The Ties that Binds Us

Chapter 9 "Coming Home"

EDITED!! 

We arrived at the JFK airport at ten in the morning and saw that the airport was already crowded with tourists who have just arrived and passengers who were just about to board their planes. Once we’re out the car, Luke assisted me with my bags. He grabbed my largest bag, which was hanging over my shoulders and left me with the handbag that contained essentials.

"Man Syd. You do have just one bag but it’s like you’ve put the refrigerator here inside. What else did you bring? Its not like you don’t have any things left back in Madrid." He raised an eyebrow at me. 

"Well if you don't want to be burdened with all my luggage, you might as well hand it over to me Luke." Grabbing the strap of the backpack that was now hanging from his shoulders, I tugged on it and tried to get it off his shoulders so he won’t complain anymore about it being so heavy.

"Don't be ridiculous Syd. Of course I'm going to help you carry your stuff. Just hold on to your other bag and I’ll take are of this. Don’t you underestimate me about strength Syd. I may not be that bulky but I’m strong enough." He smiled at me playfully and followed it with a charming wink. 

We walked side by side towards the entrance of the airport while Alex and Adam trailed behind us carrying their own luggage. Alex was grinning like an excited child when we finally entered the airport through the security check. Once we were waiting for our turn through the security check on the terminal, I felt that someone was watching me. When I turned my head around the area and finally met Luke’s eyes, I noticed that he was the one watching me all along.

"What?"

"Nothing. You excited?" He flashed his gorgeous grin at me.

"Yes. It’s been awhile since I visited Madrid. I miss my papa." Looking up at him, I gave him my sweetest smile and in turn he grabbed my hand signaling that it was my turn to go through the security check while he followed behind me. Once the four of us were through, Luke once again took hold of my hand and led us towards the VIP lounge. Why am I not surprised?

We settled on the free plush couched in the lounge and Luke was suddenly preoccupied by a call from the hospital. When I was about to grab my laptop from my bag to check my emails, the buzzing of my phone from my pocket suddenly interrupted me. Not bothering to look who it was, I immediately answered the call.

"Grant." 

"Sydney. Where the hell are you? I’ve been trying to reach you." Henry was on the other line. Standing up from my seat, I signaled to Luke that I have to take that call. When he asked me who it was, I just mouthed that it was Henry who was calling me and he immediately had a rather violent reaction from what I just told him.

"Hey Henry. Sorry, I'm in JFK. I'm about to board a plane to Madrid." 

"What? Why?" 

"Visiting my papa." Why the interrogation?

"Who's with you? Are you alone?" Jeez. Why so many questions? Exasperated and annoyed at the fact that Henry was too overbearing and demanding for answers, I rolled my eyes at him knowing that he couldn’t see me. Luke saw me roll my eyes and all at once a contented smile spread across his beautiful lips.

"No Henry. I'm not alone, Luke's with me. You know the guy from the ball."  There were a few moments of silence from the other line and finally he spoke up.

"Oh. Have a safe flight." And the line went dead. 

I sat back next to Luke again and he studied my every move. Having a frown on my face, I knew that he was satisfied that Henry was already beginning to annoy me.