The Ride of My Life (an Ansel Elgort story)

Chapter 40

Lucy's POV

I'm on the way to the airport to drop Daniel off. These past few weeks have been better than I could've ever imagined. I don't know when I'll see him again, but I know that whenever I do, I'll be on top of the world once again.

My mom is driving, Daniel is in the passenger seat and Brandon and I are in the back. I'm not saying much, even though I know I should be. I just can't because I know I'll end up crying already.

No matter how long it is that he will be gone for-nine days or nine months- goodbye is always too hard.

We arrive at the airport and park the car. Daniel is wearing his fancy military uniform, so I know people will be staring.

We all stand facing Daniel. My mom hugs him first and there's already tears coming down her face.

"So I guess I'll see you all sometime next summer maybe? I'm going to miss you all like crazy." I haven't seen Daniel cry since we were little. He's the rock for our family. Whenever a loved one passes away or times get tough, he's always the strong one that's there to comfort everyone.

After Brandon hugs him, I hug him. I hug him like I'll never see him again. "I love you, Daniel. Stay safe." I whisper in his ear.

"I love you, too. You stay strong and tell Ansel I've got my eye on him. If he wants to hurt my little sister, he's gotta get through me first." The tears that brimmed my eyes have now bursted onto my cheeks. I cry but also laugh and smile at the same time.

Daniel has to go before he misses his flight. We are left there, not knowing what to do, and I am emotionally drained.

The hole in my heart that had been repaired when Daniel came home has now reappeared. I would do anything to go back to that day where my family surprised me. I would do anything to feel that joy again. It's an indescribable feeling that not even Ansel can provide.

The car ride home is even more silent. I take advantage of the quiet and my brain gets all philosophical about life and such. Before I know it, I fall asleep.

I dream of a world where everyone is happy all of the time, even me. Nothing goes wrong and pain does not exist.

Just as quick as I fell asleep, my mom wakes me up telling me we're home. What's the point? This house feels completely empty without Daniel's contagious laugh. It's useless to live here when the two people that actually understand me and my logic are the two people that aren't here.

I go up to my room, lock the door and turn off the lights. The only place I want to be right now is in my bed, dreaming of things and places that will never happen.

My phone rings and I see that it's Ansel's number. I hit ignore. I love him, but not even he can help me. I just need to be sad for a few days and then I'll bounce back and get back on my feet.

My phone buzzes with several texts. Who could they be? Oh, right. Ansel.

He's calling me again and I answer.

"Hey, babe. I'm sorry. I just want to be alone right now. I don't want to talk. It won't help. Maybe later. But right now I want to be alone."

I hang up and go to sleep. It may have been rude, the way I approached the situation, but I hope he understands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am abruptly awaken from my nap when I feel someone sit on my bed.

"Go away." I say, figuring its my mom or Brandon. After 18 years with me, they know it's a bad idea to wake me up from my sleep.

"Aww is my baby sweepy?" A voice says. I look up and it's Ansel. He lays down next to me, facing me.

"Are you okay?" He asks, in a serious tone now.

"Well, I mean I won't see my brother for a really long time again but other than that I'm just dandy!" I say, my voice still groggy.

"Hey, it'll go by fast. You have me and school to deal with."

I smile. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Hey, why don't we go to my apartment and you can stay with me tonight? To take your mind off this." He suggests.

"That sounds perfect." So, I pack some stuff and go to Ansel's. I don't bother telling my mom. I'll text her later.

I'm ready to have a worry free night where I can just focus on myself and the love of my life.

{Question of the chapter: how many cousins do you have? In total I have about 23 first cousins :) }