— Josh —
If looks could kill, Tyler would have murdered me at least 8 times since Wren and I entered the airport together. He stood there alone, an unusual sight. Normally, even if Jenna wasn't traveling, she'd at least wait until our plane took off. I hadn't noticed how tightly I was gripping Wren's hand until she gently pulled away.
"Tyler!" she called out, skipping over to him. "Where's Jenna?"
"She stayed home," I replied, watching the smile on Tyler's face fade as he shifted his gaze between Wren and me. Wren looked increasingly uncomfortable. After several minutes of awkward silence, she finally broke the ice.
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I think you and Josh have something to talk about," Tyler said calmly. I could punch him. Instead, I placed my hand on the small of Wren's back and led her away from Tyler for some privacy.
"First of all, I'm sorry again for how I acted in the car," I began.
"It's fine, but why—"
"I love you, Wren."
She froze, her mouth opening and closing a couple of times as she struggled to find words. I noticed her cheeks flushing, and I couldn't help but smile like an idiot.
"Shut up," was all she managed to say. I took her hands in mine, and I could see her starting to tear up.
"I mean it. I love you, and nothing will change that. No matter what happens. Okay?"
Wren crossed her arms and nodded, tears finally flowing down her freckled cheeks. I tried my hardest not to chuckle at how childlike she could be sometimes. I leaned in to kiss her but was stopped by her hand on my chest.
"Don't," she said with a serious tone. "I'm an ugly crier."
"You're not going to kiss me before I leave?" I didn't hide the hurt in my voice. Wren shook her head in response.
"I think it will hurt worse if I kiss you and then watch you go," she admitted with a sniffle. I gave her a sad smile, which she returned.
"So..."
"So. I'll see you later." She gave me a small hug. I held her tightly for a moment before she gently pulled away, wiping her eyes. "Call me when you land."
"I will," I promised. "I'll call you every night, okay?"
"Okay," she nodded. She nudged me away, hinting that I should get ready for takeoff. I slowly walked back to Tyler, who looked at me with sad eyes.
"Doesn't look like she took it very well," he commented. I shrugged in response.
"I'm proud of you for owning up to it, man," he continued, giving me a small smile.
"Thanks, man."
"Let's go, our plane takes off soon." Tyler put his arm around my shoulders as we headed to check our bags, knowing that this tour would test not only our friendship but also my relationship with Wren.
