This Too Shall Pass

Chapter 21

It's been a week and a half, and Dad, Signe and I are walking through the airport with the Fishbach's. Cat, Claire, Myah and Shannon are all having a sleepover, with Carson over for a few hours, and I have headphones plugged in, talking to them. I still haven't told them I'm coming home. I want to surprise them myself.

Eventually we reach the gate and I hang up the call and pull the earbuds out to say my goodbyes to Annabelle, Amy and Mark.

Daddy hugs Mark, Signe cries with Amy, and Annabelle and I stand awkwardly, staring at each other before running into each other's arms, my head buried into the crook of her neck and her lips pressed to my fading green hair. I listen to her heartbeat and steady breathing as tears come to my eyes. I really missed her, and now who knows when I'll see her next?

"I'm really gonna miss you, Claire." Annabelle whispers, her voice cracking slightly.

"I'm gonna miss you too. You're my best friend and I hope I'll get to visit again soon..." Which is true, Annabelle is my best friend, even though she's a full 3 years older than I am. Suddenly something registers in my head. "Dad said he wouldn't be around for my birthday, but my birthday is next month."

I feel Annabelle smile and she chuckles slightly. "Yep." She pulls back and looks into my eyes, "He couldn't bear to miss it, so he filed in, and they released him early. It happens to 26 soldiers a year, Jack got lucky."

I cry softly and pull her into another hug. "I love you so much, Annabelle. Call me every chance you get." She nods and holds me tighter before we separate for food this time, forcing me to move on to Mark, who crouches down slightly and opens his arms for a hug, I run into them and crash into his chest, causing him to stumble back slightly. He chuckles and holds me tightly.

"Thank you, Markie..." I whisper, "so much. I love you and I'm gonna miss you so much."

His voice cracks as he replies, "Anytime you need me, call. I love you." He pulls back and kisses my forehead slowly before stepping away for Amy to take his place. She slowly pulls me in to a comforting and gentle embrace. Soon though, we are both collapsed on the floor crying together, not wanting to let go of each other. Amy has been there for me through everything in this hectic and emotional 8 1/2 months. I look up to see Signe, running mascara and all, hold a hand out to me, I take at as she lifts me up. Amy stands as well.

All of us go in for a group hug. Crying softly and mumbling 'I love you's And 'I'll miss you's. Signe and dad pull their camera's out to film and take pictures of everyone together for the last time. Our flight number is called and we exchange final goodbye's and hugs reluctantly before making our way into the tunnel. I wave goodbye to everyone and yell goodbye one final time before taking my seat in the plane, in between Signe and Dad. I look at the floor, upset to leave the people I've considered family for the past 8 months, but overjoyed to return home to my friends, Signe and my father.

Before I know it, I'm awaken by the speakers telling us to prepare for landing. I re-buckle my seat belt and straighten up in my chair. I look to see Signe and Dad holding hands in my lap. The dont notice that I've awoken and I smile softly to myself.

I've missed this, so much.

I pull out my phone and send a text to the group chat.

Claire🍀

Guess who's coming home?