Long Distance

Plane.

[Aria]

The past two days went by in a flash. Unfortunately, the day I've been dreading for two months has finally come and I could barely keep my emotions together. Sighing, I zipped up my first bag of clothing and laid it on the floor.

While I gathered the rest of my belongings, my eyes shot up towards the door cracking open. Mason came into view giving me a sad smile as he shut the door behind him.

He took a seat on the edge of the bed while I continued to pack my clothing using every power in my body to keep me from bursting into tears at any moment.

[Matthew]

I huffed as I hauled my suitcase into the main lobby instantly greeted by the depressing mood radiating off of everyone. I still couldn't believe Mason was leaving. He was so much more than my best friend, he was my brother. I could still remember the day we met in the first grade. It was my first day at a new school and a group of 3rd graders decided to tease me.

I remember being shoved onto the mulch covered ground of the playground and the entire class surrounding me in laughter. A hand soon came into view offering to pull me up which I took.

"Are you okay?" The dark haired boy asked pulling me out of the chaos.

"I think so," I shrugged off the dirt covering my new Ninja Turtles shirt.

"My name's Mason but you can call me Mase," the boy smiled bringing his hand up to meet mine in a high five.

"I'm Matthew but you can call me Matt," I smiled.

[Mason]

Today's the day. Yes, I still had the car ride back but that wasn't a lot of time to spend with everyone. I wish I could stay but it's out of my hands. I just hope this year goes by quickly.

I was currently standing in the center of Aria's room, my arms wrapped around her and hers wrapped around me. She sobbed into my shirt and I couldn't help but ache at the pain I was causing her. I didn't want to leave. I could already feel the misery awaiting in New York.

"I'll be back before you know it," I tried to lighten the mood. Soon after, her breathing had settled and she pulled away wiping her eyes and nodding.

She didn't say anything but instead brought her lips up to mine. After a few minutes she pulled away and I kissed her forehead reassuringly.

______________

After receiving hugs from everyone and taking several pictures, we piled into the cars and began our drive home. Fortunately everyone wasn't as bummed anymore knowing I'd be back on breaks and such.

Aria was asleep three hours into the ride and I smiled at the way her thick, long eyelashes fluttered due to the strong air conditioning. I took a sip from my coffee and continued onto the highway.

It killed me knowing that I wouldn't have moments like these soon. But in some weird and messed up way, a small part of me was glad to be moving. That maybe, just maybe this would be good for me. Maybe it would actually be a great opportunity.

A few more hours into the drive Matt offers to take over and I give in, needing a little shut eye. I wake Aria up so she can sit in the back with me as Madison takes her spot in the front. As soon as we start driving again Aria leans into me and immediately falls asleep again, and a while later I do to.

______________

[Aria]

Everyone fled to their homes upon our arrival except for Mason who decided he wanted to spend his last couple of hours with me. His flight didn't leave until 5pm so we had plenty of time to do things together.