Always & Forever (A 'The Last Of Us' Fanfic)

Chapter 18

August

Beth was eager to get back home. She couldn't wait to tell Joel, Tommy and her dad about everything that happened over the summer. She had no idea that this summer was going to be the best she's had in a while. She made friends with the other interns and some of the employees at the studio. They had all promised to stay in touch and she was happy to do so. She wrote to Joel and her dad as often as she could. Towards the end of her internship, she found it harder to do considering she was preparing for a movie premiere. She couldn't remember the last time she was as nervous about taking photos as she was that night. She was afraid that something was going to go wrong when she arrived at the premiere. There were a billion things that could have happened. But she was surprised at the end of the night when she came to know that everything went smoothly. Julianne had praised her work more than any of the other interns when they met the next day. It made her blush because she honestly never imagined that she would like her work as much as she did.

***

"You can start here next summer. We have a position for an assistant photographer that I would love to see you fill," Julianne had told her the day the internship was up.

"Are you kidding me?" Beth said.

"I rarely kid. So, think about it. Talk to your family. I assume you're gonna want to go to college right?" she asked.

"I've actually been looking into some that are near. NYU is at the top of the list," Beth said.

"Well that would be perfect. You could do some shots for school events. It would give us some good visibility. Look at me, I'm getting ahead of myself. Think about it, okay. I'll be giving you a call toward the beginning of the New Year. That ought to be enough time to think it over right?" she said.

"Definitely. I've loved every minute that I've worked here. I can't thank you enough for this chance," Beth said.

Julianne hugged her tightly.

"Well, you're a very talented photographer. I'd love to have you on my team. Who knows? Maybe you'll run this place someday," she said when they parted.

"I don't think anyone could ever take your place. You're a great boss and everyone loves you," Beth said.

"Well, I can't run this place forever. Thank you for coming. I know a lot would jump at the opportunity we gave but not all would be brave enough to take it," she said going over to sit down behind her desk.

"It wasn't easy. But I'm glad I came," Beth said.

"I am too. Now, did you have any trouble getting a flight back to Texas?" she asked.

"No. I'll have to be at the airport in a few hours," Beth said.

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Logan. I do hope that you come to work for us after you graduate," Julianne said extending her hand to her.

"I'll let you know. It was an honor meeting and getting to know you, Ms. Hale," Beth said as she shook her hand.

"Enjoy your senior year. You'll make a lot of memories that will last an eternity. Take care," she said.

"Thank you. You too," Beth said.

She walked out of the office and headed to the apartment space she'd been staying in for the past few months.

***

Beth held on to the pendant of her necklace. She was excited to see Joel again. She had missed him like crazy. She couldn't wait to wrap her arms around him and catch up on all she's missed. The plane began descending and Beth looked out the window. She smiled as she saw the familiar buildings come into view. She was home. After a long summer, she was finally home.

Adjusting to not seeing Beth everyday was hard at first for Joel. He'd spend a lot of his nights missing her and dreaming about her. He'd counted the days to when he could kiss her again. Every letter she sent was enough to get him through the weeks that went by. He saw her say every single word that she wrote and yearned to have her read them to him. He'd saved each and every one. His summer wasn't as eventful as hers was. He kept himself busy by picking up extra shifts at the grocery store. Anything to keep his mind off Beth. Otherwise, he'd constantly feel sad and never want to leave the house. But today was finally the day that he'd be able to see her again. To hold her and listen as she told him every single detail of her internship. He didn't want her to leave anything out. He couldn't contain his excitement as he got ready to join Mr. Logan at the airport. Her plane would be landing in the next 30 minutes. He and Mr. Logan had gotten closer over the summer. After he realized just how much Joel loved Beth, the two of them would often have breakfast every now and then. They'd have chats about anything and everything. Joel couldn't help but feel appreciative toward Mr. Logan. He was a sort of father figure to Joel. Although the summer wasn't eventful, it was a good one.

Joel came down the stairs with a pep in his step.

"Look at you. All giddy cause the girlfriend is finally coming home," Tommy commented as he noticed a change in his brother's demeanor.

"You're just as excited as I am," Joel retorted.

"That may be but that's only cause she promised to get me something from New York," Tommy said taking a spoonful of his cereal.

Joel then nudged him which caused Tommy to spill everything in his spoon, on the table.

"Dude!" Tommy whined.

"That's what you get," Joel said.

"I haven't even left the house and the two of you are already making a mess," Joel's mother came in and said.

"It was all Joel's fault," Tommy said.

"I don't care who's to blame. Just get it cleaned up okay?" Kathy said.

Tommy glared at Joel as he went to get some paper towels. Joel just smiled.

"So. Beth is coming home today, huh?" Kathy asked while grabbing the coffee pot and pouring herself a mug.

"Yeah. That's right," Joel said.

"Well, give her my best. I was rarely able to see her before she took off. We should have some sort of dinner to welcome her home. What do you think?" she said.

"Mom, she's getting here in a little over thirty minutes," Joel said.

"Well, lucky for you, I'm off today. I can put something together in that time. Keep her busy the second she's off the plane," she said.

"Mom, you don't have to," Joel said.

Kathy rested her hand on his shoulder.

"I know, son. But I want to. Besides, you missed her like crazy. It would be ideal to close her first night back with some good food wouldn't, you agree?" she said.

"Not really what I had in mind," Joel muttered.

"What was that?" Katy asked.

"Nothing," Joel said quickly.

"He was wanting to spend the night with her in either his bed or hers," Tommy said.

"Tommy," Joel warned.

Tommy just winked and smirked at him.

"Pay back," Tommy mouthed.

Joel was gonna get him back for that.

"You didn't think I knew that? I was young too, Joel. I'm not an idiot. With a party going on, it'll be hard for either of you to try anything. That's another reason I'm wanting to put something together," she retorted. Joel sighed.

There was suddenly a knock on the door.

"I'll get it," Joel said wanting to get away from his mother's intimidating stare.

He was hoping it was Mr. Logan, that way he could save him from any sort of sex talk that his mother would possibly bring up. It was awkward enough when Mr. Logan guessed correctly. He was not going to have an even bigger awkward moment with his mother. But he was incredibly disappointed when he opened the door and saw who it was.