"This sucks almost as much as the first time," I sigh, staying tucked into Ashton's side as we walk through the airport.
"I know," He shakes his head, "But it's different this time. I'm going to be a short flight away. I'm going to fly you to see my games, I'll come back to visit. We can do it this time."
"I know we can," I smile, the two of us coming to a halt as we reach as far as I can get. I look over to security, my head hanging low.
"Hey," he says, his hand lifting my chin so I am looking at you, "It's going to be okay. I'm not going to be gone forever. I'll call you when I land."
"I know, I know," I shake my head, "I just-"
I hold onto his arm, "I just wish we could decide on a place to live for once."
He laughs, taking my hands in his, "I wish we could too."
I laugh lightly to myself, "Do you think you'll see Gabby again?"
He scoffs, "Depends on if she is still with Nick. If she is, I may see her at a dinner or two. Other than that the only way I would see her if she were to show up at my doorstep."
I laugh lightly again, "Well I may need to fight a bitch if she does that."
"I knew you were going to say that," He chuckles, "But you don't need to worry. Gabby is the last thing you need to worry about."
"What's the first?" I tease, and he smiles, "Me showing up at your doorstep."
"I wouldn't worry about that happening," I say, "I would worry about it not."
He laughs again, pulling me into his arms, "I wish I didn't have to go back."
"Don't say that," I mumble, "You're living your dream. I'll always be here."
I know that if I want to be with Ashton, I am most likely going to have to live in Los Angeles. His career is too important and too incredible of an opportunity to not. But I have to admit, I really don't think I want too. Not now, anyway. Not when I am still in school, not when I finally have this amazing apartment with Grace. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Seattle.
He knows that, though. And we really haven't discussed the details of our future yet. We are only 20, after all.
"I'll see you in November, okay?" He mutters into my shoulder, and I nod. It's currently the last week in August, so November isn't too far away but it's also not around the corner.
I pull away from him, giving him a smile. I don't realize that a tear has fallen onto my cheek until he wipes it away.
"I love you, Catherine. More than anything."
"I love you," I respond, my voice small. I'm afraid if I speak up, my voice will crack and then I will inevitably cry like a drunken idiot.
He presses a long kiss on my lips, before leaving a few pecks. He goes to walk away and our hands eventually disconnect.
I stand there, watching him make his way through security. Once he gets to the other side, he looks back at me and smiles, give me a wave and blowing a kiss. I smile, more tears falling on my cheeks as I wave back. I turn around and make my way back to my car, keeping my eyes trained on the floor.
Once I sit down, I lean my head back against the head rest, tears now a constant flow from my eyes. I let myself cry. I'm crying harder than I thought I would, and half of me thinks its more than just Ashton leaving.
I'm overwhelmed. Calum can barely walk and isn't himself. Michael up and left a few weeks ago after Grace broke up with him and we haven't heard from him since. He didn't even come back to say goodbye to Ashton. Ash said he called him last night, but I know he wishes he saw him, even if he won't admit it.
