Blind

chapter twenty

The airport was bursting with life. Alina could hear hundreds of voices around her, meddling together, creating a cloud of distorted noises.  There was shouting and talking and some occasional laughing. She couldn't make out any conversations. She wasn't paying much attention anyway. She was too excited to care.

"Do you see her?" She asked expectantly. She felt Noah chuckle next fo her.

"Alina, the plain just landed. Give it some time." He said, amusement filling his voice.

Alina frowned, adjusting her grip on his arm. They had arrived at the airport at exactly 5:35 pm. Stellas flight landed at 6:00 pm. Alina was so excited on the way to the airport that she had started singing to all the songs playing on the radio. Even the ones she didn't know.

They've waited for half an hour or so and every minute was making her even more jumpy. Noah was happy too. She could tell. He was making far more inappropriate jokes than usual. He was laughing more too. Alina was glad.

"There she is." Noah said suddenly, lifting one hand and waving at the girl that had just entered the airport. Stellas gaze fell on them and a smile instantly appeared on her face, brighter than a thousand suns. She let out a scream and stared running towards them, completely ignoring the people around her that eyed her weirdly.

Alina and Noah both laughed and seconds later Stella was crushing into them, hugging them at the same time, squeezing the life out of them.

"Oh my God guys!" She squealed. "Oh my God! I've missed you so much!"

Alina smiled hugging her friend back.

"Welcome home Stells." She said patting her back. Stella pulled back sniffing her nose and looked at them.

"Oh for the love of God Stella, why are you crying?" Noah asked even though he was grinning. Stella wiped her eyes on her sleeve.

"I've missed you guys." She said as an excuse.

Alina smiled and pulled her in for another hug.

"I'm really glad you're back." She said squeezing her friend lovingly. Stella chuckled.

"I'm really glad you two didn't kill each other while I was gone." She said.

Noah scoffed.

"There's still time." He said.

Stella glared at him breaking away from Alina. But then she smiled and jumped forward, wrapping her hands around his neck, pulling him down for a hug as well.

"You're a little shit." She to him and Noah smiled hugging her back.

"So I've been told."

After they'd gathered Stellas bags they left the airport. In the car Stella sat in the back seat with Debra, who was quite happy to see her actually,and told them all about her trip. She had met a lot of people and made lots of friends. She learned about their culture and their lifestyle. She had learned a lot as a helping nurse too. The doctors there were kind and hard working. Of Course the conditions weren't always ideal but they got by.

Alina could tell Stella had a great time. It made her happy.

"Ahhh, it's good to be back." Stella said falling back into her seat.

"I hope you're not too tired." Noah said his eyes on the road. "Alina has planned a welcome party for you."

Stella gasped jumping forward, sticking her head between their seats.

"Really?!" She asked excited.

Alina clicked her tongue in detest.

"Well, it was supposed to be a surprise, but obviously Noah didn't quite get that part."