Take Me Away | ✓

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P H O E N I X

The lights inside the airport were blinding. The billboards were even brighter. My eyes squinted at the rolling text, sighing when I saw the delayed symbol next to the flight to NY. It seemed like there was still another two and a half hours to go.

I pulled out my phone to call my mom but it just went to voicemail. I also texted my dad to let him know I'd be arriving a little later. Then it was just a matter of waiting for the time to pass.

I had done a number of things that day. Aside from packing the last few things in the morning, I went to the cemetery. The last time I'd been there was for Sam's grandma's funeral. A lot had happened after the service, at Zach's place and later. My face heated up just thinking about it.

Shaking my head of any thoughts, I placed the flowers I'd brought at the head of Matt's tombstone. Since I wasn't much of a fan of talking to myself, I stood there a while longer before leaving. I face-timed Elsa, she'd already left a week earlier having been offered a place in University in England. It hadn't been long at all but I found myself missing her bubbliness. But then I still had Jay and Chloe whom, when I returned back home, helped me to pack my suitcases into the back of my mom's car.

"I heard that New Yorkers bite ten times more people per year than sharks do." Jay announced.

"I'll bear that in mind." I laughed.

"Are you sure you want to go now?" Chloe asked. "You still have the whole summer ahead of you."

"Why, Chloe? Worried I won't look after you as well as Phee?" Jay flung an arm around and pulled her close. Ever since he'd found out about the pregnancy, he'd become even more protective. "Uncle Jay is still here."

She rolled her eyes lightheartedly. "I'm just going to miss Phee."

"It's not like she's going to go live in New York." Jay turned to me. "Are you?"

"It's been brought up." I admitted. Dad had hinted at it a couple of times, including going to college over there. "But I haven't decided anything yet."

"Good, you're not leaving without saying goodbye."

They both threw their arms around in a tight embrace. I was touched by their words and actions, forcing down the lump in my throat. "Thanks, guys. For everything."

After my suitcases were hoisted into the back of the car, I was all set to go. There was no point in everyone coming to the airport so my mom drove since I still didn't have my driver's license. It was relatively quiet on the way there. I remembered another time. The time when my mom picked me up from the police station. She'd been mad and my head was all over the place so it looked like nothing had changed for me.

As for my mom, the look of disappointment had disappeared and worry now lined her features. "You know what to do when you get off?"

"Yes."

"Your father will be there. Call me as soon as you land."

"I will."

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Mom, you're the one who suggested this and besides, the tickets all booked."

She sighed. "I know. You must be excited."

"I guess."

"You'll get to meet Khoni's daughter. I hear she's around your age. And you'll meet Khoni, of course."

"I'll let you know how they are beforehand." I reassured.

She laughed which had me almost do a double take. I hadn't heard my mom laugh in a very, very long time. "I'm not asking you to spy for me. I want you to know it's okay to feel a little out of place at first. But you'll adjust. We all will."