Second Chances

Chapter One: Thomas

The plane ride to London was delayed by and hour so I decided to pull out my laptop and e-mail some important people back. After boarding the plane, it was announced that the plane would be traveling at a slower speed than planned because of a bad storm. I wasn't upset, though, I just pulled out my headphones and listened to music as I fell asleep.

When the plane finally landed, I quickly exited. I pulled my jacket closer. It was chilly even inside. I grabbed my luggage and headed towards the exit where my family would be waiting for me. I spotted my mum first. I rushed over to them and hugged her from behind. She was startled but quickly adjusted. She turned around and hugged me tightly.
"Look at you! You've grown so much!" She exclaimed looking close to tears. I turned to Ava. She had grown up a lot since I'd seen her last.
"Oh my god! Looked at you! You're different! In a good way," I added as she hugged me.
"You're such a dork. I love you!" I turned to my dad and hugged him as well.
"Let's get you home!" Mum suggested. Dad grabbed a few bags and we headed out to the car. The rain soaked me down to my underwear before we got in the car. It was dark out which didn't help anything. Ava almost slipped three times just from the parking lot to the car. I ran a hand through my wet hair and flung the water on Ava. She glared at me.
"Please tell me that was the rain and not some superhuman sweat," she joked.
"If it was superhuman sweat, would you love me any less?" She held up her fingers, showing a small amount.
"Just a little bit," she giggled. I smiled. It was good to know our relationship hadn't changed over all this time. I side hugged her.
"Are you two buckled?" My mum snapped. We looked at each other before hurriedly snapping our seatbelts into place.
"Yes," we said in unison. Dad laughed and Mum glared at him playfully. We all laughed, even Mum. We reached the house and they helped me lug my stuff upstairs to my old room. I had to get out of my wet clothes first, if I didn't want to get sick. Sadly, almost everything was soaked from the rain. I didn't think to pack them in water proof bags. I took off my shirt and ran halfway downstairs.
"Mum?"
"Yes, love?"
"Are we planning on having any company tonight?"
"I don't think so. Why?" I didn't respond and ran upstairs. I stripped down and managed to find one pair of dry-ish boxer underwear. I pulled them on and shoved half my clothes in the hamper. I then carried the hamper downstairs to the laundry room to dry them, passing my mum.
"Thomas!" she shrieked.
"Yeah, mum?"
"What are you doing?"
"My clothes are all wet. I am taking them to get dried." I responded almost as if I'd get in trouble. Which, I could, I suppose.
"Well, as soon as they're in go to your room. I'll bring them up when they're done. Oh and Natalie said she was coming over. I told her it was okay. I see now, that was a mistake."
"This isn't the worst position she's seen me in," I mumbled.
"What?!"
"I'll be upstairs in my room!" I called as I ran back upstairs. There was a knock on my window and I knew who it was. I opened up the window and pulled her in. I spun her around in excitement. I hadn't seen her since... I don't know when.
"Tommy, why are you in your underwear?" she asked. I didn't respond. I was busy looking at her. I didn't remember her being so gorgeous.
"Tommy?" I shook out of my daze.
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"Why are you in your underwear?"
"I always wear underwear, Nat. I know it's a strange idea for you-"
"Why are you only in your underwear?"
"My bags got soaked through from the rain and this was the only thing I could manage to find dry."
"Oh. Well, it's good to have you home."
"It's great to be home. Ava has grown up!"
"Yep, apparently without you. You look almost exactly the same as the day you started acting," she laughed. I couldn't help but laugh along.
"It's kind of upsetting to my manager who wants to put me in movies with people my age. In other words, don't say that to her." She laughed harder.
"So what do you wanna do?" she asked when she could breathe again.
"Well, until my clothes are brought up and I'm dressed, I'm not allowed to leave this room."
"Fine. I'll go get snacks, you put on a movie." I sat down in front of my old collection. I pulled out one of our old favourites. Chicken Run. Released in 2000 when we were like ten. I put it in the player and plopped into my bed. Soon Nat came back with popcorn, little sour chewy candies, and liquorice. Just like before.