Heading south

2. The arrival

The plane landed after what took like forever. The warm breeze tickled my skin. I walked like a zombie towards baggage claim, my parents on either side of me. They tried to make conversation with me but I couldn't muster up the energy to talk, nor the will. He was in my arms, the last time I'd ever see him and he was in my arms.

I grabbed my bag and dragged it over to where my parents bags had gone through. The airport atmosphere was sickening. Nothing was still, noises were heard from every corner. Rushed figures zoomed past me as different flights were called.

Someone grabbed my hand in a second. I flinched at the contact, even though I knew who it was. That is my dad's way of comforting me when he knows I'm not doing very well. I didn't pull away, although I didn't want his affection.
         
We walked out of the airport into the heat of summer, I had no clue where to head, but my dad did. He pulled me along to the curb and opened the door to a silver 5 seat car. "Jo," he said his words laced with sorrow. "You need to get into the car. We are heading out to our new, temporary, but new home."
         
I looked into the car and then back to my dad. With out saying a word I hopped in. The leather interior was hot from the rays of the beating sun.   
          
The driver was a middle aged woman with coffee skin and a tight frown plastered on her face. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight bun. Her wardrobe consisted of a navy pencil skirt and a white ruffled blouse. I heard the trunk slam as my dad was finished loading the bags.
         
My mum got into the car next to me as my dad took shotgun. The car pulled out of the airport and onto the road. I pulled out my headphones and turned on my music, blocking out every  and every thought I could have.

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3 months later
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           After settling into our new life I started talking again. The process was slow and took a lot out of us all. I started school and was flying through. My life was going to plan, with just one little piece missing, Garrett. I push that thought from my mind and continue readying myself for another day of school.

"Jo! Hurry up, you won't have time for breakfast if you keep that pace up!" My mum yells from the kitchen. I laugh a little because she's always done that, but also I still have 25 minutes until the bus came. I rush a little to put my mum at ease.
          
I finish with 10 minutes to spare. I slid down the railing and walked casually into our kitchen. It was a modest size, not too small not too large. I sit at our round table in the middle of the room. I look oven to my mum who is making pancakes.
           
I usually don't get this kind of special breakfast, I wondered what was going on. I knew something was up and I wanted to know. Before I could say anything of it a plate of pancakes is placed in front of me. My mum looks at me with a smile on her face. "Mum, what's going on? You're scaring me. What's with the special breakfast and the rush to get me out the door?" I prod.
         
"Oh nothing dear, it's nothing to be worried about. I just decided to make a big breakfast today." She smiled. I looked up at my mum who was definitely hiding something. "Now eat." She demanded.
          
"Yes ma'am." I joke. She lets out a small laugh and push my head jokingly. I quickly eat my breakfast and grab my bag. On the way out my mum stands in the doorway. I run over and kiss her on the cheek and swing my bag onto my shoulder. I wave to my dad who is sitting in his office, he waves back to me as I walk to the bus stop.

*skip bus ride*
          
The school hallways are packed with students. I fight to get to my locker and only curse a little. NEW RECORD! I open my locker and grab my math textbooks and the book I was currently reading. As I slam my locker shut the bell to first period rings. I hear groans from students. I laugh at the childishness of their actions.
          
I head to class slowly making sure to not get there really early, but also not be late. I put my headphones in and start my music. Rejects by Green Day plays in my ears. I take my seat at the back of the class. The bell rings and I take my headphones out of my ears as I open my notebook and start writing.