Long Distance

Bag.

[Aria]

My heart raced while my right foot tapped impatiently against the tile floor. People spilled out through the gate and each time I hoped it was Mason.

"He should probably be here any minute?" Ms. Edwards reassured after more and more people began to exit. As if on cue, the gate opened and out walked Mason, his eyes wandering around until landing on mine.

He looked different. His arms were even more muscular than before, his beard had grown out and was lined up making him look hotter than he already was, and his hair was in a longer quiff.

I was snapped out of my drooling when he approached me, wrapping his arms around me. I instantly breathed into his chest, taking in his familiar cologne that I loved so much. It was this moment that made me realize I missed him. I missed him more than anything.

After a minute I pulled back directing my gaze up towards him.

"I missed you," I whispered.

"I missed you more babe," he connected his lips with mine setting off the sparks I hadn't felt in weeks. That moment felt reassuring, it reminded me that Mason and I were meant to be, and nothing was going to change that.

[Mason]

I pressed my lips against hers instantly being engulfed in every feeling I had ever felt while being with her. All the love I had for her was hitting me like a wave and I didn't want to pull back.

Regardless of all the romantic feelings I was experiencing, there was a smudge of guilt penetrating from deep down. There was nothing I wanted more than to just be with her and be the old me. I didn't want to be the guy I've become while being in New York.

_______________

"SURPRISE!" Everyone screamed as I stepped into Aria's house, my suitcase in hand. I couldn't fight the smile that made its way onto my face at the sight of all my friends, especially Matt and Alex.

I dropped my bags and they immediately engulfed me in a hug.

"Dude, we missed you!" Matt exclaims.

"Look at you! You look like a man now." Alex says.

I hug Madison next and look around to notice we're short a person.

"Where's Kris?" The room is engulfed in an awkward silence and Aria replies.

"She, um, couldn't make it."

I can tell there's something she's not telling me but I decide not to question it.

"So," I say, trying to lift the mood up. "What'd I miss?"

[Aria]

As the boys make themselves comfy on the couch Madison and I head to the kitchen to get some snacks.

"Do you think I should've invited Kris?" I ask, feeling guilty.

It was weird questioning whether or not I wanted someone who I considered my best friend around but things between Kris and I are weird now and although I desperately want her to be my best friend again I just don't know if I'm making the right choice. It's like I don't even know her anymore and we're complete strangers.

"Look Ar, what Kris did was really shady and you have every right to be mad at her," she replied making me feel a bit better. "But, you were best friends and everyone deserves a second chance."

I nodded in response knowing I had to make things between us like they were. I hugged Maddy before whipping up a few nutella sandwiches and returning to the living room. I laughed at how quickly the sandwiches were snatched from the plate and shoved into everyone's mouths.