Shuck Face (A Dylan O'Brien Story)

Chapter 40

About that time, the back door swung open and Hartley stepped out with Thomas trailing behind her looking like they just rolled out of bed. Considering the time, they probably had.

"Oh good, you already got coffee. I brought breakfast. I figured we needed to come see you one last time before you deserted us for Europe."

My best friend smiled at me as she handed me a bag with my favorite breakfast biscuit in it. Without even thinking, I reached for it with my left hand. She grabbed my hand and flipped it over, palm down, and gasped.

"What the fuck is this shit on your hand?!"

My eyes widened and I gave her a small nervous smile.

"Uhm, I need to tell you about our Santa Barbara trip?"

She pulled one of the chairs close to the swing and plopped down, Thomas doing the same beside her.

"I would say so. Get to talking, bitch."

Dylan and Thomas started cracking up, and I just shook my head.

"Dylan took me to the zoo to play with the penguins, and one of the little cute babies came up with a pebble attached to a tiffany's bag in its beak and dropped it in my hand. The pebble said Will you marry me? And inside the bag was this beauty and a note that said be my penguin. It's on video I think, I'll email it to you."

Hartley started tearing up.

"That's so unbelievably adorable, and fits you perfect Chuck! Oh my god! Congratulations!"

She stood up to hug us both before sitting back down.

"I can't believe my best friend is getting married."

Thomas patted her hand when she really started crying.

"Any idea when it'll happen yet?"

Dylan smiled at me before looking back at our friends.

"Thinking maybe October when Charlie gets back from Europe. She's already got it planned out for the most part."

Hartley gave me a questioning look. I just shrugged.

"T. Pose showed him my pinterest board."

She laughed in understanding. We spent the next hour talking and laughing, trying to avoid the subject of me leaving. When 7:00 hit, I stood up from my chair.

"I gotta go get my stuff and we need to hit the road."

Everyone stood up with somber looks on their faces. I smiled as best I could.

"Cheer up, crackers. We talk all the time anyways. And I will see you all in less than two months. Don't make me cry today please."

So they helped me get my stuff together while I quickly finished dressing and we made our way to Dylan's jeep. Dylan hopped in the driver's seat while I said goodbye to our friends. I gave Thomas a hug before giving Hartley a tight, tearful squeeze.

"Call me when you land."

I nodded. "You know I will. Ya'll be good. I'll see you soon."

I slid in the passenger seat and we drove off to the airport. We got there just around 7:45. The pilot introduced himself and told me all I had to do was grab my things and board and we would be ready for takeoff. So I handed a man my luggage and turned back to Dylan.

"Call me as soon as you land. Face time me when you can, text me all the time."

I placed a kiss on his lips and nodded.

"I will. Be good and come see me as soon as you can."

He kissed me again and hugged me tight.

"You know I will. I love you, Charleston. I'll see you soon."

I pulled away and smiled, blinking back tears.

"I love you too, Dylan."

One more kiss and I headed to the plane, looking back one more time before stepping inside and sitting down.

I took a deep breath as the door closed. My next adventure. Here goes nothing.