey off my body and climb into my bed in nothing but my black boxers. 5 missed calls from Jo. And 2 messages. She must have called while I was in the shower back at the university. 

Quickly I dial back my girlfriend's number and she picks up on the third ring.

"Hey", she smiles on the phone. I can hear her happiness from the call itself.

"Hey..sorry I was in the shower when you called. How are you?"

"I am doing just fine. Missing my handsome boyfriend."

I smile at Jo's playful tone. I do miss her, maybe even more than she can imagine.

"So, the holidays are coming up. Any plans for you to take a trip back home?"

Jo laughs at my lame attempt to know if she will be spending the vacation with me.

"Well, let's see, my mother is out visiting her cousins, Lucas's mom and your father will be in New York regarding that new cancer treatment, and your mom will be visiting Charleston with her friends, so I should be free."