Just A Little Different

Chapter 27

I carried my sleeping Ian into the apartment. He was so light. I didn't like that very much. He was probably skipping meals, despite me telling him he had to eat. I had spoken to my mom just days before. I explained that I felt like I had made the wrong choice and I needed to be with Ian. She was very understanding and, for the first time, I got on a plane by myself. That's another reason my mom was one of the best. She was always very understanding. At first I felt torn between staying and coming back, but I knew when I came home that I had made the right choice. I messaged Adam right away. I promised to get a job and help around the house if they would be willing to let me stay.

Ian was asleep when I got into the car. I was disappointed at first, but then I realized it was going to be a nice surprise for him when he woke up. Now I was left with the task of bringing him to his bedroom without dropping him, which Adam so kindly pointed out to me as soon as I stepped inside. I brought him into the small room and laid him gently on the bed. I smiled down at his sleeping face before heading back into the kitchen.

"This is a nice place," I commented, looking around.

"Well, it isn't much, but I'm glad we have it," Adam replied.

"I can't believe how a month of being away could make everything seem so familiar, yet so different."

"I think the same thing every time I go on vacation with my parents," Ambrew told me. I sat down at the table, then remembered my suitcase was still in the trunk of Adam's car.

"Dang it!" I exclaimed.

They seemed to know what I yelled about, because they exchanged a glance and snickered. "I'll go get it," Ambrew offered. "You just sit there and take a break. You must be tired after the flight."

"Yeah, but I can do it. I won't be sleeping for a while."

~~~~~~~~

I woke up to the sound of laughter in the kitchen, Adam and Ambrew, and...someone else? I looked out the window. The sun was was hanging in the sky, not quite ready to set. A few clouds dotted the sky like fluffy white cotton candy. I continued to listen to the voices in the kitchen, but my head was foggy from sleep and I could not recognize the other voice. I groaned. I don't want to get up. I stretched, stood up and rubbed my eyes.

It's so freaking hot in here, I thought. Stupid beginning of summer. I searched for an elastic and tied my hair back into a ponytail. Then I made my way to the kitchen. Adam and Ambrew looked at me and the third person turned around, following their gaze. My heart leaped into my throat as his bright green eyes met mine. A huge smile crept across my face. He stood up and made his way over to me. "Ben..." He wrapped his arms around my waist and a huge smile lit up his face. "How did you..."

"I talked to my mom," he murmured. "I couldn't bear to see you breaking down every night. I also talked to Adam. But I told him to keep it a secret. I wanted to surprise you."

"Well, I...I'm definitely surprised," I admitted. "When did you get here?"

"I asked Adam to pick me up after school." I looked past Ben to Adam, who gave a mischievous smirk. "I wanted to see you then, but you were fast asleep." He pulled me into a tight hug. "Gosh, I missed you."

"I missed you too." I buried my face into his chest, taking in his sweet scent. I felt him rest his chin on my head and his fingers run through my hair. "I promise, I will come back, and you'll be the first person I want to see." His words rang through my head. It had been a short wait, but to me, it felt like a lifetime. I didn't let go for a long time. We stood there in silence.

Eventually, I pulled away and looked up at him. He kissed my forehead. "You know, it was hard, leaving my mom. But I know it was worth it. I belong here, with you."

I smirked. "I promise I'll do whatever it takes to keep you here. It was getting difficult for me to keep my sanity." Though I was exaggerating, that was how it felt.

"I will always be here Ian. We can argue as much as we want, there's no way I'm leaving you again. I'm not as strong as I seem. You weren't the only one feeling torn." For the first time, I realized he looked tired, maybe not just from the long flight back, but from lack of sleep.

"Come on," I whispered. "You need to rest.