FALLING IN LOVE AT A COFFEE SHOP | D.H [✓]

Thirty Three

Every day that passed meant our departure date was closely approaching and with every passing day I grew increasingly more anxious to leave. Just the idea of spending the time with Dan as well as my mom was enough to make me want to leave immediately.

Dan and I had already packed our bags and had enough spending money to use throughout the trip. Since my mom insisted on paying for the plane tickets, the least we could do was bring money for everything else as well as treating my mom for a dinner out.

I had never asked how my dad was doing so I had no idea whether he would even be seen during our stay there. Hopefully he was there, I did miss him after all, but I wouldn't want to see him unless he were sober. You'd think he would finally realize he needed help when both his wife and daughter left him.

-

The day to leave was finally here and I was basically jumping with excitement as well as nerves.

This was only the second time I've ever been on a plane, the first time being when I moved to Manchester. I remember being terrified of the whole experience, but at least I had someone with me this time.

"So, you're sure you're okay with being here alone?" I jokingly ask Grace.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be able to manage without you."

"I mean, I doubt you'll actually ever be alone since you're staying with Phil for basically the entire time."

"Oh shut it. He was the one who brought it up, I just didn't question it."

Lately, Phil and Grace had been spending a great majority of their free time together. They both seemed their happiest when they were with each other, which also made me happy. They truly were a beautiful couple.

We lock up the apartment and make our way downstairs to take the bus to the airport. Dan and Phil were going to meet us there before we went our separate ways.

Grace and I chat the entire ride there about my family and what else we may be doing while in Canada. Other than Tim Hortons and my childhood favourite places, I really didn't have any ideas. I'd just see how the trip played out and plan as we go. Normally, I would plan every single day before even thinking about booking a trip, but lately I had been trying to be a tad more spontaneous.

We arrive at the airport and spot Dan and Phil waiting just inside the doors. We talk for a few minutes before Dan and I are about to board the plane.

"Have fun in Canada guys, stay nice and warm." Phil says while hugging both of us goodbye.

"Don't worry, we'll cuddle to keep each other warm." Dan replies while wrapping his arm around my waist.

"You two are so adorable, it's disgusting."

"Says the couple who makes out the moment they think no one is looking."

Phil turns red as Grace simply laughs, "I'll miss you guys. Come back safe."

We board the plane and take our seats. I look over at Dan and smile. He turns to me, "Why are you smiling so much?"

"If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't be on a plane going to visit my mom. I doubt I would have even called her."

"I'm sure you would have called eventually."

"I don't think I would have, you were the main reason I actually did."

"Why though?"

"It probably sounds weird when I say this but, you've changed many aspects of my life, Dan. From the morning we met, my life began to become better. Before you, I just went along with everything without really paying much attention to the fact that if I wanted a better life, all I had to do was change it. You've inspired me to get in touch with my family again, you've inspired me to get back into writing, and I don't think I can ever thank you enough. I'm grateful for you, Dan, eternally grateful."

"I'm grateful for you too, Aria. More than you could ever know." He leans in to kiss me and the kiss probably would have gone on longer if it weren't for the old gentleman clearing his throat beside us.

"I appreciate the fact that the two of you are in love, but could you please keep the PDA to a minimum?"

"Sorry sir." Dan says apologetically, but I can see he's trying to hold in a laugh.

My heart is racing at the man's choice of words. Love? Was I really in love?

I had already accepted the fact that yes, eventually I wanted to fall deeply and unconditionally in love with Dan Howell. But, was I already feeling the emotion? Love was such a foreign concept to me. Of course I had loved my parents, but this was different.

When I was with him, I felt accepted, and happy, and warm. Those were characteristics of love, weren't they?

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Dan asks while nudging my shoulder with his own.

"Hm? Oh nothing. Just zoned out I guess."

"I always wonder what runs through your head when you zone out. You always look like your mind is going a hundred miles an hour."

Boy was he right about that.

-

We had spent the flight talking, watching a movie, and sleeping, which was what we were doing when the plane was about to land.

I woke up to a flight attendant shaking both of us and I began to blush when I realized I was basically laying in his lap. It wasn't my fault he was so comfy. Good thing I didn't drool, or else I'd have a first place spot on my mortifying moments list.

Dan jolts awake when I sit up and I'm grateful he didn't notice how I was using him as a pillow. He starts to rub his arms, "Geez, in cold."

"Really? We haven't even got off the plane yet and you're already complaining about the cold?"

"How do Canadians do this every day of the year?"

"It isn't cold all year round, Dan! We have boiling hot summers too."

"I won't believe it until I experience it."

"You're impossible." I say while laughing.

We get off the plane and wait for our bags to come around at baggage. I start to feel the nerves settle in when I realize I'm actually going to be seeing my mother in a matter of minutes. She insisted on meeting us at the airport so she could drive us to her house.

Dan notices my jitters and wraps an arm around my shoulders and lightly kisses me on my temple. He leans his forehead against it and softly says, "Don't be nervous, okay? She's your mum and I know she wants to see you as much as you want to see her."

"I know, it's just, I haven't seen her in years and we only began talking again a few weeks ago. What if she doesn't recognize me, or once she gets to know the new me she'll leave me again?"

He grabs both sides of my face, "She isn't going to do that. I'm sure she knows what a stupid mistake she made the first time and I doubt she's dumb enough to make it twice. I'll make sure of it."

"Thank you for coming with me. There was no way I'd be able to do this alone."

"I couldn't dream of being anywhere else. Wherever you go is where I'll go too."

We grab our bags and make our way down an escalator. I search the crowd for any sight of my mom but fail to find her. What if she didn't show? What if she backed out last minute?

Before my doubt could reach it's peak, I gasp as I see two faces I could never forget. My mother who looks younger than when she left standing beside a clean cut, sober looking man that could only be my father. Tears well up in my eyes as I see the familiarity of the golden years of my childhood.

I was home.

AN: can we take a moment to appreciate how good Blue Neighbourhood is? I'm so proud of Troye! if you've listened to it, what's your favourite song? 🏡💙