Lonely Together II (Sequel)

Chapter 33

"Looks like that's about it," Justin shut the trunk of his car. "Mike's going to drive my car up for me this weekend. Just so I can get the rest of my stuff in my new place."

I nodded, yawning from how hard I worked today. I leaned against the side of his car and looked up at the sky. The sun was already set, and the sky was taking over in dark blue.

"You going to be ready for tomorrow?" Mike asked me quietly when Justin was on the other side of the car.

I opened my mouth to answer when Justin walked back around to where we were. The three of us stood there awkwardly, waiting for someone to say something.

"Thanks for your help, Jess," Justin scratched the back of his head. "I, uh, I really appreciate it."

I nodded and looked at Mike, who seemed to be staring at his shoes. Justin rubbed his hands over his face vigorously moments before his phone loudly rang. He looked at it, then looked up at both of us. "It's my mom," he answered the phone and mouthed, "one sec," to us.

Justin wandered off to the other end of the driveway while explaining his travels for tomorrow to his mom. I glanced at Mike, who was digging his shoe into the concrete.

"Hey," I took a step towards him. "You okay?"

He laughed a short laugh and nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine. You never answered my question from earlier though," he pushed his hands into his pockets.

I gave him a confused look.

"Tomorrow," he refreshed my memory. "When Justin leaves. Are you ready?"

I glanced over at Justin, who was laughing at something his mom had said. I would miss his laugh more than anything.

"I think I am," I let out a breath. "I've been thinking about it for so long. I think I'm ready to let it happen."

It physically hurt to say the words that had just left my mouth. I meant what I said, but never in a million years did I think I would say it.

"I think the real question is," I paused. "Are you ready?"

Mike's eyes flickered from me to the ground. "I mean, sure," he said hesitantly. "Justin's going to do a lot of great things in New York."

"I know he is," I stated. "but what about you?"

He bit his bottom lip. "I don't really know, I guess," he glanced at Justin and then me. "It's just- I know I haven't known him long, but he's been my only friend since I've lived in Hampstead. I liked being around him a lot."

I smiled to myself, simply because I knew the feeling; I knew it very well.

"Hey," I laid my hand on his shoulder. "I'll still be here."

He looked at my hand that was placed on his shoulder, and then me. He smiled. "Thanks, Jess."

Justin came walking back, and I took a few steps back from Mike. "Listen, my flight takes off tomorrow morning," he explained. "I know it's early, but I really want to see both of you before I leave."

I looked at Mike and nodded my head. "I'll be here."

"Me too," Mike said. "I better get home, goodnight guys."

Justin and I waved as he walked down the street. I watched him until he was completely out of sight. It wasn't until a few moments after that I realized Justin and I were completely alone. "I better head home too," I pushed myself off of his car that I had been leaning on and crossed my arms. "I better get some sleep if I'm going to see you tom-"