Water Under The Bridge?

Part 1

   The drive to IAH was quiet, neither of us wanting to break the silence. Oz would reach over every now and then to squeeze my hand to pull me out of my thoughts. It was his way saying everything was gonna be okay. As much as I wanted to believe that, I knew it was gonna be awhile before that would be true.

   My emotions were pulling me in so many different directions, I haven't had peace of mind for the past week. I was angry, nervous, frustrated, scared, nauseous, and most of all in a tremendous amount of emotional pain. I felt hurt and broken hearted, defeated in a sense. I was arguing and confusing myself to no end. If any one could have heard my thoughts they would have presumed I was extremely Bi-polar.

   I was heading home for the first time in over a year. I have no clue what to expect or how I'll be received. i was pretty clear with my family the last time we were all together that I was upset with them. I probably didn't say it in the nicest way possible either. Not to mention I told them they should have just kept their mouths shut and that they should have minded their own business. On the other hand it was exactly what some of them were waiting for to take the upper hand. Now my other family and I felt that we were being forced to face them, but with a great blow to our pride and courage. We were all coming together to mourn the loss of a great man...My grandfather.

   Jerked from my thoughts by Animal singing in my back pocket.

"Mamaaaaaa... Mama? YEAH MAMA! *sigh* Mama... Mamaaaaaa!!! MAMAA... AHAHAHA!! MAMA MAMA MAMA MAMA MAMA MAMA MAMA!!! *Argh* MAMAAA!!! YOOHOOOO!!! MAMAA!! YOOHOO, MAMAA!! Mama? Mama...Dadda? DADDAAA!!!"

   "Hey Ma" I answered while collecting my boarding pass. I turned to free up the kiosk and had smirk at the few odd stares I earned. Don't you judge either though! The Muppet's are EPIC, especially Animal.

   "Hey Tookah" my face dropped as I realized she's been crying again. "when does your flight land? That way I can remind your brother."

   "Ma quit worrying I text Mike all the flight info twice now." I said trying to reassure her my brother wasn't that bad.

   she sighed. "What time does your flight leave?"

   "7:30"

   "Are you at the terminal yet?"

   "Nope" I said popping the the 'p' "I haven't even gone through security yet."

   "RIE!" my mom shrieked.

   "Yeah?" I asked even though I knew what was coming.

   "If don't get a move on your gonna miss your flight." I didn't bother answering this time cause I knew there was more. " Now here is what I want you to do..." And there it was. I mentally hi-fived myself for knowing my mom o so well.

   She went on to explain how as soon as i get out of security, to flag down one of those dudes that drives the golf cart around. She wanted me to hitch a ride from them, cause supposedly IAH is huge and confusing. Not to mention apparently I would get lost. Blah... blah... blah... No faith right? You would think I was 12 not 27.

   Finally getting off the phone with my mom I turned to Oz. "I really wish you could come." I told him while taking him in for a hug. Having him there would make feel like the blow I was about to take less painful. He gave me a slight squeeze before pulling away enough to place a kiss on my forehead.

   "I know babe." God was I gonna miss him "Now go get in line before you really do miss your flight."

   "I'm gonna miss you too jerk face." I fussed as I pulled him in for one last kiss.

   "I'm gonna miss you too butt head" He smiled and hugged me one last time before forcing me to take my place in line.

   After having a brief exchange of sarcastic remarks with the guard, for commenting on my lack of Hispanic features and having the last name Rivera. I know it wasn't the best idea, but considering the the circumstances I was easily agitated at the time. I cleared security, immediately placing my skull candies in my ears and blasted Birthday Massacre. I didn't want any added aggravation of more stupid people.

   Not taking my mom's advice I walked to my terminal knowing I had plenty of time. Finding it with ease I sat myself in the corner not really wanting to be surrounded or interact with people more then I already had to. I turned my music down just a bit to be able to hear when they called for my turn to start boarding. Once on board I was settled with the whole row to myself, and sank back into my mind. With nothing but thoughts of what was to come and what had already had happened.