The Miles Between Us

Claire's Perspective

Wow, he looks even better than the last time I saw him. And he was so friendly at the airport. Although, I hope he didn't notice I was really nervous when we were talking. After two more hours, we finally arrive to the Ruiz house. It's warm and cozy, just as I remember it was last time I was here. They show us were will be staying and we all say goodnight. I change into my pajamas; grab my toothbrush and head to the bathroom. I open the door and just as I step out of the bathroom, Braden appears and we collapse.

Claire: I'm so sorry. I didn't see you.

Braden: No, it was my fault. I wasn't paying any attention. I'm the one who's sorry.

Claire: "No, no I can be really clumsy sometimes", she said between laughs, "let's forget it and say it wasn't anybody's fault."

Braden: Yeah, I think it is a good idea.

Braden: Ummm so...goodnight.

Claire: Yeah, goodnight.

Braden: See you tomorrow.

Claire: Yeah, tomorrow.

And that night, just like all the other nights, I dream about him and how everything could be if we were together.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The next morning I was the first one ready of all my family, as always. So I decide to go upstairs for breakfast and find Braden sitting in a long white stool at the kitchen counter. His back is to me and suddenly I get so nervous that I feel dizzy. I don't know what to do. Should I go and say hi like a normal person or just run away before he notices me like the chicken I am? But then I think to myself: you never do anything exciting and you'll never get anywhere if you keep running away! What kind of journalist will you be if you keep running away every time you face an awkward situation? So I start walking toward Braden until I'm near enough to do something other than stare.

Claire: Good morning!

Braden: Hi, good morning!

Claire: You were up early.

Braden: Yeah, I couldn't sleep that much yesterday.

Claire: Oh, I'm sorry you had a bad night.

Braden: Don't worry, I mean it was worth it.

Claire: Really, how so?

*Braden stays quiet for a while until...*

Braden: Ummm, well I stay up all night thinking about this girl I really like.

Claire: Really? Well, ummm, she's a lucky girl.

*I knew he liked someone else, now all my hopes are officially crushed! Well, what else could I had expected? He liking me? How stupid I am *

Braden: Yeah, she's amazing.

Claire: I can imagine.

Braden: Can I tell you a little secret? But promise me that you won't laugh.

Claire: Umm yeah I promise.

Braden: Well, this girl, you know her. I mean you really know her.

Claire: Wait, what? How can I know her? I mean, we live in different countries and know different people....

Braden: It's you! Because you're the girl I like.

*Claire stares at Braden for a long time and Braden breaths nervously. *

Braden: Umm, not to put any pressure on you but could you say something, please? I'm dying over here, you know.

Claire: Do you really mean what you just said?

Braden: Of course I mean it. I shouldn't have said anything. It's obvious that you don't fell the same way. I'm so stupid! I should've keep my mouth shut.

Claire: What? No. I'm so glad you said it. I mean, I kind of feel the same way but I was afraid of telling you and then get rejected.

Braden: Really? This is amazing.

Claire: Yeah, this is perfect.

After those confessions, we prepare breakfast for the family and exchange glances during the entire meal. That day we travel to the city. The entire time, we stay together and he shows me the history behind places and some memories. This is the first time we really connect.