The Trip to My Heart (BxB)

Chapter 24

Leighton's POV

Being surrounded by the people you love is something you can never replicate. You can't fake happiness around loved ones either; nothing will stop them from knowing the truth. You can try to hide the fact that you have this sorrow encasing you in this dark, black bubble, but there isn't a doubt in my mind that you will fail.

Within one day of being back home, I was hit with question after question about how fantastic the trip was, how many hot guys I talked to, and what saucy things happened while I was away. All I could say was, "totally would recommend." I felt like I was dishonoring.. him.. if I talked about any of the things that happened between us, as if he was just a speck of dirt on my shoe or one night stand. Not even the fact that it was just a "one time thing" crossed my mind while I was in the country of Denmark; I only thought of him as the love of my life, and that he deserved the world and so much more.

It only dawned on me now that I need to get ready for work, seeing as I haven't worked in quiet awhile and I would rather do that, than lay around in my sorrowful thoughts. I think it is finally time for me to face those amazing people and get through the loads of crap I've been sitting through for the past week and a half.

Mother was downstairs, where I believe making her delicious breakfast before she goes back to work as well. I walked from my room enjoying the times of silence around me, until I heard the clinking of pans as well as the sink running. That means the food is ready for me to go eat.

"Mom, you do know it is rude to not invite your lovely son to come eat breakfast with you before you leave," I said in a voice laced with fake disappointment, and her immediate response was to jump back and almost drop the bowl of fruit in her hand.

"Young man, how many times have I told you to stop sneaking up on me. I don't deserve this level of disrespect after raising you for so many years, and I was coming to get you if you would've waited a little bit longer."

I didn't know whether she was mad at me or if she was just done with my crap; in all honesty, it could be all of the above, but it didn't bother me, because I love my mother.

Suddenly feeling the love, I ran what little distance I was away from her, took the bowl out of her hands to sit it on the table, and wrapped her in my arms as tight as I could possible manage without hurting the tiny woman. I didn't want to let her go after a few minutes, but the sound of a growling stomach brought a laugh out of the both of us, and we sat for out breakfast.

"I think I am going to work today. I have had withdrawals from the cafe, and I think it is time to face the madness, already knowing that it is coming."

Mother just looked at my with a smile on her face and recited as if she has been hoping for the day to come for days, "I think it will be good for you. You have needed to get on since we got back."

Nodding, I begin to eat what delicious food was prepared, and it seemed like within thirty minutes, I was done and getting ready for my first day back. I sent a quick text to my manager telling her I will be coming in, because I am sick of being at home, and I expect to work.

I changed into the raggedy red and black uniform, including a horrid baseball cap that doesn't fit me as a person, and while looking at myself in the mirror, I could only imagine what it would look like if I slept like a normal human being and could smile like I meant it. I don't look like myself, but I think it's okay because I have changed into a slightly better person.

With quick goodbyes to my mother and running to get to my car, I get to the cafe right before my shift was supposed to start. I hurriedly got what I needed, which myself, my phone and my "man purse" and ran like the wind to finally see those I have missed since I got back.

What I saw when I walked in wasn't what I had expected. There was nobody there, and everything was gone. How could this have even happened?

I call out to my manager because still, no one seemed to be in the cafe, until, I heard someone shuffling around behind the counter in the kitchen. And man oh man, I never expected to see that face again. I thought I would never see those wonderful eyes again and those beautiful teeth. The hair looking as amazing as always. It was what I had dreams of.

Elliot, my Elliot, was standing behind the counter with a blueberry muffin in hand and the biggest smile anyone could ever muster. He was here, in my cafe, in my little town. I didn't realize that I was crying until the saltiness dripped into my mouth, also not noticing that my mouth was gaping open like a fish.

The next thing I know is that I take off running towards him, jumping over the counter not so gracefully, grabbed him with all the strength I had left in my body, and kissed him as if my life depended on it.

"I can't believe you are here with me. Why are you even here anyways?" I couldn't help but ask, knowing he wouldn't be here without a real reason.

"Your mom texted me within a few weeks of me being home, saying there is an issue here in Kansas. So I took the next flight up here. I had to do things really quickly knowing you might be coming back to work soon, but that's why everything is gone, because the owners didn't have the funds to keep this place going, so they were looking for a potential buyer. Your mother, knowing I had money but mostly wanting me around, texted asking if I was interested. Of course I said yes, because I had already gotten fired from my job, meaning I can finally be around you whenever I want to, especially since your mom said I could stay with you both until I can find a nice sized apartment for me and my puppy. So I am now your new boss and roommate."

I listened so intently, hoping and praying this was all true, but I don't believe Elliot would lie to me. In both shock and love, I kiss him again, just to make sure he was really here. And then I cried.

I never knew my love for someone could be so strong. Every romantic story I've read made me hope for something as real as this, and I can finally say I am happy, so fucking happy.

"El, I can't believe it's you," in the voice of an absolute blubbering mess, "I have missed you so much and I can't believe it is actually you."

"Oh believe it baby, because I am here to stay."

All my thoughts ran to that one part of the sentence, "I am here to stay." He is staying here, with me. I couldn't be happier.

I loosen my grip on him, though still holding on, and look around the place. It looks more modern than before, still keeping the theme of red and black. How much did this cost him? It seemed like it cost a fortune.

"Don't worry about it all, Ley. I bought the place and only renovated on a budget. Don't think about what I spent, because it was all for you, babe," he speaks as if reading my mind.

Who knew a trip to Denmark could be the trip of a lifetime, or even the trip to my heart.

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- Bethie :)