The Trip to My Heart (BxB)

Chapter 18

Leighton's POV

I have come to the conclusion that I don't need to be sad about something I can't change. With four more days in Denmark, I am going to make them count. I need to stop embracing the sadness I feel from the loss of Elliot; I need to think about my mom, my friends, my heart, and my life.

My mom: my life giver, my biggest supporter, my caring, honest, loving, understanding mother; she deserves the world and so much more combined. Back in Kansas, she takes care of me, makes sure I have food on my plate, and everything in between; I feel like I don't appreciate her enough, even though she means the world to me. Just like James did.. Just like how Elliot does.

Going back to Kansas is risky. I might see James. Just the thought of him or his name sends a nasty, cold shiver down my spine. I don't know what I would do if I saw him. I hope I don't, enough sadness and anger, mostly at myself, has run through my veins, and coming face-to-face with him might send me over the edge.

Surrounded by my thoughts, I hadn't realized my mom was stirring in my arms, waking up from her hopefully peaceful slumber. I let her go and do her usual morning stretches, before I ask her the question that has been festering in my head for the past couple days.

"Good Morning, Mom! What should we do today?" I ask, figuring she won't have a clue what our plans should be.

"Ah, good morning, Ley; I have an idea of what we can do," she spoke, sighing thoughtfully.

"Oh, what is it? Does it have to do with food or basic touristy things?"

"Your two guesses were correct. Each day, we will probably travel around Copenhagen, trying widely known foods in restaurants known for a specific dish. I saw it on a website, and apparently, it is one of the main activities tourists do when they travel to this gorgeous country." she said, obviously knowing I would love doing anything food related.

Once we looked up restaurants, cafes, and shops to visit, we argue about who gets the shower first, before I give in and just let her win. Just this one time!

About an hour later and both of us dressed and ready, It's now 12 noon. We hit the road and headed towards our first destination, the restaurant 108, only being ten minutes away from the hotel. Soon enough, we jumped out of the cab and raced towards the door like children would. Not to be cocky, but I obviously won, of course.

The doors immediately opened up for us, and what surprised me the most was the decor. The beauty of this restaurant was unbelievable, and it looked oh so familiar.

An image flashed in my mind of me telling Elliot that I'm gay and crying in the bathroom. Wow, this is the same restaurant we ate at right after we met Elliot! Who knew what big of a distraction he was, that I wasn't able to admire the grace and maturity in this restaurant? It's amazing.

I shake my head lightly, trying so hard to forget about that particular night, and him.

"Hello. Welcome to Noma, or 108, whichever you prefer. I am Nilla, and I am going to be seating and waiting you this afternoon. Right this way," her Danish accent shining through each word, suddenly making me wonder why she is speaking English. As we sit, Nilla asks, "Do you know what you would like to order?"

I open my mouth to speak, when my mother jumps in. "We are here to try and share your most requested dish; surprise us!" and with that, Nilla walks away, letting my mom and I have our "alone" time.