How To Date A Greek Boy

The Return

Over breakfast, Crista suggested we see the city today, since we hadn’t been able to do that the last two days. We could finish off seeing Amsterdam in a day or two, and then move on to the next place.

Hector thought we should start planning the trip in advance, deciding the next places we wanted to see and checking it out on the internet. He told us about a Schenghen pass which we could take if we wanted to stay in Europe.

The Schenghen pass was a railway pass that allowed us to travel anywhere between countries which were connected by a common rail network, so we didn’t need to fly.

We decided we’d stay in Europe for now and take a Schenghen pass for each of us. Then we sat and planned out today’s day- where we’d go, what we’d see, how much money we had.

By the end of it, I was in high spirits.
I had a boyfriend who I was beginning to like an unhealthy amount, I had friends who I could count on, I had Fran, and my life was beginning to really fall into place, in a weird twisted way.

I was happy- again.
Should’ve known it wouldn’t last.

Just as we were finishing off with breakfast, my phone rang.

I frowned when I saw the id.
“Mom?” I blinked, surprised she’d called me so soon.
“You have to get back home, Lee.” She said, and I could hear her higher pitch, which meant she was going into overdrive mode.

“What happened?” I said, my eyes going wide. I excused myself from the table and hurriedly went to a far end of the room where I could hear her better.

“It’s your father.” She said.
I paused, a million questions forming in my head, all answered by her next words.

“He’s back, Lee, and I swear I’m going to get a heart attack. Charlie’s in shock because he doesn’t remember and suddenly this man shows up and says he’s his Father. He won’t talk to anyone; he’s locked up in his room. I’m sorry, especially after last night I know I’m being a killjoy but I really need you back here. I can’t handle all of this right now without you.” She spoke firmly, but I could still hear the regret and urgent need in her voice.

My mother needed me- that was all I needed to know.

“Ma, you’ve got nothing to be sorry about, kay? I’ll be coming back on the next flight.”
“Wait, I’ve e-mailed you your ticket already.” She said. I tried to smile at Mum’s way of dealing with things efficiently, but I couldn’t.

I couldn’t smile, though I’d been happy two minutes ago.

Dad. My dad – back.
The one who just disappeared.

For days after he disappeared, I used to hope he’d come back. I used to remember all his words, his wise words, and hope that his memories would be strong enough to last till his return.
They were. Even though he didn’t return for almost twelve years, they still were.

Go to the place that calls out to you. Always go to the place that calls out to you, Leanna.
A tear rolled down my cheek, the first one in months.

An entire table full of Greeks stared at me, and my childhood best friend was rubbing soothing circles into my back as I sat there, dying a little inside.

“No way.” Crista broke the silence, her mouth hanging open a little.
“Are you sure it’s not a joke?” Hermes asked stupidly, and Fran sent him a dirty look.

“Just checking.” He muttered, retreating into his seat sullenly.

“I know this stinks, but I really have to go back. She needs me, guys. I’m her only hope. She’s family, and family sticks together.” I said sadly.
“What about this family?” Marie said, motioning to all of us. “Aren’t we supposed to stick together too?”

“That’s it!” Hermes said, banging his hand on the table top. It shook a little. “We should stick together! We’re coming with you.” He said brightly.
“Oh no, not again.” Fran slapped her hand on her forehead. “You can’t keep following us like this, Herms. We’ll have to go home someday.”

He gave her such a disappointed look, it made me infinitely sadder than I already was.
Mainly, because she was right. We would have had to go home someday, I just didn’t think that day would’ve been so close.

I’d have enjoyed a little more. Smiled a little wider. Laughed a little louder. Went on one more date with Kon because I knew there’d never be a third.

Kon.

He was so silent, just staring at me from across the table where he sat.
I’d have to leave Kon.
Something inside of me yelped at that thought.

“This isn’t working. We should talk this out, guys.” Hector said, nodding carefully. “Does Fran have a ticket back?”
“No.” I checked the mail and replied, looking at Fran.

Her face gave away nothing, but I knew inside, she was a little happy that she got to stay.
At least that was in her hands.

“Alright. So Fran stays with us.” Marie said decidedly. I nodded.
“You, Lee, go back home. We’ll see you off.” Hector continued, automatically picking up where Marie left off.

I nodded again, listening intently to whatever plan was forming in their heads.

“We’ll continue on this trip with Fran, and we’ll keep in touch with you. We’ll message you, call you, Skype you, whatever.” Marie said.
“Yeah, basically we’ll keep you updated on where we are and what we’re doing, while you figure out things back home.” Hector explained. “It’ll be like you’re on tour with us, virtually. And when we’re done with Europe, we’ll come to you.” Marie finished, looking at Hector for confirmation. He nodded at her.

I frowned, not expecting that.

“That’s good! That’s good, I like it!” Fran nodded vigorously, her eyes wide, the starting of a smile on her lips.
“Fine by me too.” Hermes said immediately, when Fran agreed.
“I guess it should be fine.” Crista shrugged, but I could make out she wasn’t sure.

“Lee, what do you think?” Kon asked me, covering my hand with his.
“I think…” I’m not sure!

“I think it’ll just have to do. I don’t have another option.” I stated matter of factly.

“I’m fine with this then.” He said, looking directly at me.

“So that’s out of the way. When do you leave?” Hector asked me.

I checked the mail again.

“Tonight.” I said.
Then my eyes widened.
Tonight suddenly seemed too soon, even though I knew how big a problem had arisen back home and how urgently I was needed.

Tonight was just too soon.
Maybe tomorrow morning. Or afternoon. Or maybe never.
Just not tonight!

DUM DUM DISSSSSSSSSSSS
Who was expecting something like this, other than KeepYourFocus? xD