A blessing in disguise

Thirty Three

“We’re on a flight back to Florida, I decided to come with you because you seemed like you couldn’t handle traveling alone.”

I would be mad at him for telling me that I can’t handle this, but he was right. Anything I do reminds me of John causing me to break down in tears.

“Thanks.” I said blankly.

He gave me a quick smile and went back to reading his book.

The rest of the flight was uneventful. I had to cringe to my seat every time a thought of John haunted me. Cameron was quick to rub my back and say soothing things to calm me down. I’m thankful Cameron is here, I know he’s always got my back.

When the flight landed I sent Cameron over to luggage while headed over to the airport bathroom. I went into the first open stall and sat down. I didn’t have to use the bathroom, I just wanted some private time to think. I was working through some breathing exercises the hospital therapist taught me when I overheard two girls talking in the bathroom.

“Apparently something terrible happened to his son. On twitter I heard he was staying in his house not talking to anyone at all. He hasn’t showered or anything!” She snickered after her last sentence.

“What about the girl? What happened to her?” Another girl chimed in.

“I don’t know, but if I was her I would just kill myself. Loosing my baby and especially a baby with someone like Zach Porter would be just tragic.” The first girl replied.

Zach Porter? That’s when it hit me. They’re talking about me.

I jumped up from my sitting position on the toilet and ripped the door open. I made brief eye contact with the girls before I bolted out of the bathroom door. I ran down the airport hallway with tears fogging up my vision. I kept running until I slammed into someone. I fell over and made no attempt to get off the ground.

“Oh no, Grace what happened?” It was Cameron.

I was glad that I ran into Cameron instead of someone else, I didn’t want to have to give an explanation to a stranger as to why I’m such an emotional wreck.

Cameron held his hand out for me. I grabbed on and he lifted me to my feet. He wrapped one arm around my waist for support because I was still in tears and unable to walk in a straight line.

Part of me wanted to tell Cameron to stop. I know he is just being a friend, but really all I need right now is Zach. I love Zach and I want to work through this with him. I want to be sitting in his isolated bedroom with him. I want to cuddle all day and whisper things to each other as our hearts healed. But I know that I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t handle looking at Zach. Looking into his eyes and seeing a reflection of John. I did the only thing I could think of, I pushed him away.

Cameron picked up our luggage and loaded them into the taxi. We rode in silence. When we pulled up to my house, Cameron paid the driver and uploaded our bags. My mom wouldn’t be home for another month because her work sent her to Australia. I haven’t even had the chance to tell her about John. The thoughts rushed over me again, I began to break down when Cameron slid his arms under my legs and pulled me into the bridal position. He carried me upstairs and placed me in my bed. He pulled the covers over me and turned the lights off. As he was leaving he mouthed “It gets better”