Diana: 4 months in the UK

(2)

Song of the chapter: 
 -Pompeii by Bastille
  -American Dream by MKTO
   -Ignition (remix) by R Kelly
    -Oath by Cher Lloyd ft Becky G

I wipe my greasy hands clean and pick up my phone that was vibrating away. Before I answer, I make sure that I have no food in my mouth. My mother is the police when it comes to stuff like that.

"Mum! Where are you?" I try my best not to sound like a lost 5 year old.

"I'm so sorry baby. I got called in last minute and I couldn't turn it down." I could practically taste the salt of my tears that flowed down my cheeks faster than a riptide. Since dad died, we had been struggling financially so whenever there were any extra shifts available, mum would take them by the handful.

"It's okay, mum. I understand.  I really do." I couldn't help feel a sense of anger rise within me but I shook it off.

"No it's not. I wanted to be the last one to say goodbye and have a movie like farewell because I'm sappy for things like that." That part made me smile.

Whenever mum and I would see a horribly romantic movie, she would come out of the cinema balling her eyes out. I would just look at her weirdly because I had never connected emotionally to the characters or their situations because I have never been in love.

"I just want you to know that you are an amazing daughter and if it weren't for you, Dustin and Gracie, I wouldn't be as strong as I am today." I felt her voice break through the phone.

"It's alright mum, you don't have to cry." In all honesty, I wanted my dad with me right now. I wanted his soothing voice to tell me that I will be fine and that he loves me. I wanted his bulky arms to protect me from all bad things. I wanted him back.

"Wait. Where did you put my luggage? You know I can't survive for 4 months with $50." I didn't just have $50. I had my card which had about $2000 on it which I had saved up. 

I hear a soft chuckle. "Yeah, I know Dee. I already handed it in but I gave your carry-on bag to Customs. They promised to look after it until you came." Well on the bright side she didn't take my 4 month’s worth of books and clothes.

"Okay, I'll head over there now." I gather the rest of my fries and burger then rise from my table.

"Have a safe flight baby girl, I love you." I stop and let the words sink in for a few seconds. It was long enough to hear the sadness in her voice, long enough to hear my heart crack, long enough to release the tears again.

"I love you too mum." I manage to say between sniffles. And with that, she was gone. I had to sit down again to pull myself together. I look around to see if anyone was witnessing my break down and saw that no one was thankfully. 

I check the time, 6pm. My flight leaves at 6:30pm and I still needed to get my luggage from Customs which was on the other side of the terminal. Great, looks like my best friend exercise is going to be a killer. 

I power walk faster than Kath and Kim. I bump into angry tourists and stressed families who are in my way. I apologize to them as soon as I make contact and continue on my way. 

Something makes me stop in ky tracks. I see a family of 4 wave goodbye to a girl my age. They exchange long hugs and heartfelt words outside the airport tunnel. The girl says goodbye to her little brother who looks like he is going to cry once more. He reminds me of Gracie. She then turns to her sister who looks to be in her early 20's. She reminds me of Dustin. Her mother is next. They hold onto each other for a long time, suggesting that they're almost like best friends. She reminds me of my mother. And lastly, she turns to her dad who welcomes her with wide arms for one last time. He kisses her on the forehead as her sequin blue eyes sparkle with tears. He reminds me of my dad.