All Roads Lead Home (Book #1)

Chapter 8

"Jay, I don't want to go. I can't be with you if I'm in Long Island with some random foster family," I say to him as I shove some more clothes into my bag. "We'll only be able to call and text each other," I say as I zip my charger into one of the side pockets on my backpack.

"Then we'll call and text Krys," Jay says as he hands my sweater to me. "It's only for a month. It'll be okay," he says as he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into a bear hug.

I lean into the hug and let out a deep sigh. His hugs can always make all my fears disappear. I shake my head in frustration and Jay lets out a small groan, making his chest rumble against my back.

"A lot can happen in a month Jay," I say as zip my bag up. "You might find someone who is prettier than me that you'd rather be with. A lot can happen..."

"Do you honestly think that if I found someone that was prettier than you, which is impossible by the way," he says as he turns me around to face him, "that I would leave you?"

He nudges my chin with his thumb to make me look up into his eyes. "We've been together for 4 years now Krys. We've been through a lot of shit that would have torn other couples our age apart. Nothing is going to happen, okay," he says as he gives me a kiss.

"Okay," I say after returning the kiss. "Just promise me one thing," I say as I step out of his arms so I can pick up my bag to leave.

"Anything," he says as he picks my bag up from the bed and walks towards the door with me.

"Don't forget to come and get me when this month is over. I don't want to spend one extra day in Long Island."

"Done," he says as he slings my bag over his shoulder. "I'll be there bright and early on your 18th birthday with bells and whistles," he says with a small chuckle. "Nothing will stop me from bringing you back home with me baby," he says as we get to the top of the stairs.

"Good," I whisper as I look down the staircase that seems to have no end. "Will you come visit me too? You don't have to because it's a pretty long drive and I know your truck..."

"I'll come visit. I'll borrow dad's car and come down. We'll make a weekend of it, I promise," he says when he takes my hand as we walk down the stairs.

I nod my head. "Thank you. Make sure you call or text me every day, even if you're half asleep okay?" I ask as we get to the bottom of the stairs.

"Nothing will stop me. I can't say you'll be able to get full conversations out of me when I'm tired, but that's nothing new," he says with a laugh as he hands my backpack to Ms. Thompkins to be put in the car.

"I love you Jay, so much," I say as I wrap my arms around his waist. He returns the hug and plants a kiss on the top of my head.

"I love you too," he says as the rain begins to fall lightly again. "You should get going. A storm’s starting and your caseworker is waiting," he says with a sad tone in his voice.

Jay leans down for a kiss and I give him just a quick one. I can't do this. I can't just leave.

I climb into the passenger seat of the car. Just as we begin to pull away the clouds open and the storm begins.

I look at the mirror and watch as the image of Jay and the rest of my family is slowly being washed away by the rain. This is going to be a long month.